Our Nebraska Uber Accident Lawyers Fight for Your Rights After a Rideshare Accident
While many people turn to ridesharing as a safe alternative to driving, the fact is that Uber accidents do happen, and the resulting injuries often have serious consequences. If you were hurt, you might wonder what your next steps are and if you have a right to compensation to cover your accident-related expenses. Our qualified Nebraska Uber accident lawyers at Beck & Beck can answer those questions and more. We’re ready to help you navigate the legal process and fight for a fair settlement.
How Common Are Uber Accidents?
Although there are some studies on ridesharing accidents, research is still limited. However, according to one of the more recent studies by the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business, ridesharing services contributed to an approximately 3 percent rise in motor vehicle fatalities over 15 years. According to Uber’s most recent safety reports, approximately 0.0002 percent of their trips in 2019 and 2020 resulted in an incident. It’s common for people to sustain injuries from riding in an Uber or getting into an accident with an Uber vehicle, but pedestrians, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and other parties can also be injured or involved in fatal accidents when a rideshare vehicle is in a crash. Pedestrian deaths accounted for 64 percent of the fatalities from the Booth study.
As of this writing, no study has been done specifically on Nebraska Uber accidents, but one accident can change someone’s life forever.
Why Rideshare Accidents Are Different
When cars are involved in an accident, responsibility may be designated to one party or the other, or shared between the drivers. When a rideshare service is involved, the situation is slightly different, and determining liability is more complex. Since Uber drivers are considered contractors and not employees, the company isn’t generally responsible for accidents, though exceptions may apply.
In some situations, Uber will cover injuries and losses up to $1,000,000. In other cases, Uber’s third-party insurance could come into play, or the driver’s insurance may be involved. According to Nebraska law, drivers are required to be covered for at least:
- $25,000 per victim for bodily injury
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 for property damage
Hiring a skilled car accident lawyer means they can negotiate with multiple parties if needed in the case of an Uber accident to get a fair settlement for you.
Causes of Uber Crashes
The links between ridesharing and collisions vary by city, and many factors contribute to Uber accidents. They include:
- Speeding vehicles
- Accidents involving alcohol-impaired drivers
- Aggressive drivers
- Lack of proper safety at drop-off or pick-up
- Driving on unfamiliar roads
- Distracted driving
- Maintenance problems or malfunctions of the Uber vehicle
- Driver fatigue or burn-out
- Failure to follow traffic laws
- Racing or other unsafe driving practices
- Tailgating
- Unsafe lane changes
Other factors apply to Uber accidents, too. For example, rideshare crashes are more common in urban areas. If you’re wondering if you need an attorney after an accident, know that a qualified law firm can help you understand every angle of negligence that relates to your case.
How and Why to Pursue Injury Compensation If You’re Hurt in an Uber Accident
Whether you were hurt as a rider, in your vehicle, or as a pedestrian or cyclist, you have a right to pursue financial recovery for your losses. Once you’ve taken care of your medical needs, make sure to get contact information from the driver and any witnesses, take photos of your injuries and the damage if it’s safe to do so, and then report the incident to Uber.
Next, work with a lawyer who not only specializes in personal injury claims but also has specific experience with rideshare crash cases. Since Uber accidents include many complexities—such as determining fault if it was a multi-vehicle crash—working with our skilled legal team ensures the process goes smoothly.
Your counsel from Beck & Beck will:
- Explain Nebraska's legal process and the next steps to take.
- Check Uber’s current policies and see if they can apply to your situation
- Gather evidence and investigate key details for your Uber accident case.
- Negotiate with the insurance companies representing the rideshare driver, Uber, and/or other parties.
Potential Compensation
We understand how to evaluate all the variables of economic and non-economic damages. To establish the foundation of your settlement, we’ll assess:
- Medical expenses, including hospital bills, doctor visits, physical therapy, medications, and other injury-related medical expenses
- Lost wages, which might also feature future earning potential, if applicable
- Physical pain and suffering from injuries
- Mental suffering
- Property damages
- Loss of quality of life
- Additional damages in some situations