While rideshare services such as Uber offer a convenient mode of transportation for Indiana residents, there are risks associated with using this service. Of course, most Uber freelancers are more than likely competent drivers, but some drive recklessly to transport more paying customers. Additionally, many of these drivers work other jobs, meaning that they may drive while fatigued. Driving while tired is incredibly dangerous and can even be as deadly as driving while under the influence of alcohol.

The sad reality is that serious injuries caused by Uber drivers are not uncommon, and as more rideshare vehicles are on the road, the number of Uber accidents has also increased. Many of these accidents have resulted in serious injuries for passengers and others on the road, and, tragically, some have even lost their lives.

If you were injured in an Uber accident, you can file an insurance claim to recover compensation for medical bills and other losses. These injuries often impact victims’ ability to work and can even lead to a lifetime of expensive treatments. For that reason, it’s crucial to get the most Uber accident compensation possible. Here’s what you need to know. 

Who’s Liable in an Uber Accident?

Before unpacking how to maximize your Uber accident settlement, it’s important to know who may be liable for your injuries. At first glance, you may assume that Uber is inherently liable, but that’s not always the case. 

The first question of liability comes down to whether the Uber driver caused the accident. If another driver caused the accident to occur, they’ll likely be liable for your injuries. 

If an Uber driver caused the accident, either the driver’s or Uber’s insurance will be responsible for paying out your settlement. Here are the factors that will determine whether it is the driver’s financial responsibility or Uber’s:

• If the Uber driver was off-duty, they’re responsible for your injuries. 

• If the driver was signed into the Uber app but hadn’t yet agreed to pick up a passenger, Uber’s insurance will cover up to $25,000 in property damage, $50,000 for injuries per person, or $100,000 per accident. 

• If the driver is transporting a passenger or is on their way to pick up a passenger, Uber’s insurance will cover up to $1,000,000 per accident. 

Getting the Most Out of Your Uber Driver Car Accident Settlement

1 million dollars for an Uber accident may sound like a great deal, but that’s the highest amount possible per accident — the majority of Uber accident victims receive only a fraction of that number. The maximum amount you can recover will directly depend on the damages that you suffer. 

Uber and its insurer are for-profit businesses that ultimately want to save money whenever possible, meaning they’ll try to reduce your settlement payout or deny liability entirely. To recover fair compensation from the rideshare company, you’ll need to be able to prove that their driver was at fault for your accident and that you suffered damages. Evidence you can use to prove the driver was responsible for the crash includes: 

• Photographic and video evidence of the accident’s aftermath
• Dashcam footage
• Surveillance or traffic camera footage 
• Eyewitness statements
• The police accident report
• Testimony from an accident reconstruction expert

You’ll also need to be able to prove that you suffered damages. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident, you may have suffered losses such as property damage, past and future medical bills, lost wages, loss of future earnings, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life. 

To prove that you suffered these damages and maximize compensation, you’ll need to provide ample evidence, including:

• All medical records, including bills relating to treatment, surgeries, prescriptions, and other expenses that directly resulted from the collision.

• Testimony from medical experts who can corroborate how your injuries will impact your quality of life and ability to work. 

• Receipts showing your financial losses related to your property damage.

• Testimony from family, friends, and co-workers corroborating how your injuries have impacted your life.

• Testimony from a mental health professional verifying that your injuries have negatively affected your mental and emotional state.

• Documentation supporting your claim that you’ve had to miss work as a result of your injuries.

How an Attorney Can Help You Secure the Most Compensation Possible

You can file an accident claim and seek compensation without the assistance of an attorney, but hiring a lawyer will significantly increase your chances of recovering fair compensation. An experienced attorney can help you identify all parties who may be liable for your losses and will assist you through the process of collecting evidence. 

Hiring a lawyer is especially essential because they can help estimate the value of your claim. A common problem in dealing with insurance companies is that they often lowball accident victims. They may offer you a settlement amount that sounds reasonable, but in reality, their offer could be much lower than what your injuries and other losses are worth. An experienced attorney will ensure that you can maximize the money you recover.

Additionally, hiring a personal injury lawyer is crucial because they’ll negotiate your claim on your behalf. These seasoned professionals are experts at negotiating with insurance companies, meaning they’re far more likely to secure all the money you deserve. 

How Long Does a Rideshare Settlement Take?

The amount of time it will take for you to recover an Uber accident settlement will depend on a variety of factors. The first roadblock you’ll likely face is reaching your maximum medical improvement (MMI), meaning you’re not expected to significantly recover further from your injuries. You need to know the full extent of your injuries’ severity, including how they will impact your ability to work and enjoy life, so your lawyer may advise that you avoid accepting a settlement before reaching your MMI. That said, you’ll want to initiate the claim process through an attorney long before fully recovering. 

Another critical factor is the negotiation process. If you choose to go through an attorney, they will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, and reaching an agreeable settlement can be a drawn-out process. That said, these negotiations are critical for maximizing your compensation. 

Contact an Indiana Uber Accident Attorney Today

If you’ve suffered from injuries after an Uber accident, you need to get in touch with an attorney as soon as possible. For expert personal injury lawyers in Indianapolis, contact Poynter & Bucheri Accident Recovery Attorneys at Law. You can schedule a free case review with us today online or by calling 1-800-265-9881.