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Car accidents happen everyday on the roads and highways of Kentucky.

Lexington Uber Accidents

While Uber has been around years only the company began to offer services throughout Kentucky.

Since then, Uber has been an effective and efficient way for many passengers to get around, especially in the larger cities such as Lexington. While Uber offers convenience to passengers, some have raised concerns that the presence of Uber drivers increases the risk of serious auto accidents.

Studies have shown that the number of traffic deaths increases by two to three percent after a ride-share company is introduced into a city. Experts estimate that ride-share accidents are responsible for over 1,100 deaths each year. Part of this is due to “deadheading” or the practice of driving around looking for a fare. In fact, the average Uber driver travels 2.8 miles in between rides. Not surprisingly, as the App’s popularity grows, Lexington Uber accidents have been on the rise.

Those who have been involved in a Kentucky Uber accident will have many questions. One of the most common questions is whether their injuries will be covered under Uber’s advertised $1 million policy. The answer to that question depends on whether they were a passenger at the time of the accident.

Not all Fayette County ride-share accidents occur when the driver has a fare. Indeed, many Uber accidents involve a driver striking a pedestrian or another vehicle while the driver is either not using the app or waiting for a fare. In these cases, Uber’s advertised $1 million insurance policy will not apply to cover an accident victim’s injuries. Of course, an injury victim may file a claim with the driver’s personal insurance policy, assuming that they have sufficient insurance coverage and either a commercial policy or a ride-share endorsement.

Mr. Pohl settled my claim when another law firm wasn’t able to…He’s the man for the job!

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Louisville personal injury lawyer

You need experienced, effective help from the Uber accident attorneys at Hessig & Pohl

How Uber's Insurance Coverage Applies in a Lexington Uber Accident

Uber maintains a $1 million insurance policy to cover its drivers and passengers. However, that policy will not apply to all Uber accidents. Uber divides the ride-share experience into three discrete periods.

Period 1 - The driver is offline or the Uber App is off

For accidents occurring during Period 1, Uber’s insurance policy is not implicated. Thus, pedestrians and other motorists who are injured as a result of an Uber driver’s negligence cannot benefit from the $1 million policy. However, that does not mean that an accident victim is completely without a means of recovery because injured parties can file a claim directly with the at-fault driver’s insurance policy or under their own auto insurance policy, if they have one.

Period 2 - The driver is available or waiting for a ride request

If a driver’s App is open and they are available, Uber provides some insurance coverage. An example of an accident that occurs during Period 2 is if a driver strikes another vehicle while they are waiting for a ride to come in. While Uber provides some coverage in this scenario, the company’s robust $1 million policy does not apply. Instead, the company provides coverage of up to $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident.

Period 3 - En route to pick up a passenger and during trips

The final phase of the ride-share process starts when the driver accepts a passenger’s ride request. From the moment the driver accepts the ride, Uber’s $1 million insurance policy applies. This coverage remains applicable until the ride is completed. It is also only during Period 3 that Uber’s uninsured/underinsured protection applies.

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Other Insurance Policies Involved in a Lexington Uber Accident

Aside from insurance provided by Uber, there may be other insurance policies that are implicated in an Uber accident. For example, those who carry an auto insurance policy may be covered under that policy in the event of an Uber accident. Of course, depending on the limits of that policy, there may only be $25,000 in coverage available.

Another option for Uber accident victims may be to file a claim with the Uber driver’s personal policy. However, many Kentucky insurance companies require that an Uber driver either obtain a commercial insurance policy or at least a ride-share endorsement. With a ride-share endorsement, a driver is covered through Periods 1 and 2, when Uber’s insurance policy does not apply, or provides only limited coverage.

In addition to the potential issues that can arise in any car accident case, Lexington Uber accidents present unique challenges to those involved due to the various insurance policies that may apply. Because these cases are so fact-specific, those who have been injured in a Kentucky ride-share accident should consult with an attorney to discuss their case.

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Can I Afford a Kentucky Accident Lawyer?

Quite simply, the answer is “Yes.”

One of the reasons Hessig & Pohl is a popular choice among Kentucky accident victims is that our representation does not cost you anything out-of-pocket. In fact, we will not bill you for our services unless we are able to help you recover the compensation that you deserve. If we can help you obtain compensation for your injuries, we will receive a percentage of the award. This is an important consideration for many accident victims because under this arrangement you will not need to pay any expenses up front. Instead, we cover all the necessary expenses, and only if we are successful will we recoup these costs. The result is that you do not take on any financial risk by retaining our services.

Discuss your case with an experienced Uber accident attorney

If you or a loved one has been involved in a Lexington Uber accident, you need an experienced personal injury law firm on your side. Hessig & Pohl is eager to help. One of the primary reasons Hessig & Pohl is a popular choice among Kentucky ride-share accident victims is that our representation will not cost you anything out-of-pocket and we will not collect a fee unless we are able to help you recover compensation for your injuries. We also have the experience, dedication and skill necessary to effectively bring your claim against those responsible for your injuries. We routinely bring cases against even the largest insurance companies. Contact us though our website, or call our office at (502) 777-1111. The initial consultation is always free.