Boston Uber Accident Attorney
Fighting for you when you’re injured in a rideshare crash in Massachusetts
The transportation industry has changed dramatically over the pasts decade. One of the biggest changes has been the rise of on-demand car services like Uber and Lyft. Today, many of us have the Uber app on our smartphones. The rideshare service is a convenient and fast way to travel around the Boston and eastern Massachusetts area. However, car accidents can happen in any vehicle, rideshare or not. When Uber drivers are negligent and cause accidents resulting in injuries, passengers have the right to seek compensation from the company and the driver. Other involved drivers, pedestrians and cyclists may also seek compensation.
Since Uber drivers make money based on the number of rides that they provide, many of them are constantly looking at their cell phones and texting while they should be focused on driving. At Breakstone, White & Gluck, our Boston Uber accident lawyers can assist victims with seeking the compensation that they deserve after suffering injuries as a result of a negligent rideshare driver in Massachusetts. Call today to get started.
How does Uber work?
Uber is a company that allows users to request a ride by using an app on their smartphone. This app pairs the user with the nearest willing Uber driver to provide quick and efficient service. The company has expanded rapidly, especially in large cities like Boston where residents, tourists, and business professionals have become frustrated with the inefficiencies of mass transit and taxi services.
Before Massachusetts passed its 2016 ride sharing bill – An Act Regulating Transportation Network Companies – one of the biggest issues with Uber was how it contracts with their drivers. Uber does not hire drivers as employees. Instead, it engages with them as independent contractors. By doing so, the company limited its responsibility, called vicarious liability, for any injuries resulting from accidents caused by Uber drivers.
Massachusetts took an important step for consumers in passing the ride sharing law. The state has long allowed taxicabs to only carry $20,000 in liability insurance coverage, which is inadequate to cover the medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering in many injury cases. But with the passage of the bill, Massachusetts passengers can be assured of much greater insurance coverage from ride-sharing companies.
If you have been injured in an Uber, it is critical to retain an experienced Boston car accident lawyer. Uber is not based in Massachusetts and the only way to report an Uber accident to the company is through their app or through an online form (which we do not recommend). Retaining an Uber accident attorney can make a big difference in the outcome of your claim.
What are Uber’s insurance policies?
Under the Massachusetts ridesharing law, Uber drivers must inform their auto insurer that they intend to use their vehicle for ridesharing purposes. They must carry at least $50,000 of coverage per individual for bodily injury, $100,000 of total coverage for bodily injury, $30,000 of coverage for property damage, uninsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection. When an Uber driver is engaged in a pre-arranged ride, they must have at least $1 million in automobile liability insurance, and Uber must pay for the gap in insurance. Uber’s insurance policies are similar to Lyft’s, and kick in according to the driver’s active status on the app. If the:
- App is off, and the driver is not working and has an accident on their own time, their personal car insurance policy is responsible.
- App is on and the driver is waiting for a ride request, their personal car insurance is still responsible. However, if it does not cover your medical expenses, Uber’s third-party liability insurance covers:
- $50,000 in bodily injury per person
- $100,000 in bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 in property damage per accident
- App is on and driver is on a trip or en route to one, Uber’s insurance is active and covers:
- $1,000,000 third party liability
- UM/UIM bodily injury and/or first-party injury insurance
- Contingent comprehensive and collision
Our attorneys determine which insurance applies when and work to ensure you secure the proper and fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
What are typical injuries from a Boston Uber accident?
Depending on the circumstances and nature of the crash, an accident involving an Uber can cause serious and even life-altering injuries, including:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Bone breaks and fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck, back, and shoulder injuries
- Soft tissue damage and whiplash
- Burn injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Lacerations and scarring
In the event an Uber accident takes the life of a loved one, our Boston attorneys can file a wrongful death action on the family’s behalf.
Am I entitled to compensation after a Boston Uber accident?
If you have been injured in an Uber accident, you can seek compensation from both the company and the negligent Uber driver. Passengers, other drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians can all seek compensation for their injuries.
The first step in asserting your right to compensation is to file a negligence action against the driver who caused your injuries. To recover compensation, you must show that the Uber driver failed to use appropriate care when operating the vehicle. Rideshare drivers must operate their vehicles with the same ordinary care and skill that any reasonable and prudent driver would use.
This involves things like following the speed limit and refraining from driving while intoxicated. One of the biggest dangers facing Uber passengers is distracted driving, which includes everything from texting to talking with passengers, adjusting the stereo, consulting a GPS, and eating behind the wheel. If a police report regarding an accident indicates that a traffic violation occurred, this is often helpful evidence in showing that the driver acted negligently.
Note: the statute of limitations on car accidents in Boston and Massachusetts is generally three years. The sooner you give us a call, the sooner we can help you.
Do you have an Uber accident attorney near me?
Breakstone, White & Gluck has an office in Boston at 2 Center Plaza #530 in Government Center, within walking distance of the John Adams Courthouse and Suffolk County Superior Court. There’s a parking garage in the building. The MBTA Green Line and Blue Line are right across the street at the Government Center T station, and there’s a bus stop almost right in front of our office. If you are unable to travel because of your injuries, we can arrange a phone or video conference, or a hospital visit.
Experienced Boston Uber accident lawyers helping victims throughout Massachusetts
Uber accidents involve complex legal issues and can create serious headaches for injured victims. At Breakstone, White & Gluck, our Boston attorneys have the experience and skills to thoroughly investigate complex car accident cases and obtain the best results for our clients. We are never intimidated by the large corporations and insurance companies that don’t have your best interests in mind. To find out how we can help you with your claim, call our offices or use our contact form to set up a free consultation today.