While rideshare companies like Uber offer convenient, cost-effective transportation whenever you need it, not all drivers are responsible behind the wheel. When an Uber driver is negligent and a passenger is hurt as a result, a Kansas City Uber accident lawyer from Thomas Law Offices can help.
Rideshare drivers are tasked with getting people safely to their destinations. They are representatives of their companies and should comply with policies and laws. When they don’t, a rideshare accident has the potential to result in serious injuries. Victims need to know where to turn to give themselves the best chance of recovery.
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Uber Services in Kansas City, MO
Whether you’re visiting Kansas City or are a resident, Uber drivers are available to transport you to and from your destinations. Ordering an Uber is as simple as downloading the app, choosing your pickup and drop-off locations, and waiting for your driver to arrive.
In order to drive for Uber, there are specific requirements potential drivers need to meet. In Kansas City, the minimum vehicle requirements include a vehicle with four doors that is 15 years old or newer. In addition to that, the vehicle has to be in good condition with no cosmetic damage and there can be no commercial branding. All drivers are required to maintain their own insurance policy in accordance with state and local laws; however, Uber maintains liability insurance on behalf of all its drivers.
While most Uber trips go as planned, there is the chance of being involved in a crash. If you find yourself in the midst of dealing with an accident, it’s important to understand what steps to take to protect yourself and your future.
Steps to Take After an Uber Accident
What you do after an Uber crash will play a role in how your car accident claim progresses. As with any motor vehicle collision, you’ll want to gather information and document the scene to the best of your abilities. This means getting the drivers’ contact information and insurance policy information, taking photographs of the scene, and recording what you remember about what happened.
When an accident results in injury, death, or more than $500 in property damage, a police report should be filed. An officer will arrive at the scene, assess the situation, take statements from you, the drivers, and potential witnesses, and file a report with their findings. You’ll also need to report the crash to Uber. A company representative will contact you for more information.
Even if you feel fine, it’s important to seek medical attention. Not all injuries are visible or immediately apparent, so you’ll want to make sure any injuries you have are treated properly. It’s also important to receive care because that information will be used to assess the damages you sustained in the crash.
Because of the nature of Uber wrecks, it’s a good idea to get in touch with a Kansas City attorney as soon as possible. Navigating a personal injury claim can be challenging, especially when a company is involved.
Proving Liability for a Rideshare Crash
In order to be eligible for compensation for an Uber crash, you need to prove the Uber driver was negligent and caused the accident. As an Uber passenger, you are generally covered under the commercial liability policy, which provides $1 million in coverage.
Proving negligence is a multistep process. First, you need to be able to show that the driver owed you a duty of care. This is generally easy to establish because, as your Uber driver, they are supposed to abide by the rules of the road. Then, you have to show how they breached their duty—which could involve being distracted, breaking a law, or driving recklessly. You’ll then need to connect their breach to the accident and your injuries. Finally, you need to show how your injuries resulted in the damages you’re seeking.
As you can see, determining and proving liability is a complex process. That’s why it’s often in your best interests to pursue a claim with the help and guidance of a Kansas City Uber accident lawyer. In the event it’s determined your Uber driver was not responsible for the crash, you’ll need to pursue a claim against the opposing driver.
Seeking Compensation for Your Losses
Once your Uber accident lawyer has helped you prove fault on the part of the rideshare driver, you can begin settlement negotiations. The monetary award you seek is based on your economic and noneconomic losses related to the accident.
Economic damages refer to those that are calculable—like medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Hospital statements, pay stubs, and receipts can be used to calculate your economic losses. Noneconomic losses are more challenging because they’re based on more subjective damages like pain and suffering. Your lawyer will take the extent of your physical and emotional injuries into account, as well as how your life has changed since the accident.
It’s important to note that while the majority of personal injury claims settle outside of court through negotiations, this doesn’t always happen. In the event we’re unable to obtain full and fair compensation via settlement, we won’t hesitate to take your claim to court as a lawsuit. While this process can be lengthy, it will put your case in front of a judge and jury—who will determine the official outcome.
Get Help From Thomas Law Offices
If you’ve been involved in an Uber accident, you may feel intimidated by the idea of going up against the rideshare company. When you work with a Kansas City Uber accident lawyer, however, you won’t have to worry about intimidation or settling for less than you deserve.
Thomas Law Offices recognizes the challenges that come with pursuing a rideshare accident claim, which is why we’re dedicated to helping accident victims understand their rights and pursue full and fair compensation for their injuries and losses.
To learn more about pursuing a claim, contact our office today. We’ll review your situation and provide you with honest, reliable legal advice as far as how to proceed to protect your future and move past the accident.
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