Harrison Uber Accident Attorney

Dealing with the aftermath of an Uber accident can be emotionally overwhelming and legally complex, as these rideshare incidents raise unique questions about liability and insurance coverage. Understanding more about these accidents and your rights ensures that you can take appropriate action to protect those rights. Taking the right steps following a rideshare incident not only helps ensure you get the proper medical attention if needed but also gives you a better chance of filing a successful insurance claim or Harrison personal injury lawsuit if necessary.

Common Causes of Uber Accidents

Uber accidents, similar to any vehicular collisions, can happen under a variety of circumstances, though there are some unique causes specific to these types of vehicles. Recognizing the common causes is the first step in understanding liability and seeking recourse.

Distracted Driving

Rideshare drivers are often doing multiple things at once, from accepting rides on the app to letting passengers know they’ve arrived to navigating directions on their GPS. This kind of distracted driving puts everyone at an increased risk for accidents.

Fatigued Driving

Rideshare drivers often work long hours and late at night to prioritize lucrative times of the day or week – known as surge pricing. Fatigue from long hours or lack of sleep can compromise a driver’s reaction time and decision-making abilities, making fatigued driving a hazard on the road.

Speeding

In an effort to maximize earnings by completing more rides in less time, some Uber drivers might speed. Not only does this behavior break traffic laws, but it also increases the chance of losing control of the vehicle and reduces reaction times in emergency situations.

Poorly Maintained Vehicles

Rideshare vehicles are subject to frequent use which means they may suffer from wear and tear. If drivers do not properly maintain their cars – overlooking issues with brakes, tires, or lights – they face risks that can directly lead to accidents.

Unfamiliarity With Roads

Uber drivers often work in unfamiliar areas which can lead to navigation errors. This unfamiliarity with roads and local driving regulations often results in missed turns, sudden stops, or unexpected merges, all of which heighten the chances for collisions.

Understanding Liability in Uber Accidents

When you’re involved in an Uber accident, understanding who is liable is essential to resolving the situation appropriately. Liability can vary based on multiple factors, and knowing which parties might be responsible helps in managing the aftermath of the accident. An Uber and Lyft accident lawyer in Harrison may be able to assist if you’re harmed in a preventable collision.

Uber’s Insurance Coverage

Uber has a structured insurance policy that varies depending on the driver’s status. When the driver’s app is on but there’s no passenger, Uber provides a certain level of coverage. If the driver is heading to pick up a passenger or driving with a passenger, the coverage changes. This tiered system ensures that different situations are addressed with appropriate insurance solutions, giving both drivers and passengers some peace of mind.

Liability of the Uber Driver

If the Uber driver’s app is offline at the time of the accident, their personal insurance will need to cover any damages. Additionally, there could be situations where Uber’s insurance doesn’t fully cover the incident even if their insurance does apply. In these cases, the driver’s own insurance policies could come into play to make up the difference.

Third-Party Liability

Sometimes, an accident isn’t solely the fault of the Uber driver. Another driver or party might have contributed to the incident. In such cases, third-party liability could be considered, which may influence how damages are addressed and compensation is managed.

Identifying all the parties involved helps ensure that the appropriate parties are held accountable.

Contacting a Personal Injury Lawyer After an Uber Accident

After an accident, reaching out to a personal injury lawyer is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your rights and help you understand your options. They can provide valuable advice based on the circumstances of the accident and make sure you take all necessary steps to obtain the compensation you’re entitled to.

For example, they will help you collect any available evidence to help you prove the accident was someone else’s fault, such as medical records, police reports, surveillance footage, and even accident reconstruction reports in some cases. They will also negotiate with insurers for you and take your case to trial if necessary to ensure you receive the maximum amount of compensation possible.

If you have questions or need help after an Uber accident, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Harrison Uber accident lawyer.