You never expect to get into a car accident as an Uber passenger. Yet, speeding, drunk driving, or distracted driving can all lead to an Uber car accident. The unique employment arrangement between drivers and the ridesharing service can make legal action difficult to pursue.
A personal injury attorney familiar with Uber car accident cases in Indiana can be valuable to your claim. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers have helped many clients recover medical expenses and lost income following a rideshare car accident.
Our Indiana Uber car accident lawyers can help determine responsibility, identify your options to recover damages and help obtain a fair settlement.
Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to securing the highest compensation for clients involved in Uber accidents in Indiana. Our experienced personal injury lawyers specialize in rideshare accident cases and have a proven track record of achieving substantial settlements and verdicts.
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We conduct thorough investigations to ensure all medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering are fully addressed. With our deep expertise in Uber accident claims, we navigate the complexities effectively and fight tirelessly for your rights.
Liability for Uber Accidents in Chicago
One of the first steps in navigating an Uber accident is determining liability. Identifying responsibility helps determine who is liable for your damages after an accident. Any of the following parties can be to blame in an Uber car accident.
The Rideshare Company
Although less common, the rideshare company can be responsible. Uber has limited hiring requirements, including a U.S. driver’s license, one year of driving experience, and an eligible four-door vehicle. Uber drivers must also have proof of vehicle insurance meeting Indiana state requirements.
However, Uber categorizes its drivers as independent contractors, which limits company liability and makes it difficult to sue Uber. While it’s not always possible to sue Uber, the company does cover its drivers under a general insurance policy, but insurance coverage eligibility depends on the driver’s status in the app at the time the accident occurred.
The Uber Driver
The rideshare driver could also be responsible for an accident, especially if they behave in a way that’s considered negligent. A rideshare driver who speeds, drives under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or recklessly operates their vehicle could be considered negligent. Passengers or other drivers injured by the driver may seek compensation through the driver or Uber’s insurance policies, which primarily depends on what the driver was doing when the accident happened.
Other Drivers
Other drivers on the road could also be responsible for an Uber car accident. Drivers who cause an accident by driving negligently may be liable if any injuries occur as a result. Our personal injury attorneys can help identify potential negligence so you know where and who to file your claim against.
Product Manufacturers
Poorly designed vehicle parts or tires can also lead to an accident. In this case, product manufacturers may be responsible for any damages, and injured victims may recover compensation through a product liability lawsuit. Our personal injury lawyers are also experienced enough to handle defective product cases related to rideshare accidents.
While there aren’t set compensation amounts you can expect following an Uber accident, Indiana does allow injured victims to recover the following damage types:
Economic Damages
Economic damages recover actual expenses incurred in an accident. Common economic damages our personal injury attorneys can seek include the following:
- Medical bills
- Anticipated medical costs
- Rehabilitation
- Temporary transportation
- Assistive devices
- Lost wages or benefits
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages cover the non-financial aspects of an accident. Our Indiana Uber accident attorneys can help recover the following non-economic damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Loss of consortium
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are less common in Uber accidents but are a possibility in some cases.
Uber Insurance Policy in Indiana
Uber’s policy may cover your initial damages, depending on the driver’s status in the app at the time of the accident. A driver who is logged into the app, ready and willing to accept a ride but not yet transporting a passenger, is covered under Uber’s third-party liability insurance. This policy is limited to $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident for injuries, and up to $25,000 per accident in property damages.
A driver who’s responsible for a car crash while en route to pick up a passenger or actively transporting a passenger is covered by the company’s comprehensive insurance policy. This policy includes up to $1,000,000 in property damages and injuries plus vehicle repairs with a $2,500 deductible, depending on personal insurance policies.
Rideshare drivers who are not yet logged into the app and who are responsible for an accident are not covered under Uber’s company policies. Instead, the driver’s personal insurance policy should cover damages.
Serious injuries could easily exceed these policy limitations. Our personal injury attorneys can help injured victims explore other compensation options, including a third-party liability lawsuit.
Common Causes of Uber Accidents
Uber accidents occur from many of the same causes as traditional car accidents and often involve a negligent driver. The most common causes of rideshare vehicle accidents include:
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued driving
Injuries Victims Suffer During Uber Accidents
An Uber car crash can lead to both short- and long-term injuries, many of which may prevent you from working. Here are some of the most common injuries our accident lawyers have seen when representing rideshare car accident victims:
- Broken bones
- Head and neck injury
- Back injury
- Concussion
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Ligament injury
- Internal bleeding
- Temporary or permanent disability
Protecting Your Rights After an Uber Accident in Indiana
Both Uber and your insurance company have strict time limits for reporting a car accident and filing a claim. Prompt action can also help protect your legal rights following an Uber car collision. Here are a few important steps to take:
- Call 911 and report the auto accident: Call 911 and report the accident to the local police department.
- Receive medical attention: Always receive timely medical attention following a car accident. Immediate medical care may be important to your overall well-being and protecting your rights in the legal process.
- Collect time-sensitive information: Your Indiana Uber rideshare accident lawyer will help collect evidence to support your case, but some items are time-sensitive. Capture photographs or video from the accident scene and collect witness contact information when possible.
- Notify Uber: You can notify Uber of the accident either in the app or by calling Uber’s help hotline.
- Contact an Indiana Uber accident injury lawyer: We can help you stay within the state’s timeline and build a strong case to receive the most compensation possible.
Proving Negligence in An Indiana Uber Accident
Indiana law requires injured car accident victims to prove the following elements of negligence:
- Duty of care
- Breach of duty of care (negligence)
- Causation
- Actual damages
A personal injury lawyer from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help you collect the necessary evidence to prove each of these elements in your car accident case.
Statute of Limitations for Uber Accidents in Indiana
Indiana allows injured car accident victims to recover damages up to two years from the accident date. Failing to investigate the case, collect the necessary proof, and file a claim within this time limit can make you ineligible for compensation.
Wrongful death cases involving a car accident are also limited to two years. However, the timeline begins on the victim’s date of death. Product liability claims in Indiana must also be filed within two years of the injury and up to 10 years from the initial product delivery date.
Our personal injury attorneys offer a free case review so you can explore your legal options before the statute of limitations runs out. Having one of our Indiana Uber accident lawyers on your side can allow you to focus on recovery.
Contact an Indiana Uber Accident Attorney Today!
You need an Indiana Uber auto accident lawyer on your side as you navigate the legal challenges of filing a claim. Our legal team will thoroughly investigate your case, track down needed evidence, and negotiate with the insurance company and other legal teams. We understand the difficult financial situation a rideshare crash can put you in, and our accident lawyers are here to help.
Contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers today at (888) 424-5757 for a free case evaluation. You can also fill out our online form to have us contact you.