In 2022, Kentucky had 130,042 car accident cases [1]. While numbers have been trending down throughout the state, nationwide statistics note the risk of a fatal car accident has risen by 2 to 4% since the introduction of ridesharing services like Uber, demonstrating no one is safe while on the road [2].
If an Uber driver has harmed you, our Kentucky rideshare accident lawyers are here to assist. We can untangle the complicated insurance issues while always protecting your rights, making sure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Why You Need an Uber Accident Lawyer in Kentucky
We’ll thoroughly investigate the matter by gathering evidence to see which insurance policies apply based on the Uber driver’s status in the app at the time, and we will also determine whether there may be other liable parties who may owe you compensation.
Fatal rideshare passenger accident
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Pedestrian hit by a rideshare vehicle
Rideshare driver sexual assault case
Motorcyclist hit by a rideshare vehicle
Hip and foot injury exiting a vehicle
While all Kentucky car accidents involve negotiating with insurance companies, an Uber crash is more complicated. This is because a Kentucky Uber accident injury lawyer may need to investigate more than one at-fault party.
Throughout this, our Kentucky Uber accident attorneys will seek the maximum compensation possible and shield you from the insurance company’s manipulative tactics. If we cannot receive a fair settlement offer from the insurance company, we’ll represent you in court, ensuring your rights are protected.
What to Do After an Accident Involving an Uber in Kentucky
- Stay at the accident scene and do not let the driver leave.
- Call 911 and wait for the police to arrive.
- Take pictures of the accident scene, including your injuries.
- Gather the insurance information of all drivers present and ask for contact details for any witnesses.
- Get medical treatment as soon as possible.
- Do not post about the accident on social media, as this may damage your case.
- Open an accident claim with the responsible driver’s insurance.
- Contact our Kentucky accident lawyers to schedule your free consultation and learn more about the legal process surrounding compensation.
Common Injuries in Uber Accidents
- Bruises and Lacerations – The most common type of injury, these can still require medical attention.
- Broken Bones – Violent impact may lead to bone fractures in the arms or legs, especially for front-seat passengers.
- Strains and Sprains – Victims may hurt themselves while bracing against the vehicle’s frame or while attempting to escape.
- Burns – In high-speed accidents, the vehicle may catch fire, resulting in severe and widespread burns.
- Amputations – Crush injuries may require amputation.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – Serious accidents with larger vehicles can cause spinal cord fractures. These injuries can lead to partial or total paralysis of one or more limbs.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries – A passenger or driver who hits their head may be left with permanent brain damage.
- Facial Injuries – The facial bones are delicate and easily broken. Smashing one’s head against the side of the car or the back of a seat may lead to orbital fractures or a broken nose.
- Neck and Back Injuries – In many personal injury cases, the victim receives whiplash, which can cause significant pain and trauma.
- Death – Sadly, more than 700 people died in car accidents in Kentucky in 2022 [3].
Determining Liability in Kentucky Uber Accident Claims
Our Kentucky Uber accident lawyers will determine liability based on driver negligence. This means they were responsible for acting safely and failed to do so, resulting in the accident and subsequent injuries.
We can pursue financial compensation from these parties depending on their level of negligence.
Rideshare Drivers
Your Kentucky Uber rideshare accident lawyer will pursue compensation from the Uber driver if it can be established they were acting irresponsibly, such as failing to obey traffic laws.
Rideshare Company
In some cases, Uber may be liable if it failed to properly vet drivers before allowing them to use the rideshare platform.
Other Drivers
We’ll recover compensation from other drivers who acted irresponsibly and contributed to an accident, such as those who drove drunk or texted while driving.
Product Manufacturers
If our team can determine that vehicle defects contributed to the accident, we can seek compensation from a third party, like a vehicle manufacturer. For example, the manufacturer may also be at fault if a car’s brakes fail despite proper maintenance.
Compensation Available for Kentucky Uber Accident Victims
We’ll seek damages from any liable party and consider all aspects of the accident in your compensation package. This can include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket medical expenses
- Wrongful death damages like burial expenses
- Emotional pain
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship in the case of wrongful death
- Grief
- Inconvenience
- Disability
- Disfigurement
Uber maintains liability insurance for its drivers. However, because drivers are independent contractors, Uber’s insurance only covers them if they are logged onto the app, waiting for a ride request, or actively serving passengers.
Three circumstances related to Uber rides determine what insurance will be used and how much it will pay [4].
When the driver’s app is off, the driver is using the car as a personal vehicle, and the driver’s personal auto policy is responsible for any accidents that happen at that time.
If the driver is logged into the app and is waiting for a request, Uber will provide limited coverage. This includes:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 for property damage
When the driver is en route to a passenger or is actively transporting a passenger, their insurance coverage rises to the following:
- $1,000,000 per accident for third-party liability coverage, which includes damaged property
- Contingent comprehensive collision coverage up to the cost of the vehicle after a $2,500 deductible.
Because Kentucky is a no-fault state, all drivers must maintain personal injury protection (PIP) for themselves regardless of who is at fault and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage [5]. This also applies to Uber.
However, it can be complicated to identify whether the driver’s personal policy or Uber’s policy is responsible for these claims. This is why it is crucial for you to speak to an attorney from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers who can identify who is responsible for covering injuries under Kentucky law.
Statute of Limitations for Filing Uber Accident Claims in Kentucky
The Kentucky statute of limitations is only one year, including for wrongful death claims resulting from a motor vehicle accident. This is a very short time compared to other states, making it all the more important to contact Kentucky Uber car accident lawyers as soon as possible.
Contact a Kentucky Uber Auto Accident Lawyer Today!
A Kentucky Uber rideshare accident attorney from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers will guide you through every step of the personal injury claim process. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we win. We have recovered millions for our injured victims and look forward to helping you.
Schedule your free consultation with a Kentucky Uber car accident lawyer today by calling (888) 424-5757 or contacting us online.
References: [1] Kentucky Transportation Center, [2] Forbes, [3] Kentucky Transportation Center, [4] Uber, [5] Kentucky Department of Insurance