The aftermath of any car accident can be a confusing time. You could be seriously injured and unable to work. You may be unsure about how you’ll pay your bills and take care of the people who depend on you. When the other motorist is an Uber driver, it can be even more confusing.
In most car accidents, you’d file a claim with the responsible party to cover your damages. When Uber is involved, you might not know if that’s the driver, Uber itself, or both. Our Uber accident lawyers in Sumter can help you sort it out and get the compensation you deserve.
Our legal team at John Foy & Associates has recovered more than $1 billion for people hurt in accidents due to no fault of their own. When you’re injured, Get the Strong Arm™. Call for a free consultation and learn how our rideshare accident lawyers in Sumter[a] will help.
How Our Uber Accident Lawyers Can Help
Uber drivers are contractors, not employees. This often makes recovering maximum compensation more complex than in an ordinary car accident case. It’s always a good idea to talk to a lawyer when you are hurt in an accident, but especially if it involves an Uber driver.
While every rideshare accident case is different, some of the things our Uber rideshare accident lawyers can do to help you get the compensation you deserve include:
- Investigate your accident to determine who is liable for your damages
- Determine the maximum compensation you deserve based on your economic and non-economic hardships
- File your claim with the appropriate parties and deal with their insurance companies
- Negotiate for a fair settlement that totally meets your needs and covers your losses
- Represent you in a civil lawsuit against Uber or their driver
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Liability in an Uber Accident Case
Because Uber classifies its drivers as independent contractors, the legal concept of vicarious liability doesn’t always apply. This is when an employer is legally responsible for the negligent actions of its employees.
It isn’t easy to know how to file your accident claim, even when the Uber driver is out on the road and performing their duties. Our personal injury lawyers in Sumter understand Uber’s relationship with its drivers and can hold the right parties accountable.
When Uber Is Liable
Uber is responsible for damages caused by their drivers only under very specific circumstances. This is typically when their driver is logged into their Uber app and engaged in job-related activities.
- When the driver is logged in and actively transporting a passenger, or en route to a passenger’s location, Uber’s liability insurance can cover up to a million dollars in damages.
- When the driver is logged in and waiting for an assignment, a lower amount of coverage applies to damages to other motorists, pedestrians, and property damage.
Uber may be liable for negligence in other aspects of their business as well. For example, if they had ignored customer complaints about dangerous drivers or had not properly vetted new drivers.
When the Driver Is Liable
If the Uber driver is not logged into their app, our Sumter Uber accident lawyers will treat your accident like any other car crash. We will investigate your accident, and if the other motorists are responsible, we will file your claim with their insurance provider.
There could also be liable parties in addition to the driver or Uber, such as a third driver who played a role. Our team will find out who’s at fault if your Uber is in an accident and seek all possible sources of compensation for your crash.
Can You Sue Uber for an Accident?
You can potentially sue Uber for damages in a car accident, but it is difficult. While there are arguments about the misclassification of employees as independent contractors under the Fair Labor Standards Act, current legal precedent largely protects them from liability.
You may have a case when Uber’s negligence directly contributes to your accident, or when their policy limits do not fully cover your damages. Our team will seek full restitution for your losses and will pursue a lawsuit against Uber if necessary.
Talk to Our Uber Accident Attorneys in Sumter
Uber provides an important service and has changed the way people get around. It also gives everyday people an opportunity to make extra money by ferrying customers. As the popularity of Uber rises, so does the chance of an accident with their drivers.
Even if it is clear that the other driver is to blame for the crash, you may not be sure if they or Uber is liable for your damages. Our Uber accident attorneys in Sumter understand how liability is determined in rideshare accidents and will seek compensation from the correct parties.
John Foy & Associates has been advocating for the rights of injured accident victims like you for more than two decades. With over 350 years of combined experience, our attorneys know how to win.
Call today for your free consultation and tell us about your Uber accident.
(404) 400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form