Rideshare companies like Uber became popular in cities like Carrollton because of their independent and convenient features. You can complete transactions without even communicating with your driver as a passenger.
Who do you hold responsible if your Uber driver is involved in an accident? Is it the Uber driver or Uber itself? To get the answers to these questions and give your accident claim a fighting chance, reach out to an rideshare accident lawyer in Carrollton.
How does Uber Classify Its Drivers?
One of the reasons you may be confused about who to hold liable for your Uber car accident is how Uber classifies their drivers. Uber classifies their drivers as independent contractors to avoid taking responsibility for the millions of drivers using their app. Unlike employees, there are certain freedoms that independent contractors enjoy while working with other companies.
Get the strong arm
What Are the Characteristics of Independent Contractors?
Independent contractors have complete control over who they work for and how they work. While they may work under contract with another company, those companies do not have the right to control when and how these workers perform their duties. When these companies attempt to control how these independent contractors work, they risk treating them like employees.
How Uber Uses the Independent Contractor Status to Their Advantage
Uber uses the independent contractor status of their drivers to reduce the amount of responsibility they hold for their drivers’ actions. If their drivers are involved in car accidents, Uber wants to reduce the liability in the accident as much as possible. However, Uber can still be held liable for your injuries in an Uber accident based on certain circumstances.
One reason for liability includes failing to follow the necessary hiring requirements for Uber drivers.
Standards for Uber Drivers
There are certain requirements that individuals must meet to become Uber drivers. These requirements include:
- A valid driver’s license
- Being 21 years of age or older
- The ability to pass a background check
One of Uber’s requirements is constantly being criticized for failing to investigate its drivers’ background checks properly. For various reasons, Uber allows drivers with questionable backgrounds to use the Uber app and pick up passengers, consistently placing passengers like yourself in harm’s way.
What Are Reasons Why Passengers Decide Not to File Uber Accident Claims?
As a passenger, you may be discouraged from filing a claim for an Uber accident. You may not know which party to hold liable for your or your loved one’s injuries. Your Uber driver may convince you not to file an Uber accident claim or mislead you into assuming that you are not allowed to hold the company liable for your injuries.
Another reason why you may not file an Uber accident claim is out of fear of losing access to Uber. You may assume that the company may retaliate if you decide to pursue legal action against Uber. Fortunately, there has not been an occasion where a passenger has been suspended permanently after pursuing legal action against the company. You will still be allowed to use Uber after pursuing legal action for your Uber accident.
How a Carrollton Uber Accident Lawyer Can Help
Whether this is your first Uber accident or several, the best representation you can have in your corner is an Uber accident lawyer in Carrollton. Our Carrollton Uber accident lawyers are familiar with Uber’s insurance policies and regulations and how to navigate through them. We are confident in our abilities to help you receive the compensation you are entitled to recover.
Failing to Provide a Required Duty of Care
Our Carrollton Uber accident lawyers know how to strengthen your claim by proving negligence on the part of Uber. Although Uber classifies its drivers as independent contractors, the company still owes its customers a required standard of care while using its services.
You and every passenger using Uber should feel safe and comfortable during your trips. When your safety is in jeopardy because of the company’s negligence, Uber has failed to provide that standard of care to you.
Types of Compensation You Can Pursue from Uber
Just like any car accident, Uber accidents can traumatize you and affect your way of living. All parties responsible for your Uber accident need to be held accountable and provide you or your loved one with the appropriate compensation. Some of the types of compensation that you can pursue from Uber include the following.
Lost Income Due to Not Being Able to Work
One of the most challenging things about car accidents is that your injuries can worsen over time. What started as a simple back injury can cause you to experience back pain for the rest of your life. These types of injuries can affect your ability to work in your profession.
A Reduced Quality of Life
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that injuries from a car accident cause major health loss globally. From instant death to serious injuries like amputations or traumatic brain injuries, your quality of life is at risk of being severely reduced. There are injuries that you may never recover from during your lifetime in some cases.
Medical Expenses Caused by the Crash
You can also pursue compensation for any medical expenses caused by the Uber accident. You may be asked to pay for physical therapy services, rehabilitation services, and routine physician appointments to heal from your injuries properly. In some cases, you may have to pay for medical expenses for the rest of your life.
Get Help from a Carrollton Uber Accident Attorney Today
At John Foy & Associates, our Carrollton Uber accident lawyers can make a difference in your life. Our main focus is getting the best financial recovery possible for people who have been injured. We want to show you how our approach can work for you. Call our office or complete our contact form to schedule a consultation with a member of our team today.
Fight for your right to compensation after suffering an injury in an Uber accident with the help of a personal injury attorney.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
