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(832) 449-8230In many ways, Uber and ride-share accidents are similar to other auto wreck cases. Drivers are often at fault and directly responsible for the damages victims suffer. However, since Uber has no vehicles of its own, fault is frequently contested. Ride-sharing companies usually hire drivers and their cars. Therefore, these cases bring up many legal issues when an accident occurs concerning liability. Reach out to an experienced La Porte Uber accident lawyer to learn more about your options after a wreck.
One of the challenges that Uber accident victims face is determining whether drivers are independent contractors or employees. This impacts liability and, subsequently, how compensation works. To understand how fault in Uber accidents works, victims must apply the concept of negligence just as with any other personal injury case. This means answering the following questions with the assistance of a qualified La Porte Uber accident attorney.
Duty of care in Uber accident lawsuits refers to the obligation ride-sharing companies and drivers have to ensure the safety of passengers, pedestrians, and other road users. For example, Uber drivers must drive safely and operate their vehicles with the same caution that a reasonable person would under similar circumstances. Uber must also conduct proper background checks on drivers to ensure their credibility.
Breach of duty occurs when the expected standard of care and responsibility is not met. For drivers, a breach entails violating traffic laws by failing to yield, distracted driving, speeding, and more. Ride-sharing companies can also breach the duty of care through negligent driver hiring and improper vehicle maintenance.
Causation in car accident cases refers to the link between the at-fault party’s negligence and the injuries suffered by the victims or the plaintiff. This link is crucial since it demonstrates that the other party’s failure to observe the duty of care directly caused the crash. Without proving causation, personal injury victims are not entitled to compensation. A skillful attorney can effectively demonstrate causation in your case.
Damages in an injury case refer to a crash’s physical, emotional, or psychological impact on survivors. They are a critical element in personal injury lawsuits involving car accidents. Common damages in Uber accident lawsuits are lost income as a result of missed work, past and future treatment costs, pain and suffering, reduced quality of life, rehabilitation expenses, emotional distress, wrongful death, and more. A knowledgeable Uber accident attorney in La Porte can quantify these and other losses for maximum compensation.
Having understood the concept of negligence and how it works in Uber accident cases, the next course of action is to apply the elements to your case. By doing so, you can establish liability and discover the person or parties to hold financially responsible for your losses. Common defendants in La Porte Uber accident cases are:
Uber’s liability can be complex since it is a platform offering ride-sharing services by connecting independent drivers with passengers. This is different from conventional taxi services, where companies directly hire or employ drivers. However, this distinction does not make Uber immune to legal action when an accident occurs. Uber may be sued under certain circumstances, such as when a crash occurs while on a trip or waiting for a passenger. An experienced La Porte Uber accident attorney will explain and discuss how Uber insurance coverage works and how you could benefit from it.
Individual and independent Uber drivers are often to blame for ride-sharing vehicle accidents. When outright traffic violations such as failure to yield, speeding, distracted driving, or road rage result in a crash, their recklessness is a solid basis for legal action. You may be able to recover compensation from their insurer or Uber’s coverage through vicarious liability.
Some Uber accidents result from vehicle defects. This may be due to product liability from manufacturers or improper maintenance. A seasoned car accident attorney can retain mechanical experts to determine the vehicle’s roadworthiness and whether faulty parts and systems caused the accident. If so, the manufacturer or distributor may be sued for failing to meet industry-standard vehicle safety requirements.
Truly, ride-sharing services have revolutionized the way people move around. With ease of accessibility and reliability, Uber should provide convenience and safety for passengers. So, someone must be held responsible when an accident involving reckless driver behavior or a vehicle defect occurs. Our La Porte Uber accident lawyers are waiting to discuss your case. Call us now to schedule a no-risk evaluation.
Lone Star Injury Attorneys, PLLC