Suing a company as large and powerful as Uber might feel like an uphill battle, but it’s not out of reach. You may be entitled to file a lawsuit for compensation if you were injured in an accident involving an Uber driver or suffered another harm connected to the rideshare service. However, the legal process differs from a typical car accident, involving more hurdles, procedures, and strategic planning.
At Kolodny Law Firm, PLLC, we help Texans take on challenging cases against rideshare companies. Our attorneys understand how Uber’s insurance policies work and how to challenge their legal defenses in court. If you’re wondering how to sue Uber, this step-by-step guide will walk you through what to expect and how to move forward.
How to File a Lawsuit Against Uber?
If you’re considering legal action against Uber, it’s essential to understand the process. Filing a lawsuit is more than just submitting paperwork. It’s a multi-step strategy that requires planning, negotiation, and the ability to hold your ground when facing a powerful corporation.
Here’s how the legal process typically unfolds.
Step 1: Decide Whether to Sue Uber
You and your attorney will begin by reviewing the facts, examining the available evidence, and determining who may be legally responsible. In some situations, an insurance settlement may be a reasonable alternative to filing a lawsuit. Other times, a lawsuit may be the only viable path to compensation, especially if Uber denies liability or the insurance coverage is insufficient or disputed.
At Kolodny Law Firm, we’ll help you weigh your options and decide on the best course of action based on your circumstances.
Step 2: Send a Demand Letter
If you decide to proceed with legal action, your attorney will typically begin by sending a demand letter to Uber or its insurance provider. This letter outlines your claim and formally requests compensation for your injuries and losses.
A demand letter usually includes a summary of what happened, an explanation of why Uber may be legally responsible, a breakdown of the damages you’ve suffered, and a specific dollar amount you’re seeking. Your attorney will support this demand with relevant evidence, such as medical records, proof of lost income, and accident reports.
Sending a demand letter also opens the door to settlement. Uber’s legal team or insurance company may respond with a counteroffer or request additional information. If negotiations go well, your case could settle without the need to file a lawsuit. If not, your attorney will prepare to take the next step and formally file a lawsuit.
Step 3: File the Lawsuit
If negotiations break down, your attorney will prepare and file a lawsuit against Uber in civil court. This stage begins with drafting a formal petition (also known as a complaint), which sets out:
- The legal claims against Uber or other defendants,
- A summary of the facts and circumstances,
- The injuries you sustained, and
- The compensation you are requesting.
In Texas, you generally have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations, and if you miss it, you may lose your right to recover damages. So, it’s crucial to consult an attorney early to preserve your claim and file within the legal timeframe.
Step 4: Discovery
Once the lawsuit is filed and the opposing party responds, the case moves into the discovery phase, where both sides gather and exchange evidence. Discovery often includes:
- Interrogatories—written questions that must be answered under oath;
- Requests for production—demands for documents or other evidence; and
- Depositions—recorded interviews under oath.
Discovery is the stage where Uber may be required to turn over internal records, safety policies, background check information, or other documentation that could strengthen your claim. Your attorney may also depose Uber employees or the driver involved.
Step 5: Settlement
Most personal injury cases end with a settlement before reaching trial. Settlements can happen at any stage of the legal process, from early negotiations to the eve of trial.
A fair settlement should cover compensation such as:
- Medical expenses (past and future),
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity,
- Pain and suffering,
- Emotional distress, and
- Any other relevant financial losses.
At Kolodny Law Firm, we fight so that any settlement reflects the value of your case, not just what Uber wants to offer.
Step 6: Trial
If settlement negotiations fail, your case will proceed to trial. During this stage, your attorney will present your case before a judge or jury. The jury or judge will then issue a verdict, including a decision on whether Uber is liable and whether you can recover compensation.
Although trials are less common, we prepare every case at Kolodny Law Firm as if it will go the distance.
Speak with a Texas Lawyer About Your Uber Accident Lawsuit
Filing a lawsuit against Uber is a serious legal undertaking, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Kolodny Law Firm, PLLC, we understand how to sue Uber. We know how to navigate the legal roadblocks, corporate defenses, and insurance tactics that stand between you and the justice you deserve.
Whether you’re just starting to explore your legal options or are ready to file, our team will provide clear answers about your Uber accident lawsuit. Contact the Kolodny Law Firm today to schedule your no-obligation case evaluation and learn more about how to file a lawsuit against Uber in Texas.
Alan Kolodny is committed to representing injured clients in Texas and throughout the United States. Alan earned his B.A. from Rice University and his J.D. from Southern Methodist University.
He focuses his practice on representing plaintiffs in personal injury cases involving the following matters: maritime and offshore accidents, including those under the Jones Act; automobile and 18-wheeler truck accidents; and industrial site accidents, work-related accidents, and claims for injured railroad workers under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act.
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