Who Is Responsible for an Uber Accident in Washington, DC?

Following an Uber accident in Washington, DC, several parties may be held responsible for your injuries. Not only can the Uber driver be at fault, but other drivers on the road, the manufacturer of the vehicle, or even Uber itself. To find out who may be held responsible for your car crash, you will need to speak with an experienced Washington, DC Uber accident lawyer at Regan Zambri Long to learn what your legal options are and how to proceed with your case.

Uber Accidents in DC: Who is At Fault?

There may be multiple parties responsible for your accident. A few likely parties include the Uber driver, the rideshare company, or another third party.

The Uber Driver

If the Uber driver was responsible for the accident, their personal car insurance should cover your injuries. However, there may be instances where the driver may not have the appropriate policy to cover your injuries. Many insurance companies offer different minimums for personal auto insurance coverage; the driver must have a commercial-use policy or a personal policy that has provisions for ridesharing. Unfortunately, many rideshare drivers only carry the car insurance typically required of non-commercial drivers in DC.

When the driver is at fault and does not have the appropriate insurance, you can file a claim with your own car insurance to use your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. PIP insurance will cover any medical expenses and lost wages you may have if you’re injured in a car accident.

Uber

If the Uber driver is responsible for the accident, you may be able to file a claim against the rideshare company. Uber has its own liability insurance that covers passenger injuries up to $1 million. Uber’s insurance policies do not take effect until the driver’s insurance has been exhausted or if they do not have the appropriate insurance coverage. In these cases, Uber will cover your injuries if the driver is at fault, provided the following conditions are true:

• You were a passenger in the vehicle and the driver was actively taking you on a trip
• The Uber driver was logged into the app and was waiting for a ride request
• You were another driver and the Uber driver was on their way to pick up a passenger prior to the accident

However, it is difficult to sue Uber for a rideshare accident in DC because the company may try to avoid liability for the accident. Since the driver is an independent contractor, Uber may deny responsibility for the driver’s negligence or put the blame on another party. That’s why it’s important to speak with a DC Uber accident attorney at Regan Zambri Long to learn your options.

A Third Party

If the accident you were in was caused by another driver’s negligence and not by the Uber driver, the other driver’s car insurance must pay for your injuries. If the third-party driver does not have appropriate car insurance, you may have to rely on your car insurance’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to pay the damages.

Other third parties that may be responsible for the accident include:

• The carmaker or a car part manufacturer who had a defective product that caused the crash
• The DC government for not maintaining the roadways, leading to the accident
• A pedestrian or bicyclist who may have stepped in front of the vehicle without paying attention

If any third party is responsible for your accident, speak with a rideshare accident attorney to learn your next steps.

What Should I Do After an Uber Accident in Washington, DC?

Following an Uber accident in Washington, DC, your first step is ensuring safety. Check for injuries and call emergency services as soon as possible. If you can, move to a safe place to avoid another accident.

While waiting for the police, try getting contact information from everyone involved, including the other driver, witnesses, and passengers. It’s also important to report the accident to Uber so the company can begin the claims process.

When the police arrive, provide a factual account of the accident. Do not give an opinion on what you think happened or provide any accusations.

Go to the hospital to get checked. Even if you don’t think you are injured, it’s important to be examined by a medical professional since it may take days for your injuries to appear.

Finally, contact our Washington, DC Uber accident attorneys for a free consultation. We will examine the details of the case, gather evidence to prove who is at fault, and negotiate with the insurance companies to get you the compensation you deserve.

 Uber Accident in DC? Contact Regan Zambri Long

If you have been injured in a car accident while ridesharing in an Uber, our attorneys can help you navigate the muddy waters to get the compensation you deserve. Contact our Washington, DC Uber accident lawyer today for more information or to schedule an appointment.