What Should I Expect in an Uber Car Accident Lawsuit?

Wooden judge’s gavel resting beside torn paper with the word “LAWSUIT,” representing an Uber car accident lawsuit and the legal process that follows a rideshare crash.

Getting into an Uber accident is overwhelming. One minute you’re texting with your friend, telling them you’ll be at the restaurant soon and the next, you’re facing serious injuries, prolonged recovery times and expensive medical bills. If your Uber car accident turns into a lawsuit, you’re likely wondering what you should expect.

Understanding what to expect can give a confusing and overwhelming situation more clarity. In this guide, Justin Drazin, the founder of UberHurtMe.com, is providing a helpful overview of what you should expect in an Uber car accident lawsuit.

Step 1: Meeting Your Personal Injury Attorney

You found your Uber accident attorney online, but now’s time to meet them. Whether done over the phone or in person, this FREE consultation is an opportunity to learn more about the attorney and their experience.

During the consultation:

Share details about your Uber accident, including when it occurred, what your Uber driver was doing, and what happened.
Ask about their experience, whether they are willing to take your case to trial, their fee structure, and if they will be the one handling your case.
Share any evidence you collected, including medical records and the police report.

Remember, the initial consultation is your chance to determine if the lawyer is a right fit for you. If they are, the next step is hiring them.

Step 2: Investigating Your Uber Accident

After hiring them but before they file a lawsuit, your Uber accident attorney will investigate the details of your crash. This includes:

Interviewing any witnesses to the accident, including people at the scene and nearby businesses
Reviewing photo and video evidence and the police report
Consulting with accident reconstructionists and medical experts to review your injuries
Preserving your Uber trip records

By collecting evidence and investigating the crash, your attorney is building a solid foundation for your claim.

Step 3: Filing the Complaint

Your lawyer’s next step is to formally file a complaint against Uber.

This complaint will outline the facts of your case, including how the accident occurred, your injuries, the damages you’re seeking and why Uber is responsible. Once filed, the complaint will be sent to Uber and their insurance company.

Step 4: Exchanging Evidence

Once the complaint is filed, both legal teams will exchange evidence in a process known as discovery. Discovery is one of the most important parts of an Uber car accident lawsuit as it allows for the exchange of critical evidence such as trip records, depositions, and interrogations. The results of this process can make or break your case.

Step 5: Negotiation and Mediation

Following the facts of the case, your personal injury lawyer will negotiate with the other party’s legal team (in this case, Uber’s legal team) to try and reach a settlement. Before going to trial, a mediator may be brought in to help reach a resolution. A mediator is a neutral third-party who helps facilitate conversations between both parties.

The goal of this negotiation is to avoid the stress and uncertainty of going to trial. While most Uber car accident cases are successfully negotiated, that’s not always the case, which is why hiring a lawyer with the skills and willingness to go to trial is so important.

Step 6: Trial Preparation

If a fair settlement couldn’t be reached, your lawyer will begin preparing for trial. This includes developing a trial strategy, creating medical illustrations that support your injuries, and preparing witnesses to testify.

Step 7: The Trial

At the trial, both parties will present their case. Each side will give opening statements that provide an overview of the case, interview and cross examine witnesses, provide evidence, and give closing arguments. Then, the judge or jury will decide the outcome of the case, including how much compensation you should receive.

Damages You Can Recover in an Uber Car Accident Lawsuit

Whether during the negotiation period or at the end of trial, you may be able to recover compensation for the following damages:

Medical expenses, including the cost of emergency care, prescriptions, surgeries, and rehabilitative care
Pain and suffering, including emotional distress and the loss of enjoyment of life
Lost income or diminished earning capacity
Home modifications if your injury left you paralyzed or severely disabled
Wrongful death damages if your loved one died as as a result of Uber’s negligence

Your personal injury lawyer will explain what damages you can recover compensation for and help you pursue them.

How Long Does an Uber Car Accident Lawsuit Take?

Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all timeframe when it comes to how long your Uber car accident lawsuit will take. Rather, it depends on the severity of your injuries, whether Uber contests liability, and the overall complexity of your case.

Throughout the process, your lawyer will keep you up to speed on how it’s going and give you a possible timeline based on their experience of handling similar cases. On average, cases that end with a settlement take a few months, while those that go to trial could take around a year.

Get the Help You Need After an Uber Accident

From the moment of the crash to the end of trial, you need an experienced lawyer to advocate for your rights when it comes to fighting Uber. Justin Drazin, the founder of UberHurtMe.com and a dedicated personal injury lawyer at Drazin and Warshaw knows how this rideshare company works and is willing to go the extra mile to ensure your rights are protected.

If you were injured in an Uber accident, don’t delay. Call 732-333-8141 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation to discuss your case. Mr. Drazin is here for you and will help you get the compensation you need after a life-altering injury.

Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.