A car accident involving a rideshare vehicle can be more complicated than one involving a privately owned car. After an accident, you can sue Uber by understanding your legal options. They typically include taking your case to court or negotiating an insurance settlement. A settlement also involves understanding which insurer to pursue—Uber’s or the driver’s insurance company.
If you are represented by a Tacoma car accident lawyer, they will explain the process of filing your lawsuit and the applicable statute of limitations. They will also explain what happens after your lawsuit is filed. In most cases, your case will be resolved via a settlement with the appropriate insurance company. If your case does go to court—this rarely happens—your lawyer will explain the details of a potential trial.
Potential Compensation When You Sue Uber After an Accident
Your car accident case will have a unique monetary value based on the severity of the injuries you sustain. It can also vary based on your income. Variants can also affect the monetary value of the following recoverable damages:
- Medical bills, including in-home medical support
- Lost wages from all sources of income
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Disability, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage, loss, and diminished value
- Wrongful death damages, where applicable
When you work with a rideshare accident attorney, they will document your economic and non-economic damages. Your lawyer will clarify what happens in an Uber accident case. They will also review your compensation request to avoid having your case undervalued or underpaid.
The Statute of Limitations When Suing Uber for Damages
In the state of Washington, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file your personal injury lawsuit, according to RCW § 4.16.080. Similarly, your family has three years to file its wrongful death lawsuit. Complying with the filing deadline is critical to your lawsuit. If it expires, you could be prevented from filing at all.
The statutory filing deadline is mandatory but can be difficult to understand and interpret on your own. Several circumstances of your case, including the age of the injured party, can alter the filing deadline. The best way to understand how it applies to your case is to let a car accident lawyer handle it for you.
When to Sue Uber and When to Sue the Uber Driver
The aftermath of an accident with an Uber driver can be challenging since you have to determine which insurance company to pursue. You can sue Uber for financial compensation if their driver was signed into the app and:
- Available for passengers
- Awaiting a ride request
- En route to a passenger
- Actively transporting a rider
According to Uber insurance guidelines, if the driver was not signed into the app or was offline, you could be required to seek compensation from their own personal insurance company. Your driver will help you determine the driver’s app status.
Know Who Can Sue Uber for Damages After a Car Accident
If you were injured in an accident involving an Uber car and their driver was at fault, you can sue for damages. This applies to passengers in the Uber, occupants of other involved vehicles, and pedestrians.
Review your case with a local lawyer to learn more about your right to damages and the at-fault party’s financial liability. They will also explain the steps you can take to help your personal injury case. This can include journaling your injuries and recovery and being cautious about your use of social media in the accident’s aftermath.
Suing Uber Does Not Have to Mean Your Car Accident Case Goes to Court
Even when you sue Uber for an accident and file your lawsuit within the allotted time, your case may not go to court. Your lawyer will guide you through the settlement process, including:
- Assessing your recoverable damages
- Drafting and submitting your demand letter
- Fielding and weighing settlement offers
- Making appropriate counteroffers
The final settlement decision is yours to make. Your lawyer will explain each step of the process, including all legal options available to you. They will also help you make a well-informed decision.
How to Prove Your Right to Compensation When You Sue Uber
According to PLoS One, alcohol use may contribute to the cause of Uber accidents. Additional potential causes of rideshare accidents can include:
- Intoxicated passenger behavior
- Speeding or driving recklessly
- Ignoring traffic signs and signals
- Navigation system distractions
- Rideshare driver fatigue
Personal injury cases like car accidents can be brought against an at-fault driver due to negligence. Your lawyer will prove you are entitled to compensation by identifying the components of negligence, including duty, breach, causation, and damages. Your lawyer will prove them with a persuasive evidence collection.
The Value of a Compelling Evidence Case When You Sue Uber
Your legal team will use your evidence file to steer your case toward a settlement. The law firm that investigates your case will obtain the supporting evidence you need. It can include:
- Your car accident report, including notes, diagrams, and photos
- Statements from any eyewitnesses who came forward
- Medical records and bills describing your injuries and their costs
- Dashcam, surveillance, and traffic cam photos and video footage
- Employment and salary history reports and other proof of income
- Testimony the at-fault party gives during depositions, if applicable
Some evidence can be difficult or emotionally challenging, so your lawyer will handle it for you. Your legal team will also identify and consult with various expert witnesses who can substantiate your case.
Work With Our Car Accident Lawyer When You Are Ready to Sue Uber
If you or a loved one was injured in a recent collision involving an Uber driver, you can sue Uber for compensation. Our personal injury lawyers will help you understand your legal options.
Find out how our rideshare accident lawyer will help you get justice and compensation after your accident. Get started today by contacting one of our consultation team members at Jackman Law Firm.
