An Uber accident lawsuit in DC may not be the first thing that comes to mind immediately following an Uber accident. Many people do not want confrontation and simply wish to go about their business. Unfortunately, when someone else causes an accident, whether you are an Uber driver, passenger, or a third party who was struck by an Uber vehicle, injuries occur, and expenses pile up. When you are injured following an accident, going to the emergency room or an urgent care makes sense. A doctor may wish to perform X-rays, capture CT scans, or put you in physical therapy to treat soreness in your neck and back. You did not cause the accident and should not have to be in pain. And you certainly should not be left to pay for this medical treatment merely to feel as healthy as you did before the accident.
That is what logic dictates and what the law in DC says. So, you take the necessary steps in the Uber accident timeline and contact a skilled car accident attorney. However, about 3% of the time, personal injury cases do not settle before litigation. And Uber accident lawsuits in DC are complex. There are countless rules of civil procedure to consider, not to mention the cost of legal fees, expert witnesses, and more. Our DC personal injury lawyers only take a legal fee if we win your case. Thus, there is minimal risk of filing a lawsuit. Below, we discuss when to consider filing a lawsuit for your injuries, the lawsuit process, and whether it is worth pursuing your case in court.
There are two main instances when we have to file an Uber accident lawsuit in DC. In either event, we must assess the complexity of liability. This third factor is a mitigator in determining how much we should settle for. Remember, if we go to trial, there is always a chance we get a judge or jury having an off day. In other words, there is never a guarantee at trial. Meanwhile, a settlement is not appealable and is final. A settlement is also cheaper and quicker. So, when are the instances when settlement is not an option?
The first is when there is a dispute in liability. Suppose we file a lawsuit after a dispute in liability. In this instance, we believe your version of events and have sufficient proof to establish liability against the defendant. But in some cases, even if we believe your version, it may not be worthwhile to move forward without sufficient evidence. This will depend on the severity of your injuries and the credibility of any available testimony. Note that witness testimony and even your testimony do suffice as evidence. As plaintiffs, we need to establish liability by a preponderance of the evidence, which means more likely than not that the defendant acted negligently. This can be done via testimony alone, but it is far less convincing than physical evidence, such as video footage via Uber technology or even an independent witness.
The second reason we must file an Uber accident lawsuit in DC is if the case’s value is disputed. There are basic formulas attorneys use to evaluate the value of a case. However, countless intangible factors can affect a verdict. For example, a case in front of one jury may receive a vastly different value than in front of another jury. This is true even with the exact attorney giving the same performance at trial. It is up to the attorney to understand the jury pool and what their preferences are. For example, some jury pools are known to be more conservative, while others are biased against specific companies, such as Uber, if one juror is a taxi driver.
Another factor to consider when deciding whether to file an Uber accident lawsuit in DC is the complexity of liability. While a complex case will not stop us from filing, we must consider the economics of a trial. For example, if your case is not worth more than $6,000, it is not worth it for us to file suit and pay $10,000 for expert witnesses to prove liability. Not all Uber accident cases are straightforward. Some require accident reconstructionist experts, among others. While $10,000 in expert witness costs is well worth it if your damages exceed $100,000, it is not in all cases. We will advise you of the relevant factors to consider before filing suit and what you can expect to net.
There are countless steps to take from a legal consultation onward. The first step is ensuring you are getting medical treatment for your injuries. If you are hurt, you must seek treatment from a doctor or chiropractor. Once your treatment is complete, we can complete our case documentation. This includes everything from witness statements, photo evidence, video evidence, medical records, police reports, communication records, and anything else that might be relevant to your case.
In Washington, DC, it can take 12-24 months to get into court after you file an Uber accident lawsuit in DC. Below, we outline the steps you take while waiting for your court date.
The purpose of the discovery phase is to ensure there are no surprises at trial. This way, everyone receives a fair trial. Discovery allows both parties to gather evidence, clarify the facts, and understand the opponent’s case. It also promotes settlement, which unclogs the already overburdened court system. Critical components of discovery include:
Strategizing is a critical component of an Uber accident lawsuit in DC. To effectively strategize your case, we must develop a compelling story to deliver to the jury. We risk losing the jury’s attention if we do not narrate the sequence of events interestingly and compellingly. Thus, strategizing delivery is critical. We also must prepare key witnesses. This involves anticipating cross-examination questions from opposing counsel.
Third, our attorneys review all relevant evidence. Some of this evidence may be examined for the first time, as we received it from the discovery process. Knowing each bit of information is critical. Not only do we know the facts of the case cold, but we must anticipate what witnesses will say and have prepared questions to ask them on examination.
The trial sequence is simple. Each side outlines its case for the Uber accident lawsuit in DC with an opening statement. This acts as a roadmap that the jury can understand and use the rest of the way. We then move into presenting evidence. This may be done with video or photo evidence, or it may be done by witness testimony. To get witness testimony is not as simple as putting a witness on a stand and having him speak to the jury. Instead, we ask the witness a series of questions. During the direct examination, we introduce the witness by asking some preliminary background questions.
Then, we ask simple questions such as, “How are you connected to the case?” There are no “leading” questions on direct examination. Then, the defense will cross-examine the witness. They may use leading questions, but their line of questioning is limited to the scope of our direct examination. After examining all the evidence, we move to closing arguments. Here, each side summarizes its case, emphasizing the critical pieces of evidence we wish the jury to remember when they deliberate.
Ideally, the jury will return with a verdict, holding that the defendant is liable for your injuries and proposing a monetary amount. The judge may or may not accept this verdict. If he does, it is ruled a judgment, and you may collect your compensation.
The nice part of settling a case, unlike an Uber accident lawsuit in DC, is that a settlement leaves no room for appeals. On the other hand, a judgment may be appealed by either party. This can extend the life of a case.
At Gelb & Gelb, P.C., we have leading personal injury attorneys ready to fight for your rights and demand compensation. If you were injured in an Uber accident and are considering an Uber accident lawsuit in DC, contact our office for a free consultation.
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