Cincinnati Uber Accident Lawyers

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft continue to provide customers with a convenient and cashless option for getting from one place to another. In most cases, Uber rides are uneventful, and you will safely arrive at your destination. However, Uber drivers are human and can make mistakes while behind the wheel. In addition, even the most responsible Uber driver cannot control how other motorists drive. As a result, rideshare accidents do happen. As a passenger, knowing what to do if you find yourself in this situation and your legal options if you are injured in an accident is important.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Uber Accidents?

Uber accidents are generally caused by some type of driver negligence, either by the rideshare driver or the other driver involved in the accident. The following are some of the most common examples of negligent driving that can lead to an Uber accident:

Distracted driving: This is the most common cause of Uber accidents. Uber drivers get ride requests on their app and check their phones regularly. However, this is a major distraction if they check the app while they are driving. Other common distractions include reading or sending a text message, using GPS, or adjusting the radio. If the driver’s attention is off the road for even a matter of a couple of seconds, a serious car accident involving potentially life-threatening injuries.
Impaired driving: Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is dangerous, irresponsible, and illegal. If an Uber driver is impaired, their reaction times, coordination, and decision-making ability will be negatively impacted, which can increase the risk of a serious accident.
Reckless driving: Uber drivers are responsible for driving safely and following the rules of the road. A serious accident can occur if they tailgate, weave in and out of lanes, cut off other drivers, or engage in other reckless driving behaviors.
Drowsy driving: Uber drivers get paid by the ride, often working long hours to earn as much money as possible. Unfortunately, a lack of sleep can cause slower reaction times and impaired judgment. In extreme cases, the driver can fall asleep at the wheel, which can have devastating consequences.
Ignoring traffic signals: All motorists, including Uber drivers, must always follow the rules of the road. That includes stopping at red lights or stop signs, yielding to the right of way, and obeying the speed limit. Failure to do so can result in rear-end accidents, T-bone accidents, and other serious collisions.
Vehicle malfunctions: Uber drivers must ensure their vehicles are in good condition and operating properly. Failure to maintain things like brakes, tires, and headlights can lead to serious car accidents.
Poor road conditions: Uber drivers must adjust their driving based on road conditions. For example, if there are potholes or poorly marked signage, Uber drivers must reduce their speed and use extra caution.

What Steps Do I Take After an Uber Accident?

If you are involved in a car accident while riding in an Uber vehicle, you should take the same steps you would take if you were in an accident while riding in your vehicle, including the following:

Check for injuries. The first thing you should do after an accident is to ensure that you and the other occupants in the vehicle are safe. If serious injuries are involved, call 911 so dispatch can send an ambulance to the accident scene.
Report the accident. When you call 911, a police officer will be sent to the scene, talk to everyone involved in the accident, and write up a police report summarizing the details of the accident. You can obtain a copy of the report when it is available.
Collect evidence. If you can safely move around, take pictures of the scene, the damage to the vehicles, injuries, and any skid marks or debris on the road. If there are witnesses who saw the accident happen, ask if they would be willing to provide a statement and get their contact information.
Get immediate medical attention. When the ambulance arrives, make sure that you are examined by an emergency medical technician as soon as possible, even if your injuries do not appear to be life-threatening. If an ambulance is not called to the scene, it is important that you seek medical attention as soon as possible, either at the closest emergency room or your healthcare provider, to ensure that any underlying injuries are diagnosed and treated.

Whose Insurance Will Cover the Damages I Suffered in an Uber Accident?

You may be entitled to financial compensation if you were seriously injured in an Uber accident. However, like other car accident claims, you will need to establish fault before you can recover the financial compensation you deserve.

The Uber driver was at fault. If you were injured by an Uber driver who was waiting for a ride request, Uber will cover up to $100,000 in bodily injury per accident and $25,000 for property damage. If the accident occurred when the Uber driver picked up passengers or during your ride, Uber provides up to $1 million in liability coverage.
The other driver was at fault. If the other driver in the Uber accident was at fault, you can file a claim with the driver’s insurance company. However, this can become complicated if the driver is uninsured or underinsured. An Uber accident lawyer can assist you with this process and help you pursue the financial compensation you deserve.

Can I File a Personal Injury Lawsuit Against Uber?

It is important to understand that Uber classifies their drivers as independent contractors, not employees. That means Uber is less likely to be responsible for a driver’s negligence than if they were considered employees. While this can make filing a personal injury lawsuit against Uber more complicated, you may want to consider this option if the following situations apply:

Your total damages exceed the limits of your Uber driver’s insurance policy.
Your Uber driver sexually assaulted you.
You believe the company failed to properly train the driver responsible for causing the accident.

If you intend to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against Uber, it is highly recommended that you hire an experienced Uber accident lawyer who can assist you with every step of the claims process and ensure that your legal rights are protected at all times.

What Damages Am I Entitled to in an Uber Accident Claim?

Depending on the nature and severity of the accident, you could suffer injuries that result in substantial medical bills and other losses. A successful claim may include the following damages:

All medical expenses associated with your injuries
Costs of future medical care
Loss of income if you are unable to return to work for an extended period of time
Disability
Rehabilitation expenses
Disfigurement
Pain and suffering
Emotional trauma
Wrongful death damages if the accident resulted in a fatality

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing an Uber Accident Claim?

If you intend to seek damages by filing a claim against the at-fault party, you must do so before the statute of limitations expires. Ohio’s statute of limitations for seeking financial compensation in an Uber accident is two years from the accident date. If you file your claim after this deadline passes, your claim will likely be denied, and you will be unable to recover any damages. Your Uber accident lawyer will help you navigate the claims process and ensure that your claim is filed well before the statute of limitations expires.

The Cincinnati Uber Accident Lawyers at Wolterman Law Office Recover Damages for Victims of Uber Accidents

If you were seriously injured in an Uber accident, contacting the Cincinnati Uber accident lawyers at Wolterman Law Office as soon as possible is highly recommended. We will review the details of your case, determine who is responsible for causing the accident, and walk you through every step of the claims process. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 513-488-1135 or contact us online. Our office is located in Loveland, Ohio, and we serve clients in Hamilton County, Fairfield, Norwood, and Forest Park.