Depending upon the specific circumstances surrounding the accident, a victim may recover damages from the driver’s insurance company or from a commercial policy held by Uber on the driver’s behalf. It is essential to retain experienced counsel to determine whether your claims are against the company, the driver or both. In this article, we will discuss what to expect during the trial process should the case proceed to litigation. If you or a loved one have been seriously injured by an Uber driver, we recommend contacting an attorney as soon as possible to represent your interests.
The trial begins with the selection of a jury using the “voir dire” process. Lawyers for each side, as well as the judge, will ask questions of potential jurors to screen them for impartiality. If it is clear that a potential juror cannot be impartial, then the judge may remove them from the jury pool for “cause.” The attorneys for each side may also remove potential jurors for non-discriminatory reasons from the pool by using one of a limited number of challenges which they receive. Once the jury selection is final, the attorneys for each party will make opening statements to the court. The victim’s lawyer will then present their evidence and witnesses. The defense will follow with the presentation of their case. Once the defense has presented their case, the plaintiff may “rebut” the defense’s evidence. Once rebuttal has concluded then each side will make a closing argument and the jurors will deliberate. A verdict will be issued regarding liability and damages.
Uber accidents can present complicated factual issues and legal theories of liability. It is possible that the victim may have claims against the Uber driver and against Uber itself. When a major corporation is a defendant in a lawsuit, their attorneys and their insurance company’s attorneys will also be involved in the process outlined above. Each of the party’s will be permitted to present their evidence, including calling expert witnesses, during the trial. The victim should retain a law firm with the experience necessary to communicate complex factual matters to the jury effectively and in understandable terms.
When selecting a law firm to represent you, we suggest locating a firm with multiple attorneys who are board certified in personal injury law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. We also recommend law firms who employ on-site investigators and have the financial resources available to thoroughly manage your case, whether during settlement negotiations or at trial. These recommendations apply regardless of whether the incident took place in Fort Worth, Dallas, or another Texas area.