Uber accident injuries vary based on many factors. If you’re hurt in an Uber crash, your injuries, and the way they impact your life, form the basis for compensation.
Attorney Bret Stanley is a leader in Uber litigation claims. He discusses types of injuries that are common to Uber accidents, injuries that are unique to Uber accidents and how to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
Common Uber Accident Injuries
Blunt force trauma
In an Uber car accident, the momentum of the moving vehicle suddenly comes to a stop. The body is subjected to strong forces that are beyond what the body can normally withstand. In addition, the body may be subjected to force from another vehicle. The result may be blunt force trauma causing brain injury, broken bones, damage to internal organs and whiplash.
Pedestrian injuries
An Uber ride ends with the vehicle stopping so that passengers can disembark. Riders may load luggage or cargo. An Uber ride usually also includes waiting near the road for the driver to arrive. Sometimes, accidents occur at these times. A person may be struck when they are outside of the vehicle.
The result may be injuries that are common to pedestrians who are hit by a car. Broken bones from impact and from being thrown may occur. A person may suffer road rash if they are thrown along the road or ground. Traumatic brain injury may occur. Injuries may be especially severe because a person struck outside of a vehicle doesn’t have the size and weight of the vehicle to protect them.
Defective or poorly fitting seatbelt injuries
If the seatbelt in the Uber is defective, or if it doesn’t fit well, the result may be broken ribs, organ trauma, neck injury, whiplash or bruising. The rider may not be familiar with the seatbelt in the type of vehicle they are in, and they may not know how to fit the seatbelt properly. Additionally, a seatbelt may not be available for the rider, or it may fail.
No seatbelt
Uber riders may take their safety for granted. They may choose not to wear a seatbelt. In the event of a crash, with nothing to restrain them, what could have been a minor accident may become more serious. The person may hit the back of the seat in front of them. They may be thrown from the vehicle. Chest injuries, spinal cord damage and harm to vital organs may be more likely to occur.
Backseat passenger injuries
Most Uber riders sit in the backseat. When an accident occurs, they’re more likely to have injuries that are common to those sitting in the backseat. While the front seat is likely to have airbags, seats in the back generally don’t offer the same protection. Back seat Uber riders may be more likely to sustain chest and neck injury, whiplash and brain trauma.
Moving injuries
When you’re not the vehicle driver, you might move around while the vehicle is in motion. A rider may not be properly positioned behind the seatbelt at the time of the crash. Riders may reach for things in the vehicle. They might turn their head to see something passing by. They may try to sleep, or they may interact with others. If a crash occurs, these activities may result in unique injuries including spine and neck injuries.
Loose objects
Uber passengers may bring luggage or cargo. These items may not be secured within the vehicle. They may cause injury in a crash.
Other car accident injuries
Uber riders are at risk of the same car accident injuries that may occur in any accident. An accident applies force to the body. The body may suffer broken bones, cuts, bruises and trauma to vital organs and systems. Soft tissue damage including whiplash may occur. Speed of vehicles, angles of impact and position of the rider may all influence what injuries occur in an Uber accident.
Getting Compensated for Uber Accident Injuries
If you are in an Uber accident, don’t assume that you are uninjured. In the stress of a crash, injuries may be masked. Seek medical attention if there is any possibility that you may be hurt. Prioritize medical attention for anyone injured before anything else.
The drivers involved in the accident should report it to law enforcement. However, don’t assume that they will. Report it yourself if you’re not sure the drivers have done so. Use the Uber app to report the crash or make a report through Uber’s website. Since you don’t know the extent of your injuries yet, just say that you are injured. You can give more complete information later.
How to get fairly compensated for Uber injuries
Getting fair compensation requires submitting detailed information to Uber about your damages and the compensation you deserve. You must know the value of the case so that you don’t settle for too little, including for pain and suffering and emotional injury. You may have the help of Uber accident injury attorney Bret Stanley to negotiate your compensation and manage your case.
Uber Assault and Sexual Assault Injuries
Car accidents are one way that a person can be injured because of a ridesharing service like Uber. Injury can also occur if a person is assaulted or sexually assaulted. Assault and sexual assault can result in physical, mental and emotional injury. If you are the victim of intentional acts of harm while using the rideshare service Uber, report it to the police immediately.
Sexual assault claims are handled differently than car accident claims. You may qualify to receive compensation, including from Uber, for not taking enough steps to protect you. You may receive payment for the serious harm that has occurred and the fact that more could have been done to prevent it.
We invite you to contact us to talk about your situation and how an attorney may help you receive compensation and justice for what has occurred.
Get Legal Help for Uber Accident Injuries
Attorney Bret Stanley represents injured Uber riders.
Contact us now to discuss your case.