Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become one of the most popular ways to get around. However with the increase in rideshare also comes an increase in collisions involving them. If you have been critically injured in an Uber accident, you may be ready to take legal action against anyone and everyone who is responsible for causing your injuries.
You may be able to sue Uber if your driver is in an accident. However, other parties could also share the blame for the accident. Working with an experienced Michigan Uber accident lawyer at White Law PLLC is the best way to identify all culpable parties and ensure they are brought to justice to the fullest extent of the law.
When You Can Sue Uber If Your Driver Is in an Accident
There are several instances in which you may be able to sue Uber. After all, Uber is ultimately responsible for the actions of their drivers. However, since Uber drivers are considered independent contractors, claims can be more complex, as Uber will attempt to avoid culpability.
How Uber Accident Insurance Claims Work
Uber has a $1,000,000 auto insurance policy that covers Uber drivers. However, the total amount of this coverage is not in effect at all times, and there are many situations where liability limits may be less than the total $1 million policy. The Uber driver must be logged into the app and either transporting a passenger or waiting to pick one up.
If the accident happens outside of this timeframe, you can expect Uber to fight back. They will argue that since the accident is outside of the coverage times, their insurance is not active and therefore irrelevant to your claim. However, that does not mean Uber cannot be sued if their negligence or misconduct directly contributed to your damages.
If the collision happened outside of coverage limits, insurance coverage may still be in place. The Uber driver should have their own auto insurance policy you can file a claim against. Many insurance companies require rideshare drivers to have additional coverage limits, so the Uber driver may have enough coverage to pay for specific types of covered losses, but certainly not every loss.
Filing an Uber Accident Lawsuit
Insurance may not be enough to ensure you are compensated for your damages in full. Whether you are filing a claim against Uber’s insurance policy or that of the Uber driver, it may not cover every loss. Fortunately, you may still be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against Uber or the Uber driver.
Your car accident attorney will need to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the crash to determine who should be sued. Uber may be held accountable for their driver’s actions since they do not properly vet most rideshare drivers before giving them authority to drive for Uber. However, you may feel intimidated thinking about moving forward with a lawsuit against a national corporation.
Sometimes filing a lawsuit against Uber and other liable parties is the best way to get justice and recover the compensation you are owed. These parties are unlikely to accept responsibility for their negligence on their own. So you will need to take action with help from your rideshare accident lawyer.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
When Other Parties Might Be Liable
Uber and Uber drivers are not the only parties who can be sued for damages. The cause of your accident may uncover other parties who share the blame as well. For example, what would happen if the Uber driver could not prevent the collision due to an improperly secured road work zone?
In cases like these, government agencies like the Michigan Department of Transportation or local municipalities could be at fault. You could also take action against safety inspectors and other government-contracted workers whose negligence contributed to the collision. What would happen if your rideshare crash was caused by a defective auto part?
Auto part recalls happen often, and when they do, it is often because someone has been seriously injured or killed as a result of the defect. Auto parts manufacturers, designers, dealerships, executives, and other involved parties could be responsible for the Uber accident. Only a thorough investigation will uncover the truth.
What to Expect from Your Uber Accident Claim
The Uber accident claims process can seem like too much to handle while you are recuperating. However, with a proven personal injury attorney on your side, you can heal while we focus on your claim. You should feel confident pursuing your case, so we have compiled a quick rundown of what to expect after you get an attorney working on your case:
- We investigate the cause of the accident
- We speak with witnesses
- We determine whether the accident occurred during Uber insurance coverage times
- We get copies of driving records, criminal histories, and prior claims filed
- We review the impact of your injuries and damages
- We prepare to file insurance claims and lawsuits
- We negotiate with insurance adjusters and renegotiate settlement terms
- We present a powerful claim against Uber, the Uber driver, or other liable parties at trial
Every person’s case is different. Find out more about how your Uber accident claim may unfold. Connect with our legal team today to find out who should be the subject of your insurance and civil claims after a Rideshare accident.
We understand that you may be going through a difficult situation and we are ready to help however we can.
Get in Touch with a Dedicated Michigan Uber Accident Lawyer Today
Having an experienced Michigan Uber accident attorney working on your case is essential. Uber and rideshare accident claims can be notoriously complex since there are so many moving parts and potentially liable parties. Let us conduct a comprehensive investigation and reveal the identities of those who should be held accountable.
Whether you need to pursue legal action against your Uber driver, Uber, or other third parties, our legal team has the skills and experience needed to win. We want you to feel empowered and ready to take back control of your life. Request a no-cost, risk-free consultation today when you call our office or fill out our convenient contact form.
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