Uber is a convenient way to travel when you don’t have a vehicle or plan to indulge in alcoholic beverages. Unfortunately, Uber rideshare vehicles can experience traffic accidents like every other vehicle on the road. If you have been in an accident in an Uber, having an Uber accident lawyer from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, can help.
Our car accident team is well-versed in North and South Carolina traffic laws. When you trust our team, we handle the details, allowing you to focus on healing and taking care of your family.
What Compensation Can You Get After an Uber Accident?
There could be several people due compensation in an Uber accident, including:
- Driver
- Passengers
- Other drivers
- Pedestrians
- Bicyclists
Regardless of your role, you may be eligible to receive compensation for any injuries. Areas of compensation include recoverable expenses, known as economic damages, and non-tangible items, known as non-economic damages.
An Uber Accident Lawyer Will Fight for Economic Damages for You
Economic damages are recoverable expenses. Any bills you have that are directly related to injuries from the accident or property damage that occurred are eligible for compensation. Some examples include:
- Medical costs
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Home modification
- Medical equipment
- Home health care
- Physical therapy
Our personal injury team will compile all existing and projected expenses to arrive at a figure that covers the additional, unexpected costs the wreck has burdened you with.
An Uber Accident Attorney Will Fight for Non-Economic Damages for You
In addition to the costs of medical care and property damage, accidents leave mental and emotional scars that deserve compensation. Some of the non-tangible losses considered under non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring
- Dismemberment (amputation)
- Partial or complete paralyzation
- Disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of life’s enjoyment
- Mental anguish
There is no direct value associated with non-economic losses. Our car accident team evaluates your injuries, the cost of your care, and future expenses to arrive at a comparable figure. We consider the emotional impact of your injuries on you and your family to place a value on this type of loss.
Wrongful Death Losses That Can Be Compensated
In cases where an Uber accident results in a fatality, the remaining family member might be eligible to receive compensation for the financial losses. Although money will never replace a loved one, it can help to keep a family financially stable while dealing with the grief of the loss. Some recoverable expenses can include the following:
- Last minute last-saving attempts and associated medical costs
- Funeral costs
- Burial or cremation costs
- Lost wages in some cases
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of parental guidance
Each state has specific rules regarding who can claim benefits in wrongful death cases. It can be helpful to consult with a wrongful death attorney familiar with the state laws and the entire claim process.
Who Can Receive Compensation After an Uber Accident?
You can receive compensation if you have injuries from an Uber vehicle accident. Discussing the wreck with an Uber accident attorney to know the full range of recoverable losses you might receive can be helpful.
- Rideshare passengers can typically claim their losses under the driver’s insurance. In some cases, the additional policies carried by Uber might be in effect. Certain circumstances must exist, so consulting with an attorney can be beneficial.
- Rideshare drivers when not at fault, can file claims with the other driver’s insurance. They may also receive compensation from their vehicle policy and Uber’s additional liability plans depending on the facts of the wreck.
Other people with losses from an Uber wreck can include third parties such as other drivers and vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, and property owners.
Why the Driver’s Status is Important
When our car accident team evaluates liability in an Uber-involved wreck, they will look at the status of the Uber driver. This is the determining factor on what insurance coverage might be available for your compensation. Uber uses three general app status stages:
- App off and driver not “actively working” means no coverage from Uber
- App on, but no passenger may offer some coverage under Uber’s insurance
- The most coverage is available when the app is on, and the driver has a passenger in the vehicle
If the driver is en route to pick up a passenger after accepting a rideshare, some coverage might be available. It can be helpful to discuss the wreck with a car accident lawyer to determine if your accident has coverage under Uber’s comprehensive insurance.
Finding the Liable Party in an Uber Accident
Knowing how to obtain compensation in an Uber accident can be confusing. With several potentially liable parties, navigating the system without assistance can be difficult.
Our team will uncover who was at fault for your wreck during our investigative process. We will determine what insurance policies offer compensation and can pinpoint where to seek coverage for your injuries. With our free case evaluation, you can ask questions and discover your options with no risk.
How an Uber Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Some of the many tasks our Uber accident attorney will perform include the following:
- Investigating your accident
- Determining the at-fault party
- Gathering photos, videos, and other evidence
- Talking with witnesses
- Organizing your entire case
- Preparing a civil court lawsuit
- Negotiating on your behalf
- Representing you from start to finish
Our team will provide you with frequent updates so you know the status of your case. We will verify your injuries and monitor your recovery to ensure you receive adequate compensation.
An Attorney’s Services Are Affordable
Our firm uses a contingency fee arrangement for personal injury cases. This means that you will have legal assistance with no upfront costs.
We get paid when you settle with the insurance companies, or we win in civil court. Our fees and reimbursement for our expenses will be payable when you receive your payment. Our team will discuss the plan with you in greater detail if you opt to partner with us for your Uber accident claim.
You Have a Time Limit to File a Lawsuit
In North Carolina, G.S. § 1-52 specifies that you have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit following an accident. When a wrongful death occurs, G.S. § 1-53 stipulates that the family generally has only two years for a claim.
In South Carolina, S.C. Ann § 15-3-530 specifies that personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits generally must be filed within three years.
Our Uber Accident Lawyer is Ready to Help
The entire team at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, is ready to assist you and your family. We are familiar with procedures in North and South Carolina and will work to secure you the best resolution possible. Contact our team to begin your free consultation.