If you’ve been hurt in an Uber accident in Franklin, Tennessee, you might be wondering if you have any legal options. After all, when you hop into an Uber and put your safety in the hands of a stranger, you’re taking a chance. That’s why it’s critical to understand the dangers associated with using an Uber before getting into one. We’ll look at some of the hazards associated with riding Uber so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not it’s suitable for you.
Common Causes of Uber Accidents
If you’ve been in an Uber accident, you might be wondering what your legal choices are and how to proceed. You may also be asking if the crash was caused by the driver, the company, or a third party. We’ll look at the five most prevalent causes of Uber accidents in Tennessee in this blog post so that you can make better-informed decisions regarding your legal options.
1. Distracted Driving
Unfortunately, distracted driving is not only a leading cause of regular car accidents but also Uber accidents. Drivers may be on their phones, looking at the GPS, talking to passengers in the car, or anything else that takes away their focus from driving. If you’ve experienced an accident caused by a distracted driver pursuing compensation from both the driver and/or Uber may be possible.
2. Fatigued Driving
Exhaustion is another typical cause of vehicle accidents. This is especially true for business truck drivers who spend much of their time on the road. Commercial truck drivers, however, may experience similar issues. If you were hurt in a car accident caused by a fatigued driver, you may be able to get compensation from both the driver and Uber.
3. Speeding
Another common cause of vehicle accidents is speeding. Many drivers, however, believe they are allowed to go faster than the law allows. However, going too fast increases the likelihood of losing control of the vehicle and being involved in a collision. If you’ve been hurt in an accident caused by a speeding motorist, you may be eligible for compensation from both the driver and Uber.
4. Weather Conditions
In extremely cold or inclement weather, such as ice or snow, vehicles may be less safe. If you’ve been in a vehicle accident caused by bad weather, you might be entitled to compensation from Uber. However, keep in mind that drivers are not required to drive in these conditions if it is not reasonably safe to do so.
5. Poorly Maintained Vehicles
In addition to poor driving, another common cause of car accidents is a poorly maintained vehicle. This can include bald tires, broken headlights, and more. If you’ve been involved in an accident caused by a lack of proper vehicular maintenance, you may be able to seek compensation from the driver and/or Uber.
Common Uber Accident Injuries
If you’ve been injured in an Uber accident in Franklin, Tennessee, below are some of the most commonly occurring injuries. Our team of skilled personal injury lawyers has plenty of experience with these cases and offers free consultations. don’t hesitate to call us today.
Neck and Back Injuries
Neck and back injuries are the most prevalent sort of injury caused in automobile accidents, ranging from whiplash to herniated discs. These disorders are typically triggered by the impact’s force and can result in persistent agony, disability, and even paralysis.
Head Injuries
Not only are head injuries incredibly common in car accidents, but they can also be very severe, ranging from concussions to skull fractures. These injuries are often caused by the initial impact of the accident as well as by flying debris striking the victim’s head. Head injuries frequently result in long-term cognitive problems, personality changes, and sometimes death.
Chest Injuries
Depending on the severity, chest injuries can vary from cracked ribs to lethal internal bleeding. These typically happen from blunt force trauma and leave patients vulnerable to other life-threatening health concerns like organ failure or respiratory issues.
Abdominal Injuries
Abdominal injuries can range from bruises and contusions to lacerations and organ damage. These wounds are frequently caused by the force of impact as well as debris striking the victim’s abdomen. Abdominal injuries might cause serious health issues including infection and death.
Upper extremity Injuries
Upper extremity wounds can range from mild lacerations to severe fractures and amputations. These injuries are typically the result of impact force as well as foreign body contact with the victim’s upper extremity. Upper extremity injuries might result in lifelong disability or even death.
About Uber Accident Claims
What to do immediately after an Uber accident in Tennessee?
If you are injured in an Uber accident in Franklin, Tennessee, the first thing you should do is visit a doctor if necessary. After you’ve taken care of your health, your next goal should be to get information from the scene of the accident. While they’re still fresh in your mind, take pictures of the damage, obtain contact information from any eyewitnesses, and document any important facts about the incident. When filing an insurance claim or taking legal action against the responsible party, having all of this evidence will be quite beneficial.
If you have been injured in an Uber accident, the next step is to contact a personal injury attorney. The team at Tennessee Accident Law has years of experience handling all types of personal injury claims and can help you navigate the complicated process of filing an insurance claim or taking legal action against the at-fault driver. We will work tirelessly to build a strong case on your behalf so that you get the full compensation you are entitled to under the law.
What types of compensation can I receive for an Uber accident claim in Franklin, Tennessee?
Several factors will affect the amount and type of compensation you may be eligible to receive, including the severity of your injuries, whether you were able to return to work, and whether any permanent damage was done as a result of the accident. In general, however, victims of car accidents may be able to recover compensatory damages for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage.
If the accident was caused by someone else’s carelessness or negligence, you may be eligible for punitive damages in addition to general compensation. Punishment is intended both to disgrace the at-fault individual and warn others away from performing similar mistakes.
Who is Responsible for My Uber Accident Injuries?
Possible Defendants in an Uber Accident Case
The Uber driver is the first potential defendant. If the Uber driver was careless in driving, he or she may be held responsible for your injuries. However, if the driver was not logged into the Uber app at the time of the accident, Uber may not be held liable for his or her carelessness.
Uber is a third potential defendant. If the driver was logged into the Uber app at the time of the collision, it may be held vicariously liable for his or her negligence. Vicarious liability implies that a business can be held responsible for its staff’s actions. There are, however, certain limitations to vicarious liability. For example, if the driver was not working within the scope of his or her employment at the time of the accident, Uber may not be held liable.
The third possible at-fault party is the other driver involved in the accident. If it can be proven that this driver was negligent while operating their vehicle, then they may be held liable for your injuries and damages.
What Does Tennessee Law Say About Uber Accidents?
If you or a family member were harmed in an Uber collision, you might be questioning what actions can be taken. In this blog post, we’ll explore what Tennessee law says about accidents with Ubers and how to ensure your safety going forward.
In Franklin, Tennessee, Uber has been classified as a “transportation network company” (TNC). TNCs in the state are required to have insurance coverage for their drivers that meet or exceed the following limits:
$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 ever have the misfortune of being in an accident while using Uber, your primary focus should be on receiving medical attention if needed. Once you have ensured your safety and well-being, reach out to a competent personal injury lawyer to discuss next steps. They will evaluate the situation and let you know if taking legal action against the driver, TNC, or both is warranted.
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 move forward. You understand you need to file a claim, but you’re not sure how long you have. Because the state of Tennessee has a statute of limitations on personal injury claims, it’s critical to know when you have to file your claim.
If you plan to file a lawsuit, the statute of limitations is the amount of time you have to do so. For personal injury lawsuits in Tennessee, you have one year from the date of the accident. So if your Uber accident occurred on January 1, 2020, you would need to file by January 1, 2021, at the latest. If not filed within that timespan, most likely your case will be dismissed.
There are some exceptions to this rule, such as if the person who was injured is minor or mentally disabled. If you’re unsure of whether you fall into one of these categories, it would be best to speak with an attorney about your case.
Don’t Talk to Anyone on the Other Side Before Speaking with a Lawyer
Few people understand that anything you say to the other side before talking to a personal lawyer can be used against you in court. The opposing party is not your friend and exists only to further their agenda; never yours. And finally, if the insurance company thinks it can get away with it, it will low-ball any monetary settlement offer.
The greatest thing you can do is talk to a personal injury lawyer before speaking with anybody on the other side. A competent personal injury lawyer will provide you with the best opportunity of obtaining a fair settlement. If the insurance company refuses to play by the rules, your injury lawyer will take them to court and demand that they pay what they owe you.
How are We Different from Other Firms?
We prioritize our clients. You’re just another case number at other businesses; here, you’re a person with a name and a narrative. We realize that this is likely one of the most trying periods in your life, and we’ll do everything we can to make it as painless as possible for you.
Second, we have a staff of committed attorneys and investigators who will stop at nothing to deliver you the justice—and compensation—you deserve. We understand how insurance companies function, and we are well-versed in their tactics. They may attempt to lowball you or delay the process in hopes that you’ll give up and go away, but we won’t let them succeed.
We only get paid if you do- if you don’t receive a settlement or award, then we don’t make anything. This assures you that we will work tirelessly to win your case because our success depends 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 have been gravely injured in an Uber accident, it is in your best interest to hire a lawyer. Many times, severe injuries need prolonged medical attention and can make going back to work or living a normal life complicated. If your injuries are not as bad, you might be able to deal with the case by yourself or with the support of someone who professionally works in this field and can guide you through everything without needing to spend extra money on hiring a lawyer.
If the accident was caused by someone else’s carelessness, you may be able to handle your claim on your own. However, if there are extenuating circumstances—such as if Uber neglected to maintain its vehicles properly or if there was a mechanical defect that caused the accident—you’ll want to enlist the aid of a lawyer who can look into those factors and hold Uber accountable.
The most crucial thing to think about when deciding whether you should retain a lawyer is: has Uber taken responsibility for the collision? If they have, then it might be wiser to manage your complaint independently or with help from an uber accident law firm. On the other hand, if Uber is refusing liability or there’s some disagreement concerning who was at fault for the accident, then you’re going to want to employ a lawyer who can assist you in developing your argument and getting the remuneration you’re eligible for.
How Much Do We Charge?
What Is a Contingency Fee?
A contingency fee is when an attorney only gets paid if you win your case. If the lawyer doesn’t prevail, then they don’t earn anything. Contingency fees are calculated as a percent of what the client receives back; for example, if after winning the case, the client receives $100,000 and had agreed to 33% contingency fee beforehand with their lawyer- in this instance-the lawyer would receive $33,333.33.
Where Do I Start This Process of Pursuing a Recovery for My Loss?
The first step is to contact a qualified personal injury attorney who can protect your rights and help you navigate the complex legal process. At Tennessee Accident Law, we have experience handling cases involving Uber and other rideshare companies, and we know what it takes to get our clients the compensation they deserve.
There are numerous ways of obtaining compensation in a car accident scenario, including the driver’s personal insurance policy, the rideshare company’s insurance policy, and your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. An experienced lawyer will be able to evaluate the circumstances of your case and discover all possible sources of recovery.
Not to mention, Tennessee law demands that Uber and other rideshare companies must have $1 million in liability insurance coverage for accidents resulting in death or injuries. This policy is on top of the driver’s personal insurance, which means there might be several sources of compensation available to you.
Conclusion:
So, should you take an Uber? The answer to this question is that it depends on your level of comfort. If you’re comfortable with getting into a car with someone you don’t know, go ahead and give it a try. But if you’re not comfortable doing so, perhaps hailing a taxi or utilizing another method of transportation would be preferable for you. Give us a call for a free consultation to evaluate your case if you get into an Uber accident and need to speak with an attorney.