SKIP TO CONTENTA recent Uber safety report found that 99.9% of Uber trips in 2021 and 2022 ended without any safety reports. This suggests the majority of Americans will never find themselves wondering whether Uber is responsible for driver negligence in the aftermath of a rideshare accident. Despite the ridesharing service’s popularity, Uber accidents are rare.
Still, with more people using Uber and other ride sharing platforms than ever, it’s worth exploring the question, “Is Uber liable for drivers?” and coming up with an answer. This might help anyone involved in an accident with an Uber driver in the future.
When Uber Is Not Liable for Drivers
Uber would like to distance itself from drivers regarding the liability it assumes during accidents. To achieve this, the ridesharing company has long considered its drivers independent contractors rather than regular employees.
Because of this arrangement, the concept of vicarious liability doesn’t normally apply to Uber drivers. Uber forces its independent contractors to carry their own auto insurance coverage. Drivers will rely on this coverage in certain situations.
Independent contractors who drive for Uber will lean on their own insurance coverage in the following scenarios:
- When they’re off duty and not signed into the Uber app
- When they’re driving for Uber but not signed into the Uber app
- When they’re logged into the app but waiting for customers to request rides. However, in this scenario, if an Uber driver is waiting for customers to request rides with their app turned on and they’re involved in an accident, Uber might cover accident costs if their insurance company denies their claim.
When Uber Is Liable for Drivers
While, Uber does what it can to minimize its corporate responsibility when its drivers are involved in accidents, its important to know that Uber supplies its independent contractors with a separate insurance policy that offers up to $1 million in liability coverage for accidents. This insurance coverage will extend when Uber drivers are actively driving on behalf of the ridesharing company with their apps turned on.
Uber might also be liable for accidents in the following situations:
- When Uber is found to have provided substandard training to drivers
- When Uber is believed to have hired drivers without conducting background checks
- When Uber’s app played a part in the driver being involved in an accident
Uber tends to fight hard against legal claims. However, there are scenarios in which rideshare accident attorneys might pin the blame on the company for accidents and hold it more accountable than its drivers.
Working With an Oklahoma Rideshare Accident Attorney To Determine Liability
If you are wondering, “Is Uber liable for drivers?” after being involved in a recent ridesharing accident, the most reliable way to find out is to speak with an Oklahoma rideshare accident attorney who understands these types of cases.
A rideshare attorney will analyze the Uber-related accident you were involved in and establish liability based on the facts surrounding the case. They’ll also assist you in taking legal action against whichever insurance company should be responsible for providing you with the compensation you’ll need to seek medical care and/or make auto repairs.
Call Us To Talk to a Rideshare Accident Lawyer About Your Case
There isn’t always an easy answer to the question, “Is Uber liable for drivers?” However, with Bryan Garrett, PLLC, on your side, you can trust that the pieces will start falling into place for your case. Contact us at (405) 972-6931 to schedule an evaluation with an experienced attorney.
