Experiencing an accident involving an Uber rideshare vehicle can add extra layers of complication to a car accident claim. One of our Columbia Uber accident lawyers can help you determine liability and secure compensation after a rideshare crash.
The Columbia injury attorneys at Rikard & Protopapas understand the complexities of Uber accidents and can support you in the journey toward a favorable outcome after a catastrophic collision. Contact us today and learn more about the next steps to take after an Uber accident in Columbia.
How Can a Columbia Uber Accident Attorney Help Your Case?
An attorney’s role in a rideshare accident case starts with investigating the collision and determining who is at fault, whether that is the Uber driver, any non-Uber drivers involved in the accident, or the rideshare company itself.
Your lawyer will collect and organize evidence that supports your case and evaluate the damages you sustained to reveal the potential value of your claim. A Columbia Uber accident attorney also handles paperwork and other administrative tasks for you, negotiates with the insurance company on your behalf, and represents you in court if necessary.
Insurers can make it difficult to receive the settlement you deserve by taking advantage of the potentially ambiguous liability circumstances of a rideshare accident. If the insurance company denies your claim or offers a lowball settlement, our Columbia Uber accident lawyers can step in and advocate for the right outcome.
Why Do Uber Accidents Happen?
As an Uber passenger, you might expect that you are in safe hands riding with an experienced and “professional” driver. In reality, Uber does not require any professional qualifications from its drivers beyond a typical driver’s license and valid auto insurance.
Your rideshare driver is a normal motorist like most other drivers on the road.
In fact, they might be even more prone to accidents due to unusual actions they must take in the course of their job, such as making frequent stops and checking their rideshare app while driving.
Other common reasons why an Uber accident might happen include:
- Driving while distracted
- Driving on unfamiliar roads
- Fatigue or exhaustion
- Unsafe parking
- Blocking traffic during pickups or dropoffs
- Poor vehicle maintenance
Rideshare passengers might experience a wide range of potential injuries in an Uber accident, some of which may be more common than others due to the likelihood that the passenger will be in the back seat. These injuries can include whiplash, spinal cord injuries and broken bones.
How Does Insurance Work in an Uber Accident?
The first question you might have for your Uber accident lawyer after a crash is likely in regard to whose insurance will cover your injuries. If you experience an accident during an Uber ride in progress, then the company is responsible for covering your damages under its own insurance policy.
If the Uber driver causes an accident that harms you after the conclusion of your ride, such as after you exited the vehicle, then you can receive compensation from that driver’s personal auto insurance provider. In the event that a different driver is responsible for your accident, then their insurer is instead responsible for compensating you.
Rideshare accidents are complex events with multiple involved parties.
Depending on the circumstances, you may be eligible to receive compensation from multiple parties. Our Columbia Uber accident lawyers can help determine which insurance companies are responsible for compensating you and presenting your claim to all relevant parties.
How Can You Protect Your Claim Against Uber?
Though you have more than enough to worry about after experiencing a rideshare accident, it is prudent to take certain actions that can protect your claim and give you the best shot at a favorable outcome.
Your top priority after any car crash is to seek medical attention as soon as possible, and be mindful of the importance of keeping thorough medical records. Documenting your medical visits can help you strengthen your claim, and following your physician’s orders will also give the insurance company less wiggle room for denying you compensation.
Involving an Uber accident lawyer early on in the process is another way to protect your claim. Our attorneys can even assist with obtaining an accident report from law enforcement authorities and filing a report with the rideshare company.
During an Uber ride, the rideshare app itself is always running. This means that Uber has records of its own that may help with protecting and strengthening your claim.
What Injury Compensation Is Available for Uber Accident Victims?
When you are an Uber passenger, you have little to no control whatsoever over the actions of your driver or any other drivers on the road. You should not have to bear the burden of paying for your medical costs or any other damages when you could not be at fault for the circumstances leading up to your Uber accident.
With the help of your rideshare accident lawyer, you can hold the liable parties responsible and recover the damages owed to you for your pain and suffering.
As an Uber accident victim, you can receive compensation for the following financial damages you might incur:
- Medical bills
- Future or ongoing medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of income-earning potential
- Physical or emotional pain and suffering
- Property damage
Close communication with your doctor and your legal team can help you understand the value of your personal injuries and other damages. These evaluations will inform the amount of compensation you should receive from the at-fault party’s insurance company.
Contact an Uber Accident Lawyer in Columbia Today
It stands to reason that a rideshare passenger is very unlikely to be at-fault when an Uber accident occurs, but the insurance companies will make it difficult for you if you are another motorist hit by a rideshare driver.
To receive the full amount of compensation you may deserve for your injuries, call Rikard & Protopapas at 803-978-6111 or contact us online today to get in touch with our Columbia Uber accident lawyers. We can evaluate your case and assist you through the process until you get the settlement or verdict you deserve.