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    Many people today in Scottsdale and throughout Arizona use their vehicles to earn money by working for Uber or other rideshare services. They are ordinary people and not specially trained drivers. Like everyone else on the road, they can cause accidents that harm their passengers and others.

    At Mushkatel, Gobbato & Kile, P.L.L.C., our personal injury attorneys have more than 50 years of combined legal experience in many different areas of the law, including an extensive background in protecting the rights of car accident victims. We know how Uber accidents often happen due to driver negligence and other factors. If you were injured in an Uber crash, we can help you to seek full and fair compensation. To learn more, contact us today for a consultation.

    What Is Uber?

    Uber is the world’s largest rideshare company. It allows millions of users to request a ride in over 10,500 cities worldwide, including Scottsdale and several other cities in Arizona.

    After a user requests a ride, an in-network driver will arrive to pick up the person and take them to their pre-selected destination, using GPS directions to guide them. These in-network drivers are contractors. They choose their shifts and drive their vehicles.

    What Are Some Causes of Uber Accidents in Scottsdale?

    The more rides an Uber driver handles, the more money they make. So, in their rush to earn money, Uber drivers often cause accidents by speeding and driving too fast for road, traffic, and weather conditions.

    Uber drivers are not professionally trained. They are just like other drivers on the road. So, they often make the same mistakes as other drivers and cause accidents, including the following:

    Uber drivers may also fail to recognize the wear and tear of using their vehicles for commercial purposes. Poor vehicle maintenance can also cause Uber accidents, leading to tire blowouts, brake failures, and other issues that raise the crash risk.

    What Are Common Injuries in an Uber Accident?

    Like any other car accident, Uber accidents can result in severe and even life-altering injuries. The following are some of the most common injuries in car accidents involving Uber drivers:

    • Lacerations and abrasions
    • Strains, sprains, tears, and other soft-tissue injuries
    • Broken bones
    • Burns
    • Organ damage and internal bleeding
    • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
    • Spinal cord injuries (SCIs).

    Uber accidents are frightening experiences. They can result in severe emotional trauma and conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

    Who Can Be Held Liable in a Scottsdale Uber Accident?

    Many different parties could be to blame for an Uber accident in Scottsdale. Depending on the circumstances, these parties could include Uber drivers, other road users, and parties such as government agencies and highway maintenance companies.

    Because Uber classifies its drivers as contractors rather than employees, the company cannot be held liable for their negligence. However, Uber insures its drivers while on duty, so claims against them often go through its insurance department.

    What Happens If My Uber Ride is Hit by Another Driver?

    Arizona follows a traditional tort model for auto accident claims. If a driver causes an accident, they can be held financially responsible for any injuries and property damage they cause others. So, if another driver hits the Uber vehicle you are riding in, that driver may be liable for your injuries (and injuries the Uber driver suffers). You can pursue compensation for these injuries by filing a claim against that driver.

    Who May File a Scottsdale Uber Accident Claim?

    Anyone who is injured in an Uber accident in Scottsdale has the right to file a claim against the responsible party or parties, including the following parties:

    • Uber passengers
    • Uber drivers (if another party causes the crash)
    • Other drivers hit by a negligent Uber driver
    • Pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users injured in Uber crashes.

    An experienced personal injury attorney at Mushkatel, Gobbato & Kile, P.L.L.C., can review your case and help you identify all parties who could potentially be held liable in your Uber accident case.

    What Insurance Coverage Does Uber Have for Their Drivers?

    Uber provides insurance for its drivers, but only in certain circumstances. The available insurance will depend on the driver’s actions during the car accident. Here’s how it works:

    • When the app is off — Uber does not provide any insurance coverage for drivers who have the app turned off and are not looking for a fare. However, an off-duty Uber driver’s auto insurance should cover any accident they cause.
    • When the driver is looking for a fare — In these circumstances, Uber provides $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage. It also provides $25,000 per accident in property damage liability coverage. However, Uber’s policy only activates if the driver’s policy does not offer these minimums.
    • When the driver has a fare or is on their way to one — Uber’s policy provides up to $1 million in combined bodily injury and property damage liability coverage in these circumstances.

    How Long Do I Have to File an Uber Accident Claim in Arizona?

    Arizona’s statute of limitations on personal injury claims gives you two years from the date of an Uber accident to take legal action against the responsible parties. While two years may seem like plenty of time, it can go fast when dealing with an injury’s aftermath. Also, some cases may require considerable investigation. So, to protect your rights, you should seek legal assistance as early as possible.

    Contact a Scottsdale Uber Accident Lawyer

    If you were injured in an Uber accident in Scottsdale, there is no time to waste. Contact Mushkatel, Gobbato & Kile, P.L.L.C. today for a consultation. We will work efficiently to protect your rights and seek full and fair compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial harm you have suffered.

    Visit Our Scottsdale Uber Accident Law Offices