Uber accidents pose a unique set of legal questions. Your accident occurred in an Uber vehicle, which you expected to provide a safe ride that would get you to your destination without injury. Maybe you even chose to get in an Uber instead of driving while intoxicated. Now, however, you face serious injuries. You may need an attorney to help recover the funds you deserve after your injuries. If you suffered serious injuries in an Uber accident, contact us today at (308) 633-4444.
Why Should You Use the Robert Pahlke Law Group for Your Uber Accident Claim?
If you suffered injuries in an Uber accident, you want an experienced attorney who will provide you with expert legal advice and assistance throughout the process. At The Robert Pahlke Law Group, we have extensive experience in a wide range of accident cases, many of which achieved highly successful resolutions—including a $3.25 million settlement for a man rear-ended by a speeding tractor trailer. While it’s not possible to guarantee any particular outcome, and your results will vary based on the severity of your accident and your injuries following, our determined team of attorneys works tirelessly to pursue a favorable resolution to your claim.
What Injuries Do Victims Commonly Suffer in an Uber Accident?
Uber accidents, like other car accidents, can cause a wide range of injuries. These may include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injury, including potential paralysis
- Severe lacerations, including damage potentially requiring plastic surgery
- Broken bones
- Organ damage
After an Uber accident, you may need to consult with a medical professional as soon as possible to assess your injuries and determine their severity.
Who Bears Responsibility for Uber Accidents?
Most drivers carry special insurance when they use their vehicles to transport passengers for profit. Uber also provides coverage for its drivers. However, how much of your claim those policies will pay depends on a number of factors.
Who caused the accident? Did the Uber driver cause the accident, or did another driver’s irresponsible or reckless behavior cause the accident? Consulting the police report for the accident and checking out witness statements can help you get a better idea of who bears liability for your accident.
What other factors contributed to the accident? In addition to Uber and the Uber driver’s insurance company, even if the Uber driver bears liability, other factors may contribute to the accident. Work with a lawyer to determine if any of these factors apply in your case.
- If mechanical failure contributed to the accident, the car manufacturer may bear partial liability. If the car was recently worked on and the mechanic failed to notice a problem they should reasonably have noticed during the inspection, the mechanic may bear part of that liability.
- If the driver chose to drive under the influence, the bar or restaurant that over-served them–especially if the server knew the driver would choose to drive–may bear partial liability for the accident.
- If the driver shared liability for the accident with another driver, both drivers’ insurance companies may share the financial burden associated with the accident.
What Damages Can You Recover After an Uber Accident?
After an Uber accident with serious injuries, you may need to recover funds in compensation as part of your claim. The items included in your claim will depend on the factors associated with your accident, including the severity of your injuries; however, many victims of Uber and other accidents file including several common claims for damages:
- Medical expenses. After an accident with serious injuries, you may face high medical bills that pile up fast. While your medical insurance company may cover many of those bills up front, you may need to recover funds for copays, deductibles, and other expenses related to the accident. Medical expenses may also include alterations to your home or vehicle to accommodate long-term disability caused by the accident.
- Pain and suffering. Your accident caused significant pain and suffering, both in terms of your physical injuries and in terms of your emotional suffering. You might suffer post-traumatic stress disorder or anxiety related to your accident, or you might have to miss out on events that previously had great meaning to you.
- Lost time at work. When recovering from serious injuries, you may miss substantial time at work, leading to a gap in your income. Bills, on the other hand, do not go away just because of your injuries. Part of your claim may include lost wages during your recovery, including lost wages for doctors’ visits. You may also need to seek compensation for lost earning potential if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous employment after the accident.
How Do Insurance Companies Try to Avoid Paying After an Uber Accident?
Uber drivers must carry specific insurance for their professional vehicle use. Seeking compensation after your accident, however, may present a number of challenges. Insurance companies may:
- Try to shift liability. The company may insist that its driver did not cause or contribute to the accident in an attempt to get the other driver’s insurance company to pay the bills.
- Attempt to prove that your injuries cause fewer complications and difficulties than you claim.
- Offer you a low initial settlement that does not represent the full compensation you deserve for your injuries.
How Our an Uber Accident Attorney Can Help
Uber’s insurance agents have a great deal of experience. They have been to bat for Uber drivers before, and they will fight those battles again. After an Uber accident, you cannot afford not to have an attorney to represent you. Your attorney will:
- Help determine when to accept a settlement.
- Provide you with valuable legal advice throughout the process.
- Represent your interests throughout the process, even if that means going to court.
At The Robert Pahlke Law Group, we start with a free consultation to better understand your claim. Often, we accept clients on a contingent fee basis: our payment is simply a portion of your settlement, rather than an up-front fee. With no payment collected up front, we find ourselves in a better position to help many clients pursue compensation even when money is tight.
If you suffered injuries in a serious Uber accident, don’t try to seek compensation on your own. Instead, contact The Robert Pahlke Law Group online or call today at (308) 633-4444.