What to Do in Case of an Uber Accident
When you’ve suffered serious injuries in an Uber accident, you may be left feeling worried and confused about what your next steps should be. The first thing to do is get to safety and receive a medical evaluation. Afterward, you may want to seek legal recovery for your Uber accident-related damages and losses. A compassionate legal advocate on your side can offer you guidance and support.
Our Uber accident attorney at De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers in Las Vegas can help you get through this challenging time and guide you on recovering your losses. Once you contact our office, we can help you determine your next move during a free consultation. Below is more information about how liability works in Uber accident claims and the steps you take after an Uber accident.
Liability for Uber Accidents
Establishing liability after an Uber accident is essential. One way injury victims could recover compensation for damages is by proving someone else’s negligence caused their injuries.
With that said, your Las Vegas personal injury attorney will need to closely evaluate your Uber accident to ensure the appropriate individual or entity is held accountable. Here’s more about who could be at fault for your Uber accident damages:
When Uber Is At Fault
Filing a lawsuit or insurance claim against Uber is one of the top ways injury victims can seek compensation for their damages. However, obtaining a settlement through Uber is often one of the most challenging ways to obtain that compensation.
This is because Uber is responsible for its drivers only while they are actively working for Uber. Uber provides its drivers with a $1 million auto insurance policy. However, this policy is only in effect when:
- The Uber driver is in driver mode.
- The Uber driver is actively transporting a passenger.
- The Uber driver is on their way to pick up a passenger.
If the accident occurred while the app was off, the Uber driver must rely on their personal auto policy. This means Uber would not be responsible for the victim’s damages. Our attorney can review the accident to determine which mode was active during your accident and establish which damages to pursue against the driver, Uber, or another party if that party played a role in your accident.
When Is an Uber Driver Liable?
However, Uber could be responsible for your damages in other instances. This is more likely to occur in situations where a victim suffers a severe injury because of a driver’s negligence.
How Uber Accident Claims Work
If you can file a claim with Uber following an accident, do not expect the insurance company to pay your claim without a fight. The insurer will likely look for every opportunity it can find to reduce your benefits or deny your claim altogether.
It may attempt to make you a low offer, deny your claim in bad faith, or even attempt to blame you for the accident. Your Uber accident attorney in Las Vegas will be prepared to go up against the insurance company and ensure Uber is held accountable for its negligent actions and financial liabilities.
When Uber Drivers Are Liable
Uber drivers can be responsible for victims’ damages in many situations. If the Uber driver was involved in a collision caused by negligent driving, they could share liability for the accident. Some examples of negligent driving are:
- Speeding
- Following too closely
- Failing to use a turn signal
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy driving
- Drugged or drunk driving
- Aggressive driving
- Road rage
- Failure to yield
- Failure to stop
If an Uber driver was not actively in driver mode at the time of the accident, their personal auto insurance policy should apply. Since Nevada is a fault state for car accidents and auto insurance purposes, you will need to file a claim with the Uber driver’s insurance company to secure certain types and amounts of compensation for your damages. Our Las Vegas personal injury attorney can help you file your claim, ensuring you protect your right to seek damages.
Third-Party Liability in Uber Accidents
It is important to note that Uber and its drivers are not necessarily the only parties responsible for causing accidents and injuries. Depending on your case, multiple parties could be at fault.
For example, if your injuries occurred in a motor vehicle accident involving an Uber, maintenance technicians, auto parts manufacturers, and other third parties could share fault if the vehicle was defective or malfunctioning. If a road hazard caused or contributed to the accident, government agencies could be responsible for compensating you for damages. Our Nevada personal injury lawyer can review the accident and determine which parties are liable for it.
What to Do After an Uber Accident
If you were in a collision with an Uber, the steps you take following your accident will be critical. After an Uber accident:
- Contact emergency responders and police.
- As you wait for the police, document the scene, if possible.
- Once emergency responders arrive, get a medical evaluation to rule out invisible injuries.
- Reach out to an Uber accident lawyer in Nevada to explore your legal options going forward.
Claims for Fatal Uber Accidents
If you lost a loved one due to a fatal Uber accident, your family may have the opportunity to get justice by filing a wrongful death action. With help from our Las Vegas Uber accident lawyer, you can seek that all liable parties will be fully held accountable under the law.
Get Help From Our Uber Accident Lawyer in Las Vegas Today
If you are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve after an Uber accident, you could benefit from having a legal advocate on your side.
You can learn more about the legal options you have and how a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer at De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers can handle your Uber accident today. Call our office now to speak with a team member during a no-cost, risk-free consultation. The sooner we hear from you, the sooner we can review your accident.