How Long Does an Uber Accident Settlement Take?
An Uber ride is far more comfortable, private, and convenient than public transit, and more budget-friendly than a taxi, but when you’re in an accident as an Uber passenger or in a collision with an Uber driver, it’s frightening and traumatic, especially if you’re injured. The aftermath is also distressing when you encounter the confusing process of recovering compensation under the complex structure of rideshare insurance. So, how long does it take to get a settlement after an Uber accident?
While the court process can be time-consuming, fortunately, according to the U.S. Department of Justice, only about 4% of civil liability claims require a court.
An Uber accident attorney in Salt Lake City will explain the settlement timeline and more.
Call today at (385) 404-6398.
Understanding Liability In Uber Accidents
Utah has fault-based accident laws with a modified comparative negligence system that holds the responsible party financially accountable. If another driver caused the accident, they are liable for damages. If the Uber driver was at fault, the claim becomes more complicated. Uber is rarely liable for accident damages when one of its drivers causes an accident because it uses independent contractors rather than employees. Fortunately, Uber requires drivers to carry specialized rideshare insurance that allows up to $1 million in available compensation for damages to an injured passenger. However, it takes compelling evidence of liability and an investigation to determine the correct insurance company responsible for paying on the claim.
Understanding Rideshare Insurance In Uber Accidents
Rideshare insurance is complex, with the amount of coverage available dependent on the stage of the rideshare, as described below:
- If the driver is using their car privately, their standard car accident coverage applies
- Once the driver turns on their app while driving and waits for a booking, the lower-level rideshare insurance coverage applies, with up to $100,000 in coverage available
- After the driver books a passenger, throughout the trip to pick up the passenger, and during the trip until drop off, up to $1million in coverage is available
The insurance company involved investigates the accident to determine which policy was in effect at the time of the accident.
What Is the Process of Obtaining an Uber Accident Settlement?
While the insurance company investigates the accident, its objective is to minimize the amount they have to pay on the claim, often by disputing liability or pointing the finger at other policies. Hiring an experienced SLC car accident lawyer to represent you is often the key to reaching a faster settlement. Your attorney does the following:
- Conducts an independent investigation into the accident to determine liability, the stage of the rideshare when the accident occurred, and the correct insurance policy
- Documents compelling evidence of liability and then calculates your damages to maximize the compensation available to you
- Sends their findings to the correct insurer in a demand package
- Negotiates with the insurer to recover the maximum compensation available to you, or
- Takes your case to court if the insurer wrongfully denies or devalues your claim
The time it takes to obtain compensation for your damages depends on the case’s complexity and whether it requires court intervention. Most Uber accident claims take 3 to 6 months, while more complex claims may take more than a year.
Utah has a four-year statute of limitations, so a case may go to court even years after the accident as long as the claimant files a petition within the state’s four-year statute of limitations.
Reach out to the firm online today.