As rideshare services continue to gain in popularity, the accident rates we see involving Uber drivers are also increasing. While it’s scary to think about being in an accident while riding in an Uber or even being another driver who is hit by an Uber driver, there are laws in place to protect you and help you recover an Uber accident settlement.
However, it’s important to note that Uber driver car accident settlement cases are not easy to navigate. When you are involved in an accident with a rideshare company like Uber, they have their own insurance policies and legal team to protect them. As such, hiring a lawyer to defend your rights and ensure Uber and their insurance do not take advantage of the situation or trick you out of the compensation you deserve is often necessary.
At Zirkin & Schmerling, we understand how frustrating and overwhelming it can be to file a claim against a corporate business like Uber. Our Maryland car accident attorneys have experience handling Uber accident claims and know what it takes to ensure our clients are fully and fairly compensated for the damages they have suffered.
How Much Can I Expect to Win from an Uber Accident Settlement?
In truth, there is no way to offer up an estimation without knowing your exact situation. Every car accident case is different and many factors can contribute to how much you can expect to be awarded, which we will get into more below.
That said, when it comes to Uber accidents, the thing to keep in mind is insurance. Whether or not Uber will even cover your accident and award you a settlement will depend on when or how the accident happened and who was at fault.
Uber essentially has four phases to determine who will cover damages.
- Phase 1: This phase refers to when an Uber driver is offline and not actively on duty. If a driver causes an accident during this phase, Uber does not take any responsibility. This means you would have to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s personal car insurance.
- Phase 2: In this phase, the Uber driver is working and actively logged onto the Uber app, but they are waiting for a request, meaning they are not currently transporting any passengers nor are they on their way to pick up any passengers. If the Uber driver causes an accident during this phase, Uber’s insurance should cover the claim.
- Phase 3: During this phase, the Uber driver is actively on duty and they are en route to drop off or pick up a passenger. If the driver causes an accident during this time, Uber takes full responsibility and their 1 million dollar insurance coverage applies.
- Phase 4: During this phase, the Uber driver was transporting a passenger, but the Uber driver was not at fault for the collision. This would trigger a claim against Uber’s insurance policy for uninsured or underinsured motorists.
How Long Does an Uber Settlement Take?
It is difficult to determine how long it will take to reach a settlement without knowing the full details of the accident. Again, each car accident case is unique, and various factors can play a role in how much you can be awarded and how long it can take for the case to conclude. An Uber accident settlement could take anywhere from a few weeks to several months or longer.
Factors That Play a Role in Uber Accident Compensation
As mentioned above, there are several factors related to the damages you have suffered that can play a role in how much your Uber accident settlement is worth. These factors include:
The Severity of Your Injuries
How badly you were injured in the Uber accident will play a significant role in how much money you should be awarded. The more severe your injuries, the more money you should get. For example, if you only have sprains and strains from the accident where the pain goes away after a couple of weeks then you will likely not win as much as you would if you sustained a serious head or spinal cord injury.
Your Economic Losses
Your economic losses are the damages you suffered that have a monetary value. These can include your medical expenses for the treatment of your injuries, the income you lost while recovering from your accident, and personal property that may have been damaged in the accident. It can also include some out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident and your injuries, such as gas money to drive to the hospital to receive treatments.
Your Non-Economic Losses
Your non-economic losses are the damages that do not hold a monetary value, but that you should still be compensated for. This typically includes the pain and suffering you experience as a result of the accident. The more suffering you are in and the more your life is affected by the accident and your injuries, the more money you should receive. This can also include any emotional or psychological distress you experience as a result of the accident.
Liability and Insurance
Who was at fault for the accident will also play a role in your Uber accident settlement. As mentioned above, Uber will only cover the accident if their driver was at fault during Phase 2 and Phase 3 or Phase 4 if another driver is at fault, but doesn’t have adequate insurance. If someone other than Uber is at fault and they have adequate insurance, then you will have to file a claim against that person, and how much money you recover will depend on their insurance coverage and the Uber uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
How an Attorney Can Help Maximize Your Uber Accident Settlement
The best way to ensure you get the highest settlement possible is to build a strong case and ensure your rights are protected. This is best achieved by working with a personal injury lawyer. Uber’s insurance company will also do whatever it can to get out of paying high settlements. This means you need a lawyer to protect you and handle negotiations with Uber and their insurance and to file a lawsuit if necessary.
A lawyer can help investigate the case, assist in providing proper medical professionals to help with your injuries, and gather evidence for your case. In addition, a lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company to ensure that the insurance company compensates the victim with a fair settlement. A lawyer can also represent you in court if the case requires litigation.
All of these things that a lawyer can do for you can help you maximize your Uber accident settlement to ensure you are fairly compensated for all that you have lost or suffered.
Have a Legal Question? Our Uber Accident Lawyers Have the Answers.
At Zirkin & Schmerling Personal Injury Attorneys, our Maryland Uber accident lawyers have years of experience handling complex cases, including those involving Uber and Lyft drivers. If you were involved in an accident with an Uber driver, we will fight hard to protect your rights and ensure you are awarded the full and fair settlement you deserve.
Contact us or call us at 410-753-4611 to schedule an appointment with one of our Maryland Uber accident lawyers today.