Paralyzed Passenger Sues Uber for $63 Million

For many, hailing an Uber is convenient and gets you to and from your destination quickly. However, for Will Good, his Uber ride changed his life forever. His driver, who had a spotty record to begin with, swerved his vehicle during their trip and slammed into a parked car. This caused Good to be thrown against the passenger headrest. He immediately knew he could not move and thought it was a broken neck. In reality, he was left as a quadriplegic. This has led him to file a negligence lawsuit against Uber.

The lawsuit in question alleges that Uber knew about the driver’s record and hired him anyway, which put people at risk and resulted in Good’s injury. The driver’s record included over 20 citations, moving violations, numerous crashes, and a state-imposed driver retraining program. Good and his attorneys are asking for $63 million in damages for permanent disability, pain, and suffering as well as physical, mental, and emotional injuries. Good’s team is also hoping this lawsuit will move legislators and regulators to make changes regarding ridesharing companies.

Good spent two months in an ICU unit and another two months at a rehabilitation center. After those first few months, he had to adjust to his new life, which has not been easy. He now has two caretakers, one in the morning and one for evening. He used to be a cook and had his career and entire life ahead of him at only 31 years old.

Who is liable for a rideshare accident? The driver or Uber?

Currently, Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare drivers are classified as independent contractors and not employees. This means they must carry their own insurance and often do not rely on Uber if an accident happens. Good’s lawsuit may change that, as well as voters in November. The Boston Globe notes, “Good’s lawsuit will ask jurors to contemplate what Massachusetts voters also could be asked in November.

Are ride-share drivers employees or independent contractors?”

Currently, the state of Massachusetts Attorney General is suing rideshare companies so they can begin classifying their drivers as employees and not independent contractors. In this particular case, Uber is alleging that Good should have known that by hiring this driver he would be in jeopardy of injury.

If you have been involved in an accident, especially a life-altering one, you should be entitled to compensation for your damages. After an accident as a rideshare passenger, you will need to contact a Maryland car accident attorney to discuss your options.

What should I do after an accident in a Maryland Uber?

When you meet with your car accident attorney, there are several things you will need to bring with you:

• The police report
• Pictures of your injuries and the accident scene
• Insurance information for you and the rideshare driver
• Medical documents
• Paystubs, if you have lost wages due to your injuries

While these documents are preferred, an accident may leave you incapacitated and unable to get your hands on these items. We will work with you to obtain evidence related to the crash and ensure you have a strong case. You must also keep in mind that you have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim, under Maryland’s personal injury statute of limitations.

Common car accident injuries

While car accidents happen every day, the injuries that people sustain are unique in each case. Even a simple fender bender can turn catastrophic. Some of the most common injuries occurring from an Uber car accident include:

• Internal organ damage: Your organs may sustain puncture wounds which can lead to life-threatening injuries. Internal bleeding can also endanger your life and may not be obvious at first.
• Traumatic brain injury: This is severe head trauma and symptoms can take time to become apparent.
• Back and neck injuries: One of the most common but often catastrophic injuries is back and neck injuries. You may even need to have surgery and other medical treatments.
• Facial injuries: When your face strikes any part of the vehicle or glass goes flying, you can suffer facial injuries. This can lead to scarring and permanent disfigurement.
• Spinal cord trauma: The spinal cord supports your entire body. Any injury that results in spinal cord trauma can cause paralysis and loss of function.
• Mental trauma: This can include anxiety, PTSD, and depression. Being involved in an accident and sustaining injuries can take an emotional toll on you and your family.

There are a number of injuries that can be sustained from a car accident and some do not show up immediately. Always seek emergency medical attention following an accident.

After a car accident, it is important to have a Maryland attorney fighting for your rights. Contact Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A. at 410-730-7737, or submit our contact form to schedule a consultation if you have been injured as a passenger in a rideshare vehicle. We have offices all across the state.