Uber Accident Lawyer

Personal Injury Lawyers / Uber Accident Lawyer

Injured in an Accident With an Uber Driver? You Need an Uber Accident Lawyer

Getting into a car accident is always a stressful and traumatic experience. But things can get even more complicated when the accident involves an Uber driver. That's because Uber and Lyft accidents raise unique legal issues that traditional car accident lawyers may not be familiar with. If you've been injured in an Uber accident, it's essential to understand your rights and options. That's where an Uber accident lawyer comes in.

You don't have to suffer silently. Call the Munley Law Uber accident lawyers for a free consultation today. We will help you navigate a personal injury claim and get you back on your feet.

Why Do You Need an Uber Accident Attorney?

You may need an Uber accident injury lawyer if you've been injured in an Uber ride for several reasons. Uber accident attorneys can help you through the claims process, stand up against the insurance companies, determine who is liable for the motor vehicle crash, and get you financial compensation for your injuries. Here is a breakdown of what a rideshare accident lawyer can do for your claim:

• Understanding Insurance Claims: Unlike conventional auto accidents, insurance claims in Uber accidents can become complicated. Depending on the sort of accident and the driver's state at the time of the accident (either online, offline, or on their way to pick up a passenger), Uber offers different tiers of coverage. Determining which policy applies to you and how much coverage you are entitled to can be confusing. Uber accident attorneys are skilled in navigating this complex legal system to ensure ambiguous terms or undiscovered loopholes do not exploit you.
• Standing Up For Your Rights: Uber is a multibillion-dollar company with a group of seasoned attorneys. It can be scary to face them alone. Uber accident lawyers even the odds. They know Uber's legal strategies and will fight hard to defend your rights, ensuring the business doesn't take advantage of you or attempt to avoid taking responsibility.
• Potential Third Party Claims: Sometimes it's not the Uber driver's fault—the accident might be a car part that breaks down or a vehicle owned by a third party. To optimize your compensation, an Uber accident attorney can look into the accident from a deeper level, find everyone who might be at fault, and bring claims against them.
• Maximizing Your Compensation: An Uber or Lyft accident can lead to various losses, such as hospital expenses, missed income, pain and suffering, and psychological distress. An Uber accident attorney is skilled at estimating these losses and constructing a compelling case to get you the entire compensation you are due, not just the insurance company's lump sum offer.
• Lifting the Weight Off Your Shoulders: An accident can cause physical and emotional stress in the wake of it. Dealing with paperwork, negotiations, and court cases can be very taxing. An Uber accident attorney handles all legal matters related to your case, relieving you of this burden and allowing you to concentrate on your recovery and well-being.
• Peace of Mind: Uber accidents may result in long-term issues, including chronic pain or incapacity. If necessary, an Uber car accident lawyer can help ensure your demands are considered going forward and obtain continuous compensation.

Determining Fault in Uber Car Accident Cases

Identifying who can be held responsible in an Uber accident can be difficult as many parties and insurance companies can be involved. Not only can the Uber driver or another driver be held responsible, but the rideshare company could have played a part in the accident. Even the Uber passenger could have contributed to the accident.

To determine who may be at fault for the Uber crash, the following factors are taken into account:

• Driver Error: Uber drivers may be held liable for driving recklessly, exceeding the speed limit, being distracted by their phone, driving while intoxicated, or simply failing to yield or observe traffic signals.
• Uber's guidelines and practices: Uber has specific policies for its drivers to follow, including background checks, mandates for car upkeep, and insurance requirements. Uber might be held partially accountable if any of these policies were broken and resulted in the accident.
• Passenger behavior: Rarely, a passenger's actions could cause a collision by diverting the driver's attention or making it more difficult for them to control the car safely.
• External variables: Accidents can also be caused by other drivers, pedestrians, poor road conditions, or malfunctioning vehicles.

To determine fault, rideshare accident lawyers must thoroughly investigate the accident. This means they will gather evidence — such as police reports, witness testimony, photos and videos from the accident scene, and Uber's data from the driver's app — to piece together the events that led to the crash.

Uber accidents can become highly complex due to the multiple parties and insurance companies involved. You will need to work with your own insurance company, and you may have to deal with Uber's and the Uber driver's personal auto insurance company. This can become incredibly frustrating, and you will need an experienced Uber accident attorney to help with your claim.

Why Do Uber Accidents Happen?

Uber has become an incredibly popular way to get from point A to point B. While the app helps passengers travel easily, it also contributes to more road accidents. MIT research points to a spike in US traffic deaths linked to Uber and Lyft. Thousands are hurt or worse in Uber accidents each year, resulting in injuries, pain and suffering, and unforeseen medical expenses.

Even though Uber checks drivers' records, perfect history isn't everything. And just like regular drivers, they face the same road risks that can lead to car accidents.

So, what are the common culprits?

• Driving while tired. Juggling multiple jobs or late-night shifts can leave Uber drivers fatigued. This impacts both alertness and reaction time, making them just as impaired as someone driving under the influence of alcohol.
• Distracted driving. Uber drivers use smartphones for directions, tracking their time, and arranging pick-ups. Being attached to a phone while on the road can cause distractions.
• Driving too fast. Whether rushing to get a passenger or picking one up, the pressure to be quick can tempt Uber drivers to push the speed limits.
• Inclement weather. If a driver is already on unfamiliar roads or constantly looking at an app for directions, inclement weather can be another variable you don't need. From rain to snow and ice, poor weather conditions can be incredibly risky for Uber drivers to navigate.
• Drivers with little experience. As the rideshare economy grows, new drivers turn to Uber for extra side income or full-time employment. The common distractions can be even more dangerous if they haven't been driving for as long.

How Much Is My Uber Accident Case Worth?

Determining the worth of your Uber accident case depends on many factors, like the severity of your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. Some factors that determine the amount of compensation include:

• The severity of your injuries: More severe injuries like broken bones, brain injuries, or spinal cord damage typically generate higher settlements than soft tissue injuries or a bump on the head.
• Medical expenses: The cost of your medical bills, including hospital stays, surgeries, therapy, and ongoing treatment, will be a significant factor in determining the value of your claim.
• Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and future earning potential.
• Pain and suffering: This includes physical and emotional distress caused by the accident and can be a significant component of the settlement in some cases.
• Liability and evidence: Whether the Uber driver was clearly at fault and the strength of your evidence will also play a role.
• State laws and insurance policies: Different states have varying laws and regulations regarding personal injury cases, and the insurance policies' coverage limits will also impact the potential settlement amount.

It's important to remember that every case is unique, and there is no guaranteed formula for determining the value of an Uber accident claim. The best way to get an accurate estimate is to consult an experienced rideshare accident attorney. They can review the details of your case, investigate the accident, and provide you with a realistic assessment of what your claim might be worth.

Rideshare Standards and Requirements in Uber Accidents

While they face everyday driving risks like anyone else, Uber drivers do have to meet specific standards to drive. These standards include:

• Uber drivers must be at least 21 or meet the city's minimum driving age, whichever is higher.
• Have a valid driver's license for at least one year (or three years if they are younger than 23).
• Give proof of insurance, vehicle registration, and valid inspection.
• Pass a driving background check and safety screening.

It's not just about the driver. Uber cars also have to meet their standards:

• Must have four-door vehicles.
• Must be less than 15 years old.
• Good working conditions.

When an Uber driver does not meet these required standards, they could face inevitable consequences, depending on the severity of the issue. They could receive a warning or be temporarily deactivated for a minor infraction, such as poor customer service or missed trips. However, the driver could be permanently deactivated if the violation is severe.

Call an Uber Accident Lawyer at Munley Law for a Free Consultation

If you've been in an Uber accident, you must immediately report the incident to Uber through their app. After you report the accident, the next step is hiring an experienced Uber accident lawyer.

These rideshare companies will have significant legal teams and powerful insurance companies. The driver may be covered by these companies as well. An Uber rideshare lawyer will assist you in building your case to guarantee you get the compensation possible.

if you were involved in an accident with an Uber driver, either as another driver or as a passenger, don't delay. Contact Munley Law today to schedule a free consultation.