Brockton Uber Accident Lawyer

Injured in a rideshare accident, and need a Brockton uber accident lawyer? Every time you get into a car, there’s a possibility that it will get involved in an accident. This uncertainty is what makes the whole experience scary.

The rideshare industry has revolutionized our roads by offering a convenient and safe way to get around. It prevents drunk driving or driving when tired or ill.

Uber is a ride-sharing service that enables clients to get a ride from nearby motorists using the company’s Android app or iPhone. The Uber will arrive at the requested location within minutes, from where the customer will be taken to their desired destination.

This service is growing at an exponential rate and has seen ridership in Brockton, Massachusetts skyrocket. But unfortunately, Uber drivers are not that much different from the average driver; they can easily act recklessly and end up causing an accident. So, what do you do after getting involved in an Uber accident?

Uber accidents are special because even though they treat their drivers as independent contractors, injured pedestrians, passengers, and other drivers may have legal grounds to seek reimbursement from the motorist and company. When you or somebody close to you has sustained an injury as a result of an Uber accident in Brockton, Massachusetts, experience really matters.

Contact your committed Brockton automobile accident lawyers at the Law Office of Robert C. Shea, P.C. at 508.510.5107 to get a free case review.

Uber and Lyft Accident Statistics

Since Uber was founded in 2009, it has accrued over 3.9 million drivers across sixty-three different countries. Lyft on the other hand has more than 2 million drivers in Canada and the U.S. In 2015, Uber stated they had doubled the tally of their drivers from the previous year, with 327,000 drivers.

By 2018, the drivers had reached 750,000. With so many Uber drivers on the road, it comes with no surprise that they are responsible for the over 6 million crashes that occur nationwide each year.

In December 2019, Uber reported statistics from 2017 and 2018. But this safety report didn’t include details of various traffic accidents that happened during that time.

According to another research done by professors at Rice University and the University of Chicago, the introduction of a ridesharing platform such as Uber or Lyft in a city is linked to a 2-3% increase in automobile fatalities. This translates to 1,000 fatalities every year. We are dedicated and experienced Brockton Uber accident lawyers ready to help.

What are the Most Common Types of Uber and Lyft Accidents?

• Passenger injury due to the negligence of the Uber and Lyft driver.
• Third-party injury due to the liability of an Uber and Lyft driver.
• Passenger injury as a result of the recklessness of another Uber driver.
• Property damage due to the negligence of an Uber and Lyft driver.
• Uber and Lyft driver injury due to their own negligence.
• Uber or Lyft driver injury as a result of the recklessness of another driver.
• Driver and passenger injury due to a malfunctioning or defective auto part.

Who Can Be Found Liable in an Uber Accident?

The following parties can be held liable for an Uber accident:

Uber or Lyft Driver

An Uber or Lyft can be found responsible for the accident when they engage in negligent behavior like failing to adhere to road regulations, distracted driving or driving while under the influence. Also, the Uber driver may be held accountable for the accident if S/he was not on the job and the app was off.

The Rideshare Companies

When the Uber driver is on the clock and an accident ensues, the rideshare company in question may be liable. This means that the Uber driver has to be transporting a passenger to their destination while the app is open. In this case, Uber or Lyft offers insurance covers to the Uber driver and all the passengers in the car.

Any Related Third Parties

Other associated third parties include the vehicle manufacturers and mechanics. The manufacturer may be held accountable for the Uber accident if a defective component was the cause of the accident. Also, mechanics responsible for doing maintenance or repair work on the car may miss an obvious defect or do the repairs improperly, resulting in an accident.

In this case, the mechanics may be held liable for the accident. Contact our skilled Brockton Uber accident lawyers to learn more.

How Uber Accident Claims Vary from Regular Auto Accident Cases?

Uber categorizes its drivers as ‘independent contractors’ rather than employees. This is meant to deny liability for injuries suffered in a crash. In case you are a passenger, you have a right to seek reimbursement for injuries sustained from both the driver’s insurance cover and the company’s $1 million per ride insurance policy.

Uber classifies itself as a technology service provider, rather than a car service or transportation company, which enables the company to shift fault to the driver, which makes it hard for pedestrians, passengers, and other drivers to make claims or complaints with Uber.

There’s no customer service helpline for Uber accident victims to call, the only available link to Uber is via email. The company is difficult to get a hold of, which can make victims discouraged. Our experienced lawyers will make sure to hold both the driver and the company accountable.

Even if you were a pedestrian or the driver of the other car involved in the crash driven by an Uber driver, you have legal grounds to seek maximum compensation from both the insurance policy of the driver and Uber’s additional policy.

Up until recently, Uber didn’t offer coverage for its drivers between trips when there was no passenger. After a catastrophic accident, the company altered its policy allowing contingent coverage of $50,000/$100,000/$25,000 between trips. A Brockton Uber accident lawyer can help you to navigate complex Uber accident cases.

Does Uber Have a $1 Million Insurance Policy For Accidents?

Uber drivers are obligated to have a minimum coverage policy on their cars. When they are driving themselves, their personal insurance coverage is in effect.

When the Uber driver picks up a passenger, they are fully covered by the auto insurance policy of the company, which includes $1 million in liability coverage and $1 million in property damage. This coverage is effective when the app is on and when Uber drivers are actively transporting clients or picking them up. Learn more with a Brockton Uber accident lawyer.

What Type of Compensation Can I Seek in an Uber Accident?

Uber claims can allow you to recover the following types of damages:

Economic Damages

This includes damages that have monetary value like treatment of injuries, ongoing therapy, ambulance cost, emergency care cost, loss of earning potential, and lost wages.

Non-Economic Damages

These damages are hard to quantify since they can’t be measured. They include emotional distress and suffering, loss of quality of life, loss of sense like hearing or sight, loss of limb and loss of consortium. You should contact our professional Uber accident attorneys to assist you to come up with a figure.

Punitive Damages

These damages are not meant to benefit the accident victim, rather act as a deterrent to other negligent drivers. To seek punitive damages, the plaintiff must succeed in getting non-economic or economic damages.

The plaintiff must also definitively prove that the actions of the Uber driver were malfeasant, reckless or deliberately negligent. For example, the Uber driver was driving under the influence, drove while drowsy, drove aggressively, ignored speed limits, etc. Such behaviors characterize gross negligence.

How Much Will a Brockton Uber Accident Lawyer Cost?

The main reason why most accident victims don’t hire expert legal help in the early stages is the notion that it will be expensive to hire an attorney. After getting involved in an Uber accident, we understand that you may not be in a financial position to afford our services.

Because we don’t want to burden you further, after evaluating your case, we will provide you with our expert legal representation with a Brockton Uber accident lawyer free of charge. You will only pay us after we win the case on your behalf.

Are there Time Limits For Filing an Uber Accident Claim?

Under Massachusetts’ statute of limitation, if you get injured in an Uber accident, you have three years following the Uber accident to file a claim. If the three years lapse, you will not have any legal right to seek reimbursement for injuries suffered. So it is best to hire a professional Brockton Uber accident lawyer to deal with all the legal technicalities as you focus on recuperating.

Why do I Need a Brockton Uber Accident Lawyer?

• Case Preparation / Filing a Lawsuit
• Settlement Negotiation
• Trial Preparation & Representation

Call Today For An Experienced Brockton Uber Accident Lawyer

Uber and Lyft are multi-billion dollar companies that have gained popularity over recent years. And this growth doesn’t seem to slow down any time soon. You should remember that these companies are giants and that it won’t be easy taking them down, especially with their team of lawyers looking to get out of the suit with little to no liability suffered.

So it is in your best interest to work with a professional Brockton Uber accident lawyer who will pull no punches when it comes to fighting for your rights and deserved compensation.

So if you or a close one has been involved in an Uber accident in Brockton, Massachusetts, you’ll want to get the services of seasoned Uber accident attorneys at the Law Office of Robert C. Shea, P.C. to help you with your claim.

We have helped thousands of Uber accident victims receive reimbursement throughout the Brockton, Massachusetts area.

Call us TODAY at 508.510.5107 to get a free-of-charge case evaluation!