Milwaukee has some of the worst drivers in the country [1]. While this doesn’t specifically refer to Uber drivers, it can increase your overall risk of being in an accident when navigating the city.
An Uber accident may be caused by many of the same things as a traditional car accident, but navigating your claim and compensation options afterward can be more difficult. Insurance coverage varies, depending on the driver’s work status in the app and liability. Additionally, different insurance policies have various limits depending on the circumstances.
That is why it’s important to secure the services of an Uber accident lawyer.
How Our Milwaukee Uber Accident Attorneys Can Help
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are committed to securing the maximum compensation for clients involved in Uber accidents in Milwaukee. Our experienced legal team has a proven track record of handling rideshare accident cases and achieving substantial settlements and verdicts.
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Here are a few ways a Milwaukee Uber rideshare accident lawyer from our law firm can help those injured in an Uber crash.
Investigating the Claim
A thorough investigation of your case helps identify and establish liability. Through evidence, expert witnesses, and medical records, our legal firm aims to identify responsibility and recover compensation from the appropriate party.
Negotiating With The Insurance Company
Our Milwaukee Uber car accident lawyers handle all negotiations on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your recovery. We handle all communication with multiple insurance companies, ensuring you know your available options and can receive the best settlement possible.
Representing You in Court
While many Uber cases are settled outside of court, our law offices are prepared to take yours to trial if you don’t receive a fair offer. We fight hard to protect your legal rights and get you the financial compensation you deserve, even if that means going to court.
What to Do After an Uber Accident in Milwaukee, WI
Following an Uber accident, prioritizing your safety, well-being, and legal rights is crucial. If you ever find yourself the victim of an accident involving an Uber, make sure you follow these steps.
Get Medical Attention
Seek immediate medical attention following a rideshare accident. Prompt medical care ensures timely identification of any life-threatening injuries. Medical attention also establishes a medical report, which may be necessary if you decide to seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit later.
Contact Authorities and Uber
Call 911 and report the accident immediately. File an official police report and request a copy. You should also notify Uber of the car accident as soon as possible. Whether the Uber driver or a passenger, you can report the car crash to Uber using the Safety Toolkit in the app.
Click ‘Report a Crash’ and fill out the necessary information. You can also report the car accident by clicking ‘Safety’ in the ‘Help” section and calling the Safety Incident Reporting Line.
Collect Evidence and Contact an Attorney
Filing a car accident claim requires proof of negligence. While an Uber accident lawyer can help investigate and build your case, some evidence is time-sensitive. Capture photographs or videos from the scene of the accident. Exchange contact information with witnesses. Keep copies of your medical bills and records.
Compile the evidence you have and schedule a free consultation with the legal team at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, who are experienced in handling Uber accidents.
Common Injuries in Milwaukee Uber Accidents
Injured victims may suffer from various short- and long-term issues following an accident, including the following:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Temporary or permanent disability
- Disfigurement
- Loss of limb
- Back or neck pain
Serious injuries in an Uber car accident can make it difficult, if not impossible, to return to work. Insurance coverage may be limited and leave you with unpaid property damage or medical bills being sent to collections. A personal injury attorney can help you explore your legal options following an accident.
Establishing Liability in a Car Accident Involving Uber
Liability refers to the person or entity responsible for the car accident. An Uber accident lawyer can help you file a personal injury claim, but first, we’ll need to determine who’s at fault. Any of the following parties could be responsible when an Uber accident occurs:
- Uber driver: An Uber driver who speeds, ignores state or city laws, or intentionally causes harm could be liable.
- Other driver on the road: Other drivers on the road could also be responsible when an accident occurs.
- Uber: Since Uber drivers are independent contractors and not employees, Uber’s liability is limited. While it may not be possible to sue Uber, the company does have insurance available to cover injured victims’ expenses, but it only applies in some situations.
- Product manufacturers: Faulty or defective parts could cause an accident. In this case, victims could seek compensation through a product liability case.
Wisconsin is a fault state, which means the at-fault driver is responsible for covering the injured victim’s costs. However, the compensation available when the Uber driver is at fault depends on their work status at the time of the accident.
An Uber driver who’s not logged into the app is covered by their personal auto insurance policy. Drivers who are logged in and waiting for a ride but not yet transporting a passenger have coverage under Uber’s third-party liability insurance.
Drivers actively transporting a passenger are eligible for insurance from the company’s full coverage policy. This insurance policy covers up to $1,000,000 in property damages and injuries through bodily injury coverage when the Uber driver is responsible. It also covers vehicle repairs.
Knowing which insurance policies go into effect isn’t always easy following a rideshare accident. Uber drivers use their personal vehicles to transport passengers, which can make navigating insurance coverage more difficult.
Your Uber accident lawyer will collect evidence to establish liability. Our legal team will review photographs, driving reports, and witness statements to determine what happened and who is to blame.
Proving Negligence
Wisconsin law requires proof of negligence to establish liability. Your Milwaukee Uber car accident lawyer will use their legal skills to demonstrate the following elements:
- Duty of care: All drivers, including rideshare drivers, have a legal duty of care to follow state laws and drive safely.
- Breach of duty (negligence): Negligence refers to the behavior of breaching that duty of care. This could include speeding, driving while distracted or fatigued or, drunk driving.
- Causation: The circumstances surrounding the negligence must directly cause the accident in question to qualify for a personal injury lawsuit.
- Actual damages: State law also requires actual damages that can be compensated through a personal injury case. Actual damages may include medical expenses or lost wages.
Having a Milwaukee Uber auto accident lawyer on your side can help you establish these four important elements of a personal injury claim. Thorough investigation and evidence can lead to a stronger case.
Damages a Milwaukee Uber Accident Attorney Can Help You Recover
Wisconsin allows those injured in car accidents to recover compensation in the following categories.
Economic
Economic damages refer to the actual financial consequences of an accident. Common economic damages in an Uber crash include the following:
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Property damages
- Diminished earning capacity
Non-Economic
Non-economic damages are the non-financial implications of car accidents. In an Uber collision, this might include the following:
- Counseling fees
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment
- Reputational damages
Our Milwaukee car accident attorneys work hard to get you fair compensation covering both your economic and non-economic damages.
Statute of Limitations for Uber Car Accident Claims in Milwaukee, WI
Wisconsin limits personal injury claims to three years from the date of the incident. It’s important to note insurance policies and Uber have their own time limits for reporting accidents. Failing to notify either of the accident in a timely manner could also make you ineligible for recovering compensation.
A Milwaukee Uber accident injury lawyer can help you keep your personal injury case on track and within the state’s strict statute of limitations.
Contact Our Milwaukee Uber Accident Lawyers Today!
We meticulously investigate every detail of your case to ensure that all medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering are fully covered. Thanks to our deep expertise in Uber accident claims, a Milwaukee Uber rideshare accident attorney from our team can help you navigate the complexities effectively and fight vigorously for your rights.
Contact us today at (888) 424-5757 for a free case evaluation. You can also use our online contact form to have a Milwaukee Uber accident injury attorney contact you.
Resources: [1] Milwaukee Journal Sentinel