Ridesharing services like Uber have become very popular. More and more people are turning to these companies for safe and convenient transportation. However, accidents can happen and when they do, it can be complicated to determine who is liable for the damages. If you were injured in an Uber accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. But navigating the complex legal process can be overwhelming. So hiring an experienced Cincinnati Uber accident lawyer is crucial to protecting your rights and recovering fair compensation for your Uber accident claim.
Cincinnati Uber Accident Quick Resources
- What is Uber?
- Common Causes of Uber Accidents
- What Injuries Can a Rideshare Accident Cause?
- Uber’s Insurance Policy
- Filing a Claim Against Uber
- Who’s Liable for an Uber Accident?
- Dealing With Insurance After an Uber Accident
- How Much is My Rideshare Injury Claim Worth?
- Do I Need an Uber Accident Attorney?
- What Happens If You’re Injured as an Uber Passenger?
- Steps to Follow After an Uber Accident
- Contact a Cincinnati Uber Accident Lawyer Today
What Is Uber?
Established in 2009 under the name “UberCab,” Uber is a ridesharing service that allows users to request rides via a smartphone application. Originating in San Francisco, Uber is considered to have revolutionized the approach to traditional taxi services and has grown into a global corporation. Today, Uber has vastly expanded its offerings beyond rideshare, including food delivery and freight services.
UberX is the most utilized option among Uber’s rideshare services, providing affordable private transportation. A lower-cost option is UberX Share, which lets passengers carpool with other riders. In addition to these options, the company extends its services to include other categories like UberXL and Uber Black, which are tailored for users looking for larger or luxury vehicles respectively.
Common Causes of Uber Accidents
All drivers, including those driving for Uber, bear the responsibility to adhere to traffic rules and exercise caution on the road. Unfortunately, not every rideshare driver upholds these duties while behind the wheel—even when they are on the job or have passengers in their vehicle.
Several negligent behaviors contribute to Uber accidents, either by the rideshare driver or other road users. These include:
- Distracted Driving: For Uber drivers, distractions can range from checking the Uber app for new rides, texting, using GPS, to adjusting the radio. The split-second it takes to divert attention from the road can result in catastrophic accidents.
- Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal and dangerous. It impairs judgment, slows down reaction time, and increases the likelihood of causing an accident.
- Reckless Driving Behaviors: This includes tailgating, weaving between lanes, overtaking dangerously, and not allowing safe following distances. Reckless behaviors can easily startle other drivers or catch them off guard, causing accidents.
- Ignoring Traffic Signs or Signals: The rules of the road are in place to control the flow of traffic and prevent crashes. Not stopping at a red light or not yielding when required can cause T-bone accidents, rear-end collisions, and other types of accidents.
- Fatigued Driving: Uber drivers often work long hours to maximize their earnings. Driving while fatigued can lead to slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and in severe cases, falling asleep at the wheel.
- Driving Over the Speed Limit: Speeding reduces the driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of an accident. It also reduces the effectiveness of safety mechanisms like seatbelts and airbags.
- Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, worn-out road markings, and lack of proper signage can lead to accidents. Local authorities are required to ensure that the roads in their jurisdiction are safe, and all drivers should adjust their driving to fit the road conditions.
- Vehicle Malfunctions: Poor vehicle maintenance or defective components can lead to sudden breakdowns or malfunctions while on the road. Examples include brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering issues.
When filing an insurance claim or lawsuit after an Uber accident, determining the cause is an important first step. An attorney from Monge & Associates can investigate the collision on your behalf, identifying the sequence of events that led to your injuries. Equipped with this information, you can determine the liable party and take steps to hold him or her accountable for the damages that you suffered.
What Injuries Can a Rideshare Accident Cause?
Depending on the nature of the Uber accident, passengers and drivers alike are susceptible to an array of injuries. These can range from minor to life-threatening and may include:
- Cuts or lacerations
- Contusions and soft tissue damage
- Fractures or broken bones
- Potential amputation or loss of limbs
- Traumatic brain injuries with long-lasting effects
- Spinal cord injuries, possibly resulting in paralysis
- Internal bleeding or damage to organs
- Eye injuries, leading to vision impairment
- Facial disfigurement or injury
- Injuries related to the neck and back
- Wrongful death
These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and therapy. The emotional trauma accompanying Uber accidents can also lead to the need for psychological support. The financial burden of addressing these medical needs can cause significant strain, which compounds the physical and emotional suffering.
Understanding Uber’s Insurance Policy
One of the most complex aspects of an Uber accident claim is understanding the company’s insurance policy. When a driver is on the app and waiting for a ride request, they are covered by Uber’s liability insurance in case of an accident. If the Uber driver is carrying a passenger or en route to pick up a passenger, Uber provides a combination of liability and uninsured underinsured motorist coverage. However, if the driver is offline, their personal insurance policy applies. An experienced Uber accident lawyer will be able to help you navigate the nuances of Uber’s insurance coverage and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Filing a Lawsuit Against Uber Directly
In some cases, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit against Uber directly to recover full compensation for your injuries. This situation may arise if Uber denies liability for the accident or if the available insurance coverage is insufficient to cover your damages adequately. Our Cincinnati Uber accident lawyers have extensive experience litigating rideshare accident cases and are prepared to take your case to court if needed. We will build a strong legal strategy, present compelling arguments, and work tirelessly to hold Uber accountable for its responsibility to ensure passenger safety.
Determining Liability for an Uber Accident
Determining liability for an Uber accident can be challenging as multiple parties may be involved. There is also the added complexity of assessing how liability should be allocated based on the stage of the rideshare process the driver was engaged in at the time of the accident. An experienced Uber accident lawyer will be able to investigate the accident, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and determine who is liable for your damages. They will also be able to negotiate with the liable insurance companies to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
Dealing with the Liable Insurance Companies After an Uber Accident
Insurance companies are in the business of making money, which means they will do everything they can to minimize their payout after an Uber accident. They may try to pressure you into accepting a settlement that is far less than what you are entitled to receive, or delay the process in hopes that you will give up. An experienced Uber accident lawyer will be able to negotiate with the liable insurance companies on your behalf and ensure that you receive a fair settlement.
How Much Is My Uber Accident Claim Worth?
The value of a rideshare injury lawsuit depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and the extent of your financial losses. Damages that may be recovered through a rideshare injury lawsuit may include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Past and future lost wages and income
- Loss of earning capacity
- Damage to personal property
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life; and
- Punitive damages in cases involving gross negligence
Some of these damages, like pain and suffering and loss of quality of life, do not have a clearly articulated value. However, an experienced Cincinnati personal injury attorney may be able to offer you an estimate of the value of your case based on past experience with similar cases and your prognosis for a full recovery.
Each case is unique, and the ultimate value of your claim will be determined by the specific details of your situation. Consulting with a knowledgeable Cincinnati Uber accident lawyer is crucial in evaluating the potential worth of your case and pursuing fair compensation.
Do I Need an Uber Accident Lawyer?
While you are not required to hire an attorney to assist you with seeking compensation for an Uber accident, it may be in your best interest. After being injured in a car accident, the liable insurance companies will pay you quickly or fairly, but usually not both.
In other words, if you want a fair settlement in a reasonable timeframe, you will almost always need the assistance of an experienced Cincinnati car accident attorney. Insurance companies take claimants who are represented by reputable attorneys more seriously and routinely pay them more for their injury claims.
In the initial consultation, an experienced personal injury attorney will go over all the facts of your case. This includes the nature and circumstances surrounding the accident.
Your attorney will then advise you of the best course of action for your case and help you to maximize your claim by:
- Protecting you from making statements that may reduce the value of your claim; and
- Assisting you with documenting evidence to prove your claim, and making sure that documentation is in the form that the liable insurance company needs.
Your lawyer will also represent you in court if necessary. Most Uber accident cases settle outside of court. But your case may need to go to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached with Uber or its insurance provider.
What Happens If You’re Injured as an Uber Passenger?
As with any mode of transportation, there is always a possibility of an accident when riding in an Uber. When these occur, passengers are typically viewed as innocent victims—they were not behind the wheel, after all. If you are injured as an Uber passenger, you have the right to pursue a claim, either with Uber’s insurance policy or against the responsible driver.
While Uber has insurance measures in place for such incidents, it can sometimes be a challenge to secure full compensation. Passengers may face hurdles, especially when it comes to proving the nature of their injuries and the extent of their damages. In these situations, you need an attorney on your side who can advocate for your right to fair compensation and help you navigate the complex legal process.
Steps to Follow After an Uber Accident
After an Uber accident, your immediate actions can greatly impact any subsequent claims or legal proceedings. Knowing what steps to take can not only protect your safety but also strengthen your case if you decide to seek compensation.
In the aftermath of an Uber collision, keep the following actions in mind:
- Prioritize Safety: Safety should always be your primary concern. If it’s safe to do so, exit the vehicle. If anyone seems injured, regardless of severity, call 911 immediately.
- Document the Incident: Call the police and ask them to make a report of the collision. Take note of pertinent details like the driver’s information, license plate, and insurance provider, and photograph the scene of the crash. If the Uber app was active, a screenshot can be an essential piece of evidence. Finally, gather contact details from any witnesses present.
- Seek Medical Treatment: Even if you believe you’re unharmed, some injuries might be latent or not immediately noticeable. Getting a medical examination can identify these and also provide official records of any injuries, which can be crucial for claims.
- Engage a Rideshare Accident Lawyer: Speak to a Cincinnati attorney who specializes in Uber accidents as soon as possible. Seeking legal representation quickly can help you gather evidence, adhere to any legal deadlines for filing claims, and most importantly, begin building a strong case for compensation.
Contact a Cincinnati Uber Accident Lawyer at Monge & Associates
After an Uber accident in Cincinnati, seeking legal support from an experienced Uber accident lawyer may be necessary to recover the compensation you deserve.
The Cincinnati Uber accident attorneys at Monge & Associates can handle the legal complexities of your case and guide you through each stage of the legal process. We will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to focus on your recovery.
If you or someone you care about has been injured in an Uber accident in Cincinnati, don’t hesitate to contact our law firm at 888-546-8460 for immediate legal assistance.