Rideshare services like Uber have revolutionized how we travel, providing convenience at the touch of a button. Yet Uber vehicle accidents can create complicated legal issues. If you have been injured while a passenger, pedestrian, or driver in an Uber accident, you will want to consult an experienced Uber accident lawyer to ensure that your rights are not being violated and that you are being compensated justly.
Kevin L. Sullivan II handles Uber accident cases throughout the state of Florida. We have many years of experience in this area of personal injury law, and we have since secured many clients the compensation they deserve for injuries caused by a negligent Uber driver or another rideshare company. Call (813) 598-4868 for a free consultation if you have been injured.
Because of the specific legal and insurance aspects related to rideshare accidents, they are not like regular car accidents. Uber considers its drivers independent contractors, not employees. This distinction can create challenges in seeking compensation, as Uber routinely seeks to avoid liability. Florida law, on the other hand, establishes specific obligations that help rideshare drivers stay covered by an insurance policy that can compensate victims in these situations.
Here are important things to know regarding fault and damages if you are involved in an Uber accident. Was the driver actively signed into the app? Is someone riding with them at that moment? These specifics determine whether Uber’s $1 million insurance policy is the primary one that applies or if the driver’s auto insurance is responsible.
Uber accidents can pose a considerable physical, emotional, and financial burden on victims. As your Uber accidents attorney, Kevin L. Sullivan II will fight for your right to compensation for every damage where applicable, including:
These are measurable financial losses directly tied to your accident, such as:
– Medical expenses, including future treatments and rehabilitation.
– Lost wages from time missed at work.
– Loss of earning capacity for long-term or permanent disabilities.
– Property damage, such as vehicle repairs or replacement.
Non-economic damages relate to the personal impact the accident has had on your life, as follows:
– Pain and suffering.
– Emotional distress or mental anguish.
– Loss of enjoyment of life.
– Scarring or disfigurement.
In some rare cases, you can also receive punitive damages. These may be awarded if the defendant’s actions are grossly negligent or intentional. Punitive damages are unpredictable, but they can add a great deal of deterrence value and greatly increase the case’s value.
If you do become injured in an Uber accident, taking the correct steps will not only help your claim and better protect your legal rights. Here’s what to do:
Your safety and health are paramount. If possible, get to a safe location and call 911 to report the accident. Get medical care even if you don’t believe you’re severely injured.
Take photos of all vehicles involved, any visible injuries, and the accident scene. These photos can serve as critical evidence.
If you were a passenger, report the accident to Uber using the app’s reporting feature. Be concise and avoid admitting fault.
Collect names, phone numbers, and insurance information from all involved parties. Don’t forget to get contact details for any witnesses.
When you hear insurance company statements or sign any papers, you don’t do this or sign anything only upon the attorney’s advice. However, the Uber accident attorneys at our firm keep the insurance adjusters at bay because they try to get out of paying the most compensation for the accident.
The first few moments after an accident can be confusing. Avoid these common mistakes that can compromise your claim:
– Leaving the Scene: Never leave the accident scene unless you are in immediate danger without the presence of law enforcement.
– Admitting Fault: Admitting fault could damage your case.
– Posting on Social Media: Insurance businesses can use your posts against you. Do not talk about the accident or your injuries online.
– Accepting the First Settlement Offer: Most of the initial offers you get are lowball offers trying to settle your case quickly. An environmental attorney will ensure you find the real value of your claim.
Uber maintains different levels of insurance coverage according to driver status when an accident occurs:
– App Off: When the driver is not signed into the Uber app, their insurance covers them.
– App On, No Passenger: If the driver is logged in but not transporting a passenger, Uber provides limited liability coverage (e.g., $50,000 per person for bodily injury).
– App On, Passenger Onboard: Uber’s $1 million liability policy applies when a driver is actively transporting a passenger or en route to pick one up.
Understanding these coverage tiers is crucial for determining where to file your claim.
Florida law imposes firm deadlines for filing Uber accident claims:
– Personal Injury Claims: You have four years to file a lawsuit from the date of the accident.
– Wrongful Death Claims: If your loved one was killed in an Uber accident, you have two years to pursue a wrongful death claim.
Missing the filing deadlines can cause you to lose your right to compensation. It is important to act quickly to ensure that you meet all legal deadlines and preserve important evidence.
By choosing Kevin L. Sullivan II, you aren’t just hiring a lawyer but a constitutional defender with roots in Florida dedicated to winning your case. We know how complicated Uber accident cases can be and how to use the legal system to your advantage. We also treat all of our clients with the respect and compassion that they deserve and have a lawyer who cares for their case.
If you are an Uber accident injury victim, do not go through the legal process alone. There are a lot of details to navigate, and attorney Kevin L. Sullivan II knows the ins and outs to help every step of the way. We will do everything from negotiating with the insurance companies to fighting your case in court to secure the compensation you deserve.
Call (813) 598-4868 today to get started with a free, no-obligation consultation. You heal and rebuild your life, and we will handle the legal details.
