Rideshare accident claims can pose unique complications. If you were injured in a car accident involving an Uber driver in Cleveland, Ohio, count on Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers for the legal advice you deserve. Call (216) 510-9985 for a free consultation with a Cleveland Uber accident lawyer.
Our attorneys bring over 181 years of legal experience to the table. We’ve successfully recovered more than $100 million to help our injured clients move forward with their lives. We know how to navigate the legal process and are more than ready to advocate for the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers for Help After an Uber Accident in Cleveland, Ohio?
Rideshare accidents often involve unique insurance and legal issues. Multiple insurance policies and complex rules may be involved. Not filing the right type of claim initially can result in walking away with less than you deserve.
While you’re dealing with recovery, count on Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers to handle the legal process.
For our success, our Cleveland personal injury lawyers have been recognized by Super Lawyers. The National Trial Lawyers and the Martindale-Hubbell lawyer rating service have also recognized our team for our success over the years.
Our Cleveland car accident attorneys are proud of these awards and accolades. We’re even more proud of the fact that they reflect the top financial results we’ve achieved for our clients. If you have questions about your legal options, we’re here to help–just contact us today for a free case review.
What Is My Cleveland Uber Accident Case Worth?
No fixed formula exists when it comes to evaluating the value of a personal injury case. The amount you recover will depend on your unique situation.
Relevant factors impacting the value of an Uber accident claim include:
- The precise injuries you’ve suffered
- Whether you’ll recover fully or suffer a lasting disability
- Your costs, including for medical treatment and rehabilitative care
- The amount of time you’ll miss at work, and your lost income
- Impacts on your future earning potential
- The personal toll the ordeal has taken, considering your physical and mental suffering
- Whether you share blame
- Applicable insurance limits
Serious injuries often result in higher medical expenses, lasting life changes, and significant physical pain. As a result, they frequently lead to larger compensation awards.
Again, there isn’t a standard amount. Before our lawyers can offer an accurate estimate, we’ll have to carefully evaluate these and other relevant factors.
Insurance Coverage in Ohio Uber Accident Cases
Recovering compensation in a rideshare accident case can be more complex when compared to standard car accident claims.
Two issues that contribute to those complications are:
- Uber classifies drivers as independent contractors, not employees
- Multiple insurance policies may potentially be available, yet the driver’s own insurer may decline to provide coverage entirely
These and other complications give insurance companies room to deny claims and scare victims into taking less than they deserve.
What Insurance Coverage is Available in My Cleveland Uber Accident Case?
Yes, it is possible that the driver’s insurance company can validly deny your claim. That doesn’t mean you’re without rights. Uber is now legally required to carry their own car insurance. It applies even though they classify drivers as independent contractors.
The available insurance depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash:
- Driver is online and waiting for a ride: Uber provides insurance coverage of up to $50,000 per victim, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 in property damage
- Driver has taken a ride request: Uber’s $1 million insurance policy applies when a driver is en route to pick up a passenger or has a passenger in the vehicle
- Driver is offline: Uber’s coverage is not available; the driver’s personal insurance will apply
Uber’s insurance is available in accidents involving both rideshare drivers and delivery drivers.
What Kinds of Damages Are Available to Uber Accident Victims in Ohio?
A successful Uber accident compensation award should account for your financial costs and the personal toll you’ve experienced.
Specific examples of compensatory damages in personal injury cases include:
- Medical expenses (both current and projected future)
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Lost job benefits
- Physical therapy and rehab
- Assistance with in-home activities
- Property damage
- Miscellaneous costs you’ve incurred
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
- Physical disfigurement and scarring
- Chronic pain
- Additional damages for loss of consortium, funeral costs, and other losses in wrongful death cases
In legal terms, these damages are classified as economic damages and non-economic damages. They will depend on the nature of your losses and suffering.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Cleveland Uber Accident Lawyer?
You can hire our team at Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers on a contingency fee basis. This means we only get paid if we win compensation.
It costs nothing to hire our law firm initially. You pay a percentage of your settlement or verdict. Our attorneys also advance the costs of litigating your personal injury claim, so there are never any legal costs for you to worry about along the way.
Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed for an Uber Accident in Ohio?
Blaming the victim is not unusual for at-fault drivers and their insurance companies. Remember that just because someone claims you caused the accident, that doesn’t mean they’re right.
Ohio’s comparative negligence law applies in cases involving shared blame. Assuming you did share some blame, your damages are reduced to account for that percentage of fault. If the other side proves you were at least 51% liable, they’re off the hook. They won’t have to pay your damages.
Our lawyers are prepared to fight to ensure blame is placed where it rightfully belongs. If the defense is unfairly blaming you, call us today to learn more about how we can protect you.
Common Uber Accident Injuries in Cleveland, OH
The force of a car crash can cause significant harm.
Our Cleveland Uber accident attorneys help clients with all types of injuries, including:
- Eye, facial, and dental injuries
- Broken bones
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Crushing injuries
- Back injuries
- Soft tissue damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head and neck injuries
- Whiplash
- Broken ribs
- Severe lacerations
- Organ damage
- Burns
- Amputations
- Paralysis
- Catastrophic injuries
- Fatalities and wrongful death
Even injuries that may initially seem minor can lead to long-term problems. Prompt medical attention is always a good idea. It’s also worth consulting an experienced attorney if someone else caused your accident. Our attorneys will evaluate your options for free.
What Causes Most Uber Accidents in Cleveland?
As is true with any motor vehicle accident, multiple factors can cause an accident.
Some common causes of Uber accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued Uber drivers
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Tailgating and following too closely
- Speeding and other aggressive and reckless driving behaviors
- Lane departures
- Stopping in dangerous locations
- Unsafe passing
- Illegal lane changes
- Illegal or dangerous turns
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Drunk driving or drug use
- Failing to check blind spots
- Inadequate vehicle maintenance
- Dangerous road conditions
Establishing causation isn’t always straightforward. The accident report will have important details–but may not tell the whole story. It’s always beneficial to have an experienced attorney investigating and handling the legal process, which can quickly get confusing.
How Do I Prove Liability After an Uber Accident in Ohio?
Most victims have the burden of proving negligence after a motor vehicle accident.
You must prove four elements by a preponderance of the evidence standard:
- The defendant had a legal duty of care
- A breach of that duty occurred (for example, speeding or texting while driving would constitute a breach)
- The breach was the direct cause of the crash
- You sustained damages or losses
All drivers have a basic obligation to drive safely and follow traffic laws. Drivers who are careless or reckless breach their duty and can be held liable for the resulting damages.
How Long Do I Have to File an Uber Accident Lawsuit in Ohio?
Car accident victims in Ohio generally have two years to file a lawsuit. If you fail to take legal action within that timeframe, you lose your legal right to damages.
Some exceptions exist, but you shouldn’t count on them. Getting legal advice quickly is the best way to protect your right to pursue damages.
Contact Our Cleveland Uber Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
You may be entitled to meaningful compensation if you were injured in a rideshare accident. However, it can be tough to protect your legal rights without legal help. Our team at Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers is passionate about helping injury victims like you get justice.
Call today to schedule a free consultation to learn how an experienced Cleveland Uber accident attorney can fight for you.