If you were injured in a D.C. Uber accident, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the rideshare company in certain cases. You should speak to a knowledgeable car accident attorney who can investigate your case to determine whether the Uber driver, the company, or both might be liable for your losses.
Injuries sustained in an Uber accident can lead to physical pain and overwhelming medical costs. On top of all that, they may also cause a great deal of confusion about your legal options. Get clarity about your rights from a Washington, D.C., car accident attorney. At Marks & Harrison, we’re ready to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Washington, D.C., Uber Accident?
Liability for an Uber accident depends on the specific circumstances of the incident. The Uber driver can be held liable if their negligence caused the collision. That negligence could include:
- Violating traffic laws
- Driving while distracted or impaired
- Failing to maintain their vehicle properly
Uber may bear responsibility for the accident if they:
- Hired a driver with a history of safety violations
- Failed to conduct adequate background checks or driver training
- Did not maintain proper insurance coverage for their drivers
The specifics of your case will determine whether the driver, Uber, or both are liable for the accident and any resulting injuries. In some cases, a separate third party may even be at fault. Contact our Washington DC Uber accident lawyer today.
How Do I Determine Who Is Liable for an Uber Accident?
It can be challenging to determine who is liable for an Uber accident, as fault depends on various factors, including:
- The actions of the Uber driver leading up to the crash
- The employment status of the driver at the time of the accident (i.e., whether they were actively transporting a passenger, waiting for a ride request, or had the app turned off)
- The insurance policies held by both the driver and Uber
- The specific circumstances that contributed to the accident
A thorough investigation of the crash is crucial to assess liability accurately. This process may involve:
- Reviewing police reports and accident scene photographs
- Interviewing witnesses and gathering their statements
- Analyzing the Uber driver’s driving history and employment records
- Examining the insurance policies in effect at the time of the accident
A skilled Uber accident attorney can take on this process and determine who should be held accountable for your injuries and losses.
Can I Sue Both the Driver and Uber for My Injuries?
In some cases, a crash victim can sue both the Uber driver and the rideshare company for accident-related injuries. However, the specific parties you can hold liable will depend on the unique circumstances of your case.
If the Uber driver’s negligence caused the collision, you might have grounds to file a claim against their personal auto insurance policy. However, Uber’s commercial insurance coverage would likely apply if the driver was actively transporting a passenger or en route to pick up a rider at the time of the crash.
Additionally, if Uber’s own negligence contributed to the accident, such as failing to screen or train its drivers properly, you might have a case against the company itself.
An experienced Washington, D.C., Uber accident attorney can determine who could be liable for your losses and develop a robust case strategy to maximize your potential compensation.
What Makes Uber Accident Claims More Complex Than Another Car Accident?
Uber accident claims tend to be more complicated than cases involving traditional car crashes for several reasons:
- Driver employment status – Uber drivers’ classification as independent contractors rather than employees can make it more challenging to hold the company liable for accidents.
- Multiple insurance policies – Uber accidents may involve multiple insurance policies, including the driver’s personal auto insurance and Uber’s commercial coverage, which can complicate the claims process.
- Various insurance coverage limits – The amount of insurance coverage available may depend on the driver’s status at the time of the collision (i.e., whether they were actively transporting a passenger, en route to a pickup, or offline).
- Difficulty in obtaining evidence – It can be more challenging to access critical evidence (such as an Uber driver’s records and the company’s internal policies) than in a typical car accident case.
Given these challenges, working with a personal injury lawyer who has experience handling Uber accident claims and understands the unique legal and insurance issues involved is essential.
What Types of Damages Might I Be Entitled to for My Uber Accident?
The compensation you could receive in a claim or lawsuit for your Uber accident-related injuries will depend on the severity of your medical condition, the available insurance coverage, and the quality of your legal representation. An experienced Washington, D.C., Uber accident attorney can help you seek compensation for losses such as:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity if the accident caused disability
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
A D.C. personal injury attorney can provide an informed estimate of how much your case might be worth.
Contact a Washington, D.C., Uber Accident Lawyer
Rideshare companies like Uber have made life more convenient for many Washingtonians. However, the growing number of Uber vehicles on the road increases the chances of collisions with other road users. The experienced Uber accident attorneys at Marks & Harrison know how to handle claims against Uber and its employees, and we will fight for the maximum compensation available in your case.
Our firm has protected the rights of injured individuals in The District since 1911. Let us continue our tradition of legal excellence with you. Call us today or fill out our online form for a free consultation with an experienced Uber accident attorney in Washington, D.C. Our team is ready to provide the support and advocacy you deserve at this challenging time.
