For their convenience, Uber services have been popular in the last decade or so, as have the number of reported traffic accidents involving their drivers. Unfortunately, paying for medical bills and getting compensation becomes a nightmare when an accident happens.
People involved in Uber accidents, such as passengers or third parties, are unsure of the legal procedure to follow. This is because of the company’s complicated terms of service that classify their drivers as independent contractors exempt from traditional liability rules.
You can hold Uber responsible through an “Uber accident lawyer near me”. Let’s review the available options to get you compensation.
Vicarious Liability
Have an Uber accident lawyer to help assert vicarious liability, which holds the company legally responsible for offenses committed by agents within the scope of their work. Although Uber claims drivers are self-employed, they still have control over their drivers through the app. Moreover, the shared profits would support an agency relationship in court.
This strategy has already seen some successes, including the settlement for a six-year-old pedestrian killed by an Uber driver. A skilled legal team can argue the driver was working for Uber at the time of the accident.
Negligent Hiring & Retention
Another theory targets Uber’s driver screening process as negligent. An experienced Uber accident lawyer near you can prove that the company failed to verify the driver’s background, license, driving records, or insurance beyond what they presented.
They may also argue Uber was negligent in hiring or retaining the at-fault driver – putting passenger safety at risk. This negligent hiring/retention argument leaves Uber culpable regardless of driver classification.
Unfair Competition
A less traditional but compelling concept would be that Uber engaged in unfair competition against taxi services that must comply with stricter regulations, ensuring adequate insurance levels.
A plaintiff could claim they suffered harm due to Uber skirting regulations that aim to protect the public. This route seeks to vindicate victim rights even if the driver was technically an independent contractor.
Insurance Coverage
Determining proper insurance coverage for Uber accidents can also prove valuable. The company requires commercial policies from drivers during trips, but investigations show gaps.
Working closely with an “Uber accident lawyer near me” ensures you receive coverage benefits for medical expenses and lost wages. Victims must not rely on Uber’s limited liability but should aggressively demand coverage through proper channels.
Legislative Pressure
On a larger scale, significant personal injury law firms handling multiple rideshare accident cases influence legislative reforms. They may lobby for laws clarifying rideshare company duties to guarantee driver screening and training and clearly define employee versus contractor status.
In addition, they can mandate appropriate liability insurance levels matching public taxi regulations. Positive statutory changes help all future victims hold transportation networking companies fully responsible legally.
Hold Uber Liable with An Accident Lawyer Near You
While terms of service try painting drivers as solely liable parties, an “Uber accident lawyer near me” can center the litigation on vicarious liability, negligent hiring/retention, unfair competition, and proper insurance. The optimal legal option is to consult a skilled lawyer, granting you viable pathways to hold Uber liable.
