Your Dedicated Uber Accident Legal Advocates in El Paso
The Uber app promised a safe ride, but your trip ended in an emergency room instead of your destination. When rideshare accidents happen in El Paso, you suddenly need to deal with complex insurance coverage, corporate legal teams, and a maze of liability questions that can overwhelm even the most determined victim.
At Cal Mundell Law Firm, PLLC, our experienced rideshare accident lawyers in El Paso aren’t afraid to take on large corporations like Uber to secure the compensation our clients deserve. As a native of El Paso with over 300 cases settled and close to $20 million recovered, Cal Mundell brings both local knowledge and proven results to your case. Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how we can help you fight back.
Common Types of Uber Accidents in El Paso
Uber drivers face the same hazards as traditional traffic, but with added complications stemming from driver distraction, unfamiliarity with routes, and the pressure to accept rides quickly. As a result, collisions involving rideshare vehicles happen frequently throughout El Paso and the surrounding communities.
Common types of Uber accidents we see include:
- Rear-end collisions occur when drivers are distracted by their phones while checking for new ride requests or following GPS directions
- Intersection crashes caused by drivers unfamiliar with El Paso’s traffic patterns
- Parking lot accidents where drivers rush to find passengers or get out of the area quickly
- Pedestrian accidents occur when Uber drivers focus on their app instead of the road
- T-bone accidents occur when drivers attempt dangerous turns at busy intersections
- Multi-vehicle pileups during peak traffic hours
Uber’s Three-Tier Insurance System Explained
Uber provides some coverage for its drivers and their passengers. This complex system is based on the driver’s status at the time of your accident. When the Uber driver is offline and not using the app, only their personal auto insurance applies. The driver’s insurance company may only provide minimal coverage and may even deny the claim if it discovers the driver was using their vehicle for commercial purposes.
The second tier activates when the driver is online and available for trips but hasn’t yet accepted a ride. During this period, Uber provides limited liability coverage of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for injuries, plus $25,000 for property damage. This coverage only applies if the driver’s personal insurance doesn’t cover the accident.
The highest level of coverage kicks in when the driver is en route to pick you up or actively transporting passengers. Uber maintains $1,000,000 in liability coverage for property damage and injuries to passengers and third parties when the driver is at fault.
However, this seemingly robust coverage comes with significant challenges. Uber’s insurance company will aggressively investigate claims, often looking for ways to shift liability to other parties or minimize payouts. They may argue the driver was on a different tier, claim you were partially at fault, or dispute the extent of your injuries.
Who Pays for Damages After an Uber Accident in Texas?
Determining who pays for your damages after an Uber accident in Texas depends on several factors, including who caused the accident and the driver’s status at the time of impact. If the Uber driver caused your accident, you’ll typically file a claim against Uber’s insurance policy, which varies based on the three-tier system described above.
When another driver causes the accident, their personal auto insurance becomes the primary source of compensation. However, if that driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may need to file a claim with your own insurance company or pursue a personal injury lawsuit against them directly.
Other parties may also share liability. For example, if poor road conditions contributed to the accident, the city of El Paso might bear responsibility. If a defective vehicle part caused the crash, the manufacturer could be liable. Your Uber driver might also share fault with another motorist, creating a complex web of insurance claims and legal responsibilities.
Cal Mundell will leave no stone unturned in helping you identify the at-fault party and every possible source of compensation. With our aggressive approach, we hold every liable party accountable and maximize every available insurance policy. Note that while Lyft is also a rideshare service, there may be slight differences between the two, so reach out to our Lyft accident lawyer in El Paso to learn more.
Can You Sue Uber Itself After an Accident Caused by Its Drivers?
Uber classifies its drivers as independent contractors rather than employees, which generally shields Uber from direct liability for driver negligence. However, certain circumstances may allow you to file a lawsuit against Uber itself, such as negligent hiring if they failed to properly screen a driver with a dangerous record, app malfunctions that contributed to the accident, or company policies that encouraged unsafe driving behaviors.
Essential Evidence to Collect After an El Paso Uber Accident
The evidence you collect immediately after your Uber accident can significantly impact your case’s outcome. If you are able to move around the area safely and without exacerbating your injuries, make sure to gather the following:
- Photos of all vehicles involved, showing damage from multiple angles and the overall accident scene
- Screenshots of your Uber app displaying trip details, driver information, and ride status
- Contact information for all drivers and passengers involved in the accident
- The police report number and responding officer details for official documentation
- Witness contact information and statements from anyone who saw the accident occur
In the weeks and months following the Uber accident, continue to preserve evidence related to the accident, your injuries, and the damages you sustained. Keep detailed records of all medical treatment, including doctor visits, physical therapy sessions, prescription medications, and any medical equipment you need. Document your recovery process with photos of your injuries as they heal, and maintain a journal describing your daily pain levels, limitations, and how the accident has affected your work and personal life.
At Cal Mundell Law Firm, we understand that evidence preservation can be overwhelming when you’re focused on recovery. We work quickly to secure surveillance footage from nearby businesses, the Uber driver’s phone records, and more. We handle the investigative legwork so you can concentrate on healing.
Start Your El Paso Uber Accident Claim with Cal Mundell Law Firm, PLLC
Uber accident claims can be complicated, involving multiple insurance policies and corporate legal teams. You need an El Paso car accident attorney who won’t be intimidated by big companies and their resources. Cal Mundell brings big firm experience with small firm care, providing the guidance and aggressive representation you need to secure a fair settlement.
When Uber’s insurance company calls, make sure you have Cal on your side first. Schedule your free consultation at 915-250-0700 today.