Injuries in a DC Uber accident case range from negligible to life-threatening. Many factors dictate how severe an injury will be; almost all are outside the passenger’s control. As a driver, you have a tremendous responsibility to protect the passengers in the backseat. However, even a prudent driver may be unable to avoid an accident with a reckless or negligent driver. When a victim is injured in an Uber accident in DC, you have several options. The general advice is to seek medical attention as needed and obtain compensation for your injuries. But the extent and severity of your injuries dictate whether you have a case worth pursuing.
While Uber and other rideshare apps provide a fantastic level of convenience compared to traditional taxis, they do not eliminate the risk of injury. Unlike taxi drivers, Uber drivers are not necessarily professional drivers. Instead, many work for Uber part-time. While this is great, it may provide Uber with people who are less interested in their reputation on the Uber app. Those less interested in their Uber rating may experience less safe driving and, thereby, more accidents.
Understanding the nature of injuries in Uber accidents is crucial for anyone involved. There are some injuries we see more than others. Providing a base level of understanding for anyone unfortunate enough to be involved in a DC Uber accident can act appropriately with this knowledge.
The following categories of injuries sustained in Uber accidents proceed by lack of severity yet higher frequency to their inverse.
These are among the most minor injuries you may receive from a DC Uber accident. Cuts and bruises occur in a car accident primarily from slamming against the car when struck on the side of your vehicle or the front side. Of course, just because you strike another car does not mean you are at fault, especially if you are the passenger. Particularly in t-bone accidents, your head may slam into the window, shattering the window and cutting your head with broken glass. This sounds gruesome, and it is. However, the treatment period for this injury alone is relatively short. However, it may be part of a more significant injury, such as a brain injury. If the broken glass cuts your eye, you may require surgery to repair your vision. Thus, while cuts and bruises may sound insignificant, these injuries can seriously impact your quality of life.
If you get cut and bruised in an Uber accident, even if you think you may have been at fault, contact a personal injury lawyer immediately for a free consultation.
Whiplash is by far the most common injury we see in accident cases. A whiplash injury occurs, especially in rear-end collisions, when you are driving and a sudden collision jolts your head backward, slamming into the headrest. This leads to muscular and ligament strain. While considered minor, this can lead to significant discomfort. It can restrict your ability to perform hobbies such as going to the gym, walking, working, and even getting a good night’s rest. Moreover, these injuries seldom go away quickly. Although, physical and electrotherapy can benefit your recovery.
The issue with a whiplash injury is it is more difficult to prove. A cut, bruise, broken bone, spinal cord, or even brain injury are all demonstrable. However, we often rely on expert testimony for a whiplash injury.
Broken bones are, fortunately, one of the less common Injuries in a DC Uber accident. A fracture may occur in the arms, legs, or ribs due to the force exerted by the crash. As noted above, the same force that may throw your face into a glass window may throw your arm into the wall of the car. Or, the airbag may fracture your nose or ribs on deployment. These are painful injuries and occur due to blunt force trauma. Unfortunately, the remedy for a broken bone is time. Even if surgery is required to realign your bones, time will be your friend to let your body heal.
Consequently, your injury may not get as much of a financial recovery as an injury requiring medical attention. Medical expenses are fully compensable if they are causally related to your Uber accident. However, for a broken bone, it is less likely that you will need physical therapy or any type of continuous treatment.
Of course, we note this in our settlement negotiations and at trial. Accordingly, you may be able to recover more for your pain and suffering award despite less special damages.
Brain injuries in a DC Uber accident can range from mild concussions to permanent brain damage. On the more extreme end of the spectrum, you have traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). These can result in unconsciousness, amnesia, a coma, and permanent cognitive and physical impairment. Moreover, brain injuries can be exorbitantly expensive. Unfortunately, insurance coverage limits must be considered early on. While cost should not be a consideration for something as serious as a TBI, many drivers do not have sufficient coverage for the sometimes hundreds of thousands of dollars necessary to keep a person alive in a coma when they are in the hospital.
Additionally, a victim of a TBI may require lifelong medical care from a live-in nurse. People who do not have someone to take care of but cannot take care of themselves require such care to perform essential functions such as feeding themselves or using the restroom.
Given how frequent whiplash injuries are, it should come as no surprise that spinal cord injuries are common injuries in a DC Uber accident. Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis and, like TBIs, can require long-term care, years of hard work in rehabilitation, and emotional support.
Tragically, some Uber accidents result in death for drivers and passengers. This leads to deep trauma for family members and the potential for a wrongful death claim. The close family members of the decedent have wrongful death claims, and the estate of the decedent has a valid survival action. These are two different types of claims, and both require the expertise of a skilled injury attorney. Understanding the legal considerations that go into a wrongful death case as an injury in a DC Uber accident is critical. As mentioned above, much is still unknown about brain injuries. What may appear minor on the day of the accident may lead to brain swelling and death.
We strongly urge anyone who is injured in a severe Uber accident in DC to seek medical attention, especially if there is a risk of a brain injury. In our 70 years of experience, we have handled many wrongful death cases. While some of these fatalities occurred instantly, others did not. If the estate you represent or your close family member was the victim of a wrongful death, contact our office immediately.
We have handled over 10,000 personal injury cases since our founding in 1954. We urge anyone injured in a DC Uber accident to seek immediate medical attention. Following your medical visit, speak with an experienced attorney at Gelb & Gelb, P.C. to discuss your options and next steps. Our consultations are always free, and there is never a fee unless we win.