Helping Injury Victims Seek Maximum Compensation
People rarely expect to get into accidents in a ride-sharing vehicle. When Los Angeles residents call an Uber to get to or from a party on the weekend, they’re doing so, in part, to relax. Having someone else navigate the traffic of Los Angeles highways takes a load of pressure off the traveler. However, rideshare drivers can get into an accident. Car accidents can be jarring and stressful but can be even more so if someone else is driving.
Uber accidents have become a commonality over the past few years due to the rushed nature of the Uber driver and the unfamiliarity of new roads and routes. The Uber driver has a duty to drive as carefully as possible and take caution to protect those in their vehicle. When they maneuver in an unsafe manner, it can prove destructive to all involved.
If you’ve been involved in an Uber accident, don’t hesitate to call BD&J. Our firm is dedicated to helping the victims of personal injury seek compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. If your accident was caused by negligence, you shouldn’t have to pay for the repercussions. Our team’s Uber accident lawyers in Los Angeles can help you navigate your claim and pursue a positive case outcome.
Get started on your Uber Accidents case by calling us at (855) 906-3699 or filling out our online form today!
How Uber Accidents Differ from Other Car Accidents
Uber accidents differ from other car accidents because determining liability for insurance purposes can be confusing. Consider working with an experienced Uber accident injury lawyer if you’re an Uber driver, passenger, or third party who was injured in an accident involving a rideshare vehicle.
Uber drivers are contractors, but they have insurance through the rideshare operator, which can cover them as long as they were deemed on the clock at the time of the accident and were driving in accordance with the rideshare company’s rules.
Who Is Liable in an Uber Accident?
Those who have been following Uber’s trajectory in the news know how Uber treats its staff and passengers. It is a billion-dollar business, meaning they stand to lose millions in personal injury cases if they don’t dispute accident claims. While Uber has taken out a $1 million auto insurance policy to cover property damage and medical bills in the event of an accident, their insurance company may still try to deny you coverage.
The company will do this by seeking to exploit any loophole it can. For example, in one case, an Uber driver struck and killed a 6-year-old girl, Sofia Liu. Uber famously denied liability on the grounds that neither the vehicle nor the driver was making a trip using the Uber system. According to the company, Uber drivers without Uber fares are not Uber cars; however, in the suit following the Sofia Liu’s death, the attorney representing the family argued the company can’t detach itself from its own users whenever the drivers become inconvenient.
If you are involved in an Uber accident, you cannot depend on the company to grant you the full cost of your compensation, particularly if your medical bills are expensive. Catastrophic injuries, such as quadriplegia, can cost personal injury victims into the millions over the course of a lifetime.
The Three Periods of a Rideshare Transaction
Insurance and accident liability for rideshare drivers is a complex issue, so working with an Uber accident lawyer is important if you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident. California insurance laws describe three periods for rideshare workers, and coverage for accidents varies depending on the period. Talking to a California Uber accident attorney can help you understand how these periods might impact car accident outcomes.
The three periods include:
- The driver is waiting for a fare. The rideshare application is running, and the driver is waiting for a fare. At this point, Uber is not liable for a driver’s crash because drivers are independent contractors. However, the company offers liability insurance for this period.
- The driver has accepted a rider request and is traveling to meet them. Once en route to the rider’s pickup location, the driver is covered by Uber’s insurance with some caveats. If the accident prevents the driver from picking up the passenger — resulting in a canceled fare — Uber could claim you were in the first period when the accident occurred. Uber accident attorneys can help you strengthen your case if you need to make a claim during this period.
- The driver is transporting a passenger. While transporting a passenger to their destination, the driver is on the clock, and they can prove you were working. During this period, it should be relatively easy to have Uber’s insurance cover a driver for any accidents.
Uber Driver Requirements
To drive for Uber in California, you must have at least 1 year of driving experience and pass a background check. As of August 2023, new drivers must be at least 25 years old. Individuals can start driving for Uber Eats at 19 years of age.
Uber requires drivers to have a suitable four-door vehicle that has passed a 19-point inspection at least once a year (or every 50,000 miles). Drivers must also complete a safety training program and aren’t permitted to accept passengers booked outside the rideshare app.
Common Causes of Uber Car Accidents
Uber drivers and other rideshare professionals spend a lot of time on the roads, which makes them statistically more likely to be involved in an accident. In addition, their vehicles are under more stress, which can increase the risk of accidents, especially if the driver doesn’t engage in proactive vehicle maintenance.
Another issue that can increase the likelihood of an Uber car accident is distraction. These drivers take passengers, and while most are well-behaved, a tired driver transporting a drunk passenger or unruly children may become distracted at an inopportune moment.
Uber drivers are expected to take good care of their vehicles, be mindful of their energy and concentration levels, and take steps to minimize distractions. However, things can still go wrong. Uber injury lawyers can help accident victims determine whether the accident was the fault of the driver, passenger, car manufacturer, or another road user.
What Should I Do If I Was Hit by an Uber Driver?
After an accident caused by an Uber driver, it is essential that the claimant take the proper steps to prove that they were the victim, and the Uber driver was negligent.
Here are some essential steps to take:
- Call 911 Immediately. Reporting the accident is important for ensuring that there is a record of the incident.
- If you’ve been hurt, seek medical attention immediately.
- Gather information of all parties involved. Make sure that you gather information from the Uber driver, such as their driver’s license number, license plate, and insurance information.
- Collect contact information from any witnesses so you can have the insurance company contact them for a third-party perspective.
- Take pictures of the accident, including the scene, the vehicles involved, and any injuries suffered.
- Contact an experienced and qualified Los Angeles Uber accident lawyer at once to help you through your case. It is advisable that you do not talk with anyone until speaking with your lawyer.
How to Prove Negligence in an Uber Car Accident
If you’ve been involved in an Uber car accident, talking to an Uber auto accident lawyer in Los Angeles should be at the top of your to-do list. These professionals can analyze the details of the accident, identify potential at-fault parties, and assist with injury claims.
While the driver is the most obvious negligent party in a car accident, other factors must be considered. For example, improperly balanced tires, poorly fitted brakes, faulty traffic signals, or erratic behavior from a pedestrian could contribute to an accident. A California Uber accident attorney can address these on a case-by-case basis.
What Compensation Can I Pursue in an Uber Accident?
By filing a personal injury claim after an Uber accident, you are in pursuit of financial compensation for the various damages you faced. If the Uber driver or company is proven guilty for the injuries you have suffered, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Lost income from time away from work
- Personal items that have been damaged
- Hospitalization expenses
- Medication you have had to take as a result
- Physical therapy
- Surgical fees
Because of the rise of Uber accident claims, new laws are being crafted and regulations set in place. It will be important to work with a knowledgeable Uber accident lawyer to build a powerful claim.
Pursuing the Compensation You Deserve
If you are having trouble getting compensation after an Uber accident, don’t hesitate to call our experienced Los Angeles Uber accident attorneys. Our firm was founded on the idea that victims of personal injury have a right to the settlements and verdicts they deserve. Our Uber lawyers are proud to offer their hard work and dedication to help our clients achieve their goals. Let us see what we can do for you.
Contact us at (855) 906-3699 or fill out our online form to schedule a FREE case consultation with our attorneys.
