Can You Still Drive For Uber After An Accident?
Uber is a ride-sharing app that enables drivers to make an income by hailing passengers using Uber-branded taxi cabs. The app allows drivers to operate their taxis as they wish but is very strict about passenger safety and satisfaction.
Uber is keen to maintain a positive public image and regularly deactivates the accounts of drivers involved in accidents, even if they are not at fault. Our Uber accident attorney can help you fight for your rights if your account is deactivated after an accident.
Uber Accident Attorney Explains Why Uber Deactivates Drivers
Uber has criteria for deactivating the accounts of drivers who are involved in motor vehicle accidents. It deactivates the accounts of drivers who have been involved in three or more accidents over the past three years. Other reasons why Uber may deactivate a driver’s account include:
- Failing to report an automobile accident to Uber’s administrators
- Using an expired driver’s license, registration, or insurance cover
- Poor reviews and ratings by customers below 4.6 stars
- Assaulting passengers
- Involvement in illegal activities
- Engaging in fraudulent activities
- Breaching Uber’s terms of service
- Violating Uber’s code of conduct
- Abusing the cancellation system
Any of the above actions could prompt Uber to deactivate or suspend your account. Deactivation or suspension for any of the above reasons could be due to a legitimate reason or a mistake or misreport.
Whatever the reason, you will have to plead your case for the account to be reactivated. However, if you were involved in an accident, Uber may decide you are a risk to their business interests and deactivate your account.
Uber is Unpredictable
Uber is rather unpredictable in its reaction to motor vehicle accidents involving its drivers. Sometimes they will assure drivers that their accounts won’t be deactivated, only to find that they can’t access their accounts on the rideshare app when they try to log in.
What’s more, Uber drivers can lose their accounts even when they are not at fault. Uber may perform a background check after a motor vehicle accident and decide to deactivate the driver’s account. If you are working for Uber and have been involved in an accident, you should immediately contact an Uber accident attorney to protect your interests.
What to Do After an Uber Accident
It’s important to protect your legal rights after an Uber accident. Taking the necessary precautions can help you claim compensation if your account is deactivated after an accident. Here is what you should do after the accident:
- Seek medical care and keep all the receipts and other proofs of treatment.
- Take photographs of your injuries and damages to your car.
- Take snaps of the scene of the accident and damages to all vehicles involved.
- Take a screenshot of the Uber app to show you were on shift during the accident.
- Request for a police report from the traffic officers handling the incident.
- Obtain witness statements from the bystanders who saw the accident.
- Contact a reputable Uber accident attorney in Los Angeles to help prepare your case.
Protections for Uber Drivers
Uber provides insurance coverage for all its drivers. Unlike your auto insurance, which protects the driver, Uber offers commercial coverage, which protects you at work. However, you can only be covered by Uber if you were using the app at the time of the accident. If the app was off, you can only claim coverage under your auto insurance.
The commercial coverage includes $50,000 in liability and $25,000 in property damage for the driver. If the app is on when you pick up passengers, you have $1,000,000 liability coverage. This cover protects the passenger from the most severe injuries and damages. Further, if another driver hits your cab and has no insurance or insufficient coverage, Uber’s underinsured/uninsured cover with provide you with $ 1,000,000 protection.
Compensation for Uber Drivers
The amount of compensation you can get from an Uber accident lawsuit depends on the type of damages and who was at fault. The award should cover:
- medical expenses from past and future treatments
- lost wages in the past and future
- property damage and losses
- pain and suffering
An experienced Uber Accident Attorney will ensure you get the fairest settlement for your claim and petition Uber to reactivate your account.
Contact a Los Angeles Uber Accident Attorney If You Were Involved In an Accident
If you were involved in an accident while working for Uber or lost your job after an accident, contact UberLawyer.com for fair representation. UberLawyer.com believes Uber drivers have a right to be treated fairly and protected from unfair dismissal. We will review your case and advise you on the best course of action to protect your legal rights. Contact us today for a free consultation.