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Originally Posted On: https://www.1800thelaw2.com/resources/vehicle-accident/uber-lawsuit-and-lawsuits-against-ridesharing-companies/

 

Uber Lawsuit: How Lawsuits Against Ridesharing Companies Work | Uber Accident Lawyer

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have seen a rapid rise in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. These companies have disrupted the transportation industry, offering a convenient alternative to traditional taxi services and public transportation.

However, despite the fact that ridesharing companies have innovated the transportation industry, they have also created new types of personal injury claims. For those who have been hurt in an Uber accident, this is not necessarily a bad thing. Regulation has created new opportunities for injured victims to obtain compensation in a rideshare dispute.

Have you been injured in a rideshare accident? We encourage you to file an Uber lawsuit to recover damages. This may seem confusing, so let’s take a moment to explore the basics. In this article, we cover:

• What is an Uber Lawsuit?
• How does an Uber Lawsuit work?
• How do you file a complaint against Uber?
• How to recover damages in an Uber car accident
• What is Uber’s liability in an accident?
• How long does an Uber settlement take?
• How much does an Uber settlement come out to?
• What does rideshare insurance cover?
• Does Uber pay for accidents?
• Current Uber class action lawsuit for 2022

What is an Uber Lawsuit?

Uber lawsuits fall under the umbrella of motor vehicle accident lawsuits. They are brought by those who suffer injuries in an accident involving an Uber driver, and can be filed against Uber, the driver, or both. In some cases, Uber accident claims are brought against third-parties, such as the vehicle owner, or another driver involved in the accident.

As in any personal injury dispute, the plaintiff (the injured individual) seeks compensation for the losses they sustained in the accident. Compensation must account for injuries, lost wages, and medical expenses, among many other losses. In some cases, the plaintiff may even have the option of pursuing “bonus” punitive damages that can multiply the total compensation; this can lead to a multimillion dollar lawsuit.

How Does an Uber Lawsuit Work?

An Uber lawsuit works similarly to any personal injury lawsuit. Click on any of the steps to learn more about the lawsuit process.

• Step 1: File a complaint against Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare app company
• Step 2: Summons to court
• Step 3: Case discovery
• Step 4: Settlement or trial

How Do You File a Complaint Against Uber?

The process begins when the plaintiff files a complaint with the court. The complaint outlines the facts and asserts that the defendant is liable for the plaintiff’s injuries.

What Does It Mean When Someone Summons You?

Once the complaint is filed, the court will issue a summon, which requires the defendant to appear in court and answer the allegations. If the defendant does not appear, the court gives a default judgment against them.

What Is Discovery in a Case?

The case proceeds to discovery, where both sides exchange information and documents to support their case. Motions and pretrial conferences follow.

What Comes After the Discovery?

Throughout the entire litigation process, and even before the case is officially filed in court, the parties have the opportunity to negotiate a settlement and end the dispute early. If they cannot settle the case, it advances to trial. The jury listens to the evidence from both sides, then renders a verdict. If the jury finds in favor of the plaintiff, they award damages. The damages can be structured in the form of a lump sum or a multi-stage settlement.

Due to unique regulations and requirements imposed on rideshare companies, disputes tend to favor plaintiffs. As such, if you’ve been injured in an Uber lawsuit, it’s absolutely worth pursuing compensation.

How to Recover Damages in an Uber Car Accident

To successfully recover damages, the plaintiff must prove that:

1. The defendant was negligent, and

2. The defendant’s negligence caused or contributed to the plaintiff’s injuries.

What is Uber’s Liability in an Accident?

Uber and other ride share companies have generally disclaimed liability in accidents, as they argue that their drivers are not actually employees. Because their employees are independent contractors, Uber is not liable for the negligent actions of their employees. This falls under the doctrine of vicarious liability.

That being said, Uber can still be held liable for damages if you, the plaintiff, can prove that the company is independently negligent. For example, if Uber knew that a driver was an alcoholic, and still certified them to join the app as a driver, then they could be held liable for allowing that person to drive for them.

Uber Settlement Checks

How Long Does an Uber Settlement Take?

In an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver, you might be able to negotiate a settlement and resolve your dispute early. The settlement amount depends on the case facts, injury severity, and other factors.

How Much Does an Uber Settlement Come Out To?

If you have a strong case, it is possible to negotiate a larger settlement. Generally speaking, the more “certain” it is that you’ll win your case, the larger your settlement amount is likely to be. It’s critical that you do not accept any settlement offer until you have consulted with an experienced rideshare accident attorney. Why? Once you accept a settlement, you cannot sue Uber again for the same claims. So, make your claims count.

Rideshare Insurance Coverage

Strict regulations have forced ride share companies to purchase extensive insurance coverage for their drivers. Most rideshare app companies have liability policies covering a minimum of $1 million in damages, and some have more.

What Does Rideshare Insurance Cover?

Rideshare insurance covers the driver, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists hit by a rideshare vehicle. This makes it a lot more straightforward for victims to receive compensation, as there is an accessible cache of financial resources to recover from.

Does Uber Pay for Accidents?

If you file a ride share dispute claim after an accident, it’s likely that you will be receiving damages through the ridesharing app company’s insurance policy. Of course, insurance companies are not necessarily going to accept your accident claims. So, there will likely to be a legal battle over liability. There are also situations where the rideshare company’s policy simply does not cover an accident.

For example, suppose the driver was not logged into the app at the time of the accident. In that case, the rideshare company’s policy may not cover the accident, and you’ll have to seek alternative means of recovery.

The Current Uber Class Action Lawsuit

In recent years, there have been many high-profile lawsuits and scandals involving Uber. Most notably, Uber has been embroiled in a class-action lawsuit over its treatment of drivers. This case is ongoing, and we’ve yet to see how it will impact Uber and the rideshare industry.

Uber drivers collectively brought the class action lawsuit, seeking to expose Uber’s:

• Misclassification of drivers as independent contractors
• Failure to pay drivers’ minimum wage
• Failure to provide Uber drivers with federal and state protection
• Unlawful deduction of fees from Uber driver’s paychecks

You are entitled to compensation if you are an Uber driver who has been treated unfairly. Curious about your rights? Consult an attorney to join the class action lawsuit against Uber.

Suing Uber or Lyft? Let us Help

If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft driver accident, you are entitled to compensation from the rideshare company or the driver. Rideshare companies have many resources and will fight hard to protect their interests. You need an experienced attorney to help you navigate the legal process and maximize your chances of receiving a fair settlement.

Connect With an Experienced Rideshare Accident Attorney

At 1-800-THE-LAW2, we have over 35 years of experience fighting for the rights of accident victims. We operate a network of experienced personal injury attorneys familiar with Uber and Lyft lawsuits.

If you have been injured in an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver, call us today for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your legal rights. Let our attorneys fight for you while you focus on healing.