In 2018, there were 58 fatalities in car accidents involving Uber drivers in the U.S., according to Uber’s U.S. Safety Report.
When an Uber driver has caused your injuries or accident, litigation can present unique challenges. However, if your accident happened due to the recklessness or carelessness of another, you should not have to pay for your medical bills and other expenses connected with an accident. Your Uber accident lawyer can help you with your case. Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC now to find out how we could help you get justice at (844) 730-0233.
Uber Accidents
In the U.S., any services transporting passengers, such as buses, trains, commercial airplanes, and taxis, are typically “common carriers” that have to abide by certain rules and regulations to ensure the health and safety of their passengers. Depending on state laws, Uber and other ridesharing services may not fall into the same category as other common carriers, meaning they could be exempt from certain regulations.
While Uber may offer some insurance protection when a driver is logged into the application, the company typically requires drivers to have personal car insurance. In these cases, while you may receive coverage through an at-fault driver’s insurance, you may not have a claim against Uber.
The problem with this is that a driver may not have adequate insurance coverage, or they may have a policy that does not cover commercial use of the vehicle. In the event of an accident, you may have nowhere else to turn for adequate compensation than an extensive legal fight. Your lawyer knows the laws that apply to rideshare services and could help you recover compensation.
Proving Negligence in an Uber Accident
If you suffered any injuries in an accident with an Uber, whether as a passenger, another car driver, or another road user, you could recover compensation if another’s negligence or recklessness caused your accident. Negligent actions can include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Driving while drinking
- Driving while on drugs
- Violating traffic laws
- Falling asleep at the wheel
- Generally driving in a reckless manner
Unfortunately, reckless or negligent driving can be difficult to prove. However, a lawyer can help and potentially gather the evidence necessary to prove your claim. Generally, in order to recover compensation, you will have to prove that:
- The negligent driver owed you a duty of care
- They breached the duty of care
- The accident happened as a result of that breach
- You suffered injuries and damages
However, Uber car accident cases can be quite convoluted. Available insurance coverage may not only depend on who is at fault, like in an ordinary car accident. If the Uber driver is at fault, coverage may also depend on whether they were logged into the Uber application at the time, whether they received a ride request, or whether they are waiting for a customer.
If you were hurt in an accident with an Uber driver, it might help to consult with an Uber accident lawyer from Ben Crump Law, PLLC, who can analyze your case and determine your legal options.
Your Next Best Steps After an Uber Accident
The actions you take in the days after an accident can be important if you want to recover compensation for your injuries. Make sure you gather and keep safe any evidence you may have of the accident and your injuries, such as any photographs, medical reports, police reports, and eyewitness contact details or statements. This can be useful if you are thinking of filing a claim.
If you have not already done so, you should seek medical advice, especially if you are experiencing any pain or other unexplained symptoms after a car accident.
Some injuries can take days or even weeks to show up, such as brain, neck, or back injuries. Not seeking timely medical attention and obtaining a comprehensive medical report listing all your injuries may make it difficult to recover compensation for your injuries.
Once you have received medical attention, you have the option of hiring a lawyer for help and advice. Be wary of any attempts by the at-fault party’s insurance to get you to sign any documents or agree to a settlement.
A lawyer on your side can protect you and can help you with assessing the extent of your injuries and expenses. You may need medical treatment or rehabilitation therapies in the future, and a settlement should cover all the expenses from an accident.
Compensation in Uber Accidents
If you can successfully prove the negligence of the at-fault party, you may be able to recover the following types of compensation, as well as others:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and anguish
- Out-of-pocket expenses
If the at-fault party was particularly reckless, you could also receive punitive damages. A lawyer can inform you about any compensation you could potentially receive in your particular accident case.
Call Us Today
Most states have strict time limits for personal injury and wrongful death claims, so do not wait too long to get advice from an Uber accident lawyer. Start the process now for recovering compensation that may be due to you.
Uber accidents can be challenging to prove and could take some time to resolve. We do not shy away from tough cases and can hold the negligent party to account for your damages. The sooner you start the process of getting justice, the sooner you could benefit from the compensation that can help with your recovery from an accident.
We have the resources to fight your claim without charging any upfront costs or attorney’s fees. Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC now and speak to one of our team members to determine whether you have a case at (844) 730-0233.