The mobile rideshare and gig economy has grown substantially in the last decade, and with this growth, challenges have arisen when determining liability for accidents involving gig-economy drivers while on the job. An accident involving a rideshare or food delivery driver may involve multiple insurance coverages at once, and in many instances, drivers’ and passengers’ claims with an insurance company after an accident are being illegitimately denied. A recently published news report discusses the plight of the family of a Maryland man who was killed in an accident while he was driving for Uber.
According to the facts discussed in the local news report, the deceased man had been a driver for Uber for over a year when he was killed in a head-on collision this past winter. The Uber driver was not at fault for the crash, as the other driver was intoxicated and driving the wrong way, which immediately caused the crash. Because the at-fault driver was not insured, the family of the deceased driver was forced to make a claim with uber to collect damages from the commercial auto insurance that uber carries on all of its drivers while they are actively using the driver app.
Are Uber Drivers Covered under the Company’s Insurance Policy?
Although the Uber website states that drivers were covered with up to $100,000 in uninsured motorist coverage while working, the insurance company only offered this driver’s family $30,000 of coverage for damages related to his death. Based on this misleading contradiction, the driver’s family has hired an attorney to pursue the full $100,000 in damages from the insurance company and Uber itself. Uber has responded to the lawsuit by claiming that the coverages offered are noted to “vary by state,” and that the exact coverages applied to this particular driver policy were outlined in the terms and conditions, which he affirmatively agreed to before starting to drive for uber.
It’s not clear what will happen in the recently filed case, although it is probable that both parties will try and settle the claim before a trial, and Uber may choose to be more transparent with the actual coverage offered to drivers going forward. Rideshare drivers as well as any other commercial or gig economy workers should ensure that they have sufficient insurance coverage before operating their vehicles on public roads. Many private insurance companies offer supplemental coverage to rideshare drivers to bridge the gaps in commercial insurance coverage. Supplemental coverage may also help increase policy limits to more reasonable levels to protect drivers, passengers, and their families in the event of an accident.
Consult with an Experienced Maryland Rideshare Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a rideshare vehicle, or any other Maryland, Virginia, or DC injury, don’t be overwhelmed. The Maryland, DC, and Virginia car accident and insurance attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen, LLC can help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Our lawyers will work diligently on your case, and if we don’t win a settlement or judgment for you, then you won’t pay us a dime. Contact us with any questions, and see if we can help with your claim. Call us today at 800-654-1949 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.