Factors That Affect The Value Of An Uber Accident Settlement
1. Severity of Injuries
- Physical Injuries: The extent and severity of physical harm suffered by the individual involved in the collision plays a crucial role. This includes broken bones, internal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and any other bodily harm sustained. The more severe and long-lasting the injuries, the higher the settlement is likely to be.
- Emotional Trauma: Emotional trauma significantly impacts settlement amounts. This includes psychological distress, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and any other mental health issues resulting from the collision. Compensation for emotional trauma often accompanies physical injury claims but can also stand alone if the emotional impact is substantial.
2. Medical Expenses and Future Care Needs
This encompasses the current and anticipated expenses resulting from the injuries sustained. It includes hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, therapy, and other necessary medical care. Assistance with daily activities or modifications to living arrangements are also considered. Future care needs, such as ongoing medical treatment or long-term care, can significantly increase settlement amounts.
3. Loss of Income and Earning Capacity
Filing a claim for lost wages following an auto accident can help recover compensation for the financial losses incurred due to the inability to work following the collision. It includes both the immediate loss of income during the recovery period and any long-term impact on earning capacity if the injuries result in permanent disability or limitations that affect the individual’s ability to work and earn a living. Lost wages and diminished earning potential can constitute a significant portion of the settlement.
4. Status at Time of Accident
The level of insurance coverage accessible to you depends on several factors, including whether you were a passenger during the accident or if the Uber driver was on duty at the time. These factors also dictate which party you may need to pursue legal action against – either Uber itself or the individual driver. The specifics of the Uber driver’s status, whether they were off-duty, waiting for a ride request, or actively transporting passengers, will influence the applicable insurance coverage and potentially the settlement amount.
Uber Accident Settlement Examples
It is important to note that the vast majority of Uber accident settlements are confidential and not subject to public disclosure. However, there are publicly available verdict amounts which we provide as examples:
$25,000 settlement – New Jersey Uber Passengers Injured: Plaintiffs, a family of three, suffered personal injuries when their Uber driver lost control of her vehicle, ran her vehicle off the roadway, and struck a utility pole. A settlement was reached, awarding the Plaintiffs, collectively, $25,000.
$47,500 settlement – New Jersey Uber Passenger Injured: Plaintiff, a minor, suffered headaches with cervical, thoracic, and lumber sprains/strains when a third-party driver struck the rear-end of an Uber vehicle occupied by Plaintiff. A settlement was reached, awarding the Plaintiff $47,500.
$75,000 settlement – Texas Uber Passenger Injured: Plaintiff, a passenger in an Uber, suffered neck and back injuries following a rear-end collision caused by the Uber driver. The parties reached a settlement in the matter, awarding the Plaintiff $75,000.
$100,000 settlement – New York Pedestrian Struck by Uber: Plaintiff, nine years old, was a pedestrian struck by a vehicle operated by an Uber driver while working. The Plaintiff suffered a fracture of the shaft of the left femur and underwent surgical repair. Plaintiff argued Uber was negligent in failing to properly screen its drivers and hiring and retaining unqualified drivers. A settlement was reached, awarding the Plaintiff $100,000.
$100,000 settlement – Pennsylvania Uber Passenger Injured: Plaintiff, thirty-six years old, was an Uber passenger when the driver was involved in a collision with another vehicle while cutting through a gas station. Plaintiff suffered injuries including lumbar facet syndrome, disc herniations at L3-S1, L5-S1 radiculopathy, right knee anterior cruciate ligament tear, and a left knee strain. The jury returned a verdict in favor of Plaintiff for $100,000.
$500,000 settlement – Pennsylvania Uber Passenger Suffers Disabling Injury: Plaintiff, forty years old, was an Uber passenger who suffered multi-level cervical herniations and protrusions, cervical facet syndrome, radiculitis, lumbar strain/sprain, sciatica, and left-shoulder strain/sprain leading to permanent injury after the vehicle was struck by another driver and caused to flip over coming to rest on its roof. The jury returned a verdict in favor of Plaintiff for $500,000.
Understanding Uber’s Insurance Coverage
The level of insurance coverage accessible to you depends on several factors, including whether you were a passenger during the accident or if the Uber driver was on duty at the time. These factors also dictate which party you may need to pursue legal action against – either Uber itself or the individual driver.
Uber Driver is “Off-the-Clock”: The driver’s auto insurance extends coverage during periods when they are not actively engaged in providing Uber services. The driver must maintain personal automobile insurance at the mandatory minimum limits prescribed by state law. Specifically, in Missouri, these limits are set at $25,000 per person for bodily injury and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury.
Uber Driver is Available but Between Rides: Uber’s third-party liability insurance serves as a safeguard if the Uber driver is responsible for an accident, ensuring coverage for bodily injury and vehicle damage. Specifically, this insurance policy guarantees a minimum of $50,000 per person for bodily injury and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury. This coverage applies when the Uber driver is actively logged into the Uber application and seeking new fares.
Uber Driver is Carrying a Passenger: Uber’s coverage extends to instances when drivers are actively logged into the Uber network and carrying passengers. This also covers the transition from accepting a request to reaching the pick-up location, throughout the entire journey, and drop-offs at the passenger’s destination.
Uber’s insurance policy clearly defines its liability, which may leave injured parties ineligible for coverage if their situation falls outside policy limits. This can complicate recovery, especially as many private insurance providers prohibit passenger vehicles for commercial use. Depending on the driver’s personal insurance policy, injured individuals may struggle to obtain compensation for either Uber or the driver. If Uber’s policy guidelines are not met and the driver’s personal insurance policy declares the accident excluded from coverage, it is important to seek guidance and legal advice from an experienced rideshare attorney.
Steps To Take After An Uber Accident
If you find yourself involved in an Uber accident, there are several critical steps you should take to protect your rights and maximize your potential settlement:
1. Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention: The first priority is to ensure your safety and the safety of others involved in the accident. Seek immediate medical attention, even if your injuries appear minor at first. Some injuries may not manifest symptoms right away but can have serious long-term effects.
2. Report the Collision: Notify the police and file a collision report. Having an official report can be crucial for your claim. Additionally, report the accident to Uber through their app or customer support to document the incident with the company. Note, however, that it is not advised to provide any type of recorded statement to Uber without legal representation.
3. Gather Evidence: Collect as much evidence as possible from the accident scene. Take photographs of the vehicles involved, any visible injuries, and the surrounding area. Obtain contact information from witnesses, as their testimonies can be valuable.
4. Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with all parties involved in the accident, including the Uber driver. Make sure to note the Uber driver’s details, such as their name, license plate number, and driver’s license number.
5. Keep Records: Maintain detailed records of all medical treatments, expenses, and any correspondence related to the accident. This includes medical bills, prescriptions, and therapy costs, as well as any communication with insurance companies of Uber.
6. Consult an Attorney: Contact an experienced rideshare accident attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you navigate the complex legal landscape, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Use our legal checklist to learn what to do after an accident and understand key legal considerations for recovering financial compensation.
For additional information, see our guide for what a car accident attorney can do to help with your case.
Maximize Your Settlement With Help From Brown & Crouppen
Navigating an Uber accident’s aftermath can be complex, especially when determining the driver’s status at the time. Legal actions often involve both the driver and Uber. Seeking clarification from Uber regarding the driver’s status is pivotal and can be facilitated by legal counsel. Our legal team at Brown & Crouppen specializes in meticulous evidence gathering and investigation to provide informed legal counsel tailored to your unique circumstances throughout the entire settlement process – including:
- Information Compilation: We meticulously compile essential information, including medical records, police reports, visual evidence, and witness testimonies, to construct a comprehensive case file.
Expert Consultation: Leveraging insights from medical professionals and accident reconstruction experts, we ascertain the severity of the injuries, liability, and potential avenues for redressal, ensuring a well-informed legal strategy. - Proving Liability: Establishing who is at fault in an Uber collision can be complex, particularly when multiple other parties are involved. An attorney can help gather evidence, consult with experts, and build a strong case to prove liability.
- Negotiation: Engaging in settlement negotiations with insurance companies on behalf of our clients, we advocate for fair compensation for injuries and damages, leveraging our negotiation prowess to secure optimal outcomes. Our attorneys will fight to ensure that you receive a fair settlement that covers all your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Litigation: In the event negotiations prove unfruitful, we proceed with filing a lawsuit, navigating procedural requirements with precision to initiate formal legal proceedings aimed at obtaining just compensation.
- Settlement Execution: Facilitating the collection and distribution of settlements or judgments obtained, we ensure equitable distribution of proceeds, deducting legal fees and expenses incurred while prioritizing your financial interests.
Uber collision settlements can vary widely based on numerous factors, but understanding these elements and seeking expert legal assistance can significantly enhance your ability to achieve a favorable outcome. Dealing with the aftermath of a collision can be overwhelming. Having a legal professional handle your case allows you to focus on your recovery while knowing that your legal interests are being protected.
If you have been involved in an Uber accident, contact Brown & Crouppen to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Our attorneys will help you navigate the complexities of an Uber collision claim and maximize your compensation for damages.
Get Started With Your Uber Accident Case
Our award-winning law firm is dedicated to serving our community by providing top-tier representation to personal injury victims in St. Louis, Kansas City, and throughout Missouri. No matter the circumstances of your case, we are here to make sure you know your full legal rights and options.
Getting started with your case is easy. Call us at 888-803-2581 or get a free case evaluation online. And remember, there are no upfront costs or legal fees – we only get paid if you win. Our personal injury laws have helped clients recover over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts. Don’t wait to take legal action.
