Uber Accident LawyerMiami

Name: Carlson Meissner Hayslett, P.A.
Telephone: (305) 902-6110
Price range: Free Consultation

Ridesharing services like Uber have revolutionized transportation, offering convenience and flexibility for travelers worldwide. However, with the rise of this service, there has been an increase in associated personal injury accidents. When you step into an Uber, you trust that your ride will be safe, but unfortunately, collisions can occur, and understanding your rights and options following such an incident is crucial.

Uber Accident Attorney in Miami

If you find yourself involved in an Uber accident, it’s important to be aware that the legal aspects can be quite complex due to multiple parties being involved—such as the driver, the rideshare company, and other motorists. At Correa & Martinez, our team is well-versed in navigating these complexities and has extensive experience representing clients in Uber accident claims. We strive to ensure you receive the right compensation for injuries and losses.

Our team is dedicated to providing assertive representation while understanding the sensitivity of your circumstances. We put your needs at the forefront, offering insightful legal advice and support through every step of the claim process. Our goal is to make the aftermath of your Uber accident less overwhelming, guiding you with a professional and empathetic approach to pursue the justice you deserve.

What are Uber Accidents?

Uber accidents, unfortunately, are a growing concern in today's fast-paced urban landscape. As convenient as ridesharing services like Uber may be, they also present unique risks on the road.

An Uber accident occurs when a vehicle operated by an Uber driver is involved in a collision. Such accidents are governed by personal injury law. Personal injury cases stemming from Uber accidents typically fall into several categories, including the following:

Collision with another vehicle: This is when your Uber is involved in an accident with one or more vehicles.
Single-car accidents: These occur when the Uber you are traveling in strikes an object, such as a curb or guardrail, without any other vehicle's involvement.
Pedestrian incidents: If your Uber strikes a pedestrian, this is classified as a pedestrian incident.
Bicyclist collisions: Similar to pedestrian incidents, these occur when an Uber vehicle collides with someone on a bicycle.

Common causes of Uber accidents include the following:

Distracted driving: Your Uber driver may be distracted by the Uber app, a phone call, messaging, eating, or other activities not related to driving.
Speeding: Uber drivers might exceed speed limits to meet high demand or to complete more trips within a shorter period.
Fatigue: Extended hours of work can lead to driver fatigue, which may impact reaction times and attentiveness.
Inexperienced drivers: Some Uber drivers may be inexperienced or unfamiliar with certain roads or traffic laws, leading to potential accidents.
Other Factors: Your safety could be compromised if the Uber vehicle is not adequately maintained, you are riding during inclement weather, or the road conditions are unfit and cause an accident.

What Type of Law Covers Uber Accidents?

An accident involving an Uber is often considered a personal injury case due to the nature of the incident. Personal injury cases typically arise when an individual suffers harm due to another party's negligence or intentional actions. In the context of Uber accidents, the driver, passenger, or even a pedestrian may sustain injuries as a result of the collision or incident involving the ride-sharing service.

Additionally, the unique circumstances surrounding Uber accidents, such as the use of a mobile app and the employment relationship between the driver and the company, further contribute to the classification of these incidents as personal injury cases.

Proving negligence in an Uber accident involves establishing that the driver or another party breached their duty of care, leading to the injury or damages sustained. To demonstrate negligence in such cases, the following steps are typically taken:

Duty of care: Showing that the Uber driver owed a duty of care to the passenger, other motorists, or pedestrians on the road.
Breach of duty: Presenting evidence to indicate that the driver failed to uphold their duty of care, such as through reckless driving, distracted driving, or violating traffic laws.
Causation: Establishing a direct link between the breach of duty and the injuries or damages suffered as a result of the accident.
Damages: Providing documentation of the physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial losses incurred due to the Uber accident, thereby demonstrating the impact of the negligence.

Who Can Be Held Legally Liable in an Uber Accident?

When you're involved in an Uber accident, understanding the legal nuances and where liability lies is crucial. Knowing the framework can better prepare you for possible legal action and insurance claims with your Uber accident lawyer in Miami.

Determining who is at fault in any vehicle collision is essential to resolve liability issues. With Uber accidents, this process involves several considerations:

Driver Negligence: If the Uber driver is found to be at fault due to distracted driving, speeding, or violating traffic laws, they may be held responsible.
Other Drivers: Sometimes, another driver could be liable if their actions caused the accident.
Company Liability: Uber might be held liable if it’s proven that the company failed to ensure a driver's qualifications or if there are issues with their policies.
Third Parties: In some cases, manufacturers of faulty vehicle parts or officials responsible for road maintenance could be accountable.

Does Uber’s Insurance Cover Accidents?

Uber provides insurance coverage for accidents that occur during a trip or while the driver is en route to pick up a passenger. The coverage includes liability insurance, which applies when the driver is at fault for the accident and covers bodily injury and property damage to third parties.

Here’s what you need to know:

Uber offers contingent comprehensive and collision insurance, which applies if the driver has their own comprehensive and collision coverage and the insurance limits are insufficient
This coverage extends to the driver's vehicle, protecting against physical damage resulting from a covered accident
Uber's insurance policy includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, offering protection if the at-fault party in the accident does not have adequate insurance to cover the damages

However, it's important to note that Uber's insurance coverage varies depending on the specific circumstances of the accident. For instance:

When the driver is offline, or the ride request has not been accepted, the driver's personal insurance is the primary coverage
The coverage levels may differ between periods, such as when the driver is waiting for a ride request, en route to pick up a passenger, or during the trip with a passenger on board

Steps to Take After an Uber Accident

If you’re involved in an Uber accident, it's crucial to take the following steps to protect your rights and increase your chances of success in legal proceedings:

Notify Authorities

Call 911 if there are injuries or significant property damage. Police documentation can be vital in the event of a claim.

Document Evidence

Take photos of the scene, including all vehicles, and gather contact details from witnesses. Write down the Uber driver’s name, license plate, and insurance information.

Cooperate with Police

Provide an honest account of events to the police, but avoid admitting fault or liability.

Immediate Evaluation

Even if injuries are not immediately apparent, it’s important to get evaluated by a medical professional. Some injuries manifest symptoms later.

Documentation

Ensure that all medical attention received is documented. This can serve as crucial evidence if you pursue a personal injury claim.

Use the App

Report the accident through the Uber app. Navigate to the 'Trip and Fare Review' section and select the relevant trip.

Contact Support

You can also email Uber’s support team directly. In your email, clearly state the facts and include any evidence you collected.

Follow Up

Maintain communication with Uber. They may require additional information from you to process the report.

What Damages Can I Be Awarded After an Uber Accident?

Damages awards provide crucial financial compensation for individuals who have been harmed or suffered losses due to the wrongful actions of another party. In personal injury cases, these awards aim to cover various losses, including the following:

Medical expenses
Lost income
Pain and suffering

The amount of the damages award depends on several factors, such as:

The severity of injuries
Their impact on the individual's life
The financial consequences of the incident

When injured in an Uber accident, the expected damages award depends on the specific circumstances of the incident and resulting injuries. Seeking compensation may include the following:

Coverage for medical treatment
Rehabilitation costs
Lost wages
Non-economic damages such as pain and suffering
If the accident results in long-term or permanent disability, the damages award might also cover future medical expenses and loss of earning capacity

Attorney Robert Pardo speaking with a client

Securing Maximum Compensation

Working with the personal injury attorneys at Correa Martinez is the best way to secure optimal damages awards for those injured in Uber accidents. Our team specializes in handling personal injury cases, including ride-sharing accidents, and has a proven track record of securing substantial damages awards for their clients. Using their expertise and resources, our attorneys at Correa Martinez can thoroughly assess the damages suffered, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, litigate the case to pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.

Choose Correa & Martinez to Represent You

If you've been in an Uber accident, choosing the right legal team is crucial. At Correa & Martinez, we focus on providing specialized legal services tailored to your needs. We believe in giving individual attention to every case and have expertise in motor vehicle accident law to secure the best results for you.

We are fluent in Spanish, ensuring language is not a barrier to understanding. At Correa & Martinez, we are dedicated to fiercely advocating for your best interests. If you need attorneys who offer compassionate guidance and strong representation, consider us as your ally during this difficult time. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with our Uber accident lawyers in Miami to discuss your case.