Uber Accidents

Rideshare services like Uber have become an integral part of modern transportation, offering convenience to millions of people. However, with this convenience comes the potential for accidents, which can be legally complicated due to the involvement of multiple parties, including the Uber driver, other motorists, and Uber itself. If you’ve been injured in an Uber accident, you may be wondering who is responsible for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

At Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa, P.A., we understand the intricacies of Uber accident cases and the challenges you face in getting the compensation you deserve. Our team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to representing victims of Uber accidents and will guide you through every step of the legal process. We are committed to securing the best possible outcome for you, whether through settlement negotiations or taking your case to trial.

 

Why You Need an Experienced Uber Accident Attorney

Uber accidents are legally different from traditional car accidents because they involve both private and commercial liability considerations. Depending on the circumstances, the liable party could be the Uber driver, Uber itself, another driver, or a combination of these. Additionally, the insurance coverage that applies to Uber accidents is often far more complex, requiring a deep understanding of rideshare company policies, insurance loopholes, and state laws.

Without legal expertise, you may struggle to navigate these complexities, especially if Uber’s insurance provider denies your claim or offers an unfairly low settlement. Here’s why having an experienced Uber accident attorney matters:

Navigating Multiple Insurance Policies
Uber has different levels of insurance coverage depending on whether the driver is logged into the app, is waiting for a ride request, or is actively transporting passengers. Determining which insurance policy applies to your case can be confusing. Our attorneys are well-versed in interpreting Uber’s insurance policies and ensuring the correct coverage is applied.

Proving Liability
Establishing who was at fault in an Uber accident can be challenging, especially if the driver denies responsibility. We conduct thorough investigations to gather evidence, such as app data, dashcam footage, and witness statements, to prove negligence.

Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts by disputing fault or the extent of your injuries. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who understand the tactics insurance companies use and will fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Maximizing Compensation
Our goal is to maximize the compensation you receive, which may include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the accident. We understand the long-term impacts of injuries and will ensure you are fully compensated for any future medical care or lost earning capacity.

Who Is Liable in an Uber Accident?

Liability in Uber accidents can be complex due to the involvement of multiple parties. Unlike traditional car accidents, Uber accidents can involve the following entities:

The Uber Driver
If the Uber driver was negligent, distracted, or breaking traffic laws at the time of the accident, they can be held responsible for the crash. Examples of driver negligence include speeding, driving while intoxicated, or texting while driving.

Uber’s Insurance Policy
Uber provides its drivers with different tiers of insurance coverage based on their status at the time of the accident:

• App Off: If the driver was not logged into the Uber app, their personal insurance policy will apply.
• App On, No Passenger: If the driver was logged into the app but had not yet accepted a ride, Uber provides liability coverage of up to $50,000 per person for injuries, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
• App On, Passenger Onboard: Once a ride is accepted and a passenger is in the vehicle, Uber provides up to $1 million in liability coverage as well as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Another Driver
If another driver caused the accident, that person’s insurance may be responsible for covering your damages. However, if that driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to file a claim under Uber’s uninsured motorist policy.

Uber Itself
In rare cases, Uber’s corporate policies or negligence in background checks could be a contributing factor in the accident, opening the door to filing a claim directly against Uber.

Pedestrian or Third-Party Liability
If a pedestrian or another third party contributed to the accident, they could also be held liable for your injuries.

At Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa, we will carefully analyze the facts of your case to identify all potential sources of liability and pursue claims against each responsible party.

 

What Compensation Can You Receive for an Uber Accident?

Victims of Uber accidents may be entitled to several forms of compensation depending on the severity of their injuries, the circumstances of the crash, and the level of fault. The types of compensation available to you may include:

Medical Expenses
This covers the cost of emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and any ongoing medical care related to your injuries. You can also claim future medical expenses if your injuries require long-term treatment.

Lost Wages
If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be able to recover compensation for lost income. In cases where the accident causes permanent disability or a long-term reduction in earning capacity, you can also seek compensation for future lost wages.

Pain and Suffering
In addition to your financial losses, you may be entitled to compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering caused by the accident. This includes both the immediate effects of your injuries and any ongoing pain, trauma, or reduced quality of life.

Property Damage
If your personal vehicle or other property was damaged in the Uber accident, you can recover the costs of repairs or replacement. This may also include compensation for lost personal belongings, such as electronic devices or valuables.

Loss of Consortium
In cases where the accident causes significant injury or death, family members may be able to recover compensation for the loss of companionship, support, and care provided by the injured party.

Wrongful Death
If you lost a loved one in an Uber accident, you may be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional pain caused by their death. We understand the sensitivity of these cases and will handle your claim with compassion while aggressively pursuing justice for your family.

Our attorneys will work diligently to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation available under the law. We also take the time to calculate not only your immediate losses but also any long-term impacts the accident may have on your health, career, and lifestyle.

How to File an Uber Accident Claim

Filing a claim after an Uber accident involves several steps, each of which is crucial to building a strong case and ensuring that you are compensated for your injuries. Here’s what you can expect when you work with Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa:

1. Report the Accident
You must report the accident to both Uber and local law enforcement as soon as possible. Uber has a system in place within its app to report accidents involving its drivers. It’s also important to make sure a police report is filed to have an official record of the accident.

2. Seek Medical Attention
Even if your injuries appear minor at first, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal trauma, may not present symptoms right away. Medical documentation is also vital for building your case.

3. Contact an Attorney
The sooner you involve an attorney, the better your chances of building a strong case. An attorney from Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa will provide you with a free consultation to review your case, explain your legal rights, and help you understand your next steps.

4. Gather Evidence
Strong evidence is critical to proving liability and the extent of your damages. This may include photos of the accident scene, medical records, witness statements, dashcam footage, and the Uber driver’s app data. Our legal team will assist in collecting all necessary evidence to build a solid case.

5. File Your Claim
We will file claims with Uber’s insurance provider and any other relevant parties. Filing a claim correctly and promptly is crucial, as insurance companies often have strict deadlines for reporting accidents.

6. Negotiate for a Fair Settlement
Most Uber accident cases are resolved through settlement negotiations with the insurance companies. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who will fight for a fair settlement that covers all your current and future expenses.

7. Litigation if Necessary
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to court. Our experienced trial attorneys will advocate for your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve before a judge and jury.

 

Common Challenges in Uber Accident Claims

Uber accident claims can be particularly challenging due to the involvement of multiple parties and overlapping insurance policies. Here are some of the common obstacles we help our clients overcome:

Insurance Coverage Denials
Uber’s insurance providers may attempt to deny coverage, claiming that the driver was not logged into the app or that the accident does not meet the policy’s criteria. Our attorneys are experienced in countering these denials and proving that Uber’s insurance is responsible for covering your damages.

Disputes Over Fault
In some cases, the Uber driver, another driver, or even Uber’s insurance provider may dispute who was at fault for the accident. This can lead to delays in compensation or an outright denial of your claim. We will conduct a thorough investigation to determine fault and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Lowball Settlement Offers
Insurance companies often offer settlements that do not fully cover the victim’s medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. We will not accept a settlement offer that does not adequately compensate you for your injuries. Our attorneys will negotiate aggressively to ensure you receive a fair amount.

Complicated Legal Process
Uber accident claims involve more legal complexities than traditional car accident claims. Our attorneys will handle every aspect of your case, from dealing with insurance adjusters to filing necessary paperwork and representing you in court, so you can focus on your recovery.

Why Choose Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa for Your Uber Accident Case?

At Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa, we take pride in providing personalized and compassionate legal representation to individuals injured in Uber accidents. Our legal team has years of experience handling rideshare accident cases, and we are committed to securing justice for our clients.

Here’s what sets us apart:

Personalized Attention
We treat every client like a person, not just a case number. From your first consultation, you’ll have direct access to your attorney, who will keep you informed about your case’s progress and answer any questions you have along the way.

Proven Results
Our attorneys have a track record of success in obtaining favorable settlements and verdicts for our clients. We have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for personal injury victims and are ready to put our skills to work for you.

Aggressive Advocacy
We are not afraid to take on large corporations like Uber and their insurance providers. Whether in negotiations or the courtroom, we fight tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive the compensation they deserve.

No Fees Unless You Win
We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t owe us any attorney fees unless we win your case. This ensures that you can pursue justice without worrying about upfront legal costs.

 

Contact Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa Today

If you’ve been involved in an Uber accident, don’t delay in seeking legal help. The sooner you contact our team, the sooner we can start building your case and fighting for the compensation you deserve. At Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa, we are dedicated to protecting your rights and helping you recover from your injuries.

Call us today or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.