In general, if you are injured in an accident involving an Uber driver, or if a loved one is killed in such an accident, you might have grounds to sue Uber for damages. However, the specifics can be quite complex and depend on various factors.
Rideshare companies like Uber classify their drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. This classification has traditionally allowed Uber to avoid liability in many circumstances where an employee might cause harm in the course of their work.
However, Uber does provide insurance coverage for its drivers that can be utilized in the event of an accident. In New Jersey, Uber is required to provide liability coverage of $1.5 million per incident. This coverage is in effect from the moment a driver accepts a trip to its conclusion. There is also a lower level of coverage for the period when the driver is logged into the app but has not yet accepted a trip.
If you are injured or a loved one is killed in an accident involving an Uber driver who is at fault, you could potentially make a claim against this insurance policy. If the policy is insufficient to cover your damages or if there are disputes about the coverage, it might be possible to sue Uber directly, although this can be complicated and would generally require the assistance of a lawyer experienced in such matters.
The possibility of suing Uber directly could also depend on whether the driver was “on the clock” at the time of the accident, the nature of the accident, and other factors. Legal rulings and legislation related to rideshare companies are evolving, and there have been cases where courts have ruled that Uber can be held liable for the actions of its drivers.
Please consult with a lawyer for advice tailored to your specific situation.
Contact us
If you have any questions about this article or if you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident and want to discuss your case, contact us at (973) 383-2700 for a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation.
We’re here to help.
