Rideshare accident victims often wonder whether they can secure compensation from the responsible rideshare company. If you were involved in a rideshare accident you did not cause, chances are you are entitled to significant compensation for your injuries and other losses. Whether you were a rideshare passenger, pedestrian, or occupant in another vehicle, you deserve justice and fair compensation for any harm you suffered at little to no fault of your own.
The legal team at Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC, is ready to fight for you. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Uber accident lawyer in Duluth.
What Are the Minimum Qualifications for a Rideshare Driver?
Before taking on any passengers, rideshare companies normally require aspiring drivers to prove that they meet minimum requirements. For example, drivers for Uber must:
- Meet the minimum age requirements for driving in their city
- Have at least one year of licensed driving experience in the U.S. (three years if the driver is under 25 years old)
- Possess a valid U.S. driver’s license
- Operate an eligible four-door vehicle
- Provide proof of residency and vehicle insurance
- Provide a full-face profile photo to use on the rideshare app
It is worth noting that aspiring drivers do not have to complete company driving tests, undergo medical examinations, or submit fingerprints to drive for Uber. In other words, Uber drivers have no specialized qualifications setting them apart from the average motorist. This means they are just as likely to be involved in auto accidents and violate traffic as any other non-professional.
What Should I Do After an Uber Accident in Duluth, Georgia?
Being involved in an auto accident, including those involving rideshare drivers, can be a traumatic and disorienting experience. The following shortlist should help you take appropriate steps to protect yourself and your right to compensation after being injured in a rideshare accident. If you are hurt in a Duluth accident involving an Uber driver, you should:
- Evaluate your own injuries
- Evaluate your passengers’ injuries
- Report the accident and request emergency help if necessary
- Take photos and gather evidence from the scene
- Seek medical care for your injuries as soon as possible
- Follow your doctor’s care plan
- Document your recovery in a pain journal
- Submit an accident report to Uber
- Keep copies of medical and financial records
- Watch what you say to others or post on social media about the crash
- Consult with an attorney to ensure you know your rights and options
The legal team at Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC is ready to evaluate and handle your case from start to finish. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney.
What are Some Common Injuries Sustained After an Uber Car Accident?
As in any auto accident, the injuries you can sustain in a rideshare accident range widely from relatively minor to catastrophic. Common injuries sustained in rideshare accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) and paralysis
- Sprains, strains, bruises, and other soft-tissue injuries
- Broken bones, fractures, and dislocations
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Loss of limb and amputation
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Burns and “road rash”
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Car Insurance Coverage Through Uber’s Corporate Policy
Uber provides auto insurance for its drivers while they are on the job. Uber drivers are considered to be on the job in the following circumstances:
- The Uber driver is online or waiting for a fare – A driver who is available or waiting for a rider while logged into the rideshare app is covered by Uber’s third-party liability auto insurance even though they do not have a passenger or delivery on board. This insurance covers up to $50,000 in bodily injury per person, $100,000 in bodily injury per accident, and $100,000 in property damage per accident.
- The Uber driver is en route to pick up or actively transporting a rider – If a driver is transporting or on their way to pick up a passenger or delivery, Uber provides up to $1,000,000 in third-party liability insurance. It also provides uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) bodily injury and/or first-party injury insurance.
However, if an Uber driver is not logged into the app, they are not considered to be on the job and therefore are not covered by Uber’s company insurance. Instead, accident victims must normally turn to the responsible driver’s personal auto liability insurance to recover compensation for their injuries and other losses.
What Damages Can I Recover After Being Injured in a Duluth Uber Accident?
If you were injured in a rideshare accident at little to no fault of your own, you are likely entitled to a wide range of compensation for your economic and noneconomic losses. At Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC, our Uber accident lawyers can help you pursue compensation for things like:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages if you could not work due to your injuries
- Reduced earning capacity if your injuries result in long-term disability
- Pain and suffering
- Lowered quality of life
- Emotional distress
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Wrongful death
- Damaged property
How Do You Prove Fault in a Rideshare Accident?
To receive compensation for injuries and losses sustained in a rideshare accident, you must prove fault by a preponderance of the evidence. An experienced personal injury lawyer can evaluate your accident and gather the necessary evidence to support your rideshare accident claim. Depending on the situation, relevant evidence may include things like:
- Photos of the crash scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries
- Video footage from dash cams, surveillance cameras, or traffic cameras
- Official accident reports
- Statements from reliable witnesses to the accident
- Testimony from experts, such as traffic engineers and accident reconstruction specialists
- Data from cell phone records, GPS navigators, and toxicology test results
- Vehicle maintenance records
- Medical treatment records
What Factors Can Affect the Outcome of an Uber Accident Claim?
Ultimately, each car accident is unique and should be evaluated by an experienced attorney on a case-by-case basis. Factors that could affect the outcome of an Uber accident claim include:
- The severity of your crash injuries and other losses
- Whether the Uber driver was logged into the rideshare app
- Whether the Uber driver had a passenger or delivery on board
- How many other parties, if any, were involved in the collision
- Who was primarily at fault for the accident
- Whether fault was shared by multiple parties
- The kinds and amount of insurance coverage available
Should I Speak with a Rideshare Insurer Before Consulting with a Lawyer?
As a rule of thumb, accident victims should be very cautious when discussing their claims with insurance adjusters. Insurance companies make money by denying as many claims as possible, and their adjusters will look for as many reasons as they can to minimize the value of your claim or deny it altogether. Consulting with an Uber accident attorney before discussing your claim with insurers is the best way to make sure you know your rights and are not taken advantage of by an unscrupulous adjuster.