When to Contact an Uber Accident Lawyer

When to Contact an Uber Accident Lawyer

As Uber and Lyft continue to grow, more and more people are using their services. So, what happens if you are hurt as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft vehicle? Consider contacting an Uber accident attorney if you sustained an injury that was not your fault and was caused by a ridesharing company.

Uber is one of the primary ridesharing firms for city-dwellers seeking inexpensive and convenient transportation. In recent years, this company has received both accolades and condemnation in relation to driver-related collisions. With the aid of an experienced Uber vehicle accident attorney, passengers who have been involved in an Uber-related collision may be eligible for compensation.

After a rideshare accident, it is always in your best interest to contact a knowledgeable Uber accident lawyer. An expert Lyft or Uber personal injury attorney can assist you with your enquiries and provide a comprehensive overview of the legal process.

What exactly is Uber?

In 2009, the Uber Company was founded in San Francisco, California. It based its business model on the premise that networking could facilitate transportation. Prior to achieving global prominence, the company was known as UberCab and provided taxi-like services. Today, Uber drivers utilize their own automobiles rather than company-owned rentals.

The network-based strategy employed by Uber made ride requests effortless and simple for clients. Using smartphones or other connected devices, clients can easily send a request to an Uber network driver. After the arrival of the driver, the passenger is transported to his or her destination. This company only accepts credit and debit card payments.

Customers can choose from a variety of Uber car models, all of which are location-specific.

• Black Car - One of Uber's regular variants that can accommodate up to four passengers.
• Uber X — An economical choice that accommodates up to four passengers.
• Uber XL - An economical alternative that may accommodate up to six passengers.
• Uber SUV - An expensive option for six passengers
• Uber LUX - The most expensive vehicle choice that seats up to four individuals.

As of May 2016, Uber has expanded to serve consumers in over 66 countries and 481 cities worldwide. In December 2015, Uber made a shocking announcement: They had completed their one billionth ride with the help of their enormous network of 400,000 drivers per month. This business has emerged as a formidable rival to taxis and other kinds of public transit.

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Uber and Other Ridesharing Companies

Uber and other ridesharing firms, such as Lyft, pick their drivers through a structured employment process. To provide this service, all prospective drivers must meet a certain set of requirements. Specifically, Uber drivers must be at least 21 years old, possess a vehicle manufactured in 2005 or later, pass a background check, and possess a valid license and registration.

These drivers are granted the freedom to set their own hours. As self-employed independent contractors, they are free to work whenever they see fit. However, some drivers have claimed not being rewarded for working overtime. They filed litigation against the Uber firm as a result.

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Passenger Insurance Coverage for Uber

For best liability protection, Uber drivers are obliged to carry auto insurance. However, the auto insurance coverage will depend on the type of vehicle the driver drives and the type of service they offer. 

In the United States, Uber vehicle insurance offers the following ridesharing coverage options:

1. $1 million in liability coverage for each accident, collision, or event involving a motor vehicle.
2. $1 million in bodily injury and underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage.
3. Contingent collision and comprehensive insurance.
4. State-by-state no-fault insurance coverage is provided.
5. The bodily injury coverage limit is capped at $50,000 per person and $100,000 per incident. The maximum amount that can be allotted for property damage is $25,000.

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Uber and Lyft Crashes

Accidents are caused by a multitude of factors. In the United States, motorist errors such as inability to maintain lane position and failure to yield right-of-way, as well as reckless or uncoordinated driving, account for the majority of accidents. The widespread use of mobile gadgets while driving has further exacerbated this issue. The risk of getting into a car accident is greatly increased by anything that could be considered a diversion or distraction.

This includes electronics, GPS systems, smartphones, and other similar gadgets, as well as the Uber and Lyft software.

The most common automobile accident injuries include:

• Spinal Injury
• Brain or Head Injuries
• Neck Injuries
• Bone Fractures
• Internal Injuries
• Amputated Limbs
• Lacerations
• Whiplash
• Death

Collisions between automobiles and pedestrians may cause injuries to the extremities and other parts of the body. When colliding with an automobile, motorcyclists may also suffer catastrophic injuries. Those who survive automobile accidents may face emotional and psychological distress, as well as issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the loss of a loved one, and other psychological difficulties.

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Has Uber ever been sued for an accident?

A family filed a legal claim against Uber in January 2014. The day before New Year's Day in 2013, their 6-year-old daughter was tragically killed by an Uber vehicle as she used the crosswalk. The lawsuit and ultimate Uber accident settlement sought compensation for the tragic death caused by this accident. As the family crossed the street, an Uber driver made an unintentional turn and struck them, resulting in the wrongful death of their 6-year-old daughter and emotional hardship for her family.

During commutes, drivers are expected to operate Uber software, and this complaint alleges that the program distracted the driver, resulting in the crash. It is therefore suggested that this software was utilized in a manner that was illegal. This was the first formal case in which a family sued Uber for wrongful death or injury caused by an occurrence that may have been avoided.

NBCnews.com published an exclusive report on the case's settlement terms. The family of the 6-year-old reached an undetermined settlement with Uber. Therefore, Uber should not be held accountable for the accident, given the driver was not transporting any passengers at the time of the occurrence. The complaint, however, refuted this position, saying that the 6-year-family old's suffered a significant loss, sorrow, pain, and the strain of burial and funeral expenditures due to an urgent defect in the development, implementation, and operational usage of the app during Uber trip.

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Who is Liable for an Uber Accident?

Drivers with Uber are classified as independent contractors. As a result, assigning responsibility or obligation when one or more passengers are hurt during an Uber journey is challenging. Uber rejected culpability for the fatality of the 6-year-old child, citing the fact that the Uber driver was not operating the vehicle for Uber-related activities at the time of the accident.

In April 2016, the San Francisco Chronicle published an article discussing the impact of the lawsuit settlement on California law. As a result of this settlement, ridesharing providers must now provide drivers with insurance coverage and expenses. According to this article, even though California law does not specifically assign duty to Uber drivers engaged in accidents, there is a potential that a California court may find an Uber driver culpable and liable for an occurrence.

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When to Contact an Uber Accident Attorney

Uber and Lyft as companies as well as Uber and Lyft drivers are required to protect their passengers by complying to safety requirements and ensuring a safe environment not only for the passengers, but also for other vehicles, passengers, and pedestrians. If certain drivers are more susceptible to danger or risk, the corporation must make concerted steps to manage those risks. When an Uber or Lyft driver deviates from his or her duty, the driver and the firm become accountable.

Victims of auto accidents using Uber may be eligible for compensation to cover:

• Medical expenditures.
• Compromised or lost wages if the accident prevented the victim from working.
• Pain and suffering for all mental, psychological, and emotional pain brought on by the accident or its results.
• Family members of those killed in an Uber-related incident may be eligible for funeral expenses and pain and suffering compensation.

Remember that this is a time-sensitive issue and that every second counts – all claims are subject to time constraints, and you have a limited amount of time to submit a claim. Our experienced Uber accident attorneys can assist you with all pertinent legal issues and inquiries and will work with you every step of the way to secure the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.

Contact us at (949)258-6859 for immediate help or fill out of contact form and we will reach out to you immediately or click here to submit a free no-obligation case estimation.