After suffering injuries in an Uber accident, recovering the compensation you need and deserve can prove challenging. Uber structures their company to reduce their level of liability in accidents involving their drivers. Fortunately, working with an experienced Birmingham Uber accident attorney can greatly improve your chances of recovering the money you need.
At Heninger Garrison Davis, LLC, we have been helping Uber accident victims recover the compensation they deserve for years. Our team of Birmingham rideshare accident lawyers has a track record of success, recovering more than $3 billion on behalf of our clients. Reach out to us today to schedule your free initial consultation.
Uber’s Insurance Policy
Uber drivers are not technically employees of the company. Instead, these workers are classified as independent contractors. Because of this, Uber can limit the benefits they provide and require that their drivers carry their own insurance policy, which serves as a first source of compensation following an accident.
However, Uber does have its own insurance coverage that applies at different levels based on the status of the Uber driver at the time of the collision.
Driver Not Logged Into the Uber App
When the driver is not logged into the Uber app at the time the accident occurs, the company is not liable for any resulting damages. If your losses exceed the coverage limits of the driver’s insurance policy, your only option for getting the rest of the money you need will be to file a lawsuit against the driver.
Driver Logged Into the Uber App, but No Ride Accepted
If the driver has logged into the Uber app but has not accepted a ride at the time of the accident, Uber’s insurance policy will offer a limited amount of coverage. However, you will still need to file a claim with the driver’s insurance before pursuing a claim under Uber’s insurance policy.
If your losses exceed the coverage limits of both insurance policies, you must file a lawsuit to recover the rest of the money you need and deserve.
Driver Logged Into the Uber App and Accepted a Ride
If the driver is logged into the Uber app and has accepted a ride, Uber’s insurance policy will come into full effect. This is true regardless of whether or not they have picked up their passenger yet or not. After filing a claim with the insurance provider for the driver, you can submit a claim under Uber’s policy for up to $1,000,000.
If your damages are still beyond this coverage limit, or the insurer attempts to deny your claim, you can file a lawsuit to recover the rest of the money to which you are entitled.
For a free legal consultation, call (205) 326-3336
Damages an Uber Accident Lawyer in Birmingham Can Help You Recover Following an Accident
After suffering an injury in an Uber accident, there are many damages you can pursue from the at-fault party. To recover the full value of your claim, it is critical that you identify all the damages that apply.
Vehicle Repair or Replacement
You can recover compensation for any damage done to your vehicle in an Uber accident. Depending on the severity of the damage, this money can be used to repair or replace your car. In addition, you have the right to pursue damages for any other personal property that was damaged in the accident.
Medical Expenses
After suffering injuries in an Uber accident, you can recover compensation for any medical costs you incur. This can cover various expenses, including:
- Treatment
- Medication
- Medical devices
- Rehabilitation
In addition to the current medical expenses you face, you can also recover money for projected future medical costs related to your accident. A medical expert can help determine the likely cost of these future medical bills.
Permanent Disability
If you become permanently disabled as a result of your accident, you can recover damages to compensate for decreased quality of life. Permanent disabilities, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and spinal cord injuries can prevent you from participating in many activities you may have previously enjoyed.
Lost Wages
If you are forced to miss work because of your injury, you can recover compensation to cover the income you were prevented from earning.
Diminished Earning Capacity
When a lasting injury prevents you from performing all the required duties of your job or restricts your ability to return to the job market altogether, you can recover damages for the decrease in your projected earnings for the rest of your life.
Emotional Distress
After an Uber accident, you may be facing many emotional difficulties related to the crash and any injuries you sustained. These damages can cover things like depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety.
Pain and Suffering
If you are dealing with chronic pain or lasting suffering after an Uber accident, you can receive substantial compensation to cover these damages.
Wrongful Death
When a loved one dies in an Uber accident, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. Alabama operates differently than most states, limiting the damages that can be recovered in a wrongful death claim to punitive damages.
The punitive damages available following a death caused by negligence have a cap. However, if the death resulted from an intentional act to commit harm, there is no limit on the amount that can be awarded.
File Your Uber Accident Lawsuit Before Time Runs Out
When attempting to secure compensation through a lawsuit after suffering damages in an Uber accident, you need to familiarize yourself with the deadline for filing. According to Alabama’s personal injury statute of limitations, accident victims have two years to file a lawsuit against the liable party. Missing this deadline could mean the loss of your right to claim compensation.
However, it is essential to contact an attorney even if you think you no longer qualify to file a lawsuit. An exception in your case could allow you to submit your lawsuit long after the filing deadline. At the same time, the details of your case could place further limitations on the time available to file.
Reaching out to an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident is the best way to avoid losing your right to claim damages because of an unknown filing deadline.
Get in Touch With an Experienced Uber Accident Lawyer Serving Birmingham Today
When attempting to secure compensation following an Uber accident, you can greatly improve your odds of getting the money you need by securing the services of an experienced attorney. At Heninger Garrison Davis, LLC, we have a long history of winning big for our clients both in and out of court.
Contact us today by filling out our online contact form or giving us a call and scheduling your free case evaluation.