Thanks to rideshare services like Uber, getting from point A to point B has never been easier. Although Uber often promises a safe and convenient journey for its passengers, serious accidents can occur in these vehicles. Unlike most motor vehicle collisions, however, Uber accidents present unique legal challenges regarding liability and insurance coverage.
At Woodard Injury Law, we have made it our mission to stay ahead of the curve and help Nashville residents navigate these complex claims. Our Nashville car accident lawyers can help you understand your legal options and navigate the complex web of rideshare regulations. If you were hurt by an Uber driver, we can level the playing field and recover the compensation that you deserve. Contact us today to seek compensation.
Why Our Clients Trust Our Nashville Uber Accident Lawyers
- We focus much of our practice on car accident claims, including those involving Uber vehicles. We stay continually updated on the latest developments in rideshare regulations and case law.
- With a 99% case success rate and over 10,000 car accident claims handled, our attorneys have won multiple prestigious awards. These include Best Car Accident Lawyers in Nashville for 2023 by Expertise.
- We prioritize clear and consistent communication throughout your case. Our Uber accident attorneys in Nashville are readily accessible, promptly responding to calls, texts, and emails to address any questions or concerns you may have.
Uber’s Insurance Policy: What It Means for Your Accident Claim in Nashville
Whether you were injured while riding in an Uber or involved in a collision with one of the company’s rideshare drivers, you have the right to seek compensation under Tennessee law. The state follows a fault-based system for car accidents, which means that the at-fault party must pay for all damages resulting from the accident.
Depending on who caused the accident, you can:
- Pursue a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company
- File a lawsuit against the at-fault driver or, in some cases, Uber itself
- File a claim against Uber’s company insurance policy
Uber provides substantial coverage when one of its drivers is involved in an accident, but this coverage varies based on the driver’s status. The insurance policy is divided into four distinct periods:
- Period 0: The driver was not logged into the app at the time of the accident. Uber’s insurance coverage does not apply.
- Period 1: The driver is logged into the Uber app but hasn’t accepted a ride request. During this time, Uber provides limited liability coverage, including $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage.
- Period 2: The driver has accepted a ride request and is on the way to pick up the passenger. At this point, Uber’s insurance will provide up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage.
- Period 3: The passenger is in the vehicle when the accident occurs. This period maintains the $1 million third-party liability coverage and adds contingent comprehensive and collision coverage up to the actual cash value of the car.
These coverage limits are in addition to the driver’s personal auto insurance. You will typically need to file a claim against their coverage first. However, many personal auto policies exclude coverage for commercial activities like ridesharing. This complex interplay of insurance policies can make Uber accident claims challenging to navigate, but an attorney from Woodard Injury Law can help you identify your optimal path to compensation.
Common Causes of Uber Accidents in Nashville
Uber accidents in Nashville can occur due to various factors, many of which are similar to those in traditional car accidents. However, the nature of rideshare services can introduce additional risks, such as the following:
- Distracted Driving: Uber drivers often rely on their smartphones for navigation and accepting new rides, which can lead to dangerous distractions.
- Fatigue: Many Uber drivers work long hours or operate during late-night shifts, increasing the risk of drowsy driving.
- Speeding: The pressure to complete trips quickly and pick up new passengers may lead some drivers to exceed speed limits.
- Unfamiliarity with Routes: Uber drivers often take passengers to unfamiliar areas, potentially leading to sudden stops, lane changes, or missed turns.
- Inadequate Vehicle Maintenance: Some drivers may neglect the proper upkeep of their vehicles, increasing the risk of mechanical failures.
- Inexperienced Drivers: The low barriers to entry for becoming an Uber driver can result in less experienced drivers on the road.
- Passenger Distractions: Intoxicated or unruly passengers can divert the driver’s attention from driving and heighten the chances of an accident.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident and sustained serious injuries, contact our Nashville personal injury lawyers today to file a claim.
Woodard Injury Law Helps Maximize Compensation After Uber Accidents in Nashville
Because ridesharing is relatively new to Nashville, the laws surrounding Uber accidents are often evolving. Add multiple insurance policies and corporate legal teams into the mix, and it can be very difficult to pursue a claim alone. A Nashville Uber accident lawyer can be your guide in these situations, leveraging their skills and knowledge to recover a fair settlement on your behalf.
At Woodard Injury Law, our Uber accident lawyers in Nashville possess a deep understanding of rideshare company insurance policies and coverage periods. This allows us to identify all potential sources of compensation and pursue the type of claim that is right for your situation. We closely follow the laws surrounding rideshare accidents so that our legal strategies remain up-to-date and highly effective.
When multiple parties are involved in an Uber accident, our firm will use its extensive investigatory resources and experience to find out how the collision happened. We will engage with accident reconstruction specialists and other experts to establish the sequence of events leading to the collision. Using this analysis, we can identify who was at fault and what type of claim you should pursue.
Our firm also has experience dealing with insurance companies and large corporate legal teams like Uber’s. We understand their tactics and can skillfully counter them to protect our client’s best interests, effectively leveling the playing field. We will also gather evidence like driver logs, app data, and witness statements to prove to these entities that you deserve the maximum compensation possible.
Injured by an Uber Driver? Get Help from a Nashville Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Rideshare accidents involve complex liability issues and legal procedures, but you do not have to navigate your claim alone. The attorneys at Woodard Injury Law can help you cut through the confusion and fight for your rights against big companies like Uber. Call or text (615) 216-5757 now for a free consultation and learn how we can help you secure the compensation you deserve.