Can I Sue Uber as a Driver on the Road?

Yes, you can sue Uber as a driver on the road if they are liable for your accident. However, certain factors could shield them from responsibility, depending on the circumstances of the crash. Their driver or another party may be responsible.

Additionally, instead of a lawsuit, you may find better avenues for getting the compensation you need. If you have been in an accident with an Uber driver, filing a claim with their insurance may be a more expedient and effective solution.

A Phoenix car accident lawyer can help you understand your options and make the right choice. We’ve recovered over $500 million in settlements and awards for injured victims. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case.

When Is Uber Liable for an Accident?

If you were in an accident with an Uber driver, the good news is that Uber has a robust insurance plan covering its liability up to $1 million in damages. The bad news is that just because an Uber driver hit you doesn’t mean Uber is liable.

Uber drivers are independent contractors who use their personal vehicles. Uber’s agreement with them stipulates when they are and are not acting on behalf of the company. Situations where Uber might be liable for your damages include:

Their driver is signed into the Uber app and waiting for an assignment
Their driver is transporting a passenger
The driver is on the way to pick up a passenger
Uber failed to properly screen drivers before hiring them or did not provide adequate training

It is important to consult with an attorney to understand Uber’s role in your specific accident. The assistance of a skilled lawyer will be significant if you need to sue Uber in court.

For a free legal consultation, call (866) 499-8989

When Is the Driver Liable for an Accident?

If your accident occurred while the Uber driver was not signed into the Uber app or operating on commercial business, you will need to deal with the driver as an independent individual. That means filing a claim with their insurance company or pursuing a civil suit.

Uber requires its contractors to carry mandatory minimum liability insurance. In Arizona, that means $25,000 in bodily injury insurance and $15,000 in property damage insurance.

Uber and Vicarious Liability

Through vicarious liability, an employer may be held liable for the negligent actions of an employee. Therefore, you may reason that Uber could be liable for the actions of its drivers, even if the drivers are not signed into their app.

Unfortunately, that argument falls short, as Uber drivers are independent contractors, not employees. However, Uber may still be liable in circumstances where it can be shown that they were aware of a driver’s dangerous behaviors but continued to use the driver.

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Should You Sue Uber?

While you can sue Uber as a driver on the road, whether you should is another question. In many cases, Uber’s liability insurance will cover your damages, and filing a claim is a faster and more effective way of resolving your case.

Uber may deny or challenge your claim, and the assistance of a skilled attorney is invaluable when negotiating with their lawyers. Your attorney can also investigate the accident and identify additional liable parties, such as a third driver.

If negotiations fail or if the available insurance does not cover your damages, you may wish to pursue a civil suit. Rely on your attorney for advice as to what is best in your specific case. While negotiating a settlement is often a smart approach, sometimes a lawsuit is necessary.

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Do You Need a Lawyer to Sue Uber?

Whether you choose to pursue a lawsuit or an insurance claim, the assistance of an attorney who is knowledgeable in rideshare accident law is indispensable. Uber is a large company with excellent lawyers, and you don’t want to take them on alone.

Some of the ways an attorney can help you include:

Making sure legal forms and documents are handled correctly and on time
Explaining the law so you better understand whether Uber is liable for your damages
Investigating your accident to uncover all potential liable parties
Calculating the value of your damages to arrive at a figure to use for your potential compensation
Dealing with Uber’s insurance provider and negotiating for your fair settlement
Filing a civil suit and representing you in court

How Much Does It Cost to Sue Uber?

If you choose to hire our firm, we won’t charge you anything upfront for our services. We take our fees out of your award or settlement when your case is won. We don’t get paid unless we win. This is called a contingency fee agreement.

Doing business this way ensures that our services are available to anyone who needs them, regardless of their financial standing. If you have been hurt in an Uber accident, hiring our firm ensures a fair fight with Uber’s powerful attorneys.

Have You Been in an Accident With an Uber Driver?

You can sue Uber as a driver on the road, but it is important to consider all options and all potential liable parties. In some cases, Uber may not be responsible for the actions of their drivers when they cause accidents.

At Zanes Law, we have advocated for injured accident victims in Arizona since 2003, and we have a 99% win rate. If you have been in a crash caused by an Uber driver, contact us today for a free consultation and tell us what happened.

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