Statistics Covering Uber Accidents and Injuries
The growth of ridesharing services such as Uber has been explosive. Uber now offers ridesharing services in more than 65 counties, with over 15 million trips taken on the Uber platform each day. However, with that growth comes an increase in Uber accidents and injuries caused by Ubers. A study by the University of Chicago and Rice University calculated that ridesharing services like Uber have contributed to a 2 to 3 percent increase in traffic deaths in the US since 2011, which equates to an additional 1,100 deaths each year. The researchers concluded that Uber and other rideshare services have increased traffic congestion and given commuters another option over public transit.
When a motor vehicle accident involves an Uber or other rideshare vehicle, it naturally creates questions of who is liable for the injuries and damages caused by the accident. Is the Uber driver solely liable? Or can an injured passenger in an Uber sue the rideshare company directly? Below, we answer these commonly asked questions.
Suing Uber as a Passenger
As a general matter, a passenger in an Uber who is injured in a motor vehicle accident involving the Uber vehicle is covered by Uber’s liability policy, which provides up to $1 million in coverage, ostensibly regardless of whether the accident was caused by the Uber driver or another motorist. However, when another motorist is responsible for the accident, Uber’s insurance may try to deflect liability
Suing Uber as an Uber Driver
If you are driving an Uber and are injured in a motor vehicle accident caused by another motorist, you may be entitled to make a claim against Uber. However, you will likely need to prove that you were logged into the Uber mobile application at the time of the accident and were transporting passengers or on the way to pick up passengers. In any event, you will still need to first look to your own insurance policy’s personal injury protection coverage and to the insurance of the motorist responsible for the accident before you are entitled to pursue a claim against Uber’s insurance. However, if you are involved in an accident in a comparative fault state, any recover you may have against Uber’s insurance or another motorist’s insurance will be reduced by your share of fault, if any, for the accident.
Common Injuries in Uber Accidents
Uber accidents can result in any of the injuries that are common to every kind of passenger vehicle accident. However, injuries in Uber accidents can be more severe for passengers who may fail to wear their seatbelts. Common Uber accident injuries may include:
- Fractured ribs
- Broken legs and soft-tissue injuries in the knees
- Shoulder injuries like broken collarbones or rotator cuff tears
- Hand and wrist fractures or tendon and ligament injuries
- Lacerations and contusions, which may leave permanent disfigurement
- Traumatic brain injuries and other head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
Compensation Available in Uber Accident Cases
If you are injured in an Uber accident, you may be entitled to several types of compensation, such as:
- Past and future medical expenses: Includes compensation for hospital stays, surgery, doctor’s visits, physical or occupational therapy, medication, and durable medical equipment
- Past and future lost income: Includes compensation for lost wages due to missed work or for the difference in income if you are unable to earn your pre-accident wages
- Pain and suffering: Includes compensation for physical and emotional distress and the loss of quality of life caused by your injuries
Contact a Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Uber Accident Case in Pennsylvania
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to an Uber accident in Pennsylvania? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Marrone Law Firm, LLC represent clients injured because of Uber accidents in Philadelphia, Center City, University City, and throughout Pennsylvania. Call (866) 732-6700 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 200 S. Broad St., #400, Philadelphia, PA 19102, as well as offices in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
