Uber Rideshare Accidents

Uber Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare services like Uber have changed how we get around towns and cities. Millions of people use Uber daily to work, meet friends, or run errands. While most Uber rides go smoothly, accidents can still happen.

If you've been in an accident while riding in an Uber, you might feel confused about what to do next. Here, we will walk you through the main things to consider after an Uber accident and explain why talking to a Jacksonville rideshare accident lawyer is a good idea.

Dealing with Injuries from an Uber Accident

Your health should be your top concern after any car accident, including one in an Uber. Even if you feel fine right after the crash, some injuries don't show up immediately. Whiplash, for example, might not hurt until hours or even days later. It's smart to see a doctor soon after your accident, even if you don't think you're badly hurt. A doctor can check for hidden injuries and start treating any problems early.

Keep all the paperwork from your doctor visits and treatments. This includes bills, prescriptions, and notes about your injuries. These papers will be very helpful later if you need to show how the accident affected you. They can help prove your case if you ask for money to cover your medical costs.

Remember that some injuries from car crashes, such as traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries, can last a long time or even forever. You might need physical therapy or other treatments for weeks or months. In some cases, injuries from an accident can affect your ability to work or enjoy your hobbies. A lawyer experienced with rideshare accidents can evaluate all potential long-term effects when determining the appropriate amount of compensation to seek.

Talking to Insurance Companies After an Uber Accident

After an accident in an Uber, you might hear from several insurance companies. Uber's insurance can include Uber driver's insurance and insurance for any other driver involved in the crash. Each of these companies will want to talk to you about what happened.

It's important to be careful when talking to insurance companies. They might try to get you to say things that make it seem like the accident wasn't as bad as it was or that it wasn't anyone's fault. They do this because they pay out as little money as possible.

This is why it's smart to talk to a rideshare accident lawyer before you have long conversations with insurance companies. A rideshare accident attorney can tell you what to say and what not to say. They can also talk to the insurance companies for you, which takes a lot of stress off your shoulders.

Why You Should Call a Lawyer After an Uber Accident

After an Uber accident, calling a lawyer is one of the best things you can do to protect yourself. A rideshare accident lawyer can support you in numerous ways. They can explain your rights and options in a way that's easy to understand since the laws about rideshare accidents can be complicated. When dealing with insurance companies, a lawyer can handle all the talks, so you don't have to worry about saying the wrong thing.

A lawyer can also help determine how much money you should get for your injuries, lost income, and other damages caused by the accident. They know how to count up all the costs, including those you might not think of alone.

Good evidence is essential to building a strong case. A lawyer knows what evidence is important and how to obtain it, such as traffic camera footage, witness statements, or professional opinions.

If your case goes to court, a rideshare accident attorney will stand up for you and argue. They know how to present your story effectively to ensure you receive what you deserve. Having a skilled rideshare accident lawyer on your side can make a big difference in the outcome of your case and help ensure you're treated fairly throughout the process.

Uber's Insurance: What You Need to Know

Uber has insurance covering accidents, but how it works depends on what the driver did when the crash happened. When waiting for a ride request, Uber provides third-party liability coverage with limits of $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident for bodily injuries, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. However, once the driver is en route to pick up a passenger or has a passenger in the car, Uber's insurance coverage increases to $1,000,000 in third-party liability coverage for property damage and injuries to riders and third parties involved in an accident where the driver is at fault.

Additionally, during these phases, Uber offers uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage for the driver and passengers if they are involved in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver, as well as contingent comprehensive and collision insurance that covers up to the actual cash value of the vehicle, with a $2,500 deductible, provided that the driver maintains comprehensive and collision coverage on their personal insurance policy.

This can get confusing fast. A rideshare accident attorney can clarify the appropriate insurance for your injuries and other losses. They can also address disputes about the responsible insurance for the accident.

What If the Other Driver Was at Fault for the Uber Accident?

Sometimes, the Uber you're riding in doesn't cause the accident. If another driver hits your Uber, that driver's insurance might be responsible for paying for your injuries and other losses. However, dealing with another driver's insurance company, such as Uber, can be tricky.

The other driver's insurance company might try to say the accident wasn't their driver's fault. They might immediately offer you a small amount, hoping you'll take it and go away. But this quick offer is often much less than what you deserve.

A rideshare accident lawyer can manage interactions with the other driver’s insurance company. They can make sure you don't accept a low offer and can fight to get you the full amount you deserve.

Your Uber Driver's Insurance

You might wonder about your Uber driver's car insurance. In most cases, a driver's personal insurance won't cover accidents while working for Uber. This is because personal car insurance usually doesn't cover using a car for work.

This is another reason why having a rideshare accident lawyer is helpful. They can determine the appropriate insurance to cover your injuries and losses so you don't have to navigate it alone.

How Long Do You Have to Take Legal Action?

After an Uber accident, you have a limited time to start legal action. This time limit is called the statute of limitations, which differs in each state. You might have only a year to file a lawsuit in some places. In others, you might have two or three years.

Talking to a rideshare accident lawyer as soon as you can after an accident is important. This gives them time to investigate your case, gather evidence, and start talks with insurance companies. Waiting too long can make it harder to build a strong case, and if you miss the deadline, you might lose your chance to get any money.

What Kinds of Costs Can You Get Paid For?

If you've suffered an injury in an Uber accident, you can get money for several kinds of costs and losses:

Medical Bills: This includes the cost of ambulance rides, hospital stays, doctor visits, medicines, and any ongoing treatments you need.

Lost income: If you missed work because of your injuries, you can get paid for the lost money.

Pain and Suffering: This is money for the physical pain and emotional stress caused by the accident and your injuries.

Property Damage: If the accident damaged your belongings, such as a laptop or phone, you can receive compensation to replace them.

Future Costs: You might need medical care or cannot work for a long time for serious injuries. A lawyer will include these future costs in your case.

A rideshare accident lawyer can tally all these costs and fight to ensure you receive full compensation.

Dealing with Uber Directly

You might think about dealing with Uber on your own after an accident. However, Uber is a large company with many lawyers. They're used to handling accident claims and know how to protect the company's interests.

Having your lawyer levels the playing field. A rideshare accident lawyer can talk to Uber and their lawyers for you. They know how to negotiate and can push back if Uber tries to lowball you or deny your claim.

Keeping Records After Your Accident

While your lawyer will gather a lot of evidence for your case, there are things you can do to help. Keeping good records of everything related to your accident and injuries can make your case stronger:

• Save all medical bills and records.
• Keep a journal about your injuries and how they affect your daily life.
• Save any messages or emails from Uber, insurance companies, or other people involved in the accident.
• Keep track of any work you miss because of your injuries.
• Take photos of any visible injuries as they heal.

Your lawyer can tell you what other records might be helpful for your specific case.

Why You Shouldn't Wait to Get Help After an Uber Accident

After an accident, you might feel tempted to wait and see how things develop before contacting a rideshare accident lawyer. Maybe you're hoping your injuries will get better quickly, or the insurance company will offer you a fair amount. But waiting can hurt your case:

• Evidence can disappear or become harder to get as time passes.
• Witnesses might forget important details.
• You might accidentally say something to an insurance company that hurts your case.
• You can miss important deadlines for filing claims or lawsuits.

Getting a lawyer involved early can help avoid these problems and give you the best chance at a good outcome.

The Value of Peace of Mind After an Uber Accident

One of the biggest benefits of hiring a lawyer after an Uber accident is peace of mind. Dealing with injuries, medical bills, missed work, and insurance claims is stressful. Having a lawyer handle these things for you can take a huge weight off your shoulders. You can focus on getting better while your lawyer fights for your rights.

Reach Out to a Rideshare Accident Lawyer Today

Don’t let confusion or worry prevent you from seeking the assistance you need. Contact a rideshare accident lawyer today if you've been in an Uber accident. They can answer your questions, clarify your rights, and guide you on the next steps. With a good Jacksonville Personal Injury lawyer on your side, you can feel confident that someone is fighting for your best interests every step of the way.