Uber continues to be one of the most widely used rideshare services across the U.S. and in Florida, including cities like New Port Richey. While these services are highly convenient and frequently safe, Uber accidents can occur due to the driver’s negligence or other factors. If you or a loved one are involved in an Uber accident in New Port Richey, you may be able to seek compensation for any injuries sustained, depending on the nature of the accident.
The New Port Richey Uber accident attorneys at the Lucas, Macyszyn & Dyer Law Firm can determine if you have a valid accident claim and help you seek compensation if negligent parties caused your injuries. We understand how complex these cases can get and how to prove negligence and the extent of injuries to get the compensation that victims deserve. This is why we help victims of Uber and other vehicle accidents recover full compensation for their injuries.
Potential Causes of Uber Accidents in New Port Richey
Like other drivers, Uber drivers may make mistakes that put passengers and others at risk of injury on the road.
Some common causes of Uber accidents and other motor vehicle accidents include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Aggressive driving and road rage
- Fatigued driving
- Unsafe turns or lane changes
- Failure to yield
- Running stop signs or red lights
- Vehicle defects
Rideshare drivers, including those working for Uber, often work long and late hours, making them more susceptible to fatigue. Additionally, they may experience dangerous levels of distraction from checking their mobile devices for directions or new passengers. This is why these drivers need to remain as alert as they can when driving in New Port Richey and other cities.
Common Accident Sites in New Port Richey
Motor vehicle accidents often take place in New Port Richey. Several areas in this county are more dangerous than others. A few of the main roads that see many accidents in and around New Port Richey include:
- U.S. 19
- S.R. 54
- U.S. 41
These and other roads often see Uber traffic as passengers travel through New Port Richey and around Pasco County. Often, accidents occur that result in serious injuries or fatalities.
Types of Injuries Resulting From Uber Accidents
Uber accidents in New Port Richey can result in many injuries, much like any other type of motor vehicle accident.
Some of the potential injuries that victims may sustain include:
- Head and neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Joint injuries
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Burn injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Whiplash
- Amputations and other catastrophic injuries
- Wrongful death
If negligence caused an accident and any of these injuries and other damages, Uber accident victims or their loved ones might be able to file a claim or lawsuit against the driver or other negligent parties to recover compensation.
Who Is Responsible for Uber Accidents?
Uber drivers are frequently responsible for accidents due to distracted driving or other factors, but this is not always the case. Uber accidents are also different from other accidents because Uber drivers are driving for profit, meaning the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier may not be willing to pay compensation. As a result, rideshare services like Uber have commercial insurance coverage that compensates victims in an accident.
When the Uber Driver Is at Fault
If an Uber driver is responsible for an accident, compensation will depend on whether the driver was actively using the Uber app. If the driver is inactive and not using the app, the driver’s own insurance coverage typically applies. If this is the case, the accident will be like any other type of conventional car accident and entail a car accident claim.
However, if the Uber driver is logged into the app at the time of the accident, Uber’s insurance policy may compensate victims. Uber insurance policies feature certain coverage limits, including bodily injuries coverage per person, bodily injury coverage per accident, and property damage per accident. The limits far exceed those that typically apply to no-fault insurance in New Port Richey.
The limits are even higher if a passenger is involved in an accident, whether the passenger is in the vehicle or has merely accepted a ride. In these instances, Uber has third-party liability coverage worth $1,000,000.
When Other Parties Are Responsible
Some Uber accidents may involve a third party whose negligence resulted in the accident and subsequent injuries.
Many potential third parties might be involved, such as:
- Truck or bus drivers
- Pedestrians
- Cyclists
- Motorcyclists
- Employers who negligently hired unfit drivers
- Manufacturers of defective auto parts
In any Uber accident case, victims should determine who is responsible for an accident, which could include multiple parties beyond the Uber driver. A reliable New Port Richey Uber accident attorney would help identify each liable party and pursue full compensation from each. Contact the Lucas, Macyszyn & Dyer Law Firm today to get started.
What Types of Damages Are Involved in Uber Accidents?
Similar to other types of accidents and personal injury cases, injury victims may seek compensation for different types of damages involved. These include economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.
Economic damages, also called monetary or special damages, come with a specific monetary amount that liable parties may cover following an accident.
Some economic damages in Uber accident cases may include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- The cost of ongoing treatment
- Rehabilitative care expenses
- Property damage
Meanwhile, non-economic damages, also known as non-monetary or general damages, are less easy to calculate because of their less tangible nature. These involve certain damages that revolve around the victim’s personal experiences after an accident that may result from their injuries.
These can include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental distress
- Loss of companionship or consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of activities
- Aggravation of pre-existing conditions
Another type of damage that Uber accidents may involve is punitive. The jury might award punitive damages in accident cases if a driver or another negligent party committed more serious negligence. Punitive damages punish the defendant instead of compensating claimants for their injuries. Most car accident cases, including Uber accident cases, do not involve punitive damages.
What to Do Following an Uber Accident
If you are in an Uber accident in or near New Port Richey, you can increase your chances of building a successful case by taking the right approach.
Remain Calm
Uber accidents and others are often jarring and disorienting for victims involved. Many people experience a certain level of panic and shock after an accident, but try to calm down so you can adequately assess the situation.
Notify the Authorities
The most important step after an accident is to seek treatment if needed. Calling 9-1-1 will help ensure that both law enforcement and medical professionals arrive at the scene. Medics can then apply treatment for any injuries sustained and, if needed, transport you and other victims to the nearest hospital for more extensive treatment.
When law enforcement officials arrive at the scene, they will begin writing a police report detailing the accident and the parties involved. An in-depth police report is critical, as it can accurately convey the events of an accident and support victims’ claims.
Gather Necessary Evidence at the Scene
If you can, take photos of the accident scene or record video footage after contacting emergency services. Visual evidence will include vehicle damage, property damage, and injuries. In addition, you should exchange information with the Uber driver and other parties involved, including driver’s license details, insurance information, and contact details. If you can, speak with nearby witnesses and record their contact information, as their testimony may further support your claim.
Seek Medical Attention for Your Injuries
While you may need to go to the hospital to treat serious injuries immediately after an accident, some injuries may not be apparent at the time of the accident. You may also not feel any pain because of your brain’s chemical response to the accident. However, you may have serious underlying injuries that do not appear until days or weeks after the accident. For instance, concussions and traumatic brain injuries may not develop symptoms until long afterward, causing cognitive difficulties and other serious symptoms.
To make sure you are in good health after an accident, visit a doctor for a professional assessment. A professional will be able to identify, diagnose, and prescribe treatment for injuries you may otherwise remain unaware of until it is too late.
It is also important to understand that the longer you wait to seek treatment after an accident, the weaker your case may be when you choose to file a claim. Medical records are some of the most important pieces of evidence in a car accident claim, and waiting too long to generate them may make your injuries seem less serious than they are. In turn, insurance companies and other parties may argue that the severity of your injuries does not warrant the compensation you seek.
Speak With an Uber Accident Lawyer
If you sustain any injuries in an accident involving an Uber driver and Uber services, you may want to consult with motor vehicle accident lawyers. Uber accidents involve certain complexities that you can’t handle on your own, making it essential to connect with an attorney to advise you on what steps to take and determine how much compensation you deserve. Contact the Law Offices of Lucas, Macyszyn & Dyer Law Firm today.
When to Hire a New Port Richey Uber Accident Lawyer
There are many aspects involved in Uber accident cases and other vehicle accidents. If you are inexperienced with these cases and Florida law, you may make certain mistakes that compromise your claim without the guidance of an attorney. With the help of the right attorney, you may be able to more effectively navigate your case and pursue compensation if you believe negligence was the cause of your accident and injuries.
The legal process involves tons of paperwork and procedures, which are often overwhelming for accident victims. The most important process for accident victims to focus on is recovery. With the help of a reliable lawyer by your side, you can benefit from representation that can navigate the claims process, negotiate with insurance companies and other parties, and determine all damages that you may receive compensation for in your case. An attorney may also take the case to trial if needed, which comes with additional complexities that would otherwise be difficult to handle alone.
When working with a lawyer to handle your case, you will generally increase your chances of reaching a favorable outcome.
Consult With an Uber Accident Lawyer to Discuss Your Case
Do you believe that an Uber driver or another party’s negligence caused an accident and injuries that you or a loved one endured? You may be able to recover compensation for these injuries with the help of an New Port Richey personal injury lawyer. With the help of the right attorney, you can build a stronger case and begin the claims process. However, the key is finding the right attorney to provide the representation you need.
A reliable lawyer will evaluate your case and determine what kinds of options are available to you while also identifying all liable parties in an attempt to seek the maximum settlement amount you deserve. If an attorney decides to work with you, you are more likely to experience success with your Uber accident case.
At the Lucas, Macyszyn & Dyer Law Firm, our team of Uber accident lawyers in New Port Richey can assess your case and discuss your available options. To schedule a free evaluation with us, call us at (727) 849-5353 or contact us online today.