In the US, there are over 6 million car accidents each year. Even a single incident can have major consequences. In some cases, you might even find yourself dealing with an Uber accident.
It’s crucial to understand the legal action you need to take to deal with the situation. We’ve put together a brief guide to help you get started.
Common Reasons Behind Accidents
Unfortunately, there are a large number of potential causes for accidents.
In some cases, this may not be avoidable for your Uber driver. Listed below are some of the most notable.
Negligent Driving
As you might guess, negligent driving is a major cause of vehicular accidents.
This can include anything from driving (such as texting while behind the wheel) to simply not paying attention to the road. Distracted driving can also occur while eating or drinking.
Reckless Driving
This term refers to driving behavior that unnecessarily endangers yourself or others. For instance, someone who drives over a sidewalk in order to pass a car in front of them could be considered a reckless driver. Accidents that involve reckless driving are often extremely serious and require immediate medical attention.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a major cause of car accidents. Even if your Uber driver has not been drinking, it’s possible that another driver on the road may be impaired and pose a risk to everyone else around them.
This is why it’s important for everyone to be especially cautious when sharing the roads.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Driving at excessive speeds or in an overly aggressive manner can obviously put everyone else on the road at risk.
This could involve tailgating or weaving in and out of traffic. This type of behavior is particularly dangerous, as it significantly increases the chances of a serious accident.
Weather Conditions
Inclement weather can be a major factor when it comes to vehicle accidents.
When roads become slippery from rain or snow, it can increase the chances of sliding out of control or spinning off the road. If possible, Uber drivers should always attempt to slow down during bad weather and take extra precautions to avoid an accident.
Poor Visibility
A lack of visibility is a major risk factor when operating any kind of motor vehicle. This could include not being able to see oncoming traffic, road signs, or pedestrians due to darkness, fog, smoke, or other factors.
It’s critical that drivers pay attention and try to maintain as much visibility as possible at all times.
Failure to Obey Traffic Signs
Even a single violation of traffic laws can increase the risk of an accident.
This could be something as simple as running a stop sign or failing to yield the right-of-way. It’s essential that all drivers follow all traffic signs and regulations, no matter how minor they may seem.
Mechanical Failure
Sometimes, accidents are caused by mechanical failures.
This can include everything from worn-out brakes to malfunctioning headlights or tire blowouts. In many cases, these types of issues may be avoidable through routine maintenance and inspection checks that should be performed on a regular basis.
What to Do After an Accident
If you find yourself in an Uber crash, there are a few things you need to do.
This will help ensure you avoid complications in the future. Let’s explore your options.
Get to Safety
First and foremost, you should attempt to get yourself and everyone else out of harm’s way.
Depending on the severity of the accident, you may need to move a fair distance away from the scene of the crash. Once you’re in a safe area, you can start assessing the situation and take the necessary steps to ensure everyone is okay.
Call the Police
After you’ve moved to safety, the next step is to call the police.
The responding officer will document the accident and provide you with a police report. This report can be used as evidence for any potential insurance claims that may need to be made later on.
Gather Evidence
This is one of the most crucial steps when it comes to protecting your legal rights after an Uber crash.
It’s important to collect as much evidence as possible while you’re at the scene. This could include photos, eyewitness statements, and any other relevant information that may be useful in a potential legal case. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to make an audio or video recording of the scene, as well.
You could even do so when interviewing witnesses.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don’t feel like you’re injured, it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional.
Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and you don’t want to risk serious complications in the future. Again, this documentation and records could prove useful if you need to file an insurance claim or pursue legal action.
Call Your Insurance Company
If you were a passenger in an Uber at the time of the accident, you should file a claim with your insurance provider.
Depending on the type of policy that you have, they may cover some or all of your medical bills and property damage expenses. If your vehicle was struck by an Uber driver, then you should file a claim with the driver’s insurance provider.
Contact a Lawyer
This is something that you should always consider if the accident caused severe injuries or property damage.
A lawyer can help you understand your legal options and fight for compensation. They’ll also be able to provide valuable advice on how to handle negotiations with insurance companies and other parties involved in the crash.
Complications of Rideshare Accidents
As you might expect, getting into an accident can come with many consequences.
Understanding how to manage this can play a large role and getting the compensation you deserve. Here are situations you may encounter.
Lost Wages
Car accidents can be financially debilitating. That’s why you should always keep track of your lost wages.
For example, if your injuries prevent you from working for a period of time, then you may be owed compensation for the days that you were unable to work. You might also be able to seek compensation for any overtime you miss due to a rideshare accident. Things can become more complicated if the injured individual was the main source of income for a household.
In cases like these, the other members of the household may also be eligible for compensation.
Property Damage
If your vehicle or personal items were damaged during the crash, then you may be entitled to reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. You should take photos of the scene as well as the damaged property.
Keep any receipts or invoices that you can use to back up your claim.
Pain and Suffering
If you have medical records of ongoing treatment following the crash, you may be able to succeed with a valid case.
For example, if your injuries caused you to experience depression or anxiety, this could potentially qualify as a valid claim. Don’t neglect complications like these.
Emotional Distress
Interestingly, emotional distress can also be considered a form of compensation.
This often occurs when the accident has caused psychological trauma or physical ailments that have impaired your quality of life. In these cases, it’s important to provide evidence and documentation from qualified mental health professionals.
Long-term emotional distress can be considered a legitimate form of damage in many states.
Medical Expenses
One of the largest expenses associated with a car accident is often related to medical bills.
In addition to hospital visits, you may also be responsible for things such as prescription medications, therapy sessions, and rehabilitative treatments. Keep all of your receipts so that you can properly document these costs in the event of a lawsuit or insurance claim.
Finding an Attorney
Working with the right lawyer after you’ve been in a rideshare accident is essential. Otherwise, you run the risk of encountering issues later on.
Here’s what to look for in an attorney.
Level of Experience
Inexperienced attorneys may not be familiar with the complexities of rideshare accidents.
In fact, some may not even be able to pinpoint where the liability lies. When looking for an attorney, make sure you search for someone with extensive experience in the industry.
This will ensure that you are properly represented and have the best chance of getting a favorable outcome. More information can be found here.
Accessibility
When an accident happens, there is often a lot of information to sort through and decisions to be made quickly. You want an attorney who will be available to answer your questions 24/7 and provide pertinent advice.
This requires someone who has the time and resources to focus on your case. Make sure you ask about their typical response times and availability.
Their Reputation
When searching for the right lawyer, ask around to see what others have said about them. Read reviews from former clients and speak with colleagues or friends who may have experience working with a particular attorney. Make sure you choose someone who is well-respected in the industry and has a strong track of success in similar cases.
Performance in Court
Not all cases go to court.
If yours does, it’s crucial to have access to an attorney who can confidently handle the situation. Ask about their experience in the courtroom and how they typically perform in similar cases. The last thing you want to do is hire someone who does not have the skills or knowledge necessary to overcome the opposing party.
The Billing Structure
Avoid financial surprises by making sure you understand the attorney’s billing structure before signing any paperwork. Some lawyers charge an hourly rate, while others may prefer a contingency fee (which means they only get paid if you win).
Make sure to ask questions about additional fees that may be associated with the case and what type of payment plan is available. This will help ensure there are no financial surprises later on.
Compensation
Most attorneys have a set percentage of the total compensation they will take from a successful case. Make sure you understand what this percentage is and any other conditions associated with their payment. After all, it’s important to ensure that you are getting the most out of your settlement.
However, this doesn’t mean that you should go with the first lawyer you find. Shop around and compare different attorneys’ fees to get the best deal possible.
When to Take Action
After the accident, medical bills, lost wages, and property damage can quickly add up. It’s best to take action as soon as possible in order to mitigate these costs. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to collect evidence and build a strong case.
Reach out to an experienced attorney right away in order to get the best possible outcome. Even waiting a few extra days could substantially reduce your chances of success.
Find an Uber Accident Attorney
This will give you access to experienced legal help and advice when dealing with issues surrounding your Uber accident. Be sure to keep the above information in mind so you can make the best possible decision.
Looking for other useful info that can help you out in the future? Be sure to check out the rest of our blog!
Published by HOLR Magazine.