Who is liable in an Uber Accident? Liability for an Uber accident can lie with an Uber driver, another motorist, or, in rare cases, Uber itself. Determining who is at fault often requires investigative efforts, so hiring a Chicago Uber accident lawyer is highly beneficial.
Postman Law has years of experience handling these cases and can walk you through the legal process to get favorable results.
Understanding Rideshare Liability and How It Differs from Regular Accident Liability
Navigating liability in an Uber accident is not as straightforward as a typical two-vehicle crash. Uber has a unique structure that minimizes its liability by making drivers independent contractors.
This places more responsibilities and risk onto the driver. However, Uber provides third-party liability insurance that can be used when drivers cause an accident while using the app.
Unlike most car accidents, your claim could be filed against the Uber driver, Uber’s third-party insurance, another driver, or Uber in select situations.
Postman Law can help you determine who pays for damages in a rideshare accident, since this is a common question and concern. Uber passengers in particular may be in a unique position when it comes to filing claims and recovering damages.
On top of navigating liability, claimants must also deal with insurance companies that would rather protect their bottom line than compensate victims fairly.
This can make the claim process even more challenging and stressful. However, lawyers can help you understand Uber accident liability and how to combat insurance tactics so you can recover your losses.
For a free legal consultation, call 844-767-8626
Uber Drivers Can Be Held Liable, but Claims Depend on Driver Status
An Uber driver can be held liable for causing an accident if they’re negligent and don’t provide the proper care and caution while they’re driving. Uber drivers can also be distracted by the app’s GPS system and by searching their surroundings. This can make them more prone to missing activity in their environment or misjudging speed and distance.
When an Uber driver causes an accident, their status at the time of the accident matters. Uber’s insurance for rideshare drivers outlines a structure in which the driver’s personal insurance policy applies when the driver is offline, and Uber’s third-party insurance covers damages when the driver is online or en route. Determining who to file your claim against requires some upfront investigation.
If you are another driver or an Uber passenger, Postman Law can walk you through what happens if your Uber gets into an accident. We identify the driver’s status and help you file your claim.
If you are another driver, you can file a claim against the Uber driver according to their driver status. If you are a passenger, you may be able to pursue claims against both drivers involved in the accident.
Negligent Motorists Can Be Liable for Causing Collisions With Uber Vehicles
Other motorists can also be at fault for causing an accident. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation’s most recent report, Illinois Crash Facts & Statistics, there were 303,913 car accidents throughout the state in one year alone. Of those, 63,109 resulted in injuries, and 1,085 resulted in fatalities. These numbers speak to the seriousness of accidents across the state.
Drivers can cause accidents through carelessness or recklessness. This can manifest as speeding, aggressive driving, impairment, distractions, failure to yield the right-of-way, and more.
When drivers exhibit these behaviors, they can put road users, including Uber drivers and their passengers, at risk of accidents and serious harm.
When another motorist collides with an Uber and causes an accident, claims can be filed with their insurer through the typical claims process. The motorist’s insurance can review your claim and provide compensation. Postman Law can help you prepare your claim against an individual driver and demonstrate their fault.
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Uber Can Be Liable for Not Vetting or Training Drivers
While Uber is generally removed from liability for an Uber accident, there are certain situations where they could be at fault, and you could file a claim against them directly.
Uber is responsible for vetting its drivers, conducting criminal background checks, and ensuring they are properly trained on the app and safety protocols.
When Uber fails to adequately fulfill any of these responsibilities, it can be held liable for endangering passengers and road users who cross paths with an unqualified driver. Extensive evidence is needed to hold the rideshare company liable for its actions. This is where Postman Law can step in and help you pursue the evidence you need and a case against Uber.
If you pursue a lawsuit against Uber for negligence, you should be aware of the statute of limitations for car accidents in Illinois. This deadline extends only two years from the date of the accident. The right to sue Uber is forfeited if no action is taken by this time, which can leave you without legal recourse to recover damages.
How to Hold Liable Parties Responsible for Your Losses
To hold one of these parties liable for the damages you suffered, you must demonstrate their negligence and its role in your injuries.
This is done by showing the duty of care you were owed, how the driver’s careless or reckless actions breached that duty, and how it caused a collision that could have been prevented. You must also show that you wouldn’t have otherwise suffered damages.
When there is clear causation between negligence and your losses, you can hold the at-fault party liable. This can allow you to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
Postman Law Helps You Identify Liability in an Uber Accident
Postman Law is ready to help you after an Uber accident so you can be confident that you’re filing a claim against the right party.
This process can be stressful, but we utilize advanced technology and in-house teams and resources to get to the bottom of who’s at fault and secure results. Reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation with our team of attorneys.