An accident involving an Uber vehicle introduces complex insurance and liability questions. You need clear answers about who pays for your injuries and damages. A Scottsdale Uber accident lawyer helps you file a claim for compensation and protects your rights every step of the way.
Law Bear offers a free case evaluation to help you find a local lawyer. Contact our team at (309) 365-6510 to discuss your rideshare claim.
Who Might Have a Potential Uber Accident Claim
After a collision involving a rideshare vehicle, several different people may have a valid claim for their injuries. The law protects anyone harmed by a driver's unsafe actions on the road.
These parties may be eligible to file a claim following a Scottsdale Uber wreck:
- Rideshare Passengers: You have a valid claim if you were injured while riding as a passenger in an Uber, regardless of who was at fault for the crash.
- Other Motorists: Drivers and passengers in other vehicles who are struck by a negligent Uber driver can file a claim for their injuries and vehicle damage.
- Pedestrians: A person who was hit by an Uber driver while crossing a street or walking on a sidewalk has a right to pursue compensation.
- Bicyclists: A cyclist struck and injured by a careless Uber driver on a Scottsdale street may have a valid claim.
Potential Liable Parties in a Scottsdale Rideshare Wreck
Determining fault in a collision on Scottsdale Road or near Shea Boulevard isn't always straightforward. When an Uber is involved, the situation becomes even more layered. Several parties might hold financial responsibility for your injuries and losses.
An experienced Scottsdale rideshare injury attorney investigates the crash to pinpoint liability. This includes reviewing police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage. They build a strong case on your behalf.
The Uber Driver
A driver acts negligently when they fail to operate their vehicle in a reasonably safe manner. For example, your driver may have been speeding, texting while driving, fiddling with the app, or ignoring traffic signals.
Other common forms of driver negligence include making unsafe lane changes without signaling, driving while excessively fatigued, or failing to yield the right-of-way. When these actions (or other unsafe behaviors) cause the accident, the driver is at fault for the harm you suffer.
Another Motorist
If a different driver hit the Uber you were riding in, the at-fault driver's personal auto insurance is the primary source of compensation. You file a claim against their policy. If that driver is uninsured or has minimal coverage, Uber's uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage may apply.
Uber's Liability
In some cases, the rideshare company itself may share some responsibility. This could involve situations where the company failed to conduct a proper background check on a driver, or it allowed a driver with a poor safety record to continue using the platform.
Uber's Tiered Insurance Coverage
The insurance available for your claim changes based on the Uber driver's activity at the time of the wreck. Uber provides different levels of coverage depending on whether the driver was offline, waiting for a ride, or actively transporting a passenger.
This multi-level system dictates the source and amount of available coverage for your injuries:
- Driver Is Offline: When a driver is using their vehicle for personal reasons and the Uber app is off, their personal auto insurance policy is the only coverage that applies.
- Driver Is Waiting for a Request: After a driver logs into the app and is available to accept a ride, a limited Uber liability policy becomes active to cover accidents they cause during this period.
- Driver Is on a Trip: Uber's $1 million insurance policy applies from the moment a driver accepts a trip until the passenger is dropped off at their Scottsdale destination.
Dealing With Insurance Companies After an Uber Accident
Insurance adjusters will contact you quickly after a wreck anywhere from Gainey Ranch to DC Ranch. Their job is to protect their company's financial interests, trying to settle claims for the lowest possible amount.
You don't have to face these conversations alone. The Bear's Got Your Back. Let us connect you with a Scottsdale Uber accident lawyer who can handle all communications with the insurer.
Providing a recorded statement may jeopardize your claim. Adjusters might use your words out of context to assign you partial blame or downplay your injuries. You have the right to decline a recorded statement and direct all communications to your legal representative.
The Initial Offer
The first settlement offer an insurer presents is rarely its best offer. Insurance companies hope you'll accept a quick payment before you know the full extent of your injuries and expenses. Accepting this initial amount closes your claim, preventing you from seeking additional funds later.
Your attorney evaluates any offer to determine if it fairly covers your current and future needs.
Evidence To Collect for Your Uber Accident Claim
The strength of your personal injury claim depends on the quality of the evidence you have. Right after the accident, you can take steps to preserve key information. This evidence helps an attorney establish how the accident happened and who is responsible.
Here is a list of items to gather:
- Official Report: Obtain a copy of the police report from the Scottsdale Police Department or the responding law enforcement agency.
- Medical Records: Keep detailed records of all doctor visits, hospital stays, treatments, and prescribed medications related to the accident.
- Photos and Videos: Use your phone to document your visible injuries. Keep snapping pictures throughout the healing process.
- Witness Information: Collect names and phone numbers from anyone who saw the crash.
- Trip Details: Take a screenshot of your Uber trip details within the app, showing the driver's information and the route.
- Expense Receipts: Save all receipts for accident-related costs, including prescription co-pays and transportation to medical appointments.
Potential Compensation After a Scottsdale Uber Wreck
A successful personal injury claim provides financial recovery for your losses. You have the right to seek payment for a variety of damages you suffered. Calculating these damages is a detailed process.
A skilled local attorney will help you itemize these costs for your claim:
- Medical Expenses: This covers everything from the initial ambulance ride and emergency room care to ongoing physical therapy and future medical needs.
- Lost Wages: You can pursue payment for the income you lost while unable to work, including salary, bonuses, and commissions.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or reduce your ability to earn a living, you may obtain funds for this loss.
- Property Damage: This covers the cost of repairing or replacing personal property damaged in the accident, such as a phone or laptop.
- Pain and Suffering: This compensates you for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries.
Arizona's Statute of Limitations for Injury Claims
The statute of limitations for most personal injury cases in Arizona is two years from the date of the injury. A court will almost certainly dismiss your case if you attempt to file it after the statute of limitations has expired.
Some exceptions may apply that could change the timeline. A Scottsdale Uber accident lawyer can advise you on how the statute of limitations applies to the specific details of your case.
Contacting a legal professional soon after the accident protects your right to seek justice. Acting promptly allows your attorney ample time to gather evidence, talk to witnesses, and build a powerful case before the deadline approaches.
Why a Local Attorney Matters for Your Scottsdale Case
When you get hurt in an Uber accident in Scottsdale, you need someone who knows the area. Local attorneys have firsthand knowledge of the local courts, judges, and legal community. Law Bear connects you with a licensed Scottsdale rideshare accident attorney with this specific experience.
Local lawyers understand the unique aspects of the community, from traffic patterns on major roads to the layout of popular destinations like Camelback Mountain. They use this knowledge to build a more relevant and persuasive case.
Here's how local legal knowledge makes a difference:
- Courtroom Familiarity: A local lawyer knows the tendencies and procedures of Maricopa County Superior Court judges.
- Local Investigation: Your attorney can easily visit the crash site or interview witnesses in person around Scottsdale.
- Community Reputation: A lawyer with a strong reputation in the local legal community is a powerful advocate.
- Relevant Resources: Scottsdale attorneys have connections to local investigators and other professionals who can support your case.
FAQ for Scottsdale Uber Accident Lawyer
How Do I Report an Accident to Uber?
You can report a crash directly through the Uber app. Go to your trip history, select the relevant trip, and find the option for reporting a safety issue or accident. This creates a record with Uber. You also need to file a police report with the Scottsdale Police Department.
Do I Need a Scottsdale Uber Accident Lawyer if the Insurance Company Already Offered a Settlement?
Accepting a quick settlement offer from an insurance company is risky. These initial offers rarely account for the full cost of your future medical care, lost income, and long-term damages.
A Scottsdale Uber accident lawyer evaluates the true value of your claim and negotiates with the insurer to secure a fair amount that covers all your losses.
What if I Were a Pedestrian or Bicyclist Hit by an Uber?
If an Uber driver hits you while walking or cycling, you have the right to pursue compensation. The same liability rules apply to you as to other victims. Depending on the driver's status at the time of the crash, you might file a claim against the driver's personal insurance or Uber's corporate policy.
What if I Was Driving My Own Car and an Uber Driver Hit Me?
If the rideshare driver who hit you was offline at the time of the crash, you file a claim with their personal insurance. If the driver was waiting for a ride request or was actively on a trip, Uber's insurance policies may apply, providing additional coverage.
What Happens if Both My Uber Driver and Another Driver Share Fault for the Crash?
Arizona follows a pure comparative fault rule in personal injury cases, which means you can pursue compensation from multiple at-fault parties. A skilled attorney investigates the crash to determine each driver's fault, so you can pursue a fair recovery from each responsible party's insurance.
Do I Still Need a Scottsdale Uber Accident Attorney if I Don't Feel Hurt Right After the Accident?
Yes, you still benefit from consulting with an attorney even if you don't feel pain immediately after a wreck. The shock and adrenaline of a car crash can mask symptoms of serious injuries like whiplash, concussions, or internal bleeding.
These conditions may only become apparent days later. Seeking an immediate medical evaluation establishes an official record of your condition after the crash.
A Scottsdale Uber accident lawyer uses these medical records to prove that your injuries resulted from the accident, even if the pain was delayed. This protects you from insurance adjusters who might argue your injuries are unrelated to the collision because you didn't report pain at the scene.
Find Your Clear Path Forward
After a disorienting Uber accident, you need a firm direction and a strong voice to advocate for you. Let Law Bear help you find a local attorney who will fight for full compensation. A single phone call connects you to our free, no-obligation case evaluation.
Call Law Bear 24/7 at (309) 365-6510 to get started.