Were you involved in an Uber accident? If you drive for Uber and were recently involved in a crash, you might wonder, “Can you still drive for Uber after an accident?” A car accident does not always automatically mean that an Uber driver will lose their job, as Uber judges motor vehicle accidents on a case-by-case basis. As a result, it’s often difficult for Uber drivers to know if they will continue to work for Uber after a car wreck.

Did Uber deactivate your driver account? Are you concerned about whether Uber will reactivate your account after deactivating it following a car accident? Uber deactivates and reactivates driver accounts based on their criteria after an accident.

If you are an Uber driver and have caused a car accident, you should seek legal assistance at your earliest convenience. A Texas rideshare accident attorney can help you understand your options and fight for your rights.

Common Factors Contributing to Uber Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents involving rideshare vehicles such as Lyft and Uber are not as uncommon as you might think. There are no specific time frames that rideshare drivers must adhere to, which means they can accept customers whenever they feel like it. As a result, some Uber drivers work dangerously long shifts, with some drivers spending 20 hours straight behind the wheel.

Besides, Uber drivers are often distracted by their GPS devices and cell phones when accepting rides and locating customers in unfamiliar locations.

Some of the leading factors contributing to Uber accidents include:

  • Fatigued driving
  • Distracted driving
  • Tailgating
  • Stopping suddenly to pick up riders or let them out
  • Unsafe passing
  • Stopping in prohibited locations
  • Aggressive driving
  • Speeding
  • Failure to yield the right of way
  • Unsafe or illegal turns
  • Running a stop sign or red light
  • Drunk driving
  • Defective vehicle parts
  • Hazardous road conditions
  • Failure to maintain the Uber vehicle

Steps To Take After an Uber Accident

You were involved in a severe crash while driving for Uber — what comes next? What steps do you take? After being involved in an Uber accident, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. After all, your primary source of income could be on the line.

Following an Uber accident in Texas, it’s always best to call 911, regardless of who you believe was responsible for the crash. Not only will taking this step get you a formal police accident report, but it also ensures that all persons involved in the wreck get the medical care they need. If you can, you should also do the following:

  • Take photos and videos of the accident scene, each vehicle, and the injuries you suffered.
  • Get every driver’s name along with their contact and insurance information.
  • Take screenshots of the Uber app that shows the status of the ride.
  • Gather witness contact information.
  • Get in touch with Uber and report the accident.
  • Report the accident to your auto insurance provider.
  • Go to a hospital and seek medical attention.
  • Hold onto your medical records and any receipts related to your treatment.
  • Seek legal assistance immediately from an experienced Uber accident attorney.

Uber Driver Account Deactivation After an Accident

Some Uber drivers are involved in minor road accidents, and their Uber driver accounts won’t get deactivated. Other drivers may be involved in fender benders only to have their accounts deactivated. On some occasions, an Uber representative may inform you that your account will not be deactivated after a car accident. Then suddenly, you find yourself deactivated from the Uber app and without work.

So, what criteria does Uber use to deactivate driver accounts? And can you still drive after an accident?

If you’re an Uber driver, then you should know that when an Uber driver is involved in an accident, the rideshare company typically temporarily deactivates their account. The driver’s account is usually deactivated to allow Uber to investigate the accident. A temporary deactivation after an Uber accident is a precautionary measure Uber takes. After all, a negligent Uber driver who caused one accident is likely to cause another.

Based on Uber’s policies, Uber drivers who are involved in three accidents within three years — even if the accidents were not their fault — will have their accounts deactivated. Uber does not want to be liable for accidents, and to them, drivers who cause multiple crashes are dangerous or at-risk drivers.

Other reasons why Uber may deactivate your driver account include the following:

  • Fraud or illegal activity
  • Failure to report a car accident to Uber
  • Passenger assault
  • Breaching Uber’s terms of service
  • Abusing the cancellation system
  • Violating Uber’s code of conduct
  • Expired documents
  • Persistently low ratings and poor reviews

How Can Johnson Garcia Help With Your Uber Accident?

Uber accidents can be complex. Even if you were not at fault, you could lose your job with Uber. At Johnson Garcia, our personal injury lawyers have 35+ years of combined experience handling all sorts of injury claims, such as Uber accident claims. Our Texas rideshare lawyers will review the facts of your case and help you understand the laws that may apply to your particular situation. Contact Johnson Garcia today at 832-844-6700, and we can start working for you.