Victorville Uber Accident Lawyers
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Our Victorville Uber Accident Lawyers Provide Professional Support After An Injury
Being injured in an Uber accident may give rise to a potential compensation claim. These cases can be complex, particularly when insurance companies are involved. Our Victorville Uber accident lawyers at Arash Law help injured victims pursue justice. We will help you seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free case review!
The city of Victorville is located in Victor Valley in San Bernardino County, California. It is home to roughly 135,000 residents. Its convenient location draws a lot of people and cars into the city each day. With busy roads also comes the heightened risk of traffic collisions, and Uber accidents are no exception to this.
Although Uber claims to be committed to both driver and passenger safety, accidents continue to be a growing issue. When they occur, legal representation can be helpful in managing the complexities of a personal injury claim. Our Victorville injury law firm has experience handling Uber accident cases and has supported clients in pursuing compensation for their injuries and damages.
Settlement in a Under Insured Motorist Claim against ride share company; client suffered spinal injuries– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
How Our Skilled Victorville Uber Accident Lawyers Help With Your Case
Arash Law provides legal representation to clients who have been injured in accidents. Our Uber accident attorneys in Victorville will work diligently to build a well-supported case. We can manage communications with Uber and insurance companies on your behalf and advocate for your rights.
Here are some of the ways we assist during the claims process:
- Review your case details to identify the liable parties.
- Collect CCTV footage, photos, videos, witness statements, and other relevant pieces of evidence to support your claim.
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies and the legal teams of at-fault parties.
- File a lawsuit and represent you in court if a settlement is not reached.
- Answer your questions and update you regularly about your claim so you can make informed decisions.
Why Hire Our Victorville Uber Accident Attorneys For Your Claim
Uber accidents are more complicated than typical car accidents. They cannot be treated like taxi accidents, either, as Uber drivers are independent contractors rather than employees. Our Uber accident lawyers can help protect your rights and advocate for a fair settlement on your behalf.
Uber accident claims can be challenging to navigate on your own, especially when dealing with large companies or multiple insurers. Victorville personal injury attorneys, who also handle Uber accidents, can guide you through the process. They will review your case and collect relevant evidence to support your claim.
Furthermore, working with a lawyer helps you pursue just compensation for your injuries and losses. Our Victorville Uber accident lawyers will manage the legal aspects of your case, including communications with insurance companies, while you focus on your recovery.
Common Causes Of Uber Accidents
The primary reason behind Uber accidents is often driver negligence. Some of these driver-related factors include:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a significant contributor to Uber accidents in Victorville. Examples include texting while driving, retrieving an item from the glove compartment, and adjusting the GPS or stereo.
A common distraction among Uber drivers is using the app while driving. Ideally, they are expected to stop at the side of the road while waiting for a passenger or checking ride details. However, many drivers don’t follow this, thereby increasing the risk of accidents.
Additionally, with the pressure of maintaining a high rating from their passengers, some Uber drivers lose focus on the road to keep conversations with passengers flowing. Unfortunately, this has become a common cause of crashes.
There have also been some cases where Uber drivers get into an accident while looking for the passenger they need to pick up. Their focus is on finding the passenger instead of driving safely.
Reckless Driving
Speeding is another major cause of Uber accidents. Drivers often exceed the speed limit to reach their destination faster and complete trips as soon as possible. However, this increases the risk of accidents.
Other examples of reckless driving include driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs, running a red light, and making improper or illegal turns.
Navigation Errors
Many Uber accidents in Victorville happen due to navigation errors. When a driver is unfamiliar with an area, they may accidentally enter a one-way street or miss an exit, causing panic and leading to further mistakes that could endanger them and their passengers.
Another navigation error Uber drivers often make is stopping in areas where they shouldn’t, while trying to pick up or drop off a passenger as quickly as possible.
Driver Fatigue
Uber typically limits the number of hours a driver can work per day. However, many drivers work part-time as Uber drivers in addition to their full-time jobs. As such, they are more likely to be exhausted and fall asleep behind the wheel.
Our lawyers in Victorville have years of experience handling cases involving Uber accidents. We work to protect our clients’ rights and pursue appropriate compensation for their losses.
Typical Injuries In Uber Accidents
The common injuries victims suffer in Victorville Uber accidents aren’t that different from those in typical car accidents. These injuries range from cuts to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
Here’s a more in-depth look at these injuries:
- Cuts and Bruises — Victims suffer cuts and abrasions when the skin scrapes against a rough surface or comes into contact with sharp debris. On the other hand, bruises are caused by blunt trauma from the impact of the crash.
- Sprains and Fractures — These are common occurrences in traffic accidents. Sprains result from torn muscles, while fractures occur when bones break.
- Whiplash — This type of injury happens due to a sudden jerking motion of the neck. While whiplash may seem minor, some victims develop permanent nerve damage, affecting their quality of life.
- Back Injuries — Such injuries can range from simple muscle pain that goes away eventually to permanent paralysis and loss of motor functions due to spinal cord damage. The latter is more common in severe crashes involving Uber.
- Head Injuries — Mild concussions or facial wounds can fully heal within a few months. However, in more serious cases, victims suffer TBIs that affect their lives forever.
- Internal Injuries — Some Uber accident injuries may not be visible. Sometimes, the damage is internal, making it more dangerous. Organs may suffer from bruising, lacerations, and damage that could cost thousands or even millions to treat.
- Death — Unfortunately, fatal accidents happen. If you want to file a claim after losing a loved one in an Uber accident, our California wrongful death lawyers can help you.
Our Uber accident lawyers in Victorville are committed to helping injured victims pursue accountability from at-fault parties. We advocate for a fair settlement in negotiations with insurance companies. We can also connect you to medical practitioners for proper treatment of your injuries.
Common Types Of Uber Accidents
Here are some examples of what constitutes an Uber accident:
- Passenger Injury — In this case, the passenger suffered an injury as a result of the driver’s negligence. An example would be the driver falling asleep, swerving into the other lane, and colliding with another vehicle head-on, causing injuries to the passenger.
- Third-Party Injury — This accident is where a pedestrian or the occupants of another vehicle get injured because of the Uber driver’s negligence.
- Property Damage — Such incidents happen when the Uber driver crashes into someone else’s car in an accident. Single-vehicle Uber crashes may also result in damage to a third party’s property, such as a yard or building.
- Uber Driver Injury — Uber drivers may also sustain injuries in an accident due to another driver’s negligence.
- Injury Caused by External Factors — Some Uber accidents are caused by external factors, such as mechanical failure, adverse weather conditions, and road issues. In these instances, drivers, passengers, and pedestrians sustain injuries.
Whether you get involved in one or more of the abovementioned accidents, our attorneys in Victorville, who handle Uber accidents, can help you navigate the intricacies of your claim. We offer a free initial consultation and case review.
Damages That Are Available In An Uber Accident Claim
Most of the damages you can pursue after an Uber accident fall under compensatory damages. However, there are rare cases where the court awards punitive damages to victims, which are meant as a punishment and deterrence to similar behaviors.
Here are the types of compensatory damages, both economic and non-economic, you can seek in Uber accident claims in Victorville:
- Past, ongoing, and future medical bills.
- Property damages, such as car repair or replacement.
- Lost wages and earning capacity.
- Loss of quality of life and consortium.
- Emotional pain and suffering.
Our Victorville Uber accident lawyers can assist in identifying the damages that are applicable to your case. They can also help quantify and calculate your case’s worth.
Who Is Liable For Uber Accidents?
Several parties could be held liable in a Victorville Uber accident. These include Uber drivers, other drivers, car manufacturers, mechanics, the government, and even Uber itself.
- Uber Driver — In many Uber accidents, the at-fault party is the Uber driver. Their negligent behavior, such as reckless driving and overspeeding, may have caused the crash that injured you.
- Another Driver — There are some cases where the fault lies with another driver who crashes into the Uber you’re riding in. They might have rear-ended your Uber, causing you to crash into the car in front of you. In that case, the third-party driver can be held liable.
- Car Manufacturer or Mechanic — In accidents due to mechanical failure, the car manufacturer or mechanic could be at fault. If the car’s parts were found to be defective from the start, the manufacturer is accountable. Otherwise, if the issue appeared after maintenance or repair, it could be the mechanic’s fault.
- Government — Some Uber accidents occur due to roadway issues, such as defective traffic lights or missing guardrails. In these rare cases, the government may be held liable.
- Uber — The company could be held liable for an Uber accident if, for example, there is evidence proving they did not screen the driver prior to hiring them. Uber also shares liability when the driver gets into an accident while logged in or en route to pick up or drop off a passenger.
Our Victorville Uber accident attorneys have experience evaluating liability in complex rideshare cases. We assist clients in identifying responsible parties and pursuing compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related damages.
California Laws Applicable To Uber Accident Cases
While Uber accidents are somewhat unique, they are still cases of personal injury. As such, the same California laws apply.
First, California is an at-fault state. This means that the negligent party should compensate the victim for the damages they suffered as a result of their negligence.
Next, California is a pure comparative negligence state. This means injured parties in an accident can claim damages even if they are partially at fault. Even those who are 99% at fault can claim damages for the 1% for which they are not liable.
These laws imply that you, as a victim, should be able to prove the at-fault party’s negligence beyond a reasonable doubt. Whether the liable party is the Uber driver, another driver, or Uber itself, you need sufficient evidence to prove their negligence.
Otherwise, if the court determines you are also at fault to some extent, the court will reduce your compensation by your percentage of liability. This result is more common in cases where the plaintiff is a third-party driver. For example, if the court finds you 20% liable, your compensation will be reduced by the same percentage.
When filing an Uber accident claim, it can be beneficial to have legal support from an attorney who is knowledgeable about California personal injury laws. Our Victorville Uber accident lawyers can assist you by assessing liability and building a case that aligns with applicable state laws. We have experience handling claims involving complex issues of shared fault and corporate insurance coverage, including those involving rideshare companies.
Establishing Negligence In Uber Accidents
The law requires a specific approach when proving the liability of an at-fault party. Here are the four elements to establish negligence in Uber accidents:
- Duty of Care — You need to establish that the at-fault party had a duty of care. For example, Uber drivers have a duty to transport their passengers safely. Meanwhile, car manufacturers must also ensure that vehicles are maintained in good working condition.
- Breach of Duty — Next, there should be a breach of this duty. One example would be if an Uber driver were intoxicated while driving.
- Causation — The next thing you need to prove is that the breach directly caused the accident. In the instance of a DUI accident, you should have sufficient evidence to prove that the driver’s intoxication caused them to swerve to the other lane and crash into another vehicle.
- Damages — Lastly, you should have sustained losses that you can claim as damages from the accident. These losses come in the form of physical injuries, pain and suffering, and psychological trauma.
Our Victorville Uber accident lawyers can help you establish the negligence of the at-fault party. We can also assist you in collecting evidence to establish liability.
Statute Of Limitations For Personal Injury Claims
The statute of limitations for Uber accident claims is two years from the date of the accident. If you are only filing a claim for property damage, the limit is three years. However, if you are filing a claim against a government agency, you have only six months to do so, and the process is different. Missing the deadline can result in the possible dismissal of your claim.
Because these time limits can significantly affect your ability to pursue a claim, it’s advisable to consult a lawyer as early as possible. Our Uber accident attorneys in Victorville can help you understand which deadlines apply to your case and assist with filing paperwork in a timely manner.
December 2016: $22M+ verdict in a mild traumatic brain injury case. The entire details of the case can be found in the public record filings by the defendant entity that sued its defense.– BRIAN BEECHER
Insurance Policies At Work In Victorville Uber Accidents
Different insurance companies may become involved in an Uber accident, but typically, three insurance policies will come into play. These include Uber’s insurance policy, the driver’s personal insurance, and your own UM/UIM coverage. Let’s look at these in more detail:
Uber’s Insurance Policy
Uber has a liability insurance policy that applies only in certain instances.
The company’s third-party liability insurance applies when the driver’s Uber app is online but not on a trip. During this time, Uber offers the following:
- Up to $25,000 for property damage per accident.
- Up to $50,000 per injured person in an accident.
- Up to $100,000 per accident.
When the Uber driver is en route to pick up a passenger or is on a trip, Uber offers up to $1,000,000 worth of coverage. This includes property damage and medical expenses for both drivers and passengers injured in an accident where the driver was at fault.
Driver’s Personal Insurance
When the driver’s app is offline, and an accident happens, their personal insurance policy applies. According to the California Department of Insurance (CDI), the basic insurance coverage for drivers is as follows:
- Up to $15,000 for property damage.
- Up to $30,000 per injured person.
- Up to $60,000 per accident.
There are other coverages that drivers can avail themselves of, but these are the minimum required by the state for all automobile drivers.
Victim’s UM/UIM Coverage
In Uber accidents where the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or enough coverage to compensate for a victim’s medical costs, the victim’s own insurance coverage applies.
You can avail of UM/UIM coverage in your own insurance plan for accidents involving uninsured motorists (UM) or underinsured motorists (UIM). It is not required, but it can provide financial protection in the event of accidents involving irresponsible motorists.
Our Victorville Uber accident attorneys can communicate with your insurance company, allowing you to take advantage of this benefit in the event of an accident.
For example, you have UM/UIM coverage worth $100,000. If the at-fault driver only has the basic insurance coverage of $15,000, we can help you seek the remaining $85,000 from your insurance company. Or, if the at-fault driver is uninsured, we will speak with your insurance company to pursue the full $100,000 for the treatment of your injuries.
What To Do After An Uber Accident In Victorville, CA
We understand how overwhelming it can be in an accident. Our Uber accident lawyers in Victorville are here to provide guidance to help protect your claim for damages. Here are the things to consider after an Uber accident:
- Call 911 — Seek medical attention immediately, whether you have injuries or not.
- Report the Accident — When police officers arrive at the scene, report the accident as accurately as you can. Be careful not to add details that may not be true. Stick with the facts only.
- Collect Evidence — Take photos of the accident scene and the vehicle(s) involved. Also, get the name and contact details of the drivers involved, as well as their insurance information.
- Get the Witnesses’ Contact Information — If other people in the area saw the accident, ask for their contact information. They could serve as witnesses to strengthen your claim later.
- Do Not Post on Social Media — You may be tempted to inform your family, friends, and followers about the accident. However, posting on social media could do more harm than good for your claim.
- Speak With a Lawyer — Our Victorville Uber accident attorneys can explain your rights and next steps. It is generally advisable not to give any statements or agree to any settlement offers from insurance companies without consulting a lawyer first.
Uber Accident Statistics
According to the 2019-2020 Uber Safety Report, 99% of Uber trips ended without safety-related reports. The remaining 1% came with reports of lost items, refunds, and route feedback.
Only 0.0002% of trips resulted in critical safety incident reports; however, among the top three incidents were motor vehicle fatalities. To some, this may seem like an insignificant statistic. But at the end of the day, 101 people still died in Uber-related crashes.
The 2019-2020 Uber Safety Report also indicated that half of these Uber accidents are due to the driver’s risky behavior, including DUI, speeding, and poor navigation. Third-party drivers were responsible for 94% of these incidents, while the remaining 6% were attributed to Uber drivers.
Dangerous Roads In Victorville
Uber accidents can occur anywhere, but certain areas are more prone to them. According to 2021 data, here are the most dangerous roads in Victorville, CA:
- Bear Valley Rd.
- Village Dr.
- Amargosa Rd.
- Highway 395
- Mariposa Rd.
- Hesperia Rd.
- Interstate 15
FAQs About Victorville Uber Accidents
Here are some of the questions about Uber accidents that clients and other injured victims often ask. You can also consult our Victorville Uber accident attorneys if you need legal help with your case:
Will My Uber Accident Claim Be Affected If I Miss My Medical Appointments?
Yes. Other parties can argue that your injuries may not be serious enough if you miss your medical appointments. Without a justifiable reason, this could easily hurt your claim. After all, your priority should be recovering after the accident.
How Much Are Uber Accident Settlements Worth In Victorville?
The final amount of Uber accident settlements depends on the degree of liability, the extent of your injuries, and the overall nature of the case. Depending on the circumstances of the accident and the available evidence, the potential compensation can range from a few hundred thousand to several million dollars.
How Much Do Victorville Uber Accident Attorneys Charge?
Many lawyers serving clients in Victorville, including those from Arash Law, operate on a contingency fee basis. In this arrangement, you don’t pay any attorney’s fees unless compensation is obtained. Please note that you may still be responsible for certain case-related costs.
If the case is successful, our lawyer will take a percentage of the total settlement amount, which we will agree upon during the onboarding process.
Contact Our Uber Accident Lawyers Serving Victorville Clients
If you’ve been injured in an Uber accident, Arash Law can help with your claim. Our Victorville Uber accident lawyers will handle the legal aspects of your case so that you can concentrate on recovering from your injuries and losses.
Our Victorville personal injury lawyers are available to discuss and evaluate your case to see whether you have a valid claim. We will advocate for your interests and pursue fair compensation for the losses you have suffered. Call us at (888) 488-1391 or complete our “Do I Have A Case?” form here.
We also serve clients in the following nearby cities: Apple Valley, Adelanto, Hesperia, Crestline, Highland, Barstow, San Bernardino, Big Bear Lake, Rialto, Fontana, Colton, Bloomington, Loma Linda, Redlands, and Rancho Cucamonga.
