First launched in Milwaukee in 2014, Uber has been available throughout Wisconsin since 2018 [1]. While Uber insists that 99% of all rides end without incident, a car accident is always a possibility when stepping into a rideshare [2].
If you’ve been in an accident involving an Uber vehicle, contact a Wisconsin Uber car accident lawyer from our law firm to help you receive maximum compensation for your damages.
Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are committed to securing the highest compensation for clients involved in Uber accidents in Wisconsin. Our skilled legal team specializes in rideshare accident cases and has a proven track record of achieving substantial settlements and verdicts.
Fatal rideshare passenger accident
Rideshare passenger shot by driver
Pedestrian hit by a rideshare vehicle
Rideshare driver sexual assault case
Motorcyclist hit by a rideshare vehicle
Hip and foot injury exiting a vehicle
We meticulously investigate every aspect of your case to ensure that all medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering are fully covered. With our deep expertise in handling Uber accident claims, we navigate the complexities effectively and fight tirelessly for your rights.
Common Causes of Uber Accidents in Wisconsin
- Distracted Driving – In 2021, distracted driving contributed to 8% of all crashes and 7% of all fatal crashes [3].
- Drunk Driving – There were almost 23,000 convictions for OWI throughout Wisconsin in 2022 [4].
- Reckless Driving – Reckless driving contributed to almost a quarter of all fatal crashes in Wisconsin in 2023 [5].
- Drowsy Driving – In a survey, 27% of drivers admitted to falling asleep behind the wheel in the past month [6].
- Vehicle Defects – Uber requires vehicles to be less than 16 years old, but most vehicles have a lifespan of just 12 years [7].
- Speeding – From 2018 to 2022, there were an average of 18,672 speed-related car accidents per year in Wisconsin [8].
- Failure to Obey Traffic Laws – Even though tailgating is illegal under Wisconsin law, many believe it will help them get to their destination faster.
- Road Hazards – Between 2018 and 2022, there were an average of 17,525 deer collisions in Wisconsin every year [9].
Common Injuries Sustained in Uber Accidents
- Bruises and lacerations
- Broken bones
- Amputations
- Burns
- Facial injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Eye injuries
- Paralysis
- Head and neck injuries
- Death
Wisconsin’s Uber Accident Laws
Our Wisconsin Uber car accident lawyers can guide you through all the intricacies of Uber accident cases, including how the claims process is impacted by liability and insurance coverage for these types of traffic accidents.
Liability
Liability for Uber accident claims depends on who might be considered negligent. In many cases, this is the Uber driver, who may have been driving recklessly or texting while driving.
It is not always possible to sue Uber because rideshare drivers are independent contractors rather than employees, so vicarious liability does not always apply. However, if it can be established the driver broke Uber’s policy in the past but was not barred from the platform, this may make them liable.
Sometimes, it is the other driver’s fault, such as if they performed an illegal turn in front of the Uber driver. It is also possible to pursue compensation from a vehicle manufacturer for an auto accident caused by a mechanical failure.
Insurance Coverage for Uber Accidents
Insurance policies for Ubers differ dramatically from other vehicles, which is why hiring a Wisconsin Uber rideshare accident lawyer from our firm is crucial to recovering compensation.
Uber drivers are covered by multiple liability insurance policies, but these policies are only effective at certain times.
When the Uber app is off, drivers’ cars are considered personal vehicles and their personal auto insurance is responsible for any crashes that occur at this time.
Uber offers limited insurance coverage when an Uber driver has the app on and is waiting for a ride request. This includes $50,000 per person or $100,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 per accident for property damage [10].
If an accident occurs while the driver is en route to a ride request or is transporting passengers, they have additional insurance coverage. This includes up to $1,000,000 for property damage and injuries when the driver is at fault, as well as contingent comprehensive collision insurance with a $2,500 deductible [11].
Wisconsin law also requires Uber to provide underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage, up to $25,000 per person, if the other driver is at fault but does not have insurance [12]. This is only active when the Uber driver is performing their duties; otherwise, they must have this through their own insurance.
Wisconsin’s Personal Injury Laws
In Wisconsin, the statute of limitations for personal injury is 3 years, but it is only 2 years for wrongful death as a result of a car accident.
This is why it is crucial to contact a Wisconsin Uber auto accident lawyer from our law firm as soon as possible so we have as much time as possible to negotiate your claim with the insurance company.
What to Do After an Uber Accident in Wisconsin
It’s vital for you to act quickly after an Uber crash to protect both your personal safety and give yourself the best possible chance of receiving compensation from a personal injury claim. Follow these steps as soon as possible.
How Our Wisconsin Uber Accident Lawyers Can Help
Our Wisconsin ridesharing accident lawyers will work hard to ensure you obtain compensation from an Uber crash, utilizing all our resources for your benefit. You can contact us at any time for a free case evaluation, where we’ll outline the next steps in the claim process.
Investigating the Accident
One of the most important reasons a Wisconsin Uber rideshare accident attorney from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is crucial to your claim’s success as we will thoroughly investigate the accident to determine liability.
Our team will review all records related to the crash, including police reports, medical records, surveillance footage, and phone data. Proving the driver was logged into their app is a key piece of evidence that makes it easier to sue Uber or the driver, and we can access this information on your behalf.
Additionally, we’ll speak to experts who can give their unbiased opinion on how the car accident happened. This can include medical professionals who will attest to the cause of your injuries, accident reconstructionists who can identify how the crash occurred, and automotive professionals to assess whether the vehicles were functioning properly at the time of the crash.
Calculating Damages
Only a lawyer can identify how much your claim may be worth in a personal injury case, as we will work with medical professionals to evaluate your future medical expenses and your ability to work after the accident.
This will ensure when we seek compensation, we are taking every possible factor into consideration, leaving you with enough to care for all your medical needs.
Insurance Company Negotiation
Insurance companies do not want you to recover compensation, and they will do everything possible to diminish their responsibility. This can include encouraging you to settle fast, insisting you have to accept their initial offer, claiming you are to blame for your injuries, or your injuries are the result of a pre-existing condition.
An accomplished Wisconsin Uber accident injury attorney from our law firm is familiar with their tactics and will speak to them on your behalf. We will use the evidence we have gathered from our investigation, as well as our familiarity with similar settlements, to demonstrate what your case is worth.
Court Representation
In many cases, a personal injury attorney is able to reach a settlement in an accident claim without going to court. This can take anywhere from six weeks to over a year, but we will keep you informed every step of the way and ask for your input.
However, if the insurance adjuster refuses to pay a fair settlement, an Uber accident lawyer from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers will sue Uber or the Uber contractor on your behalf, representing you in a court of law.
We have a strong track record of success both in and out of the courtroom, increasing your chances of getting what you deserve. As we work on a contingency fee basis, you will not owe us anything unless we are able to win a settlement for you.
Damages Our Wisconsin Uber Accident Attorneys Can Help You Recover
There are two main types of damages a Wisconsin Uber accident injury lawyer from our law firm can help you secure: economic damages and non-economic damages. These cover different facets of your recovery, including both direct losses and emotional damages.
Economic damages compensate you for the financial burden imposed by the car accident. This includes:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Loss of earning potential
- Future medical needs
- Burial expenses in the case of wrongful death
Non-economic damages consider the social and emotional impact of a car crash, providing you with the funds you need to heal. This includes:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Inconvenience
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disability or disfigurement
- Loss of companionship in the case of wrongful death
- Grief
Contact a Wisconsin Uber Accident Attorney Today!
An accomplished Uber accident attorney from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is here for you every step of your journey to recovery. We have earned millions of dollars for our clients, and we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we are able to win your case. We conduct thorough investigations to ensure all medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering are fully addressed.
Contact us at (888) 424-5757 or through our online form to schedule your free consultation and explore your legal options after an Uber crash.
References: [1] CBS-58, [2] Uber, [3] Wisconsin Department of Transportation, [4] Wisconsin Department of Transportation, [5] Wisconsin Department of Transportation, [6] The Zebra, [7] Progressive Insurance, [8] Wisconsin Department of Transportation, [9] Wisconsin Department of Transportation, [10] Uber, [11] Uber, [12] Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance