Can You Sue Uber for an Accident?

Can you sue Uber for an accident? You can sue Uber for an accident if you can demonstrate that they are negligent and caused your losses. 

Talk to an Uber accident lawyer in Rhode Island about your case and consider the following examples of when you can sue Uber.

You Were a Pedestrian or Bike Rider Struck by an Uber Driver

You can sue Uber for an accident if the driver providing a service struck you while you were walking or riding a bike. For example, if an Uber driver logged into the app, picked up a ride request, and was on the way to provide that service when they struck you, you can hold Uber responsible for the driver’s actions. This applies whether they have picked up the passenger or not.

In these situations, you must demonstrate that the driver was responsible for the accident. That happens for many reasons, such as the driver being distracted, running a red light, or simply not knowing how to properly navigate the roadway. Uber is responsible for the losses their drivers cause in these difficult situations, and your attorney will help you build a strong claim for those losses. Police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstruction evidence can help build your claim.

Being struck as a pedestrian or a bike rider could mean significant compensation if you have serious injuries. As a result, it is wise to work with an attorney who has extensive experience in this area to document your losses comprehensively. You will also want to ensure you consider future financial losses resulting from the incident with the help of a Rhode Island rideshare accident lawyer.

An Uber Driver Caused an Accident While Providing Service to You

The most common time to sue Uber for an accident occurs when you are a passenger in a vehicle receiving a service registered by Uber. For example, the driver working for Uber picked up your request for service and was providing that service, and logged into the Uber app. In these cases, Uber is responsible for what happens.

When actively engaged in a ride as a passenger in which the driver of the Uber caused the accident, you can seek a claim against the rideshare company for all losses you have. In this situation, Uber’s liability insurance (Unfair rideshare insurance requirements raise costs for riders and affect drivers’ ability to earn), which provides up to $1 million in protection, becomes available to you. You can seek compensation for all losses you have up to that value.

This may apply in situations where the driver was acting recklessly, distracted while driving, intoxicated, or otherwise causing the incident to occur. You must document all of the medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering claims you have, and then file. Uber may still negotiate with you, making it critical to hire a trusted Rhode Island personal injury lawyer to guide you in this process.

When the Driver Is Not Logged In

It is important to know that if the Uber driver is not providing a service through the Uber app at the time of the accident, you cannot file a suit against the rideshare company. In these situations, the driver’s personal liability insurance applies, but the policy limits are typically much lower. Your attorney will work to negotiate a fair claim up to the amount of coverage the driver has, usually at least $100,000.

You Were Struck by an Uber Driver in Your Car

Uber accidents can cause injuries to others as well, including other drivers. If an Uber driver ran a red light and struck you in your car, causing an accident, the laws of the road apply, and you can seek compensation for any injuries you have from the at-fault driver. That is Uber if the driver is logged into the app and has accepted a ride at the time of the accident.

In many situations, these accidents can become confusing because you must know what the driver was doing at the time of the accident. If the driver fails to communicate that to you, your lawyer will pursue documentation such as data from the Uber app that demonstrates they were providing a service. In these situations, you can seek compensation if you can demonstrate the driver was at fault, such as by speeding, aggressive driving, or engaging in other activities that put you at risk.

If a driver strikes you, you believe is operating for Uber at the time but is not providing an actual ride at the time, the driver may still be responsible. However, you can expect Uber to refute any claims you bring against them. In these situations, it is always best to let an attorney guide you in recovering fair damages to hold all parties accountable as they should be.

You Can Show Uber Was Negligent

In all situations, you must demonstrate that Uber was negligent. If their driver was providing a service, then this claim becomes possible. There are several indications that Uber puts others at risk, allowing you to sue Uber for an accident.

For example, if a driver has been involved in multiple accidents previously, and Uber is aware of this, they are putting others at risk. You trusted that the driver they provided to you was safe and experienced when they had proof that they were not. The same applies to drivers with DUIs or other similar charges.

The complexity of filing a lawsuit against Uber is that they are a large company and have powerful attorneys working with them. These attorneys know how to limit the compensation paid out and even how to shift blame to you. This can become problematic for victims, which is why you should talk with a Rhode Island car accident lawyer.

Hiring an Attorney Protects Your Future

Even if you are sure you can file a claim against the company, turn to a lawyer for guidance. You can sue Uber for an accident, but with the help of an attorney, you may be able to pursue financial compensation out of court and move on with your life. 

Call an Uber accident lawyer in Rhode Island at Gemma Law Firm today.