What is Uber?

Uber is a leading taxi company with a mobile app that connects riders with drivers for various transportation services.

From the app you can order a private hire car ride or ride sharing service, choosing from budget-friendly options to luxury vehicles. Fares are also shown upfront and paid electronically. Uber relies on independent contractor drivers who work flexible hours and earn a commission-based income.

Despite its success, Uber faces challenges such as regulatory issues, debates over Uber driver classification, and safety concerns.

Accidents involving taxis and Ubers are sadly very common and can result in serious or life-changing injuries. Pedestrians, other road users, taxi drivers and passengers are all at risk of being involved in an Uber accident.

If you were involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault then you could be entitled to make an Uber taxi accident claim for compensation if you were injured as a result. Contact Beacon Law today to discuss your claim for an accident in an Uber with one of our road traffic accident claims specialists.

Common types of Uber accident claims

In the event of an Uber-related accident, several types of claims can arise depending on the circumstances of the accident and the parties involved. Here are some common types of Uber accident claims:

• Passenger Injury Claims: Passengers injured while riding in an Uber vehicle can file claims for compensation. In these circumstances, we would be required to make your claim against the Uber driver due to their duty of care towards their passengers.
• Driver Injury Claims: Uber drivers injured in an accident while working can seek compensation. In these circumstances, the claim should be made against the driver of the other vehicle and their insurance company.
• Third-Party Claims: Other motorists, cyclists, or pedestrians injured in a collision involving an Uber vehicle can file claims. The claim should be made against the taxi driver/ their insurance company.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Claims: Claims can be made when the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance coverage. Uber’s insurance policies include coverage for uninsured/underinsured motorists, which can help cover medical expenses and other damages.

Common injuries sustained in an Uber accident

Uber accidents, like any car accident, can cause a variety of injuries. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Soft tissue injuries: This includes whiplash, which is caused by the sudden jerking of the neck and head. Other soft tissue injuries involve strains, sprains, and muscle tears.
• Broken bones: The force of a collision can easily fracture bones, especially in the arms, legs, ribs, and face.
• Head injuries: These range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Head injuries can occur from hitting your head on the window if you aren’t wearing a seatbelt, colliding with an airbag, or another object inside the car.
• Spinal cord injuries: These are some of the most serious injuries, as they can cause permanent paralysis or loss of function.
• Cuts and lacerations: Flying glass or debris from the accident can cause cuts and lacerations.
• Internal injuries: These injuries can be difficult to diagnose at first and may include bleeding in the organs or abdomen.

I have been injured in an Uber accident, what should I do?

If you have been involved in any sort of road traffic accident involving a taxi, there are some things which you should do:

• Report the incident to the police. Try to stay calm and remain at the scene of the accident.
• Obtain the Uber driver’s contact details, company details, registration number and license number on the taxi.
• Obtain the contact details and vehicle registration details of all other vehicles and parties involved in the accident.
• If possible, take photographs of the scene of the accident.
• Report the details of the accident to Uber, regardless of who was at fault.
• Seek medical attention for your injuries as soon as possible to have them assessed and treated.

If you wish to find out if you may be entitled to claim for an Uber or road traffic accident claim, contact us. One of our specialist personal injury solicitors will be in touch to discuss your case and the taxi accident claims process with you.

How much compensation will you receive in an Uber accident claim?

All personal injury claims are different, and we can only offer you a rough estimate of the amount of compensation you might expect to receive. Uber accident compensation is divided into general damages for injuries and special damages for other losses.

General damages are based on your pain, suffering, and loss of amenity, determined by the type and severity of your injury. This means that generally, the more severe an injury, the higher the amount of compensation.

It is worth noting that you might need to visit an independent medical expert who will examine your injuries and create a detailed report on their severity and any necessary treatments.

Additionally, you can claim special damages for extra losses caused by the accident, such as lost earnings, private medical expenses, travel expenses and compensation for any additional care needed due to your new injuries.

It is also important to remember that there are strict time limits to making an Uber accident claim. It is generally set at three years from the accident, but there are some exceptions which our team of solicitors can discuss with you when you get in touch regarding your potential claim.

Making a no win, no fee uber accident claim

We will fund your Uber accident claim on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis (‘Conditional Fee Agreement’). This means that if your claim is unsuccessful, you will not be liable to this firm for our fees. If your claim is successful, we will deduct our fees from your compensation when your claim has been settled. These fees will be calculated as a percentage of your compensation, which will be clearly outlined in the agreement and discussed with you before you proceed.

Additionally, we may recommend After the Event (ATE) insurance to cover any legal costs or expenses incurred during your case, such as court fees or expert reports. The cost of this insurance will only be deducted from your compensation if your claim is successful. If your claim is unsuccessful, the ATE insurance ensures you are not left with any financial burden for these costs. This approach ensures that pursuing your claim is risk-free and that your financial interests are protected throughout the process.

Why choose Beacon Law?

Whilst pursuing an Uber accident claim, Beacon Law’s personal injury solicitors can be your source of support and will help you recover the amount of compensation that you deserve. We understand that the process of making a personal injury claim can be difficult, so we will be there to guide you every step of the way.

We value each client that we have the pleasure of working with, listen carefully to our client’s wishes, and will aim to complete your Uber accident claim in a timely manner so that you can receive the compensation that you deserve as soon as possible.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch today if you have suffered an injury in an Uber accident and wish to discuss your case with a member of our experienced team. We are able to offer all personal injury claims on a no win, no fee basis, meaning you need not worry about the costs that can come with making a claim.