Michael D. Kelly, ESQ 
If you were a victim of an Uber auto accident, your compensation can vary from a few thousand dollars to millions. The average Uber accident settlement for minor injuries ranges from $5K to $10K in compensation, but severe traumas and fatal outcomes range from $100K and up. Besides, a claim settled outside court will differ dramatically from an Uber accident lawsuit taken to trial.
Out of almost 100K motor vehicle crashes that happen in Massachusetts annually, rideshare accidents reported to insurance make up over 5%. Such trends undoubtedly raise concern and emphasize the necessity of knowing your legal rights and options should you get involved in such an accident. That is precisely what we’ll discuss today. Read on to uncover critical points that may help you optimize your Uber accident claim!
Uber Accident Settlement Amounts and Real-Life Cases
Each car accident claim is unique because it depends on multiple variables that are rarely the same. The average settlement for a case involving an Uber vehicle is from $20K to $100K, but both lower and higher compensation amounts are possible. For instance:
$20K Settlement
An Uber driver rear-ended another car. The accident caused the passenger a minor concussion and whiplash. The plaintiff spends $4K on ER visits, X-rays, and extensive physical therapy sessions. Moreover, the claimant had to spend one week off work due to the injury, which cost him $1,5K in lost wages. Additionally, the pain and suffering damages were estimated to be worth $15K in compensation. Overall, the victim recovered $20K.
$120K Settlement
The victim, a 35-year-old pedestrian, was hit by an Uber driver in a crosswalk. The accident caused them a broken leg that required surgery. Medical expenses, including but not limited to hospital stays, surgery, and rehabilitation, were worth $30K. Since the injured wasn’t able to go to work for 7 weeks, they were assigned $15K in lost wages.
The victim also required home assistance, which cost an additional $5K. Non-economic damages were rounded to $70K.
$800K Settlement
An Uber operator exceeded the speed limit and struck another vehicle. The accident inflicted severe injuries on the passenger, including traumatic brain injury and spinal cord damage. The medical bills, including future medical expenses the injured faced, were $200K, excluding home and vehicle modifications, which cost another $50K.
The injury caused the person permanent damage, meaning that they couldn’t work. The loss of income was estimated at $300K. Overall pain and suffering that the victim had to deal with on a daily basis were settled in the amount of $250K.
$6.7M Settlement
A 30-year-old runner was hit by an Uber driver while on a morning run. Although the initial visit to the hospital didn’t show any serious implications, a few months after the accident, the victim started experiencing serious hip pain.
Further examination proved that the plaintiff required costly surgeries and rehabilitation, not to mention that he lost the ability to enjoy his favorite activity. After a serious investigation, the jury awarded the claimant $6.7M in compensation for the past and future damages and losses.
Types of Damages an Uber Accident Victim Can Recover
According to federal and Massachusetts state law, an accident victim can obtain several types of damages. They range from hospital bills and property damage to emotional distress. For example:
Whether it is a one-time ER checkup or a lengthy hospitalization, you have the right to file a corresponding Uber accident claim and recover costs of past, ongoing, and future medical treatment. Minor scrapes and bruises can cause you to miss a few days of work, but serious injuries may have a permanent effect on your earning potential. That is why lost wages and compromised earning capacity should be reimbursed in full. A broken laptop, phone, or any other type of personal belongings, including a car if you were hit by an Uber driver, belong to economic damages that a victim can recover. Intangible damages, such as mental anguish, anxiety, chronic pain, PTSD, depression, and loss of joy in life, can make up the most substantial part of the obtained compensation. However, it takes a professional Uber accident lawyer to recover those in full.
In some Uber accident cases, punitive damages are awarded. These damages serve as additional compensation for the inflicted losses and serve as a punishment measure for extremely reckless behavior.
Leading Factors That Impact Uber Accident Settlement Value
The final settlement amount of an Uber accident claim often depends on a few major factors.
How Badly You Are Hurt
If you sustain severe injuries in an Uber accident, the settlement will be considerably higher than the compensation for minor cuts and bruises. Serious injuries like broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries that lead to long-term disabilities increase the payouts.
Cost of Medical Care
The longer the medical treatment and recovery, the larger the settlement. Some traumas require ongoing care and adaptations, not to mention repetitive checkups and therapy. An experienced attorney can skillfully assess such future expenses to maximize your settlement.
Loss of Income
An Uber collision can lead to a forced sick leave that lasts a few weeks. However, there are instances when such crashes end careers. That is why lost income plays a critical role when it comes to calculating a fair settlement. Proof of the lost wages, bonuses, contracts, and performed duties can strengthen your claim.
Driver’s Status and Your Role
If you were involved in an Uber accident, your role, as well as the status of the Uber driver, matters greatly. If you’ve been a passenger and the driver was en route, your claim would be much stronger. Also, the status can be pivotal when it comes to determining liability, especially if you were an operator of another vehicle.
Physical Pain and Emotional Distress
Aside from the physical impact, an Uber accident can have a serious psychological toll on the victim’s life. The more severe the aftermath of the car accident on the person’s life, let’s say they are harmed to the point of losing interest in life, the more significant the Uber accident settlement.
Intricate Nuances of Uber’s Insurance Coverage
There are different sides to Uber’s insurance policy, which may be critical for the successful and fair outcome of your claim if you’ve been in a rideshare accident. The corporation offers quite substantial yet complex insurance coverage divided into three main groups:
- When an Uber driver is offline at the moment of the accident, corporate insurance coverage does not apply. However, it does not mean that the operators are left unprotected. According to Massachusetts laws, all drivers must have active auto insurance. Moreover, Uber won’t hire motorists with non-existent or expired insurance. In case you get involved in a collision while off work, personal insurance will cover sustained or inflicted losses.
- When an Uber driver is logged in but not on a trip, third-party liability coverage applies. According to the provided insurance coverage limits, the company will cover $50K for injuries per person and up to $100K per accident. Additionally, it is possible to recover $25K for property damage according to this liability coverage.
- When an Uber driver has accepted the request and is en route, comprehensive corporate insurance coverage applies. The policy covers up to $1M in property damage and personal injury. On top of that, the company offers drivers cost-of-repair coverage up to the actual cash value.
Before you file an Uber accident claim, it is worth finding out which type of insurance was applicable at the moment of the crash. It has a direct impact on the final result of the claim and can help you optimize your payouts. An experienced personal injury attorney will help you navigate the insurance maze with ease.
Get a Free Case Evaluation
Immediate Actions to Take After the Uber Accident to Protect Your Legal Rights
Just like a regular car accident, an Uber collision can be pretty overwhelming and disorienting. Knowing which steps to take after an Uber accident can help you protect your health, legal rights, and ability to claim fair compensation. Michael Kelly Injury Lawyers advise you to do the following:
- Seek medical attention: Call 911 right after the accident. Let a professional medic examine you, even if you think that you’re unharmed or your injuries seem minor. Sometimes the harm is not limited to visible injuries, and internal damage can show symptoms hours or days later. Only a trained expert can notice them on time.
- Inspect the accident scene: If you are in the clear and don’t require immediate hospitalization, you should stay at the scene and gather evidence that will solidify your Uber accident settlement. Take clear and detailed photos of everything around you, from your injuries and vehicles involved to weather conditions and traffic signs at the location.
- Talk to witnesses: Usually, there are at least a couple of people who’ve seen the accident take place. Approach them and inquire about what they remember and what potentially could have stood up to them. Record their answers and ask for contact information in case their testimony is needed to support your Uber accident claim.
- Report the accident: As you notify the police about the accident, you should also report it to Uber. You can do so through their app or by reaching out to the Uber support center. Both reports will serve as valid proof when you file the claim for an Uber accident settlement.
- Refrain from rash solutions: Don’t provide recorded statements without a consultation with a legal representative. The same applies to quick settlements that the insurance company may offer.
- Speak to a qualified Uber car accident lawyer: Contact a trained field expert and ask them about the preferred course of action so that you don’t compromise your potential compensation. Many Uber accident lawyers, including our law firm, offer free consultations and case evaluations.
The Legal Process of an Uber Accident Settlement
The insurance claims process is also quite intricate and consists of different stages. Let’s break down how a typical Uber accident legal process looks so that no surprises are waiting for you:
- Filing the claim: As you notify the company about the incident, you create an official record that goes beyond just checking a box. You will be asked to provide your version of events, confirm your status at the moment of the accident, and share relevant information and documents that support the claim.
- Investigation: All Uber accident cases are investigated not only by the victim’s legal representatives but also by insurance companies. As the claimant or their personal injury attorneys provide necessary records, reports, and other evidence, the insurance adjuster will test them for validity.
- Negotiations: Both parties will meet to negotiate the upcoming Uber accident settlement. The negotiations are rarely friendly. The plaintiff will be bombarded with lowball offers and potential accusations. However, a skilled legal advisor knows how to deflect those with ease.
- Initial compensation offer: After some time, the parties may reach an agreement. If the plaintiff is satisfied, they can accept the compensation, sign the necessary documentation, and schedule the payouts.
- Filing a lawsuit: In case you are dissatisfied with the final offer that the defendant suggests, or if the insurer rejects the settlement, you can take the case to trial. A trained lawyer will help you file a timely and detailed lawsuit so that the court decides on its outcome.
How Long Does It Take to Settle an Uber Accident Claim?
Every case is different. Some drag on for months, while others may wrap up in a matter of weeks. Accidents with minor losses and clear liability can be settled in 3-6 months. However, catastrophic incidents, especially those involving severe injuries or wrongful death claims, can expand over one year.
It takes time for the legal team to build a strong case and convince the insurance provider to issue fair compensation. Besides, if the claim is taken to court, the timeline expands even further.
Is There a Way to Maximize an Uber Accident Settlement?
Most insurance companies are programmed to downplay your request and offer minimal reimbursement that barely covers your losses. However, there are a few ways to navigate the negotiation process with confidence and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
- Document everything: Starting at the scene of the accident and proceeding with every official record and document you can lay your hands on, you should gather as much proof supporting your case as possible. The same applies to every correspondence you have with Uber representatives or insurance adjusters.
- Maintain deadlines: You shouldn’t postpone reporting the incident. The sooner, the better. Some legal actions can be taken within a state-ruled timeframe, and violation of those deadlines may negatively affect your claim.
- Don’t handle the situation alone: It is best to interact with insurance officials through an attorney. Experienced insurers may convince you to accept blame, even partially, and consequently agree to a lower settlement than you deserve. Consult a field attorney before you proceed with the case.
- Don’t be scared of the litigation: In case the insurance negotiations turn out to be unfruitful, you shouldn’t jump at any proposition they have for you. You shouldn’t be afraid of taking the case to trial, especially if your legal advisor suggests it.
Contact Our Experienced Uber Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation Today!
An Uber accident can leave you with more than a few scrapes and bruises. It can throw your life off course in the blink of an eye. Good news? You are not alone in this mess! Michael Kelly Injury Lawyers are willing to offer a helping hand no matter how difficult the situation is.
We don’t have any upfront or hidden legal fees to worry about, and we offer a free case evaluation to point you in the right direction. All it takes is a free consultation to set your claim in motion!
FAQ
What Is the Statute of Limitations for an Uber Accident?
In Massachusetts, you have three years from the day of the incident to file a personal injury claim, including Uber accident cases. There may be some exceptions to the rule, so it is always a good idea to consult a field lawyer on the matter.
How Do You Calculate an Uber Accident Settlement?
The settlement is calculated by adding up the value of the damages the accident victim sustained. Many factors can influence the final amount, including injury severity, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, status, insurance limit, and liability.
How Does Uber Compensate Injured Passengers?
A passenger injured in an Uber accident can claim fair compensation that an existing company insurance policy will cover. The corporation can pay out up to a million dollars in compensation for the sustained damages.
Does Uber Compensate Drivers?
An Uber driver can be eligible for corporate insurance when they are actively using the app and transporting passengers. Depending on the operator’s status, the amount of compensation can be different. If an Uber driver is offline at the time of the collision, their personal auto insurance will cover the damages in accordance with the purchased limits.
