Getting into an accident with an Uber driver can feel like a logistical nightmare, especially when you are trying to figure out who is actually responsible. One minute you are just catching a ride, and the next you are sorting through insurance claims and medical bills.
At Gemma Law, our Uber accident lawyers in Rhode Island are Committed to Excellence, and we can help make sense of it all. Our team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and walk you through your next steps.
Reach out to our experienced and compassionate rideshare accident lawyers in Rhode Island today.
How Liability Works When You Are a Passenger in an Uber Accident
If you were riding in an Uber when the crash happened, you are probably wondering who is supposed to cover the damage. You were not the one driving, but that does not always mean the insurance side of things will be easy.
Sorting out who pays and when can become complicated quickly. Fortunately, a Rhode Island car accident lawyer can help you determine fault and hold the right parties accountable.
What Happens When the Uber Driver Causes the Crash?
If the Uber driver caused the crash, what happens next depends on what part of the trip you were in. Uber’s insurance coverage is based on whether the driver:
- Was waiting for a ride
- Had just accepted a ride
- Already had you in the car
When you are a passenger, the policy is usually active and offers high limits, but that does not always guarantee a smooth or fast payout. Even with coverage in place, claims can drag on if paperwork is missing or if the insurer wants more proof of your injuries.
You might be asked to give statements or submit extra records just to keep things moving. That is why it helps to work with someone who knows how to keep Uber claims from getting stuck in limbo.
What if Another Vehicle Hit the Uber You Were In?
If another car hits the Uber, things can get a little more complicated. Now you are dealing with the other driver’s insurance, and they may not want to take responsibility. It can turn into a blame game between drivers, and unfortunately, you are caught in the middle.
That back-and-forth can slow everything down. While the insurance providers figure out who owes what, you might be left without answers or updates.
We talk to passengers all the time who feel stuck while they wait, even though they have nothing to do with the crash. There are ways to keep your claim moving, and we can help you work out the best one.
For a free legal consultation with an uber accident lawyer serving Rhode IslandCall 401.467.2300
What to Expect After a Rideshare Crash in Rhode Island
Rideshare claims do not always move as quickly as regular car accident cases. There are extra layers, more people involved, and a lot of back-and-forth before anything gets sorted out.
If you are trying to piece together everything you need to know about rideshare accidents, it helps to start with the most common issues people run into, including:
- Waiting for the rideshare company to authorize the insurance
- Confusion over when the driver was logged in or accepting rides
- Requests for internal app data can take weeks to arrive
- Conflicting statements from passengers, drivers, or witnesses
- Reports with missing details or timeline issues
- Delays in figuring out who covers medical costs
- Vehicle damage that sits in limbo while everyone waits for an adjuster
A lot of this comes down to how rideshare insurance works at different points in the trip. Drivers must carry coverage even when they are just waiting for a ride under Rhode Island General Laws § 39-14.2-14. If the fault is split between drivers or other parties, Rhode Island General Laws § 9-20-4 may affect how much compensation you can receive.
Rhode Island Uber Accident Lawyer Near Me 401.467.2300
Uber Accident Claims May Be More Complicated Than They Look
Some Uber accident claims hit unexpected snags that have nothing to do with how the crash happened. These hang-ups tend to pop up once the claim is underway, often buried in the fine print or tucked away in Uber’s internal systems.
Arbitration Agreements and Forced Private Dispute Resolution
When you use the Uber app, you agree to their terms and conditions, even if you never read them. One of those terms often includes a requirement to resolve disputes through private arbitration instead of going to court.
As a result, you could be dealing with a completely different process than you expected, with different rules and fewer options to challenge decisions. This can be especially frustrating when you are trying to get answers or move your claim forward.
Our Rhode Island Uber accident attorney from Gemma Law can walk you through what arbitration means and whether you still have other legal options. If your case involves pain and suffering, you may also request non-economic damages in your claim.
Privacy Issues and Getting Access to Uber’s Internal Crash Data
It is not unusual for the information in Uber’s system to differ from what appears in the police report. Drivers, passengers, and insurance companies may all be looking at different timelines, ride phases, or crash details. That makes it harder to prove what actually happened and who was responsible.
Getting access to those internal records is not always simple. You may need subpoenas, legal pressure, or very specific requests to even get a reply. Your Rhode Island personal injury lawyer from our firm knows how to cope with those obstacles.
When Uber’s Insurance Coverage Does Not Match the Reality of Your Crash
Uber’s policy looks solid on paper, but the fine print can tell a different story once the claim starts. Drivers are only fully covered during certain parts of the ride, and if the app is off or idle, the entire claim might be pushed to someone else’s insurer. That can leave you in the middle while Uber and the driver’s personal insurance argue about who is responsible.
Even if the ride was active, you might run into issues with medical coverage, rental reimbursement, or getting your car fixed. These gaps cause a lot of confusion, especially when you are already dealing with injuries and missed work.
Your Uber Accident Attorney in Rhode Island Can Walk You Through What Happens Next
When you’re unsure where to start, it helps to discuss it with someone who knows the system. Our Rhode Island Uber accident lawyer at Gemma Law can help you get through the process and provide a tailored plan that suits your specific situation.
We’re all about Protecting Your Rights and Securing Your Future. If you’re ready to take the next step, contact us today to get the answers you need.
Call or text 401.467.2300 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form