Uber Accidents and Legal Remedies: How to Pursue a Claim
Ridesharing with Uber has transformed transportation. With just a tap on your phone, you can get a ride almost anywhere, making it incredibly convenient. As convenient as Uber is, it’s not without its risks. Accidents can happen, and when they do, passengers may suffer injuries.
We will cover what kinds of injuries are most common in Uber accidents, how to determine liability, and the legal steps involved in pursuing compensation.
Typical Injuries in Uber Accidents
Passengers in an Uber may suffer a variety of injuries, particularly when the vehicle is in an accident. Among the most common injuries are:
Cervical Strain: Whiplash often results from rear-end crashes, which can lead to significant discomfort. Symptoms can be delayed, making it harder to recognize early on.
Fractures: Broken bones are common in severe crashes. Such injuries often require long recovery periods and surgery.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Brain injuries, including concussions, are often serious after crashes. Head injuries can affect cognition and health for a long time.
Back and Spinal Cord Injuries: Accidents can cause serious spinal issues, including disc herniation and paralysis. These types of injuries often need extensive medical intervention.
Muscle Tears and Ligament Damage: Muscle injuries, including sprains and tears, often occur. Even though they might seem minor, they cause substantial pain.
Deep Cuts and Wounds: Sharp debris from accidents may cause deep wounds. Some of these wounds may require stitches or surgical repair.
Determining Liability in Uber Injury Cases
Understanding who is liable in an Uber injury case is often complex. Multiple parties might share the blame for an accident. The responsible party could be the Uber driver, another vehicle, or someone else.
Uber’s Driver: If the driver was negligent, distracted, or driving recklessly, they might be liable. Common causes include distracted driving or breaking traffic laws.
A Different Driver: When another driver causes the accident, they may be held responsible.
The Role of Uber: Uber itself could be liable if certain conditions are met under their insurance policy. Uber offers up to $1 million in liability coverage during active rides.
Third-Party Liability: Sometimes, accidents result from external factors like road hazards or defective parts. In such cases, lawsuits may involve multiple parties to determine responsibility.
What Uber’s Insurance uber injury lawyer Covers in Accidents
The amount of insurance Uber provides depends on when the accident happens. Insurance differs if the driver is awaiting a request, driving to pick up someone, or in a ride.
Driver Offline: If the driver is not using the Uber app, their personal insurance applies.
Driver Awaiting Ride Requests: During this phase, Uber’s coverage includes $50,000 for injury liability per person. This includes up to $50,000 per person for injuries and $25,000 for property damage.
Active Uber Ride: When an Uber driver is on a trip, the company’s insurance provides up to $1 million in coverage. This includes $1 million in third-party liability coverage, uninsured motorist coverage, and collision coverage.
Steps in an Uber Injury Lawsuit
When serious injuries occur, filing a lawsuit might be necessary if insurance isn’t enough. Legal action may result in financial recovery for hospital bills, lost income, and more.