Santa Monica Uber Accident Lawyers
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Dedicated Santa Monica Uber Accident Lawyers Ready To Assist
Uber accidents have increased since the dawn of ridesharing apps, even in peaceful communities in Santa Monica. If you suffered harm in an Uber collision, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries and losses. Contact our Santa Monica Uber accident lawyers from Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 for a free case evaluation.
Santa Monica is a popular destination for Uber riders in Southern California due to its tourist attractions like the Santa Monica State Beach, vibrant restaurants, and bars. However, accidents can happen amidst the traffic and excitement.
Some of the most frequently requested Uber routes in Santa Monica involve trips to and from Los Angeles International Airport, commuters using the Expo Line at Santa Monica Train Station, and students and faculty traveling to and from Santa Monica College. While Uber is a convenient choice for these journeys, it’s imperative to address the potential risks associated with accidents involving Uber.
The community relies on ridesharing apps like Uber for cost-effective transportation, especially after enjoying the vibrant nightlife in Santa Monica. To safeguard against the consequences of drunk driving accidents and other traffic incidents involving Uber, you must be aware of your rights and consider consulting our Santa Monica Uber accident lawyers if you’ve sustained losses.
April 2019: $14M settlement in a traumatic brain injury case involving a defective piece of equipment at a factory.– BRIAN BEECHER
Typical Reasons For Uber Accidents In Santa Monica
As Uber’s popularity surges, the growing number of rideshare vehicles contributes to increased traffic congestion and a potential increase in accidents. The influx of these rideshare vehicles contributes to busier roads, elevating the risk of collisions. In Santa Monica, the typical causes of Uber-related accidents include:
- Speeding
- Inadequate vehicle maintenance
- Driver impairment
- Distracted driving
- Disregard for traffic signs/signals
- Failure to yield
It’s important to remember that not only do rideshare passengers face risks, but also that pedestrians and people in other vehicles in Santa Monica can become victims of Uber-related accidents. In such cases, Santa Monica Uber accident lawyers can help you understand your rights and navigate the claims process.
Common Injuries Resulting From Uber Accidents In Santa Monica
Backseat passengers in a vehicle, whether an Uber or otherwise, may be at a heightened risk of injury, particularly if they didn’t see the accident coming. Unlike the driver, they may not have the chance to brace themselves for impact.
Factors that can influence the severity of injuries include:
- Whether you were wearing a seatbelt.
- The presence and deployment of airbags.
- Your seating position — front or back.
Lawyers handling Uber accident cases in Santa Monica often advise individuals to seek medical attention as soon as possible after an accident. Accept transportation from the scene by ambulance to the nearest hospital or emergency room. Don’t delay medical examination until the next day; acting promptly is safer.
The settlement value after an Uber accident primarily hinges on the extent of your injuries. Our Uber accident lawyers in Santa Monica are dedicated to supporting your recovery and dealing with the opposing party’s legal and insurance representatives.
Some injuries a person can get from Uber accidents are:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) or Concussions — This is a severe injury with potential long-term consequences.
- Neck Injuries — Whiplash, neck strains, and ligament tears frequently occur after a car accident. Depending on the severity of the injury, the victim might need to see a chiropractor or a surgeon to recover physically.
- Back Injuries — Issues such as bulging/herniated discs, lumbar complications, and spinal injuries might necessitate surgeries and extended recovery.
- Cuts and Bruises — Lacerations and extensive bruising are prevalent. It’s common to notice significant bruising across the chest due to seatbelt restraint.
- Fractures — Broken bones, especially in the wrists, ankles, and collarbones, are common. Facial fractures, like a broken nose or jaw due to airbag deployment, also occur frequently.
- Loss of Limbs — This severe consequence occasionally occurs when a person is trapped under a vehicle or if the injuries are so extreme that amputation becomes necessary.
- Wrongful Death — In the worst-case scenario, grave injuries from Uber accidents can result in death. In the tragic event of losing a loved one, we assist families in pursuing wrongful death lawsuits against the at-fault driver and their insurance company.
The nature of your injuries and the specific details of the accident will determine the value of your case.
Steps You Should Take After An Uber Accident
In the aftermath of a car accident, it’s common for those involved to feel disoriented, shocked, or even immobilized due to injuries. Still, the actions you take in the moments that follow can influence your safety and the outcome of any future claim. If you’re able, try to stay calm and consider taking the following steps:
- Call 911 — Always prioritize calling the authorities. Request both police and medical assistance immediately.
- Prioritize Medical Attention and Treatment — Head straight to the hospital, even if your injuries seem minor. An immediate medical assessment ensures your well-being and validates the authenticity of any injuries for potential legal claims.
- Obtain a Police Report — Ensure a detailed report is made. Note down the report number, and collect the attending officer’s name and badge number for future reference.
- Document the Accident Details — Record the exact time and location of the incident. Such details are essential for later investigations or claims.
- Capture Visual Evidence — Utilize your phone to take photos and videos of the accident scene. Make sure to capture damages to all vehicles involved and any visible injuries. This visual proof can be pivotal in legal proceedings.
- Collect Driver Information — Secure the details of all drivers involved, including their driver’s license, registration, insurance, and any relevant contact information.
- Consult With Uber Accident Lawyers — If your accident involves a rideshare service like Uber, consider seeking advice from experienced Santa Monica Uber accident attorneys. Our legal team at Arash Law is experienced in handling the complexities associated with rideshare accidents and can offer tailored guidance. They can help you navigate the intricacies of Uber’s insurance policies and pursue fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
How Long Do I Have To File An Uber Accident Claim In Santa Monica?
In California, there is a legal time limit for filing an Uber accident claim, known as the statute of limitations. Generally, you have two years from the date of an accident to initiate a lawsuit.
However, the exact duration of this statute can vary based on specific situations. For example, this period might be extended if you were a minor during the Uber accident. We recommend consulting with our Santa Monica Uber accident lawyers to help you keep track of these important deadlines.
Although two years may seem like a long time, it’s advisable to start the legal process early. An attorney can help you obtain vital evidence. Many surveillance sources — dash cams, store cameras, or home cameras — typically retain footage for a short span, often just 30 days. Delaying legal consultation risks losing essential evidence that could strengthen your case.
What Types Of Compensation Can I Pursue After An Uber Accident?
Like any motor vehicle accident, an Uber incident can result in severe, life-changing injuries. If the accident wasn’t your fault, you might be eligible for compensation for injuries or damage sustained. This compensation can include:
- Medical bills, including ER treatments, surgeries, and other medical interventions.
- Physical and occupational therapy costs, such as chiropractic care.
- Mental health counseling.
- Expenses for home health care or personal assistance.
- Property damage, including repair and replacement costs from autobody repair shops.
- Wages lost during recovery.
- Diminished future earning capacity.
- Compensation for physical pain and emotional suffering.
- Psychological trauma.
- Reduced life quality or diminished enjoyment in daily activities.
Our Uber accident lawyers in Santa Monica can meticulously gather and preserve vital evidence to bolster your case. They can also represent you in negotiations with insurance entities and advocate for fair compensation on your behalf. When settlement discussions fail to produce a fair resolution, your lawyer can present your case before the court. Their experience with Uber-related incidents enables them to provide informed legal assistance, allowing you to focus on your healing and recovery.
Who Is Liable In An Uber Accident In Santa Monica?
To establish that another party acted negligently, one must demonstrate these four crucial elements:
- Duty — Under the given circumstances, the defendant had a legal obligation to act with reasonable caution.
- Breach — The defendant failed to uphold this duty through specific actions or omissions.
- Causation — The plaintiff’s injury directly resulted from the defendant’s actions or lack thereof.
- Damages — The plaintiff sustained harm or injury due to the defendant’s actions.
In the aftermath of an accident, it’s pivotal to ascertain responsibility and subsequently establish liability. If you’ve been injured as an Uber passenger, you may have grounds to file a claim against the Uber driver, another involved party, or both.
While an Uber driver is on a trip, Uber provides up to $1 million in liability coverage. However, if the accident involves an Uber driver logged into the app but not engaged in a ride, their coverage is limited to $25,000 for property damages and up to $100,000 in total liability, with a per-person limit of $50,000.
Trying to communicate with big rideshare companies like Uber can be challenging. They predominantly respond via email, making direct verbal interactions rare. Moreover, they often expect the driver’s personal insurance to cover incidents. This stance can be problematic, especially when the crash resulted in substantial injuries and damage.
In such scenarios, consider representation from our Uber accident lawyers in Santa Monica. We have experience handling claims involving Uber and pursuing accountability from the responsible parties.
We can help you demonstrate the following, when applicable:
- The absence of mandated training and comprehensive safety protocols for their drivers.
- The lack of obligatory vehicle inspections and regular maintenance.
- The potential risks posed by their GPS system (which can potentially distract drivers and possibly infringe upon existing laws).
Depending on the specifics of your case, these lapses in Uber’s operational standards can be potent tools to corroborate their negligence and establish their liability in your incident.
Uber Driver Downtime Claim
As an Uber driver, if a careless motorist has left you without a vehicle, you’re not only facing the inconvenience of finding good autobody shops for car repairs and awaiting a total loss settlement, but also the significant setback of lost income. This inability to earn because you can’t pick up passengers is termed “downtime.” Should this be your situation, you can file a ridesharing downtime claim against the individual responsible for the accident.
At Arash Law, we will help clients pursue compensation from the responsible party’s insurance provider for lost Uber earnings. We’ll typically need documentation reflecting your rideshare income from the three months preceding the incident.
Why Would An Insurance Company Dispute My Uber Accident Claim?
Insurance companies may question, delay, or limit certain claims to verify liability, policy coverage, or the extent of damages. These reviews are part of their process for determining responsibility after car accidents. Having an experienced attorney on your side can help you navigate these procedures, review policy terms, and protect your interests during negotiations.
It is generally advisable not to communicate directly with insurance representatives or sign any documents without consulting an attorney first. A lawyer can review proposed agreements and explain their implications.
Our Santa Monica Uber accident lawyers are intimately familiar with the emotional, physical, and financial toll that motor vehicle accidents can bring upon victims and their families. We have experience in litigating a wide range of car accident cases, encompassing scenarios from head-on collisions to hit-and-run incidents.
Settlement in a motor vehicle accident; client suffered internal injuries.– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
Frequently Asked Questions About Santa Monica Uber Accident Claims
Yes. Even if your Uber driver is found to be at fault, you may still have the right to seek compensation for injuries sustained during the ride. In these cases, Uber’s commercial insurance policy may provide coverage. Depending on the driver’s status in the app at the time of the crash, different levels of insurance may apply.
Uber requires all its drivers to maintain personal auto insurance that meets California’s minimum coverage requirements. When an Uber driver accepts a ride, the company's insurance comes into play, eliminating the need for the driver to rely on personal insurance in the event of an accident. If the Uber driver is not actively serving a passenger or waiting for a ride request, essentially "off the clock”, their personal insurance becomes the primary coverage.
When another party is at fault, their insurance might be limited, sometimes up to just $50,000. This limitation underscores the significance of the ridesharing insurance policy, which provides up to $1 million in coverage. This policy also covers situations where the other involved drivers might be uninsured or underinsured.
Why Choose Arash Law’s Santa Monica Uber Accident Lawyers?
Arash Law is committed to providing a streamlined and secure legal process for Uber accident cases. Our Uber accident lawyers offer free and confidential initial consultations via phone or teleconference. Time is of the essence in Uber crash cases, and our attorneys can initiate investigations upon claim validation.
We utilize electronic signatures (E-Sign) for legal documents, which promotes a convenient and safe process. Our clients receive regular updates via text and email. Our Uber accident lawyers in Santa Monica are committed to providing guidance and support throughout the legal process.
Here’s how our lawyers can help you:
- We’ll strive to help you pursue fair compensation.
- We’re prepared to take your case to court if the other party refuses to settle.
- We assist in getting your medical bills paid.
- We help you seek payment for your lost wages.
- We can guide you through the vehicle repair or replacement process.
- We offer flexible meeting locations for your convenience.
- We help connect you with medical specialists.
- We can assist with complimentary transportation arrangements as needed.
Contact Our Uber Accident Lawyers In Santa Monica For Legal Help
Navigating the aftermath of an Uber accident presents unique challenges. Whether you’re a passenger, driver, or third party involved in an accident with an Uber vehicle, it’s crucial to understand your rights. Different factors, like the Uber driver’s status at the time of the accident and the insurance policies in play, can impact the outcome of your claim.
Our team of dedicated personal injury lawyers at Arash Law is committed to advocating for your rights and helping you pursue justice and fair compensation for your case.
Our seasoned Uber accident attorneys in Santa Monica extend their experience to clients in surrounding areas such as Beverly Hills, West Los Angeles, North of Montana, Westdale, Culver City, Oakwood, Ladera Heights, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, Riviera, The Summit, Rustic Canyon, and Castellammare.
For a free, no-obligation case evaluation, contact us at (888) 488-1391 or use our online form.
