As the second most populous city in Illinois, Aurora is no stranger to traffic congestion, and many residents rely on Uber and other ridesharing services to get around. However, Uber and other ridesharing vehicles are not immune to accidents.
If you have been injured in an Uber wreck, an experienced car accident attorney could help you gather evidence and pursue compensation. Contact the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. to learn how a lawyer could help in determining fault after an Aurora Uber accident.
Evidence Used to Prove Fault in Uber Accidents
Proving fault is one of the most critical aspects of resolving any Uber accident claim in Aurora. Fault refers to who is responsible for causing an accident, and therefore covering any resulting damages. A knowledgeable attorney could gather and present several types of evidence to prove who caused an accident.
Police Accident Report
The initial police report completed after a wreck will contain vital details about the accident scene, including statements from all involved drivers and witnesses, if possible. An Uber passenger or their lawyer could obtain this report to be used as evidence to prove fault following a collision.
Photos and Camera Footage
Drivers and passengers often take pictures of an accident to document the scene. These photos and any available traffic camera or dash cam footage could present valuable information that helps determine who was at fault.
Medical and Car Repair Bills
Part of establishing fault requires proof that the accident resulted in damages. Medical bills and car repair receipts could be used to prove the extent of injuries and losses.
Witness Statements
Witnesses who are not involved in the accident often have a better understanding of the actions leading up to it. Statements may be gathered by police at the scene, by individuals involved in the accident, or by legal or insurance professionals during an investigation.
Requirements for Proving Negligence in Uber Accidents
Illinois operates on a comparative negligence rule for the recovery of damages after an accident. A driver who is less than 50% at fault for an accident can collect damages from the at-fault driver. If more than one driver is responsible, an injured Uber passenger may need to file multiple claims.
The concept of fault in an Aurora Uber accident is based on negligence. An individual or entity is guilty of negligence when they fail to exercise reasonable care and create an unsafe situation that causes harm to others as a result. The following four elements must be present to establish negligence:
- Duty of care, describing a driver’s legal duty to operate their vehicle safely
- Breach of duty, in which the driver behaves in a way that violates their duty of care, such as driving distracted or running a red light
- Causation, meaning the breach of duty directly led to the accident
- Damages, or whether the accident led to measurable losses, such as injuries or property damage
Accident attorneys present evidence to prove that an individual acted negligently and is responsible for paying for any damages caused by an accident. When a rideshare company like Uber is involved, the Uber driver, other motorists, and (when poor hiring practices are involved) the rideshare company can be found guilty of negligence.
Contact an Aurora Attorney for Assistance Determining Fault in Your Uber Accident Claim
Determining fault after an Aurora Uber accident is the first step in seeking compensation for your resulting injuries and damages. An experienced Uber accident attorney from the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. could help you gather evidence and present a strong case to establish negligence and prove that another driver is responsible for your injuries. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.