Ridesharing services like Uber have become an integral part of modern transportation. They provide convenience, cost-efficiency, and accessibility to millions of passengers worldwide. However, with the increasing use of these services, there has also been a rise in Uber-related accidents. In these accidents, passengers, drivers, and other road users can sustain a range of injuries.
In the article below, the rideshare accident lawyers at Kherkher Garcia explore the common injuries that can occur in Uber accidents, the factors contributing to these injuries, and the steps to seek compensation for those affected.
Common Injuries in Uber Accidents
Uber accidents can lead to a wide array of injuries, ranging from minor to severe. The extent of injury often depends on various factors, including the type of accident, the vehicle’s speed, the use of seatbelts, and more. Here are some of the most common injuries associated with Uber accidents:
Whiplash
Whiplash is a soft tissue injury that occurs when the head and neck are suddenly jerked forward and then snapped back. It is a frequent injury in rear-end collisions, which are common accident scenarios involving Uber vehicles. Whiplash can cause:
- Neck pain
- Headaches
- Stiffness
- Long-term discomfort
- Chronic pain
Head Injuries
Head injuries are a significant concern in accidents involving Uber vehicles, especially when passengers or drivers are not wearing seatbelts. These injuries can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). TBIs can result in:
- Cognitive impairments
- Memory loss
- Lifelong disability
- Seizures
- Paralysis
Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
Accidents can lead to back injuries, including damage to the spinal cord. These injuries can result in paralysis, numbness, or long-term pain. Passengers and drivers may experience injuries including:
- Herniated discs
- Fractured vertebrae
- Spinal cord compression
- Cervical Spondylosis (Neck Osteoarthritis)
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
Spinal cord injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Broken Bones and Fractures
Broken bones and fractures are among the most common injuries in auto accidents, particularly when a vehicle collides with another or strikes an object. Passengers and drivers may suffer broken or fractured bones such as:
- Fractured Ribs: Rib fractures are relatively common in car accidents, especially in side-impact and front-impact collisions.
- Arm and Forearm Fractures: The arms and forearms can be injured when individuals instinctively reach out to brace for impact during a car crash. These fractures can affect the humerus (upper arm bone), radius, or ulna (forearm bones).
- Pelvic Fractures: High-speed or T-bone collisions can lead to pelvic fractures. These fractures can cause severe pain and may require surgical intervention.
- Hip Fractures: Hip fractures are more common in older individuals involved in car accidents. These fractures often occur in side-impact or high-speed crashes.
- Leg Fractures: The femur (thigh bone), tibia, and fibula (leg bones) can fracture in car accidents. High-impact crashes and direct impacts to the legs are common causes.
- Knee Injuries: Car accidents can result in knee injuries, including patellar fractures (fractured kneecap) or injuries to the ligaments and cartilage in the knee.
- Facial Fractures: In car accidents, the face may be struck by the steering wheel, dashboard, or airbag, causing facial fractures. These can include fractures of the nose, cheekbones, and the jaw.
- Skull Fractures: Severe head injuries in car accidents can lead to skull fractures. These injuries can be life-threatening and often require immediate medical attention.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries can involve damage to muscles, tendons, or ligaments. These injuries may not be immediately apparent but can result in lingering pain, limited mobility, and the need for physical therapy. Common soft tissue injuries that occur as a result of Uber accidents include:
- Strains
- Sprains
- Contusions
- Tendonitis
- Bursitis
Cuts and Lacerations
Accidents can cause sharp objects to fly within the vehicle, leading to cuts and lacerations. In some cases, shattered glass or sharp metal can cause deep and severe injuries that may require stitches or surgery to address.
Internal Injuries
Uber accidents can result in internal injuries, such as damage to organs. Blunt force trauma from an accident can cause internal bleeding, which can be life-threatening. Internal injuries may not always be immediately apparent, making prompt medical evaluation crucial. Some common internal injuries resulting from auto accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Internal bleeding
- Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
- Organ injuries
- Pelvic injuries
- Cardiac injuries
- Vascular injuries
Burns
In some accident scenarios, such as those involving vehicle fires or explosions, passengers or drivers may suffer burns. These injuries can vary in severity, from minor burns treated with first aid to life-threatening burns requiring extensive medical care. Here is a brief overview of the degrees of burn injuries:
- First-Degree Burns: Superficial burns that affect only the top layer of the skin (the epidermis). These burns usually heal within a few days and do not usually result in blisters.
- Second-Degree Burns: Partial-thickness burns that affect both the epidermis and part of the underlying layer (the dermis). These burns may take several weeks to heal, and some may require medical attention or skin grafts.
- Third-Degree Burns: Full-thickness burns that damage the entire epidermis and dermis and may extend into deeper tissues. These burns often require surgical intervention, such as skin grafting, and result in significant scarring.
- Fourth-Degree Burns: These are severe burns that extend beyond the skin, affecting muscles, tendons, and even bone. Fourth-degree burns are typically life-threatening and require immediate medical attention and surgical intervention.
Psychological Trauma
It is essential not to overlook the psychological trauma that can result from an Uber accident. Passengers and drivers may experience anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The emotional toll of an accident can be just as damaging as physical injuries.
Factors Contributing to Uber Accident Injuries
Several factors can contribute to the severity and type of injuries sustained in Uber accidents. Understanding these factors is essential in assessing liability and seeking compensation:
- Type of Accident: The nature of the accident, whether it is a rear-end collision, T-bone collision, rollover, or any other type, can significantly impact the injuries sustained. Head-on collisions, for example, are often more severe and can lead to traumatic injuries.
- Speed of Impact: The speed at which the accident occurs also plays a crucial role. High-speed collisions generally result in more severe injuries, whereas low-speed accidents may lead to relatively minor injuries.
- Seatbelt Use: The use of seatbelts is a critical factor in mitigating injuries. Passengers and drivers who are not wearing seatbelts are at a higher risk of being ejected from the vehicle or suffering more severe injuries in a collision.
- Vehicle Safety Features: The safety features of the Uber vehicle, such as airbags, crumple zones, and safety belts, can affect the extent of injuries. Modern vehicles equipped with advanced safety features are more likely to protect occupants in an accident.
- Road Conditions: The condition of the road at the time of the accident, including factors like weather, visibility, and road maintenance, can contribute to accidents and the severity of resulting injuries.
Seeking Compensation for Uber Accident Injuries
If you or a loved one has sustained injuries in an Uber accident, it is crucial to know your rights and explore avenues for seeking compensation. Here are the essential steps to follow:
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
The well-being of those involved in an accident is the top priority. Seek prompt medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and a medical evaluation can identify and document these injuries.
Gather Evidence
Collect evidence related to the accident, including photos, witness statements, and any available surveillance footage. This documentation can help establish liability and the extent of your injuries.
Report the Accident
Report the accident to the authorities and file an official police report. This report can serve as a crucial piece of evidence in your case.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company and notify them of the accident. They can guide you through the claims process and help you access any available coverage, such as personal injury protection (PIP) or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Contact Uber
Reach out to Uber to report the accident and provide them with details. Uber may have insurance coverage that could apply to the accident, depending on the circumstances.
Consider Legal Action
If negotiations with insurance companies do not result in a fair settlement, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit to seek compensation for your injuries. This legal action may be necessary to ensure that you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Contact a Lawyer
Consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who specializes in Uber accident cases. They can provide legal guidance, assess your case, and help you understand your rights and options for seeking compensation.
Get Help with Uber Accident Injuries
Injuries resulting from Uber accidents can vary widely in severity, from minor to life-changing. Seeking compensation for these injuries involves a series of steps, and is most successful with the guidance of a skilled rideshare accident lawyer.
Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer at Kherkher Garcia helps ensure you’re your legal rights and best interests are the utmost focus of your case. Furthermore, because our rideshare accident lawyers have so much experience, we know how to avoid and overcome challenges in the relatively new area of rideshare injury law.
We can help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially from the injuries and damages you have suffered due to an Uber accident. Call us at 713-333-1030 for a free consultation. You can also reach out to us online.
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