In recent years, the popularity of ride-sharing has sky-rocketed, with companies such as Uber experiencing a staggering growth in business. But a simple rideshare can sometimes turn into a major headache. If you are involved in an accident or other potential claim that has caused you injuries, you might be wondering: can you sue Uber for damages?
The ride-sharing company Uber has faced a number of different lawsuits over the past few years. Those Uber lawsuits have been filed in many different states, and they range in their subject matter and claims against the company.
Types of Lawsuits Against Uber
There are many different claims against Uber that have been filed in various courts. Some examples include:
- Numerous negligence actions against Uber and its drivers by customers who have been involved in accidents while using the company’s services. These lawsuits allege that the driver or the company did not exercise a duty of reasonable care, causing the customers injuries and damages.
- Negligence claims by other drivers and passengers on the road, who were personally injured in accidents as a result of the actions of Uber or its employees.
- Negligence claims by owners of personal property who incurred damages to their property as a result of the negligent actions of an Uber driver or employee.
- Claims under vicarious liability, holding Uber responsible for the negligent actions of its drivers or employees.
- Claims by customers that Uber negligently hired, trained, or supervised its drivers, directly resulting in injury or damages to customers or others on the road.
In most cases, if you are injured in an Uber car accident, you will need to file a claim for negligence. This entails proving that Uber and its driver breached a duty of reasonable care, failing to drive with the care needed to operate their vehicle safely on the road. You will also need to prove that the Uber driver’s actions directly caused your damages and injuries.
The Process of Filing a Lawsuit Against Uber
To file a lawsuit against Uber, you will first need to determine what type of claim you may be able to bring. For example, if you were injured in an accident involving an Uber, whether as a customer or a driver or passenger in another vehicle, you will likely have a claim of negligence against the company. To prevail on your claim, you will need to prove that the Uber driver breached a duty of reasonable care, failing to drive with the care needed to operate their vehicle safely on the road. You will also need to prove that the Uber driver’s actions directly caused your damages and injuries.
As part of the process of filing a claim, you will need to decide which parties you will name as a defendant. In the above example, if the Uber driver was negligent, you can sue the driver personally, but you can also sue to hold Uber liable and responsible for the negligent actions of its employee. Another consideration is the particular forum in which you will file your claim: which state, and which court, is the proper venue for your lawsuit?
Before you file, you will likely need to deal with the insurance companies involved. Most states mandate that ride-sharing companies carry a certain amount of liability insurance, in case passengers or others are injured by the actions of the companies’ employees. Negotiating with insurance companies is a complex, laborious, and often lengthy process, and consulting with an experienced attorney can be very helpful.
Filing a lawsuit against Uber can be daunting — after all, you are going up against a large company with significant resources and experience. Retaining a knowledgeable attorney who has experience in personal injury law, and in negotiating with both large companies and their insurance providers, can make all the difference in your outcome.
FVF Can Help
When you use the services of a ride-sharing company such as Uber, as a customer, you expect that the company and its employees will exercise a duty of reasonable care towards their customers, as well as other parties on the road. If you’ve been injured in an accident involving an Uber vehicle, compensation is possible.
FVF has handled civil cases of all types and magnitudes. If you believe that your rights have been violated and are thinking about filing a lawsuit, our team is ready to help ensure you understand your rights and options so you can make educated decisions when they count. Contact our Austin Uber accident lawyers today to learn more.
