Uber Accident Attorney in Arizona

Rideshare services, like Uber and Lyft, are a convenient way to get around– you can relax without worrying about traffic, parking, or bus schedules. However, just like any motorist, rideshare drivers may be involved in car accidents.
After an Uber or Lyft accident, victims often face serious injuries, property damage, and expensive medical bills. Whether you’re a driver or passenger, if you’ve been in an accident involving an Uber vehicle in Arizona, it’s time to consider contacting a rideshare accident attorney.

What Are the Qualifications to Become an Uber Driver in Arizona?

Though Uber drivers are considered to be “independent contractors,” not employees of Uber itself, they still must meet certain qualifications to be approved to drive. 
To become an Uber driver in Arizona, an individual must meet the following requirements:

• Possess a valid driver’s license
• Possess proof of Arizona residency
• Have at least 1 year of driving experience (3 years if the driver is under age 25)
• Possess a 4-door vehicle that can pass inspection and has no cosmetic damage
• Pass a driver screening that includes driving history and a criminal background check
• Possess a smartphone that can run the Uber app

Some cities have additional requirements. In Tucson, for example, an Uber car may not be older than 16 years old.

Are Arizona Uber Drivers Covered by Insurance?

The state of Arizona requires all motorists to purchase liability insurance. The minimum levels for liability coverage are:

• $25,000 of bodily injury liability for one person ($50,000 for two people)
• $15,000 of property damage liability

In order to be an Uber or Lyft driver in Arizona, an individual must have the auto insurance coverage that is required by the state. However, rideshare companies also have their own insurance policies that may cover a rideshare driver, passenger, or other motorist in the event of an accident.
There are three levels of insurance coverage for Uber drivers.

1. When a driver is offline and not accepting ride requests, only the driver’s personal insurance covers them
2. If a driver has the app on and is waiting for requests, Uber provides third-party liability insurance coverage (up to $100,000 bodily injury and $25,000 property damage per accident)
3. If the driver is en route to pick up passengers or is actively transporting passengers, Uber’s insurance policy may provide bodily injury liability, Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage, and comprehensive/collision coverage

Although Uber maintains these insurance policies, they have been known to try to deny liability in the event of an accident. A personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and fight for maximum compensation from all liable parties.

Common Causes of Uber Accidents in Arizona

Although rideshare services are typically safe, they are susceptible to human error, just like any other vehicle.
Common causes of rideshare accidents include:

• Distracted driving
• Drunk driving
• Drowsy driving
• Road rage/reckless driving

Common Uber Accident Injuries

Car accident injuries can range from mild to life-threatening. 
Injuries that Uber accident victims commonly face include:

• Head and brain injuries (TBIs)
• Neck, back, and spinal cord injuries
• Broken ribs
• Broken pelvis
• Broken teeth
• Whiplash
• Muscle sprains, strains, and tears
• Bruising and lacerations

What to Do After an Uber Accident

After a car accident, many people become panicked, confused, or unsure of what to do. This is completely normal. However, it’s important that you get your injuries checked, exchange information with the other driver, and report the accident to the right people in order to protect yourself.

How to handle an accident as an Uber passenger

• Check for injuries
• Call the police
• Take pictures of the scene of the accident
• Exchange contact information with the other driver and any witnesses
• Seek medical attention
• Report the accident to the rideshare company
• Consider contacting a personal injury lawyer

How to handle a rideshare accident as a driver

Move your vehicle to safety

If possible, get your vehicle out of traffic. Do not leave the accident scene, but pull your car over to the side of the road or into a nearby parking lot. This will help keep you, your passengers, and everyone else on the road safe.

Call emergency services

Check everyone involved for injuries. If anyone has suffered more than a few scratches, call 911. While emergency services are there, it’s a good idea to get checked by the medical team. You may have injuries you are unaware of.

File a police report

Even if no one was seriously hurt, call the police and have an officer come to the scene. Many insurance companies require a police report before they will approve any claims.
While speaking to the officer, stick to the facts surrounding the accident. Do not admit fault or speculate on the cause of the crash. Doing so could damage your personal injury claim later on.

Document the scene

While you wait for the police to arrive, take pictures of the scene. Make sure to get photos of everyone’s injuries, both cars, weather and traffic conditions, and the area as a whole. These pictures may be useful as evidence when building your claim.

Exchange information

Exchange the following information with the driver of the other vehicle:

• Name
• Phone number
• Address
• Insurance information
• License plate number

When speaking with the other driver, remain calm. Avoid becoming upset, placing blame, or apologizing.

Seek medical treatment

After you have been cleared to leave the scene, see a medical professional as soon as you can. After the adrenaline has worn off, you may find you have injuries you didn’t notice initially. You may also have hidden injuries, such as internal damage.
Keep track of all medical treatment you receive. The expenses can be added to your accident claim.

Report the accident to your auto insurance company

Even if you were not at fault for the accident, report it to your insurance provider. You may have MedPay coverage on your personal insurance policy. MedPay, or medical payments coverage, will pay some of your medical bills up front, so you do not have to wait for your case to settle.
If the other driver was uninsured or does not have sufficient insurance coverage, ask your insurance agent if you have UM/UIM coverage. This can help pay for damage that the other driver’s insurance policy won’t cover.

Contact an Uber/Lyft accident lawyer

An experienced car accident lawyer can help you get fair compensation for your injuries. Depending on the nature of your accident, you may be covered by the other driver’s insurance policy or by Uber’s insurance.
An Uber accident attorney will help you understand the claims process, build your case, and negotiate with insurance companies.

What Damages Can I Seek After an Uber Accident in Arizona?

Every Uber accident case is different. The damages you can seek after your accident will depend on the injuries you suffer and the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Commonly sought motor vehicle accident damages include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earnings
• Funeral expenses (in the case of wrongful death)
• Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering

Your Uber accident attorney can provide you with a free case review to help you determine how much your accident claim is worth.

How Can an Arizona Uber Accident Lawyer Help My Case?

Even if you are covered by insurance, it can be difficult to actually receive the compensation you are owed. Multi-million dollar insurance companies will often do everything they can to deny liability and avoid paying you fair compensation for your injuries. It is a good idea to have legal representation on your side.
A car accident attorney with The Advocates can help. We have been representing accident victims for more than 30 years, so we know the tricks that insurance companies try to pull. We are a team of skilled negotiators and fierce litigators who will do whatever it takes to protect your rights.
The Advocates offer free consultations to help you understand your legal options. We’re local to Arizona, so we can assist you in accessing medical care, vehicle repairs, and any other resources you might need in your area. 
If you or a loved one have been involved in a rideshare accident, whether as a driver or passenger, give The Advocates a call to find out how we can help. You deserve a legal team who puts you first. You deserve an Advocate.