Santa Maria Uber Accident Lawyers
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Our Santa Maria Uber Accident Lawyers Offer Clear Legal Support For Complex Times
Uber drivers are no different than other drivers on the road; they are just as capable of being involved in motor vehicle accidents. Uber’s commercial insurance policy may provide coverage for victims who suffer losses in an accident, depending on the circumstances of the crash. Working with Arash Law’s Santa Maria Uber accident lawyers can help you identify who may be responsible for your losses and pursue compensation for your injuries. Call (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
Ridesharing companies have changed the way many of us get around, and Uber has become one of the most prolific rideshare providers in the United States. Since its founding in 2009, the company has essentially become synonymous with ridesharing for many people. The company claims to have provided more than 5 billion rides. Unfortunately, its drivers have also injured thousands of people.
At Arash Law, we understand how complicated Uber accidents can be for people to navigate. Our firm works diligently to help clients pursue the compensation they may need to support their recovery. We assist with all aspects of Uber accident claims, from case evaluation to settlement negotiations or litigation.
It’s important to work with an attorney who knows the legal strategies involved in seeking compensation from a rideshare company or a negligent driver’s insurer. These cases can be challenging, and having experienced Santa Maria Uber accident lawyers can help you navigate the process and advocate for your legal interests.
Uber may dispute liability after a crash, but there are situations where the company may share responsibility based on the facts of the case. These claims can be complex, particularly when dealing with multiple insurance policies and corporate legal teams. Rather than handling the matter alone, consider speaking with an Uber accident lawyer who can assess your case and help you understand your legal options. At Arash Law, we draw on extensive experience and firm resources to advocate on behalf of clients in rideshare-related claims.
(No guarantee of outcome. Results displayed were dependent on unique facts of that case, and different facts will bring different results.)
Reasons To Hire Santa Maria Uber Accident Lawyers
Many people who are involved in Uber accidents want to believe they can handle their injury claims on their own and not pay an attorney anything. However, doing so can be challenging, especially when dealing with complex insurance policies and liability disputes. Without proper legal guidance, accident victims may accept settlement offers that do not fully reflect the extent of their losses. Here are some reasons to hire our legal team:
- Important Evidence Might Not Be Available Indefinitely — The first benefit of working with an attorney will be their ability to perform an independent investigation, which typically involves collecting and preserving the relevant evidence in your case. Certain types of evidence in these cases may be extremely time-sensitive, such as surveillance footage recorded by third parties.
- Evidence Could Be Withheld — It is possible that the Uber driver could possess important evidence in your case, but is not willing to share it. When you have an attorney, they will know the legal means to obtain this evidence, such as seeking a subpoena. This can be very important when the Uber driver, for example, has a dashcam that recorded the accident.
- An Insurance Company Will Probably Seek a Statement From You — It is common for insurance companies to ask injury victims for recorded statements early in the claims process. While this may seem like a routine request, it’s important to approach such interactions carefully. Statements can be used to limit or dispute aspects of a claim. When you are represented by a lawyer, they can communicate with the insurer on your behalf and help prevent misunderstandings.
- An Insurance Company May Not Extend a Fair Offer — Insurance companies may offer a quick settlement shortly after an accident. However, these initial offers may not reflect the full extent of your medical expenses, lost income, or other damages. Our Santa Maria Uber accident lawyers can assist you by collecting evidence and presenting a clear picture of your losses during negotiations.
- Certain Mistakes Can Cause Major Problems — Personal injury claims involve numerous steps, and some individuals may make mistakes that impact their cases. For example, posting on social media, missing medical appointments, or returning to work without medical clearance can complicate a claim. Insurance companies may review these actions when evaluating a case. Legal guidance can help you avoid common pitfalls and stay focused on recovery and the claims process.
Common Causes Of Uber Accidents
The California Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) reported that there were 187,211 injury crashes and 3,438 fatal crashes in 2019, with 269,031 people injured and 3,737 people killed. The causes of these accidents can vary depending on the crash, and many accidents can involve disputes about liability.
The following are the most frequent causes of traffic accidents, some of which include Uber:
- Distracted Driving — The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) reported that in 2022, approximately 148 people were killed in California due to distracted driving.
- Driver Fatigue — Uber drivers and other rideshare drivers are not subjected to the same restrictions regarding time on the road that apply to commercial truck drivers. It is not uncommon for some drivers to work beyond their personal limits and risk being drowsy while behind the wheel. A fatigued driver can be much more likely to commit basic errors that cause various accidents.
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI) — The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) notes that it is illegal for people to drive if they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher if they are over 21 years of age, 0.01 percent or higher if they are under 21 years of age or are on DUI probation, or 0.04 percent or higher if they drive a vehicle requiring a commercial driver’s license or are driving a passenger for hire.
- Speeding — According to the OTS, 29.1% of California’s 3,623 motor vehicle fatalities in 2016 were speeding-related, representing the second-highest number of speeding-related fatalities in the nation that year.
- Aggressive Driving — Also known as “road rage,” the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines aggressive driving as “the operation of a motor vehicle in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger persons or property.” It can involve drivers following too closely (tailgating), driving at excessive speeds, weaving through traffic, running stoplights or other traffic signs, as well as gesturing in anger or yelling at other motorists, confrontations, or physical assaults.
- Poor Weather Conditions — While California generally has very favorable weather conditions, there can still be times in which hard rain, snow, or other inclement conditions play a role in causing a motor vehicle accident.
Other Risks Of Ridesharing Services
Uber driver background checks generally include pulling motor vehicle records on all applicants as well as performing criminal background checks. To pass, drivers must not have more than three minor moving violations (like speeding tickets) in the past three years, no major moving violations (DUI, reckless driving) in the past seven years, and a criminal record that does not include convictions for felonies, violent crimes, or sexual offenses such as a registration on the United States Department of Justice National Sex Offender Public website in the last seven years. Uber says it utilizes a service called Checkr.
Whereas Lyft rejects all applicants with convictions for violent crimes, felonies, or sexual offenses, Uber only rejects applicants with convictions in the past seven years. CNN reported in June 2022 that Uber said in a report that it received 3,824 reports of the five most severe categories of sexual assault, ranging from “non-consensual kissing of a non-sexual body part” to “non-consensual sexual penetration,” or rape, which was a decrease from the 5,981 reports it recorded in 2017 and 2018 in its first report.
It is thus far from uncommon for many people to have claims against Uber involving alleged physical or sexual assaults by the drivers. People may be entitled to compensation for these types of incidents.
How Hard Is It To File A Personal Injury Claim Or Lawsuit Against Uber?
Assembly Bill 2293 (AB 2293) requires rideshare drivers and companies to have liability insurance coverage during all three periods in which they use a ridesharing application. Under the law, Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) must maintain $1 million in liability coverage from the time a match is accepted until a passenger exits a vehicle.
The $1 million coverage only applies in periods two (when a match is accepted but a passenger has not yet been picked up) and three (when a passenger is in a vehicle until they exit the vehicle), but not period one (when an Uber app is open and a driver is still waiting for a match). The TNC company or driver must maintain primary liability insurance in the pre-match period (period one) of $50,000 for injury to a single person, $100,000 for injury to multiple persons, and $30,000 for property damage.
Uber denies most claims filed against the company on the basis that its drivers are independent contractors, leaving many people to deal with the insurance companies for the Uber drivers. Uber can still be held liable in certain cases. Experienced Santa Maria Uber accident lawyers can help assess liability and pursue accountability from the at-fault parties.
Uber’s Insurance Policy
Uber states that its own insurance policy for drivers works as follows:
- The Driver Is Offline, or the Uber Driver App Is Off — During this period, the driver’s personal insurance coverage will apply.
- The Driver Is Available or Waiting for a Ride Request — Uber maintains auto insurance on the driver’s behalf in case of a covered accident that offers third-party liability when the driver’s personal auto insurance does not apply. This policy provides $50,000 in bodily injury per person, $100,000 in bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 in property damage per accident.
- The Driver Is En Route to Pick Up Riders or Is Actively Involved in a Trip — Uber maintains auto insurance on a driver’s behalf in case of a covered accident that provides $1 million in third-party liability, uninsured or underinsured motorist bodily injury and/or first-party injury insurance, contingent comprehensive and collision, and up to actual cash value of a car with a $2,500 deductible.
How Does Uber’s Insurance Coverage Work?
Again, Uber’s own insurance policy only covers people when the Uber app is running and the driver is working for Uber. When a driver does not yet have a match and is still waiting to accept a new ride, it is usually the driver’s own personal insurance policy that will be in effect.
The driver’s insurance policy can be important because many insurers have policies specifically prohibiting their drivers from driving for hire, which often leads to them denying any Uber accident claims.
The Santa Maria Uber accident attorneys at Arash Law are ready to help clients who need assistance with rideshare accident claims. Some of the most common Uber issues we help people with include the following:
- Car accidents caused by Uber drivers.
- Car accidents involving Uber vehicles.
- Injuries caused by Uber drivers.
- Injuries caused by the negligent behavior of Uber drivers.
- Assaults committed by Uber drivers.
(No guarantee of outcome. Results displayed were dependent on unique facts of that case, and different facts will bring different results.)
What To Expect In A Settlement For Uber Accident Cases In Santa Maria
People need to understand that settlement amounts can vary widely depending on the specific type of accident a person was involved in. Although Uber is certainly a major company, many cases will involve only a driver’s own personal insurance policy, and their insurer generally becomes responsible for paying the bulk of any settlement.
Another factor in any settlement can be the number of victims involved in an accident case. When an Uber accident harms multiple people, then there will be an increased chance of multiple claims being filed and insurance limits being exhausted.
Working with Uber accident lawyers in Santa Maria can help you identify the responsible parties and understand the types of compensation that may be available. Insurance carriers and rideshare companies often review claims closely to manage their financial exposure. Because of this, it is essential to handle these cases carefully and seek legal guidance to help you navigate communications effectively.
Negotiating Claims With Santa Maria Uber Accident Lawyers
Many automobile accident cases end up being resolved through settlements rather than civil jury trials. Both sides involved generally prefer to settle rather than spend the large sums of money necessary to take a case to trial. It is also important to remember that settlements can take some time to negotiate, and a case could stretch out over several months or possibly even years.
Even if an Uber driver is clearly at fault in an accident, questions about liability can still arise. Many people seek a lawyer’s help to establish the facts and consider all relevant evidence.
Rideshare accident claims often involve multiple parties and layers of insurance coverage, making the process complex. Santa Maria Uber accident lawyers can help clarify liability, organize documentation, and present your claim clearly.
A skilled lawyer knows how to deal with insurance companies and negotiate a fair settlement. An attorney is also going to know how to seek the help of any other parties, such as independent witnesses, who can support the case.
Contact Our Santa Maria Uber Accident Lawyers For A Free Initial Consultation
If you suffered severe injuries or if your loved one was killed in an Uber accident in the greater Santa Maria area of Santa Barbara County, prompt legal help can impact the outcome of your case. The team at Arash Law has decades of experience representing accident victims and helping them pursue compensation.
Our firm operates on a contingency basis, meaning we do not charge fees for our attorneys’ legal services unless compensation is obtained. Please note that you may still be responsible for certain case-related costs.
You can call us at (888) 488-1391 or contact us online to receive a free initial consultation. Our team will thoroughly review your case and outline the steps moving forward.
Our Uber accident lawyers in Santa Maria also serve neighboring cities and communities, including Betteravia, Guadalupe, Bromela, Nipomo, Callender, Oceano, Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach, Pismo Beach, Verde, Orcutt, Casmalia, Garey, Sisquoc, Los Alamos, Lompoc, Mission Hills, Vandenberg Village, and Vandenberg Space Force Base.
