There has been a growing awareness of ride-sharing across the world, as people seek out an alternative to taxis, public transportation, and car ownership. One of the major service providers is Uber. This company has managed to roll out its ride-sharing service in over 231 countries. In 2021 alone, Uber drivers completed 6.3 billion trips. As ride-sharing continues to increase, one problem that can occur is Uber accidents. If you are a passenger in a rideshare vehicle that is in an accident, you may be unsure of how to proceed. Uber accident attorneys can help you recover compensation for your injuries.
It’s vital to consult an experienced personal injury attorney. Read on to learn more about what to look for when hiring Uber accident attorneys.
1. Do You Have Experience With Similar Cases?
Not all personal injury attorneys are equal. You need an attorney who has experience handling rideshare accident cases as there are several different parties involved and potentially liable. If an attorney hasn’t handled an Uber or Lyft accident before, you may wish to look elsewhere.
2. How Long Have You Been Practicing?
Just as you want an attorney with experience in rideshare accident cases, you want one with plenty of legal experience in personal injury law. Don’t pick someone fresh out of law school or an attorney who just started practicing personal injury law.
Choose an attorney or law firm that specializes in personal injury cases, particularly car accidents and rideshare accidents, and has attorneys who have many years of experience. Experience brings expertise in how to build your case, estimating what it may be worth, putting the proper value on your damages, and negotiating with insurance companies.
3. What Are Your Fees?
Most personal injury lawyers practice on a contingency basis. This means that they do not get paid unless you win your case. If you win, they typically get about 33% of your settlement amount. This may not always be the case, though, so be sure you fully understand their fees and fee structure before you hire them.
There also may be costs incurred during the case preparation, such as medical exams, accident reports, medical records, and investigators. Ask a potential attorney who pays these fees, as they are typically due upfront, and if they cover them for you, will you have to pay them back if you lose the case.
4. Have You Taken Cases to Trial Before?
Another type of experience you want your personal injury attorney to have is trial experience. Many personal injury cases, such as car accidents, will end in a settlement with the responsible driver’s insurance company.
However, if you cannot come to an agreeable settlement with the insurance company, you may wish to take your case to trial. In the event you file a lawsuit and go to trial, you need an experienced litigator who can represent you in front of a judge and jury.
Ask ahead of time about their trial experience, just in case. While your case may get settled out of court, you don’t want to find out later that your attorney doesn’t have trial experience.
5. What Damages Can I Recover?
Uber accidents are treated similar to car accidents in the damages that you can recover. The damages that you can recover from these accidents typically include:
- Medical bills, including future medical care needed as a result of your injuries
- Lost wages due to missed work
- Loss of future wages, if you are unable to work due to your injuries
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages
Your attorney will be able to help you determine a fair settlement amount that will cover your expenses as well as any medical care you might need in the future.
6. Is the Uber Driver at Fault?
It is possible that the Uber driver is at fault if they were negligent. It’s also possible that the fault lies with another driver or is shared between the Uber driver and another driver.
This is another reason you need an experienced personal injury attorney. They will help determine who is at fault and seek damages from any of the responsible parties.
7. Is Uber Liable?
Uber and other rideshare drivers are treated as independent contractors. This means that they don’t receive benefits from Uber and are not covered under Uber’s insurance policies, as an employee would be.
Independent contractors must have their own insurance; Uber requires its drivers to have a certain level of insurance in order to drive for them. If you are injured in an accident while riding in an Uber, you would seek damages from the driver’s insurance company.
If you can’t settle with the insurance company, you could sue Uber, but you may be unlikely to win unless you can show that they were negligent in hiring the driver.
Use Our Guide for Hiring Uber Accident Attorneys
Getting into a car accident can be overwhelming. Not only are you trying to recover from your injuries, but you also may be worried about mounting medical expenses and how you are going to pay your bills. Injuries sustained in a rideshare accident can make things even more complex.
Uber accident attorneys will be your best option to get a fair settlement. They can help you manage your case and handle all of the communication and negotiation with the insurance company for you, leaving you to focus on your recovery.
To learn more about how we can help you, contact us today. Our firm specializes in car and rideshare accidents.