Uber’s popularity as a convenient mode of transportation continues to grow in Arkansas. Unfortunately, so does the number of accidents involving Uber vehicles. These incidents range from minor fender benders to more severe collisions, affecting passengers, drivers, and third parties alike.
Dealing with the aftermath of an Uber accident can be complicated and confusing, given the circumstances unique to rideshare crashes. This includes insurance coverage issues and liability questions. Whether you are an injured passenger, a driver involved in a collision, or a third party affected by an Uber accident, knowing your rights and taking the correct steps can be critical to securing fair compensation.
At the Levar Law Injury & Accident Lawyers, our experienced car accident lawyers understand what you’re going through. Although Uber accidents are an evolving area of personal injury law, we stay abreast of all developments and know how to put together and argue a compelling case. Our goal is always to win the settlement you need to recover from your injuries and start over. If you were hurt in an accident involving a rideshare vehicle, give us a call for a free consultation.
Why Hire Us For Your Uber Accident Lawsuit?
With his focus on accident and injury law, Alan LeVar has built a practice dedicated to helping victims and their families recover from their tragedies. When you hire the Levar Law Injury & Accident Lawyers for your Uber accident lawsuit, you benefit from the following advantages:
- Dedicated Focus on Accident Law: We concentrate on accident and personal injury law. This focus means your case will be handled with a level of understanding and insight that’s tailored to the particular aspects of rideshare accidents.
- Compassionate Legal Representation: Our attorneys are not only skilled but also compassionate. They see their work as a privilege and advocate for the rights of those injured through no fault of their own. This approach ensures you receive supportive, empathetic guidance throughout your lawsuit
- Experienced in Insurance Negotiations: It requires experience to navigate insurance claims and benefit issues, especially when it comes to Uber accidents. The team at the Levar Law Injury & Accident Lawyers is well-versed in dealing with insurance companies, aiming to secure the best possible outcome for you.
- Litigation Readiness: While many cases settle out of court, some require formal litigation to achieve fair compensation. Our attorneys are seasoned litigators, ready to take your case through the court system when necessary to protect your interests.
- Holistic Case Handling: Our firm takes a holistic approach to legal representation. This means we consider not just the immediate legal strategy, but also how the outcome will affect your life and recovery.
In the aftermath of an Uber accident, partnering with the Levar Law Injury & Accident Lawyers gives you access to a team that is not only skilled in the legal aspects of your case but also deeply cares about your well-being. Let us fight for the financial outcome you need.
Understanding Uber Accidents in Arkansas
Uber accidents in Arkansas can occur for a variety of reasons, impacting passengers, drivers, and other road users. Recognizing the common causes of these collisions and understanding the legal status of Uber drivers are important first steps in preparing any claims that may arise from such incidents.
Common Causes of Uber Accidents
Several factors contribute to Uber accidents in Arkansas, including:
- Distracted Driving: Uber drivers can become distracted when using their mobile devices to navigate and accept ride requests.
- Fatigue: Uber drivers often work long hours to maximize their earnings, which can result in driving while fatigued. Being overly tired can reduce their reaction time and alertness.
- Speeding and Reckless Driving: In an effort to complete more rides in shorter periods, some drivers may engage in speeding or reckless driving.
- Inexperienced Drivers: Although Uber has requirements for drivers, some may lack the necessary experience to navigate complex traffic situations safely.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Uber vehicles are subject to wear and tear. Failure to maintain them properly can lead to mechanical failures that cause accidents.
Legal Status of Uber Drivers: Independent Contractors vs. Employees
The legal status of Uber drivers plays a critical role in Uber accident claims. In Arkansas, as in many other states, Uber drivers are considered independent contractors rather than employees. This classification has significant implications for how claims are handled:
- Liability and Insurance: As independent contractors, Uber drivers must maintain their own insurance policies in addition to the coverage provided by Uber. This dual coverage system can complicate claims, as determining which insurance policy is responsible for damages depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident (e.g., whether the Uber app was active and whether the driver was waiting for a ride request or actively transporting a passenger).
- Claims Against Uber: The independent contractor status means that, in most cases, Uber is not directly liable for accidents caused by their drivers. However, Uber provides a $1 million liability coverage policy that may come into play depending on the specifics of the accident.
Understanding common causes of Uber accidents and the varying outcomes due to driver status can make these lawsuits difficult to handle on your own. An Uber accident lawyer at the Levar Law Injury & Accident Lawyers can review your case and determine the most appropriate route to securing compensation.
How to File an Uber Accident Claim
If you’ve been involved in an Uber accident, the first thing you’ll want to do is ensure the safety of everyone involved and report the crash. Check for any injuries and call 911 if medical attention is needed. Then notify the police so they can file a report and, if you are a passenger, report the accident to Uber through the app. When you’re done, take the following steps:
- Gather Information at the Scene: Collect names, contact information, insurance details, and vehicle information (make, model, license plate) from all parties involved. Photograph the accident scene and get the contact information for any witnesses.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s wise to get a medical evaluation. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Save all medical records, receipts, and documentation related to any treatments received as a result of the accident.
- Document Everything: Obtain a copy of the police report, which will be a key piece of evidence for your claim. Keep records of your Uber ride, including the trip receipt from the app, and document any out-of-pocket expenses and losses incurred due to the accident, including lost wages, medical expenses, and repair costs.
- Contact an Attorney: Before filing a claim with Uber or any insurance company, consider consulting with an attorney experienced in Uber accidents. They can provide valuable guidance, help you navigate the claims process, and ensure your rights are protected. Let your attorney handle communication with the insurance companies to avoid any statements that could negatively affect your claim.
When to File an Uber Accident Lawsuit
The legal system imposes specific deadlines, known as the statute of limitations, which dictate how long you have to take legal action following an accident. Filing within this period is essential to preserving your rights to compensation.
In Arkansas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those arising from Uber accidents, is generally three years from the date of the accident. This means you have three years to initiate a lawsuit against the responsible parties to seek damages for injuries and losses you suffered in the accident. It’s important to note that this timeframe applies to lawsuits filed in court, not insurance claims, which typically have their own, shorter deadlines.
Filing your lawsuit within the statute of limitations is critical for several reasons:
- Failing to file before the deadline can result in losing your right to sue for compensation, regardless of the merits of your case.
- Over time, evidence can be lost or become less reliable, and witnesses’ memories may fade. Acting promptly helps ensure that the evidence supporting your claim is as strong as possible.
- Having the option to take your case to court provides leverage in negotiations with insurance companies. If you miss the filing deadline, insurers have less incentive to offer a fair settlement.
While three years might seem like ample time, the process of building a strong case, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurers, can be time-consuming. Starting early gives your legal team the best chance to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
For Passengers: Steps to Take After an Uber Accident
Uber’s insurance policy offers coverage for passengers injured in accidents involving their vehicles, so report the accident as soon as possible through the Uber app. This step is critical for documenting the incident with Uber and initiating the claims process.
Uber provides $1 million in liability coverage for accidents that occur while you’re a passenger in an Uber vehicle. This coverage is in effect from the moment your ride starts until it ends. Insurance companies may offer a quick settlement, but these initial offers may not fully cover your losses. An attorney can help negotiate a fair settlement that considers your current and future needs.
For Drivers: What to Do After an Uber Accident
Uber provides different levels of insurance coverage for drivers based on the status of the app at the time of the accident:
- Offline/Personal Use: When the Uber app is off, your personal vehicle insurance is the primary coverage.
- App On, No Ride Accepted (Contingent Coverage): If the app is on and you’re waiting for a ride request, Uber provides contingent liability coverage. This means Uber’s insurance kicks in only if your personal insurance does not cover the incident, with coverage up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 total injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
- Ride Accepted to Passenger Drop-off (Full Coverage): From the moment you accept a ride request until the passenger is dropped off, Uber’s insurance offers higher coverage limits. This includes $1 million in third-party liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage, and contingent comprehensive and collision coverage up to the actual cash value of your car, with a $1,000 deductible.
Some drivers may have personal auto insurance policies with a rideshare endorsement that covers them while they are working. This type of policy can provide compensation for injuries regardless of who is at fault. If you don’t have a rideshare endorsement, your personal auto insurance might provide coverage when the app is off, and you aren’t working.
If the accident was caused by another driver, the at-fault driver’s liability insurance might compensate you for your injuries, vehicle damage, and other losses. An attorney can help identify all potential sources of compensation, and ensure that you receive the benefits you are entitled to.
For Third Parties: Filing a Claim After an Accident
If you’re a pedestrian, bicyclist, motorist, or any other third party injured in a rideshare crash, Uber provides liability coverage for accidents involving their drivers:
- While the App is On: If the Uber driver is logged into the app but hasn’t accepted a ride request, Uber provides third-party liability coverage if the driver’s own insurance doesn’t apply.
- During a Ride: From the time a ride is accepted until its completion, Uber’s $1 million liability insurance policy covers damages to third parties, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and other motorists.
Depending on the Uber driver’s status at the time of the accident (app off, waiting for a ride, during a ride), you may need to file a claim against the driver’s personal insurance, Uber’s insurance, or both. By taking the right steps and seeking professional legal advice, you can pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
How Can an Uber Accident Lawyer Help?
While you’re not legally required to hire a lawyer for your Uber accident lawsuit, doing so can be in your best interests. An Uber accident lawyer understands the legal framework surrounding rideshare accidents, including issues of liability and insurance coverage. They can help identify the responsible parties and determine the best course of action for filing your claim, whether it’s through insurance settlements or, if necessary, litigation.
Attorneys experienced in Uber accident claims also know how to accurately assess the full extent of your damages, including current and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other losses. They use this information to negotiate aggressively on your behalf, ensuring that any settlement offer reflects the true value of your claim. They can also help prevent insurance companies from undervaluing or denying your claim.
Beyond the technical legal assistance, an Uber accident lawyer provides support and advice throughout the claims process. They can answer your questions, offer insights based on similar cases, and provide reassurance during what is often a stressful and confusing time. Having a knowledgeable advocate on your side can make a significant difference in your experience and the outcome of your claim.
Get a Free Consultation With an Uber Accident Lawyer
Securing fair compensation after an Uber accident requires a thorough understanding of the law, a strategic approach to negotiation, and, when necessary, the readiness to advocate for your rights in court. This is where the Levar Law Injury & Accident Lawyers can make a significant difference.
With a strong track record of supporting accident victims and their families, the Levar Law Injury & Accident Lawyers are equipped to handle every aspect of your Uber accident claim. Our team offers the legal experience, negotiation skills, and compassionate support needed to guide you through this challenging time. Together, we can work towards a resolution that supports your recovery and secures your future. For more information or to schedule a free initial consultation, call (501) 588-0082 or contact us online today.
