Get Compensated for the Uber Accident Injuries You Sustained
Are you aware of the risks involved in Uber rides? Accidents involving Uber vehicles can be complex. If you’ve been injured, understanding your rights is crucial. Seeking guidance from an Uber accident attorney in Beverly Hills can make a significant difference.
From determining liability to navigating insurance claims, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, or in another vehicle involved in an Uber accident, knowing your legal options is important.
Quick Summary:
- An Uber accident is when a car driven by an Uber driver crashes. Uber is a service where you can ask for a ride using an app, and drivers who work for Uber can pick you up.
- In an Uber accident, there’s extra insurance coverage when you’re a passenger, and who’s responsible can be more complicated than in a regular car accident.
- The most common causes of Uber accidents in California are similar to those for other drivers. These include things like distracted driving, not following traffic rules, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Common injuries in Uber accidents in California can be severe and long-lasting. They include brain damage, paralysis, cuts, broken bones, and others.
- If you’re in an Uber accident, ensure everyone is safe first, and call the police if there are injuries. Collect evidence, like photos and witness information, and report the accident to Uber. See a doctor for any injuries, and consider talking to a lawyer for legal advice on your compensation rights.
- Uber drivers are often considered responsible for accidents due to their status as independent contractors. However, Uber may share liability if they break laws when hiring the driver.
- If you’re hurt in an Uber crash, you can sue the responsible driver under California law. If both the Uber driver and another driver are at fault, you may seek compensation from both. If only another driver is at fault, you can sue them or file a claim with their insurance.
- In California, you have two years to file a personal injury claim for an Uber accident. If a government vehicle was involved, you must file within six months.
- Uber drivers have different insurance coverage depending on their activity status. When offline or in Period 1 (logged in but not yet accepted a ride), their personal insurance applies. In Periods 2 and 3 (en route or with a passenger), Uber’s insurance covers them up to certain limits.
- If you’re hurt in an Uber accident, proving negligence is crucial for your claim. To secure a fair settlement, you’ll need to show that the accident caused your injuries, the other driver was at fault, and the accident caused you financial and psychological harm.
- Negotiating compensation after an Uber accident can be challenging. Rideshare companies may try to blame the driver, who might not have enough money to cover all your losses.
- Understanding the complex insurance policies and facing disagreements about fault can lead to long processes without legal help.
- Accepting quick settlement offers might not fully compensate for your injuries, and without a lawyer, you might receive less than you deserve.
- When an Uber driver’s negligence causes an accident, they’re responsible for covering your immediate and future expenses. That includes medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, disfigurement or scarring, and loss of companionship for your loved ones who care for you.
- If you didn’t wear a seatbelt during an Uber accident, it might affect the compensation you receive for your injuries. The driver at fault could argue that your injuries would have been less severe if you had worn a seatbelt, potentially reducing the amount of money you can claim.
What is an Uber Accident?
An Uber accident is a type of car accident that involves a vehicle operated by an Uber driver. Uber is a ridesharing service that allows users to request a ride through a mobile app, and drivers who are approved by Uber can accept these requests and transport passengers.
If an accident occurs while an Uber driver is transporting a passenger or is on their way to pick up a passenger, the accident may be considered an Uber accident.
How are Uber Accidents Different From Car Accidents?
The way rideshare companies operate is unique compared to regular transportation companies, which can make it challenging to understand your legal rights as an injured passenger.
Although rideshare accidents and regular car accidents may seem similar, they have distinct differences from a legal standpoint, including:
Insurance Coverage
When a passenger is in the car, Uber provides additional insurance coverage beyond what the driver’s personal insurance policy may provide. This coverage can vary depending on the stage of the trip.
Liability
In a regular car accident, liability is typically determined between the drivers involved in the accident. However, in an Uber accident, liability can be more complicated because multiple parties may be involved, such as the Uber driver, the passenger, and any other drivers or pedestrians affected by the accident.
Reporting
When an accident occurs during an Uber ride, the driver and passenger both have a responsibility to report the accident to Uber. The company has an incident response team that will investigate the accident and determine the appropriate course of action.
Compensation
If you are involved in an Uber accident as a passenger, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other damages. This compensation may come from Uber’s insurance policy or the driver’s personal insurance policy, depending on the circumstances of the accident.
What are the Most Common Causes of Uber Accidents in California?
Rideshare drivers go through background checks, but they are not immune to causing accidents similar to other drivers on the road. Multiple reasons can lead to rideshare accidents, and some of the most common ones are listed below.
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Tailgating
- Making illegal turns
- Inadequate vehicle maintenance
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Speeding
- Unsafe lane changes
- Poor road conditions
What are the Common Uber Accident Injuries?
If you’re involved in a rideshare accident in California, the injuries you sustain could affect you for the rest of your life. Some of the most common injuries suffered in Uber accidents include:
- Brain damage
- Paralysis
- Cuts and bruises
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Neck injuries like whiplash
- Wrongful death
What to Do Following an Accident While Riding an Uber Vehicle?
Being involved in an accident while riding in an Uber can be a stressful and confusing experience. However, it’s important to know what steps to take to ensure your safety and protect your rights.
Make Sure You and Others Are Okay
Check your body and make sure others are okay too. If you or someone else is hurt, it’s important to call the police right away.
Call the Police or Emergency Services
After the police come to the accident, they will write a report about what happened. Ask the police officer for their name and badge number so you can get a copy of the report for your personal injury claim.
Collect Information and Evidence From the Accident
Get as much evidence as you can. This includes:
- Taking photos of your injuries and the accident scene
- Getting contact and insurance info from everyone involved
- Noting down details of any witnesses
- Writing down your account of what happened
- Getting a copy of the police report
- Keeping a copy of your medical records
Tell Uber About the Accident
Uber provides forms for riders and drivers to report accidents during a trip. After you submit the form, Uber will review the situation and contact you for your statement about what happened. Then, they’ll decide how to resolve the issue based on your account.
See a Doctor
After an Uber accident, it’s important to see a doctor right away. The doctor will check you for any injuries and come up with a plan for treatment if needed. Your medical records, including appointments and prescriptions, can be used as evidence.
If you delay getting medical help, the other side might argue that your injury isn’t as bad as you say or that something else caused it.
Talk to a Lawyer for Legal Advice
For the best result, talk to an Uber accident attorney in Beverly Hills. They’ll review your case and decide what needs to be done to get you the compensation you deserve.
Who Can Be Held Liable for My Uber Accident in California?
Uber’s distinction as a rideshare company means that they classify their Uber drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. This status limits Uber’s responsibility for accidents caused by their drivers, and the driver is typically held liable.
However, there are some circumstances in which Uber may share responsibility for the accident, such as if they violated state laws when hiring the driver. Although Uber is not usually liable for accidents caused by their drivers, the company does carry insurance to help victims of serious collisions.
If you’ve been involved in an Uber accident, a personal injury attorney can guide how to file a claim and determine which coverage applies based on the specifics of your case.
What Are My Rights as an Injured Uber Passenger?
If you get injured in an Uber accident, you have the right to sue the person who caused the accident. According to California law, the driver responsible for the accident is responsible for any injuries resulting from it. The initial step towards receiving compensation as an Uber passenger is identifying who was at fault for the accident.
When an Uber Driver and a Third-party Driver Are At-Fault
In cases where the Uber driver and a third-party driver share fault in the accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation from both parties. Under the doctrine of comparative negligence in California, you can pursue damages from Uber, the rideshare driver, and the other driver at fault.
When a Third-Party Driver is At-Fault
If the accident that caused your injuries was entirely the fault of a third-party driver, you have the right to file a lawsuit against them. To succeed in a personal injury lawsuit, you will have to provide evidence that shows how the third-party driver’s negligence or recklessness caused the accident and led to your injuries.
You also have the option of filing a claim with the third-party driver’s auto insurance policy.
What is California’s Statute of Limitations for Uber Accident Injury Claims?
The time frame to file a personal injury claim is called the statute of limitations. In California, you have two years from the date of your Uber accident to file a claim. However, if a government vehicle was involved in your accident, regardless of whether you were the passenger, pedestrian, or driver, you only have six months from the accident date to file a personal injury claim against them.
It is in your best interest to contact a Beverly Hills Uber accident attorney as soon as possible. They can help you navigate the legal system and ensure you file your claim within the allotted time frame.
What Are Different Uber Driver’s Policy Limits?
The amount of coverage provided by an Uber driver’s insurance policy is determined by their status, which can be either offline or in one of the three periods: Periods 1, 2, or 3.
Offline
If an Uber driver is not logged into the Uber app and is not available to pick up passengers when they get into an accident, their personal auto insurance will cover any damages caused by the accident.
Period 1
When an Uber driver logs into their app but has not accepted a ride, they are in what’s known as Period 1. During this period, the driver is covered by Uber’s liability insurance up to a certain limit.
Period 2
When the driver has accepted a ride request and is on the way to pick up the passenger. During this period, the driver is covered by Uber’s liability insurance for up to a certain threshold in bodily injury and property damage per accident.
Period 3
When the passenger is in the car and until the ride ends. During this period, the driver is covered by Uber’s liability insurance for limited bodily injury and property damage per accident, as well as uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
How Can I Prove Negligence in My Uber Accident Injury Claim?
If you’ve been injured in an Uber accident, the process of claiming compensation for your injuries is different than in other types of car accidents. After seeking medical attention, it’s important to consult with a Beverly Hills rideshare accident attorney to understand how to file a successful claim against the at-fault driver.
Filing a claim with the other driver’s insurance company can be challenging because they will likely try to minimize the payment made on behalf of their policyholder. To ensure that you receive a fair settlement, you’ll need to establish three things:
- The accident caused your injuries
- The other driver was at fault for the accident
- The accident resulted in financial losses and psychological pain for you
What Challenges I May Face When Pursuing Compensation for My Uber Accident Injury Claim?
Reaching an agreement with a rideshare company after an accident is tough. They’re in it to make money and might try hard to blame the Uber driver, who may not have enough money to cover all your losses. Below is a list of possible complications when pursuing your compensation:
- Complicated insurance policies
- Disagreements about who’s at fault
- Agreeing to settlements too fast
- Settlement offers that are too low
What are the Recoverable Damages in My Uber Accident Injury Claim?
When the driver’s negligence is the cause of the accident, they must be held responsible for all the immediate and future expenses that arise from the collision. These expenses may include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Damage to property
- Disfigurement or scarring
- Loss of consortium
What If I Wasn’t Wearing a Seatbelt at the Time of My Uber Accident?
Some people don’t always wear seat belts when they ride in an Uber, unlike when they’re in a friend’s car or driving their own. But not wearing a seat belt could reduce the money you get for damages in an accident. It can be used as a defense in a car accident claim. The driver who caused the accident can claim that:
- You were careless because you didn’t wear a seatbelt
- The injuries from the accident would have been less severe or avoided if you had worn one
Why Do I Need an Uber Accident Attorney in California?
Uber accident lawyers know a lot about handling cases involving rideshare accidents. They understand the special legal issues and complications. If you’re wondering why it’s crucial to hire an Uber accident attorney in Beverly Hills, here are some ways they can help you:
- An Uber accident attorney in Beverly Hills will investigate the accident to discover who caused it. They will collect evidence like witness statements, police reports, and videos to make a strong case.
- Uber has insurance for accidents involving their drivers. Dealing with insurance companies can be hard. They might try to give you less money than you deserve. An Uber accident lawyer can talk to the insurance company to ensure you get a fair amount.
- Figuring out who is responsible for an Uber accident can be tricky. It might be the driver, the rideshare company, or someone else. A good lawyer can help decipher who is responsible and ensure they are held accountable.
- Besides medical bills and damage to your things, you might also get money for lost wages, pain, and emotional stress. An Uber accident lawyer can help calculate how much money you should get and ensure you get it.
- If the insurance company doesn’t give you a fair amount of money, your rideshare accident lawyer can take your case to court. They will explain your side of the story to a judge and jury and fight for your rights.
Legal Assistance Tailored to Your Needs
At Conlogue Law LLP, we understand the challenges and complexities that come with being involved in an Uber accident in California. Our team of trusted personal injury attorneys is dedicated to helping victims of these accidents recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
We are committed to providing our clients with the personalized attention they deserve and fighting for their rights to fair compensation. Don’t let an Uber accident in California take a toll on your life. Contact Conlogue Law LLP today to schedule a free consultation with our Uber accident attorney in Beverly Hills.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an Uber accident in California, contact Conlogue Law LLP today. Our law firm can also assist you with pedestrian accidents, longshore claims, and maritime accidents.
