Do I Need to Stop Working for Uber if I have an Active Injury Lawsuit?

Working for Uber provides drivers with the opportunity to set their own hours and work as much as they want. However, there’s no denying the downside of being a rideshare driver, especially if you get into a car accident that causes significant injuries. While Uber drivers are required to insure their own vehicles, the company offers up to $1 million of coverage for accidents that occur with a passenger in the car. The policy also provides coverage if the driver is available but not carrying a passenger, though the maximum amount is only $100,000 in these cases.

We’ve handled our fair share of Uber accident cases over the years, and there’s one question that comes up frequently during consultations:

“Do I need to stop working for Uber if I have an active accident lawsuit against them?”

The answer is generally no, as your right to compensation does not depend on whether you go back to work or not after an accident. Additionally, you cannot be fired for taking legal action against your employer, nor does the outcome of the lawsuit have any bearing on your right to continue working for them. In short, you can keep working if you are physically able to despite your injuries. But you should consult with your attorney or seek a second opinion on your case before you resume your work duties. To help you understand why this is necessary, we will go over several issues that you should consider before returning to work for Uber with an active lawsuit:

• Can I go back to working again even if I’m still being treated for my injuries?
• If I’m in therapy, will going back to work hurt my accident claim?
• Do I need to stay out of work until my car accident lawsuit is settled?

Please keep in mind that the information we provide in this article is for general purposes only. Your accident has its own set of circumstances that you should discuss with a knowledgeable attorney. If you are an Uber driver in need of assistance with a car accident claim, contact our office and schedule a free consultation.
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Do I need to Stop Working if I have an Active Car Accident Case?

Legally, there is nothing that can prevent you from going back to work for Uber after a car accident. Furthermore, there is no specific timeline that dictates how long you must stay out of work in order to get paid on an injury claim. However, there are two critical issues that you will need to think about when it comes to working for Uber with a pending injury case:

• If you return to work too early, you may aggravate your injuries or end up with new ones. However, you will not be able to seek compensation for these health complications, since they are not listed in your lawsuit.
• Depending on the extent of your injuries, it’s possible that driving for Uber too soon after a car accident can hurt your case. As previously stated, going back to work does not invalidate your right to damages after a car accident. But it may be used against you by the other side to argue that your injuries are not as serious as you claim.

These factors deserve serious thought and consideration, which is why you should speak with a lawyer if you’re thinking about going back to work for Uber. An experienced car accident lawsuit attorney is waiting to assist you, so don’t hesitate to give us a call.

What are my Rights if I start Driving again for Uber with an Active Injury Lawsuit?

Though you have the right to go back to work at any point after an accident, doing so can put you at risk of exacerbating your injuries. You can even end up with new injuries, especially if you are involved in another car accident. To make an informed decision regarding your work status, make sure to consult your doctor. They will consider many factors related to your physical injuries, as well as the emotional harm you’ve suffered as a result of your accident.

Perhaps you’ve spoken to your doctor already, but you don’t agree with their advice. If that’s the case, make sure to see another doctor for a second opinion. A new doctor may run different tests or have recommendations for how you can resume your work duties without worsening your condition. The other expert you should turn to is your lawyer, since you will want to avoid doing anything that can hurt your lawsuit. If you’re at odds with the advice you’re getting from your lawyer, we will be happy to assist you with any questions or concerns. Just contact our office and schedule a time to speak with one of our attorneys.

When should I go back to Work if I have an Active Lawsuit against Uber?

Here is another question that we are often asked by injured Uber drivers who are seeking monetary damages. We understand how eager they are to get back on the road, as it’s difficult to be out of work while struggling with the aftermath of a car accident. But there is no universal answer to this question, since every injury case is different. That’s why it’s essential to meet with an attorney in person and go over the circumstances that are unique to your injury case.

During a consultation with a client, here are some of the issues we discuss in order to help them make an informed decision:

• What are the exact injuries that you are suffering from as a result of your accident?
• What is the impact of those injuries in various areas of your life, such as your ability to engage in daily activities and perform your work duties?
• Is there any possibility that your condition will get worse by going back to work?
• Are you seeking help for emotional trauma or mental health disorders like PTSD and depression?

That last question is very important when it comes to the impact a car accident has on the victim. We know for a fact that mental health conditions like PTSD are extremely common among Uber drivers who were involved in a car accident. It’s not unusual for them to struggle with the idea of driving again, as they can be triggered by certain sounds, noises, and smells that are associated with their accident. Thus, it’s essential to get help from a licensed therapist and take your time before getting back on the road.

Then again, many people suffer with the long-term effects of a car accident and are still able to continue their jobs. Some of our clients find that they are able to go back to work while seeing their doctor and/or therapist on a regular basis. Our goal when we evaluate a case is to ensure that going back to work will not hurt the client’s credibility in a lawsuit against Uber.

We also want to remind you that the answer to whether you should go back to working for Uber can change as time goes on. Lawsuits are not resolved overnight, and your condition may improve or get worse in the upcoming weeks and months. Thus, you should be in regular contact with your attorney, as well as your doctor, to ensure that you make the best decision for your injury case.

Schedule a Free Second Opinion

We’ve impressed upon you the importance of consulting your attorney before going back to work for Uber with an active lawsuit. There’s a good chance you’ve done this already, but you don’t agree with the advice they’ve given you. Maybe you’ve even though about switching your lawyer, but you’re wondering if doing so is truly in your best interest.

Our attorneys may be able to assist you with a free second opinion. This is a consultation where we can go over any issues you are having with your current lawyer. We can also review the details of your car accident while driving for Uber and advise you on the methods we would use to settle your claim. If you decide that changing lawyers is right for you, we’ll take care of the entire transfer process so that you won’t have to worry about firing your current lawyer.

Even if you decide to stay with your current law firm, the consultation is completely free so you have nothing to lose by speaking with one of our attorneys. Just give us a call and schedule a free second opinion at your earliest convenience.

Speak to an Uber Accident Lawsuit Attorney

Uber drivers face the possibility of getting into an accident every time they log into the app and wait for a fare. Thus, it’s important for rideshare companies to provide insurance coverage that can help drivers recover their financial and emotional losses. However, it’s not always easy to access this coverage, since companies like Uber are not in the business of paying out large sums of money.

Skilled legal representation is the key to winning a lawsuit against Uber, but the cost of hiring an attorney is worrisome when you’re unable to work due to your injuries. That’s why we offer a Zero fee guarantee, which means you pay nothing upfront to hire one of our attorneys. We only get paid by wining your case, and if we don’t win, you won’t be responsible for any of our fees.

For more information on your rights and legal options, contact our office and schedule a free case evaluation.  

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