Big Ben Lawyers are Attorneys who can assist all Uber accident victims
Motorists, Uber customers, other motorists, and pedestrians who have been hit by an Uber are the targets of Big Ben Lawyers' aggressive pursuit of injury compensation. You only pay if we win; we provide devoted counsel without any upfront fees.
It is important to discuss your case with an Uber accident lawyer before speaking to Uber or an insurance adjuster. If you collaborate with a skilled attorney to negotiate a settlement with Uber, you will have more negotiating leverage and prevent getting underpaid.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in an Uber or Lyft accident, contact us right immediately for a free consultation. We have nonstop phone service every day of the week. Our multi-award-winning Uber accident attorneys at Big Ben Lawyers, a personal injury law firm, have won millions of dollars for accident victims.
New Challenges in Uber Accidents Are Created by a Growing Sector
Ridesharing has become more popular, which has made commuting easier and provided many people with a new source of revenue. As the ridesharing industry grows, more and more Uber and Lyft vehicles are crashing. Insurance companies may not always be compensating victims fairly.
Lyft and Uber road crashes are on the rise due to recent developments and an unclear legal climate. Only if car accident victims cooperate with an experienced personal injury attorney who is an expert in this complex area of the law will they have a chance at fair compensation. Early on in the rideshare accident litigation area, The Big Ben Lawyers established a reputation as the gold standard in the field.
What Victims of Collisions involving Uber and Lyft Should Know
Uber and Lyft ensure that their drivers have $1 million in liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage because they are now significant businesses with billion-dollar valuations. The average driver's liability for injuries is under $15,000, in contrast.
Because of the amount of insurance carried by Uber and Lyft, anyone wounded in an accident for which they are not at fault may be qualified for more extensive compensation for their medical costs, lost earnings, and suffering. Therefore, it's essential to have the support of an experienced Lyft or Uber accident lawyer who can ensure the best results.
Big Ben Lawyers want you to be aware that you might be eligible for substantial compensation if you fall into one of the categories listed:
- A driver or travel companion hurt in a collision where the ridesharing driver was at fault.
- A driver of a ride-sharing service was hurt in an accident where another driver was at fault.
- A hurt passenger in a ride-sharing vehicle, regardless of who is at fault for driving.
Big Ben Lawyers are attorneys with experience handling Uber accidents
Uber and Lyft accident lawyers must have a certain level of legal expertise and experience to handle collision cases that call for their services. Through cases involving a wide range of crashes and dealing with a variety of injuries, our team at the Big Ben Lawyers has successfully recovered significant compensation for accident victims from many walks of life.
Our legal team also includes our attorneys, who have extensive first-hand experience with all types of car collisions. They recognize the extremely serious challenges accident victims face and are here to support them.
Another thing they want you to know about is the "No Recovery, No Fee" policy of the Big Ben Lawyers. It means that until monetary damages have been awarded, their clients won't be charged an attorney fee. The good news is that large settlements for our clients are quite likely as a result of the experience of our Uber/Lyft accident lawyers. Call us at the number on this page if you have any questions, or fill out the form on our contact page to send us an email.
Everyone who hops into a car and races down the highway recognizes that there is some element of risk, but as any Uber accident lawyer will attest, Uber drivers have unique difficulties. You'll almost surely need to work every day, whether you work for Uber part-time or full-time, and you'll frequently need to stay up late to finish your shifts. As a result of having to drop off customers promptly to guarantee 100% customer satisfaction, you encounter new and additional stresses while traveling in unfamiliar locations.
What Happens When an Accident Happens?
The unfortunate truth is that as the ridesharing industry grows, incidents of this nature will occur more frequently, with potentially catastrophic outcomes in California if there is no rideshare insurance.
An experienced Uber accident lawyer in Los Angeles will explain to you how lacking this protection can leave you defenseless because standard auto insurance frequently won't protect you. You put your livelihood at risk in addition to your safety. The expenses associated with an accident can mount, as many attorneys will attest to.
What Follows an Accident?
The steps to take to get reimbursed for their losses are sometimes unclear to rideshare accident victims. These safeguards will be easier for a ridesharing accident lawyer who specializes in this area of law to comprehend. They are aware that ridesharing insurance differs significantly from traditional auto insurance in several important ways that frequent Uber drivers and riders should be aware of:
The worst mistake someone can make is to believe that Uber or Lyft will always protect them. Actually, like many companies, Uber and Lyft are more focused on their bottom line than the happiness of their consumers. If you don't have the right knowledge and preparation following an Uber accident, you could be seriously left hanging.
The Uber Driver's story
An Uber driver suffered hand and neck injuries after being in an accident while going to pick up a passenger. The car also suffered some significant damage. After the collision, the Uber Driver made every effort to call Uber. He only wanted to get in touch with the business to see if they might assist him. Then, the stark reality began to sink in. He contacted Uber several times and left message after message, but the firm never got back to him. As a result of the quietness, the Uber driver found himself in a difficult situation because he needed to immediately attend to his medical issues and, to make matters worse, get back on the road. The Uber driver had a full-time job as an Uber driver, supporting his family financially. He was currently considering his employment options.
Having a fear of speaking with an Uber accident lawyer
The Uber driver above wanted to take action, but he was scared to call a rideshare accident lawyer because he believed that if he sued Uber, he wouldn't be allowed to work as a driver for them again. Even though he wasn't to blame for the accident, he worried that hiring an Uber accident lawyer may lead to a lifetime employment ban.
The Uber driver above once came across a relevant article online. The essay focused on what an injured Uber driver should do if an accident occurs while he is on his way to pick up a client. The injured Uber driver finally called an experienced Uber accident attorney because he believed he had nothing to lose and the situation became clearer. The injured Uber driver received the quick medical attention he required thanks to the attorney's explanation of the many steps and guidance through the procedure.
Most ridesharing companies, like Uber and Lyft, have liability coverage of up to $1,000,000 as part of their business policies. The injured Uber driver was harmed in the collision, so his insurance company paid out a settlement to pay for his medical bills, car repairs, and other expenses.
If you are an Uber driver, you will require an attorney who will fight for you since otherwise, the firm might not pay you the compensation you are entitled to.
Uber has an infamous reputation for mistreating its employees, and this is true even in the case of accidents. Even large, influential businesses like Uber and Lyft might be forced to act fairly by a rideshare accident attorney. Don't believe Uber when it claims to be acting in the drivers' best interests. If you don't take precautions to protect yourself, you might just get lowballed on your settlement or possibly have your claim refused entirely because this company is a for-profit corporation.
Insurance Negotiations Following an Uber Accident
You should be able to negotiate your claim with the insurance providers if your accident results in vehicle damage but no injuries. Whether the accident was your fault or not, there will be a $1,000 deductible for collision coverage if you carry Uber driver insurance.
Take care when describing the accident's specifics to the other insurance company's adjuster. If you say the wrong thing, your insurance may be lessened. Getting legal counsel before engaging with the adjuster is the best course of action. The insurance companies of all parties involved will discuss your compensation with one another after you have given them all the pertinent facts.
Damages Recovery Following an Uber Accident
Recovery of damages after an Uber accident can occasionally be a challenging and time-consuming procedure, particularly if Uber chooses to cause issues. In some situations, you might want to work with an Uber accident lawyer to strengthen your negotiating position. The biggest benefit of hiring a lawyer is their expertise in negotiating complex legal situations.
You should always contact a ridesharing accident lawyer as soon as possible if your accident left you with serious injuries. An Uber accident lawyer in Los Angeles often won't demand payment upfront. There is nothing to lose and everything to gain since having a knowledgeable and skilled ridesharing accident lawyer on your side can make all the difference in your ability to prevail in court. Always make sure the person you recruit knows about managing Uber accidents and rideshare insurance in California before hiring them.
Recognizing the Three Periods of an Uber Rideshare
Every knowledgeable Uber accident attorney will explain to you how Uber takes three intervals into account while deciding whether you qualify for coverage. When the accident occurred determines whether you are covered, as explained below:
Phase One
When the app is open and the driver is awaiting a ride request, this time frame begins. During this time, drivers are only provided with minimal liability protection ($50k per person, $100k overall, and $25k for property damage). They must have their insurance for all other sorts of protection; many insurance providers demand that drivers obtain rideshare-specific policies. This is just one of the many advantages Uber gains from designating its driver-partners as independent contractors rather than employees.
Phase Two
When the driver leaves to pick up a passenger, period two starts. Uber typically offers substantial insurance during this time (total liability coverage up to $1 million, UM/UIM up to $1 million, and full coverage of vehicle damages with a $1,000 deductible). Nevertheless, going it alone without an Uber accident lawyer can be a little challenging.
This is why: Uber might want the driver to show evidence that they were picking up a passenger when the accident happened. They might attempt to argue the driver was in period one even though they were actually in period two if there is no evidence to support this.
A rideshare accident attorney would urge you to gather as much proof as you can that the ride is still in operation. A Los Angeles Uber accident lawyer would advise you to take a screenshot of the app that demonstrates you have received a trip request. By doing this, you may have a better chance of winning your case in court and receiving full compensation.
Phase Three
This time frame is in effect the entire time a passenger is in the car. Due to the near-incontestability of both the passenger and the driver's insurance claims in the presence of a passenger, this is probably the easiest period for your Uber accident lawyer in Los Angeles to establish. In this circumstance, your attorney will probably be able to reach a fair settlement agreement without much difficulty. assuming the same coverages as period two.
What Can an Uber Passenger Expect?
Your safety is in the driver's hands when you ride with an Uber driver. If anything bad happens to you, you should get paid. As a passenger, you are typically an innocent victim in an accident. It is not difficult to demonstrate. The largest obstacle for passengers is demonstrating the severity of their injuries, according to the typical Uber accident lawyer in Los Angeles. To determine the entire degree of your injuries and receive full compensation, you might need skilled legal assistance.
The purpose of car insurance for Uber drivers is to assist in paying for the passenger's injuries. Uber also offers uninsured/underinsured motorist protection if the at-fault drivers lack their insurance. However, we shouldn't consider Uber to be an ally. They'll take any measure necessary to keep the money and will make every effort to shift the blame elsewhere.
Your greatest option if you have been wrongfully hurt in an Uber accident is to engage a Los Angeles Uber accident lawyer. The ideal case result can be achieved with the help of the correct attorney. Never allow anyone to try to convince you that you don't deserve reasonable remuneration. You have every right to pursue financial compensation for your medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other losses as a passenger who was hurt in an Uber accident.
What Takes Place When a Pedestrian is Hit by an Uber Driver?
Being a relatively new service, one of Uber's main problems is that it may occasionally be difficult to negotiate the muddy legal waters. A landmark Uber accident case that set a precedent occurred in 2013. A six-year-old girl was killed when she was struck by an Uber driver in San Francisco named Syed Muzzafar. When the unfortunate incident occurred, she was crossing the street, and Muzzafar had his Uber app open at the moment. He wasn't carrying a passenger, though. Due to this, Uber claimed that they were not at fault for the incident. They resorted to their justification that the drivers were independent contractors rather than employees. However, because of intense public criticism, Uber settled with the girl's family.
Because Uber frequently tries to deny its legal liabilities, you shouldn't rely on them to stand by you in situations like this. Your prospects of receiving compensation if you were struck by an Uber driver may not be assured. In particular, if the Uber driver was not carrying a passenger at the time of the collision, you might be up against an ongoing battle. If you want the outcomes of your case to be beneficial in these situations, you must hire an attorney. Otherwise, the conclusion of your case might not be as desirable. After a collision with an Uber driver, your safety must come first.
After an Uber Accident, What to Do
You should first make sure that everyone is in good health. Your safety should come first. Only move when it is safe to do so, and never get out of your car amid a busy road. You should call the paramedics if anyone was hurt. Even if your wounds look minor, pay attention to them because they can be worse than they seem.
Second, document everything regarding the accident. Following the accident, you may gather data that you will later utilize to bolster your claim. You want to give your Los Angeles Uber accident attorney as much legal ammunition as they can. Take a screenshot of the app right away for documentation if the mishap happened during period two. It makes it simpler for your attorney to defend you.
Once you've done that, you should proceed as you would be following a conventional auto collision. Gather all affected drivers' insurance, contact, and license plate information. Additionally, chat with any witnesses and kindly request their contact information. Typically, you should also call the police so they may make a police report, which your attorney can later use as proof.
Third, if you are hurt, you should get medical attention. You should normally seek medical attention whether you have a minor injury or something more serious because it will serve as the basis for your injury claim. Without medical care, it will be far more difficult for your attorney to demonstrate the entire degree of your injuries. The stronger your case will be and the greater your possible compensation, the more documentation you have of your injuries.
Last but not least, consult a ridesharing accident attorney. You should contact a lawyer as soon as you can if you were involved in an Uber accident in Los Angeles. A delay can exacerbate your suffering and harm your health. Additionally, you should arrange your therapy as soon as possible because failure to do so could jeopardize or result in lost evidence. After all, memory loss is a natural part of aging. Last but not least, you will forfeit your ability to obtain compensation if the statute of limitations for your claim expires.
Uber mishaps may have financial repercussions
You could occasionally experience unanticipated financial implications if you drive for Uber. Uber has been known to suspend your access to the app for weeks at a time, even if the accident was not your fault. However, how will you pay your rent during that period? Without any form of assurance, you don't want to leave your job.
It's never a good idea to concede guilt to the other motorist if the accident was your fault because it could be used against you in court. Let the insurance companies investigate instead to identify who is at fault. But you should also never lie because doing so may be construed as insurance fraud, which carries stiff penalties and a possible five-year jail sentence. It is advisable to let a lawyer handle all correspondence surrounding the accident.
How Can a Lawyer for Uber Accidents Help Me?
Have you ever been hurt in an Uber collision? An adept Uber accident lawyer can assist you with:
• Pay off your medical debt.
• Have your car fixed or replaced.
• Talk with the James River Insurance Company about a fair settlement.
FAQ on Uber accidents
You've heard of Uber, the most well-known ride-sharing app in the world if you've ever needed transportation to the airport or while traveling. Uber is accessible in 830 locations across 173 countries. Locally, the corporation offers over 40 million rides per month in the United States.
Uber is a practical, cost-effective substitute for traditional taxi cabs in many cities. Uber is becoming more and more popular, but since it's still a young firm, many users are unsure of their legal rights and what to do in the event of an accident. If you're involved in an Uber accident, knowing what to do and how to proceed can be learned from the commonly asked questions and accompanying answers below.
What Should I Do if I Get into an Uber Accident?
Nobody plans to get into a car accident. Uber drivers are exactly like the rest of us; most people prefer not to think about the prospect of being in an accident when someone else is driving. They typically don't even need to undergo any additional training or receive a special commercial license, and they are capable of making blunders. In actuality, if a driver is at least 23 years old, Uber just demands that they have one year of driving experience.
There is a considerable danger of an accident when you combine that with the difficulty of navigating through locations that a motorist might not be accustomed to. It's crucial to be ready in case of an accident if you utilize Uber as a form of transportation.
Following an Uber accident, you should do the following:
1. Remain at the scene: If you are not driving one of the cars, you might be tempted to just go and let the drivers handle things, but this is not a smart idea. It's crucial to stay at the accident scene (unless it's an emergency) so that authorities can record your presence and injuries if you were hurt. If you were hurt during the accident, you might be entitled to financial compensation.
2. Inspect for wounds: If it's safe to do so, inspect the driver and any other passengers. Call 911 straight away if any injuries could be fatal.
4. Obtain insurance information: Determining who is at fault may be challenging at the scene and immediately after the accident. For this reason, it is a good idea to get proof of insurance from all participating drivers. Get the names, addresses, and phone numbers of both drivers, as well as the names, policy numbers, and contact information for their respective insurance providers. Take pictures of their insurance card and driver's license, if you can, as well.
5. Gather evidence Your primary responsibility as a passenger is to act as a witness to the collision. The strength of your claim will be significantly influenced by which party is at fault for the accident. Take pictures of the situation, including all the cars and any property damage, if you can. As soon as you can, take your notes about what happened to aid with your memory later.
Visit a doctor: You must visit a doctor within 14 days of the accident if you intend to use your PIP insurance. You must establish care for your injuries and show up for any subsequent appointments if you intend to claim compensation. You should visit a doctor right once if you experience any symptoms, including pain.
Get in touch with the Uber accident lawyers at Big Ben Lawyers: There are several variables involved in Uber accidents. These situations are difficult to manage on your own.
8. You can build your case and find out who is financially liable for your injuries with the assistance of a competent lawyer.
After an Uber accident should I contact Uber?
Even though Uber drivers are self-employed, the corporation is nevertheless liable for the financial well-being of both the drivers and the customers they serve. As a result, getting in touch with Uber to handle your accident claim could seem reasonable; however, this is typically not the best course of action.
Although there is an accident claim line for users of Uber, maintaining the company's reputation comes first. Therefore, Uber will undoubtedly make an effort to lower the value of your claim. You should speak with one of our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys before communicating with Uber or responding to any formal communications.
I was hurt in an Uber collision, Who Covers My Medical Expenses?
After an accident, it's common to worry about increasing expenses. You still need to account for the cost of your medical care and other expenses even if you weren't driving your car (and therefore didn't cause any property damage). The good news is that since Florida is a no-fault state, your first port of call for medical coverage should be your insurance provider, regardless of who was at fault or whether you were the driver, passenger, or even a pedestrian.
Here is a list of different insurance plans that could shield you in the event of an accident:
your health insurance. If an Uber accident resulted in serious injuries, you might need to go outside the box when it comes to seeking compensation. You can choose to use your private health insurance, but any copays or deductibles will be your responsibility. Speak with your lawyer if you are unable to cover this expense. You and your healthcare providers could decide to postpone payment until the lawsuit is over in some circumstances.
Uber. The hard part comes at this point. Uber provides substantial insurance coverage to its drivers, which is beneficial if you sustained catastrophic injuries and incurred costs that may exceed the limits of other insurance policies, but Uber will only make payments in specific situations. You must take into account both who was at fault for the accident and the driver's status at the time of the accident (such as whether the driver was on duty or offline) when determining whether Uber will pay.
Uber categorizes its coverage as follows:
• The app logs the driver out without a passenger: In this case, it is unlikely that Uber's coverage will apply, thus you will need to rely on the at-fault driver's motor insurance to pay your expenses.
• The motorist was going to pick up a passenger: In this case, Uber will offer up to $100,000 per accident ($50,000 per person) in bodily injury coverage, as well as $25,000 in property damage coverage.
• The driver was transporting a passenger: In this case, Uber will often offer third-party liability insurance up to $1,000,000 in coverage.
insurance for a different driver. The at-fault party's auto insurance will kick in if you are a passenger in an Uber or the Uber driver and another driver causes an accident in which you are injured. If you have personal uninsured/underinsured coverage, you can file a claim with it if the insurance of the other motorist is insufficient to pay for the cost of your injuries.
What Is the Value of My Uber Accident Case?
Every situation is unique. Your case's worth may be impacted by a variety of circumstances. Big Ben Lawyers can give you a range of values that, in our opinion, would represent a just settlement for you once Big Ben Lawyers has finished our investigation into your crash.
To that end, below are a few things that are typically present:
• Medical expenses: Depending on the nature of your injury, medical expenses can vary substantially. Your expenses can be greater than what your insurance will cover, even for small injuries. You can request payment for these expenses from the at-fault party's insurance in this situation. This could include prescription drugs, hospital stays, medical equipment, and rehabilitation.
• Loss of earnings: If your injuries require you to miss time at work, you may be entitled to compensation for this loss. Any additional time missed beyond the first day of missed work is included in your lost wages. Any time you must miss work to attend appointments or recover could be considered here. You might be entitled to compensation for future lost wages or loss of earning capacity in the event of a major injury.
• Suffering: Automobile accidents can result in severe bodily and psychological distress. Even while this pain might not be as obvious as other ailments, it nonetheless exists. Awards for pain and suffering vary widely, but they typically rely on how much your injuries have changed your quality of life.
• Wrongful death: Uber reported 107 fatalities in over 97 fatal accidents between 2017 and 2018. After a loved one passes away, the victim's family has the right to compensation from the responsible party. This could involve paying for funeral and burial expenses, unpaid medical bills, and suffering.
How soon after an Uber accident do I have to file a lawsuit?
It's critical to treat your injuries carefully if you are injured in an accident. The law only gives you a limited period to file a lawsuit against the responsible party, even if you feel OK or are just somewhat in pain. For personal injury claims, Florida's statute of limitations is four years.
Even though this may seem like a lengthy time, Uber accidents are frequently far more complicated than regular auto accidents. If your case needs to go to court, it's critical to give your lawyer ample time to negotiate with the insurance provider.
How long would it take to resolve my Uber accident case?
The objective is to resolve your case as soon as possible so that you can start living your life again. But it's difficult to estimate how long this might take. The time it takes to resolve a particular case may depend on several circumstances, which may lengthen or shorten that time.
These elements consist of:
• The severity of your injuries: Without knowing the full nature of your injuries and your eventual prognosis, it is difficult to determine a fair settlement. Because of this, your lawyer will generally want to hold off on concluding your case until you are medically stable (i.e., when your doctor does not anticipate that you will get better or worse). This will provide you with a clear image of the real cost of your treatment as well as any potential future medical expenses.
• Available proof: Certain car accidents are simple and may be resolved quickly. However, in some accidents, the parties can disagree as to who was at fault or there might not be enough proof to prove it.
• The parties' readiness to settle: The goals of each party have a significant role in determining how long it takes to conclude a given case. This is probably achievable if all you want to do is settle and go on, but you might have to settle for less. There are no promises, but if you are prepared to wait and go through the bargaining process, you might end up with a greater settlement.
Do I Need an Uber Accident Attorney?
Nobody can advise you on whether you need to seek legal representation for your motor vehicle claim. Nevertheless, due to the complexity of Uber accidents, it's typically a good idea to at least meet with an accomplished lawyer to look over your case. The majority of personal injury lawyers provide a free initial consultation, so you can have someone look over your case without being under any pressure.
Have the care you need
Following an accident, your health and safety are of utmost importance. Your medical expenses can be covered by a personal injury claim, and you'll be able to take time from work to concentrate on your rehabilitation. Get the care you require right away. Contact our knowledgeable Uber accident lawyers for assistance with your injury claim or to learn more about your legal options.
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