Ride-sharing companies, in their increased popularity, have become prone to accidents just like other motorists. Ridesharing is when a passenger hails a taxi, through an app (Uber and Lyft being the most popular); the entire journey is documented and charged on the app assuming that of course, the client arrived safely. However, you could have been in an accident, as either a passenger, a pedestrian, or even the uber driver. How do you get justice in this case?
The first step, getting the police involved is a smart move, given that they can easily determine who is at fault. Our Uber Accident Lawyer In Palm Beach Gardens can assist in giving insight used during insurance claims. Nevertheless, to ensure you get your deserved compensation, your best bet could be to get in touch with one of our experienced car accident lawyers at Steinberg Law in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Ride-sharing accident cases can be complicated and daunting processes. Reach out to us here at 877-783-4611 to schedule a free initial consultation and learn more about your legal options!
Uber & Lyft Accident Stats
The University of Chicago has recorded an increase of 6% in traffic accident deaths since its introduction. This percentage translates to 1,000 people dying yearly due to ride-sharing road accidents.
An uber safety report asserted that there were 97 serious accidents in the years 2017 and 2018, which resulted in at least 108 deaths caused by Uber vehicles. To further break down this number, it was noted that 58% of these 108 were other drivers or individuals, 21% were riders and the rest were actual Uber drivers.
They continue to increase, especially at the points during pick-up or dropping points. Some have further researched and noted that Uber drivers who get into accidents are mostly fatigued from spending a lot of time on the road.
Most of these accidents are seen to occur around city areas where public transport is a bit scarce.
Who Can be found liable in an Uber Accident?
In typical car accidents, the party responsible is either you or the other driver, plain and simple. When it comes to ride-sharing apps, the dynamics are a bit different, any of the below parties could be liable.
The Uber/Lyft Driver
The driver could have been negligent or reckless when driving, whereas the other driver can file a case against him or her. When the driver is at fault in this case his insurer covers the compensation or the employer company, Uber or Lyft.
The Ride Share Companies
The Uber/ Lyft companies can be held accountable in the case where:
- The driver gets into an accident when heading to the pick-up point or
- The driver gets into an accident when transporting a passenger from their requested location to their destination.
- Being independent contractors, it seems reasonable for these ride-share companies to want to distance themselves from these claims. The catch however is that they are expected to look after their own interests.
- They are expected to have done due diligence over the drivers, such as doing background checks, making sure they do not have an accident track record, as well as making sure that they are sufficiently insured so that they do not harm the passengers in any way.
There have been cases of sexual assault, battery, theft, and kidnapping in which the company does not want its reputation on the line, hence the due diligence.
Third Parties
The other motorist or pedestrian could have been responsible for the accidents. Some special cases have recorded the manufacturers to be at fault due to faulty parts.
The sure to figure out the responsible party is to contact a skilled lawyer here at Steinberg Law to investigate your claim to get the facts right and in end ensure to settle the right claim you deserve. Go ahead and give us a call at 877-783-4611!
How Do Uber Accident Cases Differ From Conventional Auto Accident Cases?
The complexities in Uber accidents arise when trying to determine the parties responsible for the accident as well as the insurer who should provide compensation compared to Normal Accident Cases which are usually straightforward. The entire process can be tedious because one needs to figure out if:
- The Uber Driver’s app was on during the time of the accident but was not attending to a passenger at the time or was waiting for a request, the company should provide compensation. The liability insurance package usually includes $100,000 for injuries per incident, $50,000 for injuries per individual, and $25,000 for damage incurred in property.
- The company liability insurance covers damages amounting to $1,000,000 and another $1,000,000 for those not insured or underinsured if the driver did have the app on and was driving a passenger during the time of the accident.
Does Uber Have a $1, 000,000 Insurance Policy for Accidents?
Uber does have a 1 Million dollar insurance policy. This policy, as mentioned earlier, kicks in when the uber driver had the app online and was driving a passenger at the time of the accident, or the driver was on his way to pick up a request as well the driver was not insured enough to cover the damages amassed. Drivers are also required to have their own liability insurance.
What type of compensation can I seek in an uber accident?
The types of damages recoverable in a ride-sharing car accident to you as the victim are Economic, Noneconomic, and Punitive damages.
Economic Damages
They are measurable damages, financial losses in short. These are usually calculated using medical bills for example or employment records. To break them down:
- Lost Income because the victim can no longer work
- Repair costs of the damaged vehicle or other replacement costs
- Medical expenses such as surgery, injury treatment, therapy, and medication
- Loss of earning capacity
Non-Economic Damages
These damages are not as measurable as economic ones as they are subjective in nature. A few examples include:
- Loss of companionship in the case of wrongful death
- Disability
- Physical disfigurement
- Mental health issues like stress, anxiety, and depression
- Physical pain and suffering
- Loss of support i.e breadwinner
Punitive Damages
These particular damages are not intended to compensate the victim and thus the reason they are not common in personal injury cases. Instead, they act as punishment to the party at fault. This is to make sure there is no repeat of carelessness or negligent behavior and discourage other people from such actions.
Should You Accept a Settlement Offer?
Do not accept a settlement offer unless our Uber Accident Lawyer at Steinberg Law has advised you to do so. This is because our skilled attorney at that point has made sure that you got what was rightfully yours. These negotiations often are intended to get the least amount payable to victims as possible, thereby denying you justice. Yes, you can settle only if it is a fair deal.
How Much Does an Uber Accident Attorney Cost?
This is usually one of the most asked questions during the consultation stage. After all, you are seeking compensation because you need money in the first place. Well, you do not have to worry as our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. Simply put, they can only be paid if you get compensated from the settlement. The fee is usually 33% of your recovered damages.
Are there Time Limits for Filing an Uber Accident Claim?
Yes, the statute of Limitations here in Florida requires you to have filed the claim within 4 years. Cases involving wrongful death, however, have a limit of 2 years. Keep this information in mind when seeking compensation.
Why do I need a Lawyer?
The legal process can be too much to handle by yourself which is why hiring a skilled lawyer from Steinberg Law can guarantee you a win. This ensures a smooth running from the Case preparation because they are experienced in this matter, to the settlement negotiation, keeping in mind to fight for what is justly yours. The next step is trial preparation, this can be especially hard if you are nursing wounds from the accident and finally, you need someone with your best interests at heart, the ride-sharing companies are not on your side.
Have Your Case Reviewed By an Experienced Uber Accident Lawyer in Palm Beach Gardens!
As mentioned earlier traffic-related accidents have gone up with the increase of Ubers and Lyfts on the road. This is with the much-needed convenience that has come with not owning a car, with the example of car owners being in employment. Even so, the compensation recovery process is a bit complex compared with typical motorist cases as has been before.
Allow our Uber Accident Lawyers at Steinberg Law to review the issue on your behalf and negotiate with the insurer as opposed to going at it yourself. We ensure that our clients in Palm Beach Gardens get what they rightfully deserve, we hear your claim, file the suit for you negotiate the matter for you, and represent you in court on a contingency basis. Call us now at 877-783-4611 to book a free, no-obligation initial consultation and learn more about your legal options.
