Since it was founded in 2009, Uber and similar rideshare apps have fundamentally changed how Texans and Americans go on errands, visit friends and restaurants, and get around town. However, the people who drive for Uber can be just as negligent as anyone else on the road, and sometimes their misconduct has devastating repercussions for careful drivers or passengers.
If you were hurt in a wreck caused by a rideshare, you should strongly consider speaking with a San Marcos Uber accident lawyer as soon as possible. Recovering for injury-related losses after a crash can be complicated, but having support from a seasoned car accident attorney who knows how to handle situations like yours could be key to protecting your long-term best interests.
Who Is Liable When Uber Drivers Cause Wrecks?
When someone riding in an Uber is hurt in an accident caused by their driver’s negligence, the company offers up to $1 million in third-party liability insurance coverage to pay the injured rider’s medical bills and certain other losses. If the injured passenger’s driver is not at fault and the at-fault party’s own car insurance does not cover all of the passenger’s losses, Uber may provide uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance coverage to make up the difference.
However, things get more complicated when a standard car collides with a rideshare vehicle. If the Uber driver in question is carrying a passenger at the time of the crash, or if they have accepted a ride request and are driving to pick up that rider, Uber’s $1 million insurance coverage kicks in as normal.
Conversely, if the Uber driver is active in the app but has not accepted a ride request, Uber will only provide the mandatory minimum coverage required under state law: $50,000 for physical injury per person, $100,000 for all injuries in a single accident, and $25,000 for all property damage. Finally, a driver who works for Uber but does not have the app active when they cause an accident must use their own insurance coverage to pay for any injuries, as a knowledgeable attorney in San Marcos could explain.
Filing Deadlines for Uber Accident Claims
On top of involving different insurance systems and multiple liable parties, Uber accident claims can also be challenging due to the relevant statute of limitations. After virtually any auto accident in Texas, an injured person has a maximum of two years from the date their crash occurred to begin pursuing civil litigation.
This deadline can be vital to remember since insurance companies often refuse to negotiate with any claimant who missed this window. An experienced lawyer’s help can be key to building a comprehensive claim quickly after a car accident involving a San Marcos Uber driver.
Learn More from a San Marcos Uber Accident Attorney
Accidents involving Uber drivers are all too common around college towns like San Marcos, and they can make for complex insurance claims and even more challenging civil litigation. Fortunately, you have help available to you from a tenacious legal representative who could maximize the potential of your case.
A San Marcos Uber accident lawyer could review your options in detail during a confidential consultation, so reach out today to schedule your next steps.
