In today’s society, ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft have become an increasingly popular mode of transportation as people find them to be affordable, convenient, and safe. It’s imperative to remember that Uber drivers are humans and, unfortunately, accidents can still happen due to negligence. That being said, many people wonder how common Uber accidents are in California. If you have suffered injuries while on a ridesharing service, contact our talented Santa Clara County Uber/Lyft Accident Attorneys who will fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. In addition, follow along to learn some of the common causes of Uber accidents.
Are Uber accidents common in California?
As a ridesharing passenger, you may not expect to be involved in an accident when requesting a ride. Because Uber drivers spend more time on the road than other drivers, there is a higher probability of accidents occurring. Research has shown that 90% of Uber accidents happen in urban areas. This is likely because of the high traffic volume. Congested roads can make drivers impatient which can lead to them driving more aggressively. This makes them more vulnerable to accidents. Some of the most common causes of Uber accidents include but are not limited to the following:
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued driving
- Inclement weather conditions
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Disregarding the rules of the road
What should I know about Uber’s liability coverage?
If you have been injured in an Uber accident, one of the most important things you should understand is how the rideshare services liability coverage works. Uber and Lyft share liability coverage. Depending on where and how you were hurt matters when it comes to how much they will compensate you for your injuries. For example, if you were injured while the Uber driver was not logged into the rideshare app, they will not provide liability coverage. Uber’s liability coverage is:
- Period 0: As mentioned above, this is when the driver isn’t logged into the rideshare app and causes an accident. Uber will not provide liability coverage.
- Period 1: This is when an Uber driver is logged into the rideshare app but has not accepted a ride and causes an accident. If this is the case, Uber will provide liability coverage for up to $50,000 per person injured, $100,000 total liability per accident, and $25,000 in property damage liability.
- Period 2: This is when an Uber driver causes an accident after accepting a ride and is en route to pick up the passenger that requested a ride.
- Period 3: This is when an Uber driver picks up the passenger and causes an accident.
- In both Periods 2 and 3 Uber will provide the injured party with up to $1 million in liability coverage.
For more information on how to proceed after an Uber accident, contact our knowledgeable team members. Our firm is prepared to work tirelessly to help you achieve a just outcome.
