Can You Sue for Whiplash from a Rear-end Uber Crash?

Ridesharing apps like Uber have revolutionized how people travel, making commutes much more convenient. These pioneering companies offer users a seamless way to get from one place to another. 

But as with any mode of transportation, accidents like rear-end collisions can happen in Uber rides. These types of incidents can lead to several injuries, one of which is whiplash. 

Whiplash can lead to dizziness and even chronic pain, depending on its severity. That said, injured victims like you should learn how you can protect your rights following a traumatic incident. 

In this blog, we’ll discuss the most common symptoms of whiplash and explore what you should do after an Uber crash. Read on to learn the legal steps you must take after an accident. 

Understanding Whiplash

Whiplash is a type of neck injury that happens when the neck is thrown back and forth in a rapid, forceful manner. You can sustain this type of injury in any car accident, but they’re more common in rear-end collisions. 

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of whiplash are;

• Neck pain and stiffness.
• Headaches.
• Tenderness in the shoulder, upper back, or arms.
• Tingling or numbness in the arms. 
• Tiredness. 
• Dizziness.

In severe cases, injured passengers have also reported other symptoms like blurred vision, sleep disturbances, and even depression. 

It’s also worth noting that the symptoms of whiplash may not be immediately apparent. Some could take a while to manifest, so we recommend getting immediate medical attention after an Uber crash. This way, you’ll be able to get the treatment you need for your injuries. 

Treatment

Depending on its severity, the treatment for whiplash ranges from cold application to radiofrequency (R) nerve ablation. There are minor whiplash injuries that heal within a few days, while more severe cases may take months. 

Can You File a Whiplash Lawsuit After an Uber Accident?

Technically, you can file a lawsuit for whiplash after an Uber accident. But first, you must determine who should be liable for your injuries. 

Liability for Uber accidents is complicated, primarily because the ridesharing app considers its drivers independent contractors, not employees. This means the company cannot be held liable for the driver’s actions and the injuries they caused. 

Fortunately, recent legislation has forced Uber to provide insurance policies to its drivers under certain conditions. 

For instance, if the incident occurred while the driver was on the clock, Uber’s $1 million liability and property coverage can be applied. But if the driver was off the clock, their auto insurance policy will be used. 

What if the driver was between rides? In cases where the driver was logged on to the app but was not actively engaged in a ride, Uber will provide them with contingency coverage. This policy features a $50,000 liability coverage for each person involved and $25,000 for property damages.

Ultimately, these are some of the major factors determining who will be responsible for the incident. 

Damages You Can Claim For Whiplash

Depending on the severity of your injury, you can claim damages like medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. 

It’s worth noting that no whiplash claim is the same. The true value of the damages you’ll be entitled to depends on the nature of your case.

What to Do After An Uber Crash

If you’ve been involved in an Uber crash, here’s what you must do:

Call Emergency Services 

The first thing you must do after any car accident is to call emergency services. Police officers can assist you in creating a police report.

Police reports are crucial when filing claims. They serve as official crash documentation, outlining important information like when and where the accident happened. You can use it as evidence to support your claim. 

Get Urgent Medical Care

Get urgent medical care, even if you don’t have any visible injuries. Besides whiplash, there are other injuries with symptoms that don’t manifest themselves until a few days after the accident. 

That said, getting a healthcare professional to evaluate the extent of your injuries is best.  

Exchange Contact Information

Once you receive the necessary medical care, we recommend you exchange contact information with your Uber driver and the other driver. 

Ask them for their full names, contact numbers, and insurance providers. We also suggest noting the make and model of all the vehicles involved. You’ll need this information when filing your claim. 

Report The Accident to Uber

It’s also vital you report the crash to Uber. The app has a reporting feature under the “Help” section you can use to document the crash. 

Once you submit a report, a member of Uber’s team will contact you and the driver to gather more information about the incident. Uber also encourages its users to contact its customer support hotline if they need help reporting an accident. 

Find An Experienced Uber Accident Lawyer for a Personal Injury Lawsuit

Lastly, we recommend you consult an Uber accident lawyer before filing your claim. 

Determining liability for Uber accidents can be challenging. Since multiple parties are responsible, it is challenging to identify who should be responsible for the injuries and damages you’ve sustained. 

Uber’s employment structure also adds another layer of complexity to these cases. Although Uber drivers are independent contractors, the company may still bear some responsibility under certain scenarios. 

Fortunately, Uber accident lawyers can help you determine who should be liable for the accident in order to build a strong lawsuit claim. They will conduct a thorough investigation on your behalf and assist you in building a strong claim. 

Hire An Expert Uber Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles

While true ridesharing apps like Uber have made traveling much more convenient, they also come with inherent risks. These accidents are difficult to avoid, so it’s best to learn how to advocate for your rights effectively.

Get expert legal counsel in Los Angeles and contact Adamson Ahdoot today. 

Adamson Ahdoot is one of Los Angeles’ leading civil litigation firms. Our team of personal injury lawyers has over 100 years of combined legal experience. 

We’ve handled various personal injury cases, from slip-and-fall accidents to complex rear-end collisions. Our legal team will help you file your claim and ensure you get the compensation you deserve. 

To learn more about our services, Call us at (800) 310-1606 today to schedule your free consultation with our legal counsel.