Uber accidents often happen suddenly, without warning. You may be lucky enough to walk away with just bumps and bruises, but in some unfortunate scenarios, injuries can be catastrophic.
If you have been injured by an Uber driver, an Uber accident lawyer in New Haven may be able to help you receive compensation for your suffering.
At The Law Offices of James A. Welcome, our dedicated team of attorneys is here to fight for the justice you deserve. With over 40 years of combined experience, we know what it takes to secure the highest payout possible.
We are here and ready to represent you as your rideshare accident lawyer in New Haven.
New Haven’s College Traffic and Downtown Layout Increase Uber Accident Risks
New Haven is a college town, home to the prestigious Yale University. Given this, there is a much heavier use of rideshares than there would be in a more rural area. There is also a large number of Uber users in areas like Wooster Square and the hospital district, creating more opportunities for collisions.
In addition to the high Uber usage, there is an increased number of pedestrians and cyclists commuting to and around campus and the surrounding areas. These factors can increase the likelihood of an Uber accident by adding more items to be aware of while driving.
Streets in New Haven are often narrower than those in other large cities. This can add yet another hazard for Uber drivers to be aware of. Coupled with pedestrians, unfamiliar roads, and other drivers who may also be distracted, the potential for an accident increases with each added hazard.
How Connecticut’s Rideshare Regulations Apply to Uber Drivers
In Connecticut, Uber is required to offer additional insurance coverage to its drivers in certain situations. This means that financial responsibility can depend on the situation.
Working with a skilled New Haven Uber accident lawyer can help you determine who may be financially liable.
En Route To or With a Passenger
If a driver has accepted a ride and is either on the way to or currently with a passenger, Uber provides insurance to help protect them. Uber provides up to $1 million in liability coverage in addition to uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Uber App Is On and Ready, But Not Currently With a Rider
If a driver has the app on but is waiting to find a rider, Uber must offer limited coverage of $25k/$50k/$25k, which is Connecticut’s minimum coverage requirement. The driver’s own insurance would be responsible for anything outside of this.
Uber App Is Turned Off
If a driver is using their vehicle for personal use and has their app turned off, their personal auto insurance would be financially responsible. Uber drivers are considered independent contractors, so if they are not logged into the app, they are fully responsible for any accidents that occur.
Determining who is financially responsible after an accident with an Uber can be challenging. Working with a car accident lawyer in New Haven can help eliminate the stress that comes along with navigating the legal system.
Working With a Local Attorney Helps Your Case
Navigating the legal system can be challenging. It is difficult to know where to start. With a knowledgeable attorney on your side, you will have a teammate who can start by helping you understand how to file a personal injury claim in Connecticut and will work with you every step of the process.
A New Haven personal injury lawyer knows how to move through the local court system with ease. Familiarity with judges, clerks, and other employees at the courthouse helps to expedite processes and ensures documents are filed correctly.
Your attorney will know when to call in experts and how to efficiently and effectively create a demand package and can represent you in court if a fair settlement is unable to be reached. This allows you to focus on your recovery rather than stressing about details.
More Than One Party Can Share Liability
Uber accidents are not always caused entirely by one person. Often, several parties are involved. Connecticut abides by a modified comparative fault doctrine (C.G.S. § 52-572h), meaning that as long as you are 50% or less responsible, you may be able to recover damages, reduced by your percentage of fault.
In addition to the driver, other common liable parties may include other drivers on the road who may be driving recklessly, municipalities for failing to maintain roads, pedestrians who are not following foot traffic laws that lead to dangerous situations, and car manufacturers if parts are found to be faulty.
Looking at every potential liable party ensures that your Uber accident attorney in New Haven has a full scope of what happened and who may be on the hook financially for your injuries. This is why you must give your lawyer as much detail as possible as to what happened from your perspective.
Evidence Your Attorney May Utilize When Building Your Case
Evidence is how cases are built. With the proper evidence, you could secure a significant settlement without ever setting foot in a courtroom. Our team at The Law Offices of James A. Welcome understands what evidence is pertinent and how to use it to strengthen your case.
Common helpful evidence may include:
- Footage from surveillance cameras
- Uber app trip logs
- GPS data and timestamped route info
- Witness statements
- Traffic light camera photos
- Photographs and video recordings of the scene after the accident
- Statements from expert witnesses, such as accident reconstructionists
- Medical records and statements from medical experts
Compelling evidence often entices insurance adjusters to settle quickly and for higher amounts. Your New Haven Uber accident attorney knows how to leverage this evidence to ensure you get the highest possible payout for your injuries.
You Deserve a New Haven Uber Accident Lawyer Who Will Fight for You
At The Law Offices of James A. Welcome, you are more than a case number. You are a victim who deserves representation. Call us today to schedule your free, no–obligation consultation to get started on reclaiming your life.