Protecting Your Rights after an Uber Accident

Many locals and tourists in Las Vegas rely upon ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft for quick and efficient transportation both in and around the city. In fact, the popularity of ridesharing has resulted in a decline in the use of traditional taxi services, prompting some to call for greater regulation.  As a user of ridesharing services, it’s important to understand that ridesharing drivers can get into accidents just like other drivers, sometimes with devastating results. In some instances, the collision might be caused by another driver, while at other times, the driver of the Uber vehicle might be completely or partially at fault for the collision. 

If you have been injured in an Uber accident, you have legal rights that you may be able to assert. The Las Vegas Uber accident lawyers at Gina Corena & Associates can investigate the circumstances of your accident and determine whether you can file a claim for compensation for your accident-related losses. To schedule a free case evaluation with an attorney, call us at (702) 680-1111 or contact us online to learn more about how we can help you obtain the compensation to which you are entitled under Nevada law. 

Nevada Laws which are Applicable to Uber Drivers

Uber and other ridesharing companies that do business in Nevada are required to abide by certain regulations. First and foremost, they are required to establish minimum standards for their drivers and must perform thorough background checks of a prospective driver’s criminal history and driving record. 

All drivers in Nevada are required to carry minimum liability insurance coverage which includes $25,000 of coverage per person for death or bodily injury, $50,000 of coverage per accident for death or bodily injury (in accidents where two or more individuals sustain injuries), and $20,000 of coverage per accident, to compensate for property damage.

Importantly, however, Uber and Lyft also provide supplemental insurance for their drivers in certain situations with policy limits much higher than the minimum imposed by law. For this reason, anyone injured in an accident involving a ridesharing vehicle should discuss their options with an attorney to ensure that you obtain as much compensation as possible.

Applicable Coverage Periods

Your eligibility for filing a claim on Uber’s insurance after an accident causing by an Uber driver depends largely on what the driver was doing at the time the accident occurred. When it comes to applicable coverage periods for ridesharing accidents, there are three:

Period one 

This first coverage period encompasses the time when the Uber driver is neither actively seeking riders nor carrying passengers. During this period of time, Uber is not responsible for any activity that the driver engages in or fails to do. Also, during this period, only the driver’s personal liability coverage is applicable.

Period two

The second period of coverage applies to the time period when a driver has his or her Uber app on but has yet decided to accept a ride assignment. During this time period, the Uber driver’s own motor vehicle insurance serves as the primary coverage. Any damage that exceeds the driver’s own policy limits of insurance can then be covered by Uber’s insurance, which policy limits of  $50,000 for bodily injury or death and  $25,000 for property damage).

Period three

The third period of coverage applies when the Uber driver accepts a ride request and extends until the trip ends in the Uber app. Also, at this time, Uber’s commercial insurance policy (with maximum limits of $1,000,000 per person and per accident – and up to $2,000,000 for all of the passengers) will cover any injuries caused by the driver.

Possible Defendants in Uber Accidents 

If you have been injured in an Uber accident, there are several parties against whom you may be able to file a claim. Depending upon the circumstances, for example, you might be able to make a claim against the ridesharing company or the Uber driver who caused the collision.

Interestingly, as rideshare services continue to evolve, so do the intricacies surrounding their operations and legalities. For instance, when rideshare services first launched in Las Vegas, they brought along with them a fresh set of challenges and regulations. Further complexities arise when determining the status of an Uber or Lyft driver and its implications in accident cases. There have been notable cases, such as a particular lawsuit against Lyft, that shed light on these matters, helping victims better understand their rights

If another driver on the road was the cause of your motor vehicle collision, you might be able to file a claim or a lawsuit against that driver. You might also be able to make a claim against the driver’s employer if the negligent driver was within the scope of his or her job duties at the time the collision occurred. 

Finally, you could potentially assert a claim against the manufacturer of the motor vehicle if a defect caused or contributed to the collision. An experienced Las Vegas Uber accident lawyer can determine whom you might be able to make a claim against and can ensure that all potentially responsible parties are brought into the case.

Speak to a Las Vegas Uber Accident Lawyer Today

If you have been involved in an Uber accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation for the injuries and damages you suffered. The experienced legal team at Gina Corena & Associates can determine your rights and help you pursue money damages for your injuries. To schedule a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a Las Vegas Uber accident lawyer, please call us at (702) 680-1111 or contact us online.