In 2021, 118 million people user the Uber application at least once a month. Whether they used it to call a ride or order takeout, there were more drivers on the road as a result. Because Florida is a vacation spot, people are more likely to use Uber here when compared to other states.
With an increase in ridesharing drivers on the road, accidents are becoming more common as well. If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident involving an Uber driver, contact us online or (561) 293-2600.
Video Transcript
So you've been in a car accident. What happens next? There are many things that you should do but here are the three most important:
Number One: See a doctor immediately.
A broken bone is easy to see, but some injuries are not. The most common injuries from car accidents happen in the neck, back, or head. The only way to diagnose and treat them is by seeing a doctor. A doctor can help ease the pain, provide medication, reassure you of how your injury may impact your daily life, and tell you what not to do to make it worse.
A visit to the doctor can also give you legally protected time off to recover and rest your body after an accident, and it documents and provides the evidence you may need for your case. Even a five-mile-per-hour car accident can cause a serious injury. So whether you've had a severe accident or a minor collision, see a doctor. And if you don't have medical insurance, let us know and we'll make sure that you receive the proper care.
Number Two: Write everything down.
Even if it seems small, during times of stress or injury it is common to forget the little details. Make sure you keep note of the pain that you're in. With neck, back, and head injuries, sometimes simple activities such as walking up the stairs or picking up a toddler may cause severe pain.
You may not be sleeping well at night. Documenting how much you sleep and how often you wake up due to pain is also very important. And lastly, if you have any cuts or bruises, take daily photos as you heal. This will provide visual evidence of the injuries that you've suffered.
Number Three: Do not speak to an insurance company until you've spoken to a lawyer.
Please understand that the insurance adjuster works for a billion-dollar corporation and not for you. Their interests are solely for their insurance company, and their goal is to provide you with the least amount of financial settlement as quickly as possible. When you do speak with them, remember they will record the conversation. Why do they do this? Because they've been trained to ask questions that may confuse you. So talk to us before you talk to them.
So remember: See a doctor, document everything, and call us before calling the insurance company for your free private consultation. We are here for you. Real tough lawyers fighting real tough issues.
Causes of Uber Car Accidents
Uber drivers are encouraged (and required) to use their cell phones while driving. They have to constantly monitor ride requests and drive in areas that they may be unfamiliar with. Even the best drivers may struggle to multitask. Ultimately, the safest driving requires all attention on the road at all times. Uber drivers often can’t commit to that level of focus because of the many distractions present.
Common causes of Uber car accidents include:
Distracted driving, such as texting, talking on the phone, monitoring ride requests, putting an address into Google Maps, talking to a passenger, or listening to loud music
Inexperienced drivers
Not looking before merging, changing lanes, or turning
Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Aggressive driving, like speeding or road rage
Are Uber Car Accidents Common?
While Uber promotes safety by decreasing the amount of drunk drivers on the road, accidents can still happen every day. According to their safety report from 2019, there were 101 fatalities that occurred because of Uber accidents.
Of those 101 fatalities, 32% involved a speeding vehicle, and 23% involved a drunk driver. While there may have been only 101 fatalities in the span of a year throughout the entire country, there were likely many more accidents that didn’t result in death.
Causes of Uber Car Accidents
Uber drivers are encouraged (and required) to use their cell phones while driving. They have to constantly monitor ride requests and drive in areas that they may be unfamiliar with. Even the best drivers may struggle to multitask. Ultimately, the safest driving requires all attention on the road at all times. Uber drivers often can’t commit to that level of focus because of the many distractions present.
Common causes of Uber car accidents include:
Distracted driving, such as texting, talking on the phone, monitoring ride requests, putting an address into Google Maps, talking to a passenger, or listening to loud music
Inexperienced drivers
Not looking before merging, changing lanes, or turning
Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
There are a few different types of Uber car accidents. The type of accident you’re involved in can determine how much compensation you can receive and who you’re filing your lawsuit against.
Application Off
If the Uber driver that hit you had their app offline, Uber does not provide any coverage. When you file a lawsuit, you’ll file a claim against their personal insurance company.
Application On, Awaiting a Ride Request
If their application is online and they’re awaiting a request from a passenger, Uber offers supplement insurance coverage. You may receive compensation from both their personal insurance coverage and Uber’s insurance coverage.
Application On, En Route to Passenger or Passenger Onboard
If the Uber application is online and the driver is on their way to pick up a passenger, or there’s a passenger on board, Uber provides very comprehensive liability coverage. This coverage protects their contractors and anyone else who might be injured, such as a passenger or third-party driver.
Steps to Take if You’re Hit by an Uber Driver
If you’ve been hit by an Uber driver, you should take the same steps you would if you were involved in any type of car accident. First and foremost, you’ll want to receive immediate medical attention if you’re severely injured. If you’ve been cleared by EMTs to stay at the scene of the accident, you should complete the following steps:
File a police report.
Exchange contact information with the Uber driver. Do not apologize or admit fault in any way. They will likely alert Uber that an accident occurred.
Take pictures and videos of the scene, your injuries, and the vehicles involved.
Speak with witnesses, exchange contact information, and encourage them to speak with law enforcement when they arrive.
Leave the scene of the accident and seek immediate medical treatment. Don’t go home first or stop anywhere else. Go directly to the hospital or emergency room.
Speak with an attorney. It’s important to complete this step before talking with Uber or any insurance companies. Your attorney will take care of the claims process and speak to insurance companies for you. This will prevent you from accidentally damaging your case in the early stages.
What if I’m the Passenger?
If you’re the passenger of an Uber and an accident occurs, the process is only slightly different. If the Uber driver were at fault for the accident, you’d be able to receive compensation from their insurance company. If the other driver were at fault, you’d be able to file a claim with their insurance company. In some cases, you may have to file a claim with both parties.
Types of Evidence Used in Uber Cases
To build a strong case against Uber and get you the compensation that you deserve, we’ll need to gather solid evidence. Types of evidence we often use in Uber car accident cases include:
Photos taken by you and witnesses. A picture is worth a thousand words and can reveal a lot about fault. For example, if there are skid marks leading to the crash, it can show that the driver had to slam on their brakes. This may mean that they were speeding or not paying attention.
Video evidence is even stronger and can be recovered from dashcams and security cameras. By working with an attorney, accessing this footage is much easier.
Witness statements. Both eyewitness and expert witness statements are a great way to build your case. Eyewitnesses can back up your personal statement. Expert witnesses can help connect pieces of the puzzle. For example, a medical expert would explain how the accident caused your injuries.
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Contact Osborne & Francis as Soon as Possible After Your Uber Car Accident
If you or someone you love has been involved in an accident involving an Uber driver, we’re here to help you. When you choose Osborne & Francis, you’ll have an expert law firm on your side. With our resources, experience, and passion, we’re confident we can win. Contact us online or at (561) 293-2600 to schedule a free case evaluation today.
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