Uber is a valuable resource for getting around the city, whether you are heading to the Reno-Tahoe International Airport or one of the numerous attractions in the region. You trust that driver to keep you safe, but when they are careless, and you suffer injuries and financial loss as a result, it is time to call an Uber accident lawyer in Sun Valley.
At Shook & Stone, our legal team is ready to build a maximized claim for you, one that makes them pay for the impact on your life. Contact our Sun Valley rideshare accident lawyer for a free consultation. We have recovered over $1 billion for our clients.
What Makes Uber Accident Claims in Sun Valley Challenging
In Nevada, Uber operates as a transportation network company (TNC). That means they do not hire employees to provide their services but instead rely on independent contractors, which creates a significant difference in how victims of accidents pursue claims against them.Â
TNC drivers must meet insurance requirements, including liability coverage that is applicable to most accidents, depending on whether the driver is logged into the app. There are three phases involved in these collisions, and each one will trigger a different level of insurance coverage:
- No Uber app: If the Uber driver is not logged into the app, they are using their vehicle for personal, non-commercial use. Uber is not liable for your injuries. Instead, the driver’s personal liability insurance applies.
- App on, but no ride: In this situation, the Uber driver is logged into the app but is not providing a service and does not have a passenger with them. In this case, a contingent liability insurance policy applies, which covers up to $50,000 for bodily injury or death of a person, or $100,000 in total, and $25,000 for property damage.
- App on, serving a rider: If the Uber driver is on the app, en route to picking up a passenger for a paid ride, or has passengers in the vehicle, Uber’s commercial liability applies, providing up to $1 million in coverage.
Determining who is at fault matters, and our legal team will work diligently to build a claim that represents all of your losses. We recognize the importance of completing a full investigation to resolve your claim and hold all parties responsible and accountable. Do not just settle your case without first speaking to a Sun Valley car accident lawyer.
What to Do After an Uber Accident
Those involved in an Uber accident must take steps to protect their safety while gathering data about what happened at the time of the accident. Even if you are not a driver, if you suffer injuries, call 911 to request help from police and medics. This allows you to have a responsible party to gather evidence. When it is safe, take these steps:
- Get the name and contact information for all people involved, including drivers from both vehicles, passengers, and witnesses. The Uber driver must share their driver’s license information and insurance information with you.
- Take photos of the entire area, including all injuries, damage to both vehicles, debris in the roadway, and the placement of the vehicles. Video can also help capture the layout and conditions better.
- Tell the police at the scene what you know happened. Avoid speculating on what you think occurred. Do not admit fault in your accident.
- Get to the hospital immediately for a checkup. Make sure to communicate with the ER that you were in a car accident and any injuries to your head, torso, or other areas.
- Contact our Sun Valley Uber accident attorney. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can begin representing you.
We encourage our clients to inform Uber of the accident, but not to discuss their injuries or other losses just yet. Do not sign anything without an attorney reviewing that information first. When possible, let a Sun Valley personal injury lawyer from Shook & Stone report the accident so we can handle the insurance company’s questions.
Who May Be Responsible for Your Injuries in an Uber Accident
A full investigation allows your lawyer to address all parties responsible for your injuries and losses. Because these are complicated car accident cases, we want to be thorough in identifying potential parties. Some examples may include:
- The driver of the Uber vehicle that struck you or caused the accident
- The driver of another vehicle who struck the Uber driver
- Uber itself
- Third parties, such as car manufacturers, due to failed equipment
It is also important to factor in your own role in the accident. Under Nevada’s comparative negligence law (NRS Chapter 41), you may still file a claim if the insurance company or court deems you are partially at fault, as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. Our objective will be to reduce any fault applicable to you through evidence, increasing your right to fair compensation.
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What Your Uber Accident Claim Is Worth
The amount you can seek in an Uber accident is dependent on the type and severity of your injuries and how well you will recover. Most of the time, our legal team will pursue damages such as:
- Medical costs from the accident
- Ongoing medical and healthcare needs
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma and mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
- Property damage
Each case deserves a comprehensive review of your specific needs and options. You can expect our attorney to become your voice, exploring all areas of losses for you, including physical, emotional, and financial. If you settle for too little, this accident continues to impact your life for years to come. Let us prevent that from occurring.
Schedule a Free Consultation with an Uber Accident Attorney in Sun Valley Now
Since 1997, Shook & Stone has worked diligently to fight for victims of serious accidents caused by reckless vehicle operation.Â
With over 150 years of combined experience and having handled over 30,000 cases and recovery of damages in excess of $1 billion, we are the reliable resource you can trust. Meet with a Sun Valley Uber accident lawyer now to find out what we can do to help you build your claim.