If you were hurt in an accident while riding with Uber in Columbia, Tennessee, you may be wondering if you’re able to pursue any legal action. Before taking one, it’s vital to comprehend the inherent risks of using Uber so that you can make an educated decision about whether it is a suitable means of transportation for you. We’ll look at some of the dangers associated with riding with Uber so that hopefully you feel more comfortable and secure when making your next choice.
Common Causes of Uber Accidents
If you’ve been in an Uber accident, you might be wondering what your options are and how to go about it. You may also be concerned about who is to blame for the incident. We’ll look at the five most prevalent causes of Uber accidents in Tennessee in this blog post so that you can make informed decisions regarding your legal rights.
1. Distracted Driving
Although distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents, it’s Uber drivers are particularly susceptible to distractions. Their phone, the GPS, other passengers in the car, or anything else can take their attention away from where it needs to be: on the road. If you’re ever involved in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you could potentially get compensated by both the driver and Uber.
2. Fatigued Driving
Fatigue is another frequent cause of vehicle accidents. This is especially true for big truck drivers who drive long hours regularly. Commercial truck drivers, however, may experience the same problem. You might be able to seek compensation from the driver and/or Uber if you’ve been harmed in an accident caused by a fatigued motorist.
3. Speeding
Speeding is another major cause of vehicle accidents. Many drivers, however, believe they have the right to drive fast without consequence. Speeding, on the other hand, raises the danger of losing control of the car and being involved in a collision. You may be able to seek compensation from the driver and/or Uber if you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a speeding motorist.
4. Weather Conditions
Accidents caused by inclement weather, such as ice or snow, can also lead to vehicle accidents. If you’ve been in a car accident due to bad weather, you may be able to claim compensation from Uber. However, keep in mind that drivers are not obliged to drive in these conditions if it is not safe to do so.
5. Poorly Maintained Vehicles
Finally, poor vehicle maintenance is a typical cause of automobile accidents. This can range from bald tires to faulty headlights that aren’t working. If you were hurt in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence in vehicle maintenance, you may be entitled to compensation from the liable driver as well as Uber.
Common Uber Accident Injuries
If you or a family member were injured in an Uber accident, see our list of the most common injuries below. Then, contact one of the experienced personal injury lawyers for a free consultation.
Neck and Back Injuries
One of the most frequent injuries from car accidents is neck and back injuries, which can be as minor as whiplash or as severe as a herniated disc. These often happen when there is a sudden impact involved, and it can lead to long-term pain, disability, and even paralysis.
Head Injuries
Unfortunately, head injuries are not uncommon in car accidents. They can include concussions and skull fractures, which can be caused by the initial impact as well as flying debris. In some cases, head injuries from car accidents result in long-term cognitive problems or personality changes for the victim. Unfortunately, they can also prove fatal.
Chest Injuries
Broken ribs to internal bleeding are some of the most common types of spinal injuries. These injuries, which are frequently caused by the impact’s force, can result in serious health issues including organ damage and respiratory difficulties.
Abdominal Injuries
Abdominal injuries can range from bruises and contusions to lacerations and organ damage. These wounds are frequently caused by the impact force as well as debris striking the victim’s abdomen. Abdominal traumas can result in serious health issues including infection and death.
Upper extremity Injuries
Upper extremity injuries can range from mild to severe, depending on the severity of the damage. Bruises and lacerations are typical symptoms of upper extremity traumas, as are fractures and amputations. These ailments are frequently caused by the impact’s force as well as debris that strikes the victim’s upper limb. Upper extremity wounds have the potential to cause long-term disability and even death.
About Uber Accident Claims
What to do immediately after an Uber accident in Tennessee?
If you’re hurt in an Uber accident in Columbia, Tennessee, the first thing you should do is seek medical treatment if required. The next step after your health is taken care of would be to gather evidence from the scene of the accident. Taking photographs of the damage, obtaining contact information from any witnesses, and recording any relevant facts while they are still fresh in your mind are all important parts of this process. When filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action against the responsible party, having as much evidence as possible will be beneficial.
Gather evidence, and then consult a personal injury attorney to discuss your next best steps. At-fault drivers often require extensive legal action to receive proper compensation; an experienced lawyer can help you with this process. The team at Tennessee Accident Law has many years of handling different types of injury claims–we will be dedicated to creating a bulletproof case for you while also making sure you get what you are legally owed through the channels of insurance claims or other legal methods.
What types of compensation can I receive for an Uber accident claim in Tennessee?
The amount and type of compensation you may be eligible to receive will be determined by several criteria, including the severity of your injuries, whether you were able to return to work, and whether any permanent damage was caused as a result of the accident. In general, however, people who are victims of automobile accidents might be able to recoup medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage in compensation.
If the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence or recklessness, you may also be awarded punitive damages. These types of damages are given to punish the at-fault party and prevent future similar behavior.
Who is Responsible for My Uber Accident Injuries?
Possible Defendants in an Uber Accident Case
The first possible defendant is the Uber driver. If it can be proven that the Uber driver was negligent in operating the vehicle, then he or she may be held liable for your injuries. However, if the driver was not logged into the Uber app at the time of the accident, then it’s likely that Uber will not be found responsible for the driver’s negligence.
The second potential defendant is Uber Technologies, Inc. If the driver was using the Uber app at the time of the accident, it may be held vicariously liable for his or her carelessness. Vicarious liability implies that a firm can be sued for the negligence of its staff members. There are several exceptions to vicarious responsibility, though. For example, if the driver was not acting within the scope of his or her employment at the time of the collision, Uber may not be held responsible.
The other driver on the scene may also be held accountable for your injuries if it is found that he or she acted negligently.
What Does Tennessee Law Say About Uber Accidents?
If you or a family member was hurt while riding in an Uber, you might be questioning your legal options. In this blog post, we’ll explore what Tennessee law says about Uber accidents and how you can safeguard your rights.
In Tennessee, Uber is categorized as a “transportation network company” (TNC). As required by state law, TNCs such as Uber must maintain insurance coverage for their drivers that equals or surpasses the following amounts:
$50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident for bodily injury liability coverage; and
$25,000 per accident for property damage liability coverage.
If you are in an Uber and are involved in an accident, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention if necessary. After getting your health and well-being taken care of, you should then contact a qualified personal injury lawyer to talk about your case. An attorney will be able to evaluate the facts of your situation and advise you as to whether or not you have a valid claim against the driver, the TNC, or both.
How Long Do I Have to File an Uber Accident Lawsuit?
You’ve been in an Uber accident. You’re not sure what to do or how to go about it, and you’re unsure if you should file a lawsuit. You realize that you’ll need to file a lawsuit, but you’re not sure how long it will take. Because the state of Tennessee has a statute of limitations on personal injury claims, it’s crucial to understand when your claim must be filed.
In Columbia, Tennessee, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is one year from the date of the accident. If you were injured in an Uber accident on January 1, 2020, you would have until January 1 ,2021, to file your lawsuit. Filing your lawsuit outside of that timeframe likely means you will be unable to do so.
Please keep in mind that there are some instances where this rule does not apply. For example, if the person who was hurt is a minor, they would have more time to file a lawsuit. The same applies to someone who is mentally disabled. If you aren’t sure whether or not you fall into one of these categories, it would be best to speak with an attorney about your specific case.
Don’t Talk to Anyone on the Other Side Before Speaking with a Lawyer
There are a few reasons why you should not communicate with the other party before seeing a lawyer. First, anything you say may be used against you in court. Second, the other person is not your friend. They won’t help you; all they care about is their interests. Third, if the insurance company thinks it can get away with it, it will not give you a fair settlement.
The greatest thing you can do is speak with a personal injury lawyer before speaking to anybody else. A competent personal injury lawyer will give you the best chance of obtaining a reasonable settlement. If the insurance firm doesn’t want to play fair, your personal injury attorney will take them to court and demand that they pay what they owe you.
How are We Different from Other Firms?
We have a genuine concern for our customers. At other firms, you’re just another case number; here, you’re a person with a name and a story, and we recognize that this is most likely one of the most trying times in your life. We want to do everything we can to make it as painless as possible for you.
Second, we have a team of committed attorneys and investigators who will stop at nothing to obtain you the justice—and compensation—you deserve. We understand how insurance companies operate and know their methods. They may attempt to lowball you or put off the process in the hopes that you’ll give up and go away, but we won’t let them get away with it.
We don’t receive any compensation until you do. In other words, we only get paid if and when you settlements or an award; if not, then we don’t get anything. Therefore, you can be confident that we will do everything possible to win your case because our success is completely dependent on yours.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an Uber Accident Case?
Factors to Consider When Deciding Whether or Not to Hire a Lawyer
If you’ve been hurt in an Uber accident, the level of your injuries will be a major factor in deciding whether or not to hire a lawyer. If you have more severe Injuries that require ongoing medical attention or prevent you from working normally, it makes sense to at least consult with a personal injury attorney who can help determine if pursuing legal action is right for you. However, many people with less serious injuries can successfully resolve their claims without paying attorneys’ fees by submitting evidence directly to the insurance company or taking advantage of mediation services.
Handle your claim on your own if the accident was due to another driver’s carelessness. If there are other matters at play–for example, if Uber neglected to sufficiently take care of its vehicles or if there was a technical issue that resulted in the accident–you should hire a lawyer who can help look into those areas and make sure Uber is taken responsibly.
The most crucial aspect to take into account when determining whether to hire an attorney is if Uber has accepted responsibility. If they have acknowledged that the accident was entirely their fault, you might not need legal assistance or representation from an uber accident law firm. On the other hand, if Uber refuses to accept liability or there is some controversy over who was really at fault for the wreck, then it’d be in your best interest to consult with a lawyer who can help establish your claim and get you compensated fairly.
How Much Do We Charge?
What Is a Contingency Fee?
A contingency fee is a payment arrangement in which the attorney gets paid only if you win your case. If you don’t win, the lawyer doesn’t get paid. The typical contingency fee is calculated as a percentage of the overall amount of money you retrieve. If you recover $100,000 and your lawyer has a contingency fee agreement for 33%, your lawyer will get $33,000.
Where Do I Start This Process of Pursuing a Recovery for My Loss?
The first step is to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer who can safeguard your rights and guide you through the legal procedure. We at Tennessee Accident Law understand what it takes to get our clients the compensation they deserve, having handled Uber and other ridesharing cases previously.
There are several possible ways to recover damages after an accident, including the driver’s personal insurance policy, the rideshare company’s insurance policy, and your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. A seasoned attorney will know how to investigate the facts of your case and determine all of the potential sources of recovery.
Uber and other ridesharing companies in Columbia, Tennessee are also required by law to maintain $1 million in liability insurance coverage for collisions that result in death or injuries. This additional coverage is in addition to the driver’s insurance policy, which means there may be several avenues for the recovery open to you.
Conclusion:
Is it safe to take an Uber? The answer to this question depends on your level of comfort. If you’re okay with getting into a car with a stranger, go for it. But if you’re not comfortable doing so, think about hailing a taxi or utilizing another means of transportation instead. And if you have an issue with an Uber accident and need legal assistance, call us for a free consultation to evaluate your situation independently.