Uber has revolutionized transportation for people who need quick rides to and from their homes and other locations. However, Uber and other rideshare drivers are no different from anyone else using the road. They must still cope with traffic on the city streets and highways, and if they are involved in an accident that resulted in your injury, you must still deal with their insurance companies to get compensation.

The state’s strict contributory negligence laws mean that if you share any liability in your accident, even as a passenger in an Uber, you cannot recover compensation for your injuries. Collecting evidence in Knoxville Uber accident cases is especially important, as is speaking to a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

Contact our experienced rideshare attorneys today for a free consultation.

What Are the State’s Laws for Uber Driver Insurance?

In Alabama, as in other states, drivers must have their own personal liability insurance for their vehicles. This basic coverage only applies when the driver is not on the app. When the driver is waiting for a passenger, Uber must provide coverage up to $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.

Once a driver has a passenger in their vehicle, Uber must provide insurance up to $1 million in third-party liability. This covers the passenger in the event that the driver is found liable for any accident. Our Knoxville attorneys are available to answer any questions regarding insurance and collecting evidence in Uber accident cases.

Why This Matters to You

After an auto accident, the at-fault driver must pay for the victims’ damages. However, the state’s strict contributory negligence laws mean that any victim who shares responsibility for their injuries cannot recover damages in a case. This includes passengers who were not responsible for the accident itself.

In other words, just because you were sitting in the back of an Uber when the driver collided with another vehicle does not mean Uber’s third-party liability insurance automatically covers you. You must still be able to show that you had no responsibility for causing your injuries. Therefore, collecting adequate evidence will be crucial in your Knoxville Uber accident case.

What Evidence Should You Collect After an Uber Accident?

Any evidence you can find after a motor vehicle accident is important. However, in a Knoxville Uber accident case, you must have evidence specifically demonstrating that you were where you belonged in the car, obeying the rideshare rules. Critical evidence to bring to your attorney includes:

  • Photos of the accident scene: Get pictures of the interior of the vehicle that show where you were located relative to the external damage, if possible
  • Police reports: These may include sketches or police photos of the entire scene and narratives of the accident
  • Dashcam videos from the Uber vehicle: Uber does not require their drivers to have dashcams, but many use them for their own protection
  • Witness statements: You should get contact information from anyone willing to provide it, including the driver

Your attorney may need to request other information from Uber itself, including data about the driver’s previous trip history and their app status, such as whether they had logged your trip.

Contact a Knoxville Attorney About Evidence in Uber Accident Cases

After any accident, you should contact an attorney to help you file your insurance claim. Uber accidents can be especially complex because of the unusual insurance requirements for the drivers and the Uber company itself. To be sure your legal rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve, contact Dennis Injury Law.

Our attorneys have experience collecting evidence in Knoxville Uber accident cases and are ready to help you with your claim. We could review any evidence you discover and give you sound legal advice in your case. Contact us for a free consultation today.