Transportation network company (TNC) apps such as Lyft and Uber have become popular options for people in Louisville who might be without a vehicle or just want to go out for dinner or for a drink with some friends. Sometimes passengers, other drivers or pedestrians are injured as a result of the negligence of TNC drivers. Those victims might be eligible to seek compensation for the damages that they’ve suffered. Our personal injury law firm is favorably positioned to help people do just that. We’re experienced and respected Louisville car accident lawyers with a long history of verdicts and settlements.
What is Uber?
Given the advancements in mobile phone technology, companies like Uber offer apps to both passengers and drivers that can be downloaded on their mobile phones. Passengers provide their own personal profile that includes a photo and credit card information. Ride requests are made through the app. An Uber driver in the passenger’s area will accept the ride request. When the driver accepts a ride request, the passenger is sent a photo of the car and driver. Uber vehicles in Kentucky are identified by the Uber logo, a big “U”, which appears on the vehicle’s windshield. Payment is made through the credit card provided on the rider’s profile. No cash changes hands other than perhaps a tip. Uber drivers use their own personal vehicles.
In Louisville, Uber offers three services, uberX, uberXL and ubderSELECT. Uber has become a popular option for people attending weekly events in the area, and is also frequently used by those who have just arrived in town at the Louisville International Airtport (SDF) and need a ride to their hotel. Other destinations include downtown Louisville, the University of Louisville campus, St. Matthews, and, of course, Churchill Downs.
Commercial activities and personal auto insurance
TNCs have been under the judicial spotlight due accidents involving innocent victims and gaps in liability insurance coverage. If a person drives their own personal car as an Uber driver, he or she is engaging in a commercial activity. Nearly all personal auto liability insurance policies exclude commercial activity from coverage.
The activities of Uber drivers fall into one of three phases. Different coverages and insurers are involved. Those phases are:
Phase one
During this phase, the driver’s Uber app is turned off. The vehicle is either garaged, parked or in personal use. The driver’s personal insurance provides coverage.
Phase two
During the second phase, the driver has turned the Uber app on, and he or she is awaiting a passenger’s transportation request. Uber’s contingent insurance is activated. Uber provides liability insurance in the amounts of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per occurrence in the event that its driver is uninsured. Property damage coverage of up to $25,000 is also in place.
Phase three
Upon accepting a passenger’s ride request, phase three coverage begins. Uber provides $1 million of liability, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage is in effect from the time that the Uber driver accepts a customer’s ride request until such time as the customer exits the vehicle at his or her destination. The driver then turns the Uber app off, and coverage reverts back to the first phase.
What to do if you’re in an Uber accident
If you were injured in a TNC or rideshare vehicle accident, you might be eligible to compensation for damages. Those damages can consist of:
- Medical bills incurred and reasonably expected to be incurred in the future
- Lost earnings and earnings reasonably expected to be lost in the future
- Any permanent disfigurement
- Any permanent disability
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of a normal life
- Funeral and burial expenses in the event of a wrongful death
You’ll first want to call police and paramedics to the scene to document the accident and your injuries. Then you should seek immediate treatment. Paramedics can transport you to the nearest emergency room. That’s just one purpose that Uber’s insurance can be used for. After that, we recommend that you contact our offices for a free consultation and case evaluation.
Contact a Louisville Uber Accident Lawyer today
Whether you were a passenger, another motorist or a pedestrian, contact us right away after being injured in an accident involving an Uber vehicle.
