What You Need To Understand About Uber Accidents In Rhode Island

Published by grandelaw on

Uber and other rideshare apps have proven beneficial to many individuals in Rhode Island. These rideshare services are affordable and allow people to travel short distances with ease. While Uber services are great, the drivers are not professionals and have just as much chance of getting into an accident as anyone else. Problems tend to arise when Uber drivers end up in collisions as determining liability can be difficult. Here is what you need to know about handling Uber accidents in Rhode Island.

Steps to Take Following Uber Accidents

Being involved in an accident can be scary. It can be even more frightening to end up in an accident with a complete stranger. If you ever end up in a situation where your Uber driver ends up in a collision, there are a few steps you should follow. Remember, always put your safety and the safety of others first. If you are a passenger in the vehicle, call 911 immediately if you are able. Once the authorities have been notified, it would be beneficial to take the following steps:

  • Take screenshots of your Uber receipt
  • Take pictures of the vehicles, your injuries, and the accident scene
  • Comply with police officers and complete an accident report
  • Contact Uber on their company line to inform them an accident has occurred
  • Visit a doctor immediately
  • Request a copy of your medical records

Taking these steps and obtaining the proper documentation will help an accident lawyer better represent you in a court of law.

Understanding Uber Insurance

Since Uber has grown significantly in recent years, the company is now required to have insurance policies in place. The drivers that work as independent contractors under the company must also have proof that they have their own auto insurance before being approved as a driver. As an Uber passenger, this is excellent news! If an accident occurs while an Uber driver has a passenger, both the Uber driver and Uber passenger are covered by Uber’s auto insurance policy. Regardless of who is at fault, If you are hurt in an accident as an Uber passenger, you are entitled to compensation.

Seeking Compensation from an Uber Accident

While you are certainly entitled to compensation as an injured Uber passenger, this does not mean your personal injury claim will be a straightforward process. Working with a qualified Rhode Island accident attorney will be your best option when it comes to reaching your desired outcome. An attorney will be able to help you determine liability and prove negligence when it comes to your accident. A qualified attorney will be able to help you recover the following damages:

Medical bills and rehabilitation costs

Medical expenses include any costs related to hospitalization, surgery, medication, ambulatory transportation, physical therapy, or any other medical-related expenses brought on by the accident. This includes any future medical treatments that may be needed because of an injury sustained during the accident.

Lost wages and loss of earning potential

If the accident has resulted in you not being able to go to work because of your injury, your earnings can still be recovered. If you sustained a serious injury during the accident, both past and future wages could be court-ordered to be reimbursed.

Pain and suffering

Pain and suffering caused by the accident can be hard to put a strict numerical amount on. However, insurance adjusters will likely determine the costs of pain and suffering by looking at the mental costs that have been endured because of the accident. They will look to see if a diagnosis has been made for anxiety, PTSD, mental anguish, or psychological trauma. If you have endured any of these mental or emotional traumas as a result of the accident, you can receive financial compensation.

In addition to medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and costs associated with pain or suffering, you may also receive compensation for household or vehicular modification, property loss, or other non-economic damages. The statute of limitations on personal injury lawsuits related to car accidents expire after three years. Therefore, it is best to act quickly in these situations. Consulting with a qualified attorney will help you seamlessly navigate your personal injury case while also ensuring that you reach the best possible outcome.

Consult with a Rhode Island Accident Attorney Today

If you would like to file a personal injury claim after being injured during an Uber accident, please consult with a Rhode Island Uber accident attorney today. A qualified attorney will help bring you the fairest compensation possible for the injuries you sustained during Uber accidents. The only thing you should be worried about following your accident is recovery and healing. Leave the legal proceedings to the professionals. As accident lawyers, it is our business to help you.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Author Bio

Louis W. Grande is a Providence personal injury lawyer who founded his Rhode Island law firm of the same name in 2010. With more than 32 years of experience practicing law, he has successfully represented clients in a wide range of legal matters, including car accidents, premise liability, dog bites, medical malpractice, product liability, and other personal injury actions.

Louis received his Juris Doctor from the Hamline University School of Law and is a member of the Rhode Island Bar Association. He has received numerous accolades for his work, including being awarded Lifetime Achievement in 2017 by America’s Top 100 Attorneys and being named among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers and Top 25 Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers in 2017.

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