Why is my Lawyer Taking So Long to Settle my Uber Accident Case?

Were you injured by a negligent Uber driver or by another motorist while you were a passenger in an Uber vehicle? Alternatively, did you get hurt from an accident while you were driving for Uber? If you filed a claim for compensation with Uber and/or the other driver’s insurance company, you may be frustrated by how long it’s taking to settle your case.

Many people in this situation are upset with their attorneys, and in some cases, their resentment is justified. However, car accident claims can take anywhere from 6 to 18 months before they are fully resolved. There’s also a lot of “downtime” in between where nothing seems to be happening. For example, your lawyer may be waiting to hear back from a counteroffer they’ve made in response to the insurance company’s settlement offer. This can take several weeks, and even longer depending on the severity of injuries and how much you are asking for.

Another problem that can delay the settlement process has to do with your lawyer, specifically, their level of knowledge, experience, professionalism, and dedication to your case. If you suspect that your lawyer is the reason your claim is taking so long to resolve, contact our team of Uber accident attorneys. We are happy to provide you with a free case evaluation and help you determine the best way to move forward.

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Are You Still Receiving Medical Treatment?

There is no way to resolve your case if you are in the recovery process, meaning you are still being treated for an injury from your accident. After all, there is no way to figure out how much compensation you are owed until you and your attorney understand the full extent of your injuries. This is essential to calculating the amount you deserve for damages like:

• Cost of medical treatments
• Total lost wages, and possibly lost earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage (damage to your car, for example)
• Emotional distress
• Legal fees
• Punitive damages

Obtaining Your Medical Records

Once you have reached the point of maximum medical improvement, your attorney will need to obtain all your medical records from the facilities where you received treatment. This is not as simple as asking for a bunch of attachments to be sent by email. In addition to making payment arrangements with the facility, these records must be certified in order to be accepted by the court. Plus, a medical facility may be in the process of preparing records for more than one case, and that can also add to the amount of time before your law firm gets a copy of your medical records.

How Long it Takes the Other Side to Respond

It may seem like your lawyer is taking their sweet time when it comes to negotiating your settlement for an Uber accident case. However, it may be that your attorney is doing their part, but it’s the other party that’s taking too long to provide a response. Sometimes, the delay is warranted, and it’s worth noting that it can take over a month to hear back from an insurance company, due to the number of claims they are handling at the same time. Of course, it’s possible that the insurance company is using stall tactics and other bad faith maneuvers. Overcoming these issues takes considerable time and effort, no matter how skilled of an attorney you have.

Delays if the Case is Filed in Court

Unfortunately, the court system presents plenty of issues that can slow things down when you are an accident victim. Here are some common reasons for why it can so long to settle an Uber accident case:

• Discovery – this is the process where each side requests evidence from the other party. This includes questions that must be answered in writing and requests for documents, footage, photos, etc.
• Depositions – your lawyer will also obtain depositions, which are recorded statements from witnesses to the accident and experts, like doctors and accident scene investigators.
• Objections– Keep in mind that the other side has the right to object to your request for information. If they file a motion and request hearing on the issue, that’s another source of delay that will hold up your case.

It doesn’t help that court dockets are crowded, so getting in front of the judge can take months on average. Even then, there may be a continuance (postponement) of the hearing date due to circumstance your lawyer cannot control.

Can I Settle my Uber Case Faster if I Switch Lawyers?

Until we know specific details about your case, we can’t say for sure if changing lawyers will result in a faster settlement. However, it’s true that some clients will benefit from finding a new attorney to take over their case. Keep in mind that you are allowed to find a new lawyer any time, even if your case is about to go to trial. On the other hand, that doesn’t mean that you should immediately fire your lawyer.

First, you want to verify that your legal representative is doing all they can to recover your payment. If the delay is over issues they can’t control, then it probably won’t help to find a new attorney. But maybe there are serious problems you can’t ignore, like not getting clear and timely answers whenever you have questions. You may also feel like your lawyer is ignoring your wishes and trying to push you into a settlement or taking your case to trial.

Whatever the issue, the important thing is to speak with a lawyer who is experienced in accidents involving rideshare vehicles. That way, you can make an informed decision based on advice from a legal expert, rather than jumping into something you may end up regretting

Free Second Opinion

Here at Normandie, we have a dedicated team of Uber accident injury lawyers who are ready to help you at any stage of the legal process. We know that many car accident victims are dissatisfied with the lack of progress towards a settlement. Or, they may have other concerns about their attorney, such as lack of communication or experience. These are just some of the issues we can discuss with you during a free second opinion consultation. This is a private consultation that’s completely free of charge for anyone with a pending accident claim against Uber, Lyft, or any other rideshare company. To schedule a second opinion consultation, give us a call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Zero Fee Guarantee

Our law firm provides all clients with the Zero Fee Guarantee, whether you have an existing lawsuit or wish to initiate an Uber accident claim with one of our attorneys. That means you pay $0 out of pocket to be represented by a skilled rideshare car accident attorney. Our payment is covered by Uber and paid at the same time as your settlement, which means we don’t make a penny unless you do.

Please contact our office to take advantage of this offer, starting with a free consultation to learn about your rights and legal options.

Other Pages on Our Website Related to This Topic
How to Handle a Low Settlement Offer from Uber Insurance
Can my Lawyer give me a Cash Advance on my Uber Case
Uber Driver Wouldn’t Let Me Out of the Car – Can I Sue?