Altadena Uber Accident Lawyers
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Skilled Altadena Uber Accident Lawyers Committed To Clear And Honest Representation
Convenient and easy to use, rideshare services like Uber have become a much-preferred means of transportation in Altadena. Unfortunately, there is still a risk of Uber accidents. If you get injured in a crash involving one of the rideshare company’s vehicles, our committed Altadena Uber accident lawyers can help you pursue compensation for your injuries, emotional distress, lost income, and other losses. Call (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
Altadena is a charming foothill neighborhood known for relaxing activities that help people escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Tourists enjoy hiking on the Echo Mountain and Mount Lowe Railway trails and exploring the quirky Bunny Museum. As Altadena becomes more popular among travelers, so do rideshare services that provide easy transportation. However, more cars on the road may lead to more Uber accidents.
Our Altadena attorneys can handle these Uber accident cases. We want to improve access to legal support for injured victims, which is why we operate on a contingency fee basis. Clients only pay us if they’re awarded a settlement or verdict, though they may still have to cover some other case-related costs outside of this agreement. Our dedicated lawyers aim to advocate for your rights and guide you through every step of the claims process.
Settlement in motor vehicle accident in a Under Insured Motorist Claim against a ride share company; client suffered spinal injuries– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
How Our Altadena Uber Accident Lawyers Can Help You
California has elaborate laws regarding rideshare accidents. You can understand these intricacies using the knowledge of a seasoned Uber accident attorney.
Here are a few reasons to have our Altadena injury law firm handle an Uber accident claim:
- Experienced Uber Accident Lawyers — Our experienced lawyers are knowledgeable about California laws, insurance policies, and unique regulations relevant to Uber accidents. We constantly monitor updates and changes to local rules that could affect our clients’ injury claims. That way, we can explain how they may apply to cases like yours.
- Client-Focused Approach — Our accident attorneys, focusing on Uber accidents in Altadena, can create tailored strategies to handle your case. We’ll investigate your crash, collect all available evidence, interview witnesses, and consult outside experts if needed to build your case. We aim to help you pursue compensation that addresses your unique needs after an Uber accident.
- Seasoned Negotiators — Our Altadena Uber accident lawyers can handle all case-related communications with insurance providers on your behalf. We could work to pursue a settlement that closely reflects the value of the losses you incurred in a crash.
Common Causes Of Uber Accidents In Altadena, CA
Uber accidents occur for numerous reasons, many of which involve driver negligence. Here are some of the common causes of these incidents:
- Distracted Driving — Safe driving requires the utmost focus. Unfortunately, using electronic devices while driving can distract drivers. It may reduce their focus and lead to collisions. Uber drivers may thus be more likely to be distracted behind the wheel, as they frequently use their mobile phones to accept ride requests, respond to passengers, and navigate roads accurately.
- Speeding — When speeding, drivers can lose control of their vehicles. They may also not have enough time to brake to prevent a collision.
- Fatigue — Fatigued driving can impair a driver’s reaction time and judgment. It may be a more pressing issue among Uber drivers who work longer hours, sometimes on weekends and nights after a day job, to earn more.
- Impaired Driving — Unfortunately, some drivers operate their vehicles while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol, impairing their ability to drive safely.
- Inadequate Vehicle Maintenance — When drivers fail to perform necessary vehicle maintenance, accidents could occur due to errors such as brake failure or flat tires. Uber drivers are often held to higher expectations when it comes to keeping a well-maintained vehicle to transport passengers safely.
- Poor Weather Conditions — Weather impacts drivers’ navigation of Altadena streets. The risk of rideshare accidents significantly increases during inclement weather, such as rain or snow, particularly when drivers don’t slow down or drive more cautiously.
If you suffer injuries in an Uber accident in Altadena, you may be eligible to pursue compensation. Our skilled Altadena lawyers, who are experienced in handling Uber accidents, can help review your case.
Common Types Of Injuries Victims Suffer In Uber Accidents In Altadena, CA
Uber accidents can lead to various types of injuries, from minor or severe injuries to total disability. Here are the common types of injuries resulting from rideshare accidents in Altadena:
- Brain Damage — A strong impact on the brain due to car collisions can cause a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Accident victims with severe TBI may require ongoing care as they typically experience long-term effects, including seizures, slurred speech, constant headaches, or vision loss. In serious cases, brain damage can lead to a coma or death.
- Spinal Cord Injuries — These are injuries to the nerves and nerve fibers responsible for sending and receiving brain signals. Less severe spinal cord injuries may cause partial movement and sensation loss. On the other hand, severe injuries could lead to paralysis.
- Whiplash — This is an injury involving the neck’s soft tissues. It’s a common injury in rear-end auto collisions. Minor whiplash requires rest and pain medication. However, severe cases require more extensive treatment, as they usually lead to fractured vertebrae, ruptured ligaments, or nerve or disc damage.
- Internal Injuries — Internal organs can get damaged in accidents, especially when the body slams into the Uber’s interior or when flying debris hits the body. If internal bleeding occurs, emergency medical treatment is necessary.
- Soft-Tissue Injuries — Uber accidents often result in soft-tissue injuries, wherein there’s damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These injuries include contusions, sprains, strains, and tendonitis.
If you are injured in an Uber accident, get immediate medical care, even if you feel well. The symptoms of an injury sometimes appear days or weeks later. Additionally, consult with our dedicated Altadena accident attorneys who have experience handling personal injury cases. We’ll assess the incident and evaluate whether you have a valid claim.
Determining The Responsible Parties In An Uber Accident In Altadena, CA
It’s challenging to determine who’s at fault in an Uber accident. When it happens, you could hold one or more parties liable for your injuries. Responsible parties may include:
- Uber Driver — Uber drivers are typically at fault in Uber accidents. They may be liable for damages if their negligence or reckless behavior causes the accident and your injuries.
- Third-Party Driver — A non-Uber driver can also be a responsible party for the incident. As such, they may be responsible for compensating you if you suffer an injury following an Uber accident.
- Government Entities — In cases such as poor road conditions or improper signage leading to Uber accidents, the injured victim may hold the local government liable for their injuries.
- Vehicle Manufacturers — It’s possible to pursue compensation from the vehicle manufacturer if an Uber crash resulted from a manufacturing problem, such as a defective automatic braking system (ABS).
- Uber (the Rideshare Company) — Uber drivers are not official Uber employees. Rather, they qualify as independent contractors, making it less likely that you’ll be eligible to file a lawsuit against Uber. However, Uber may be negligent in specific situations. For example, it could be responsible for a negligent driver’s actions if it failed to catch past instances of DUI arrests through a background check and hired the driver anyway. Our experienced lawyers focusing on Uber accidents in Altadena can investigate Uber’s potential negligence and pursue appropriate legal action if necessary.
Get dedicated guidance from our lawyers. As a victim of an Uber accident, you can ask our Altadena personal injury attorneys to address any legal questions you may have.
Types Of Compensation After An Uber Accident In Altadena, CA
If an Uber accident in Altadena injures you, you may be able to pursue compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Disabilities
- Anxiety and depression
- Wrongful death
Let our skilled attorneys help you understand your legal rights. With our experience in handling Uber accident cases, we can assist with identifying what you may be able to pursue compensation for.
How Uber’s Insurance Coverage Works
The extent of Uber’s liability in an accident varies depending on certain periods. Uber has divided its insurance policy and categorized the drivers’ time into the following periods:
- Period 0: App Is Off — The Uber driver’s app is off during this period, and their car insurance policy is active. According to California law, the driver’s personal insurance must provide the following minimum coverage when a collision occurs:
- $15,000 per accident for property damage.
- $30,000 for bodily injury to one person.
- $60,000 for bodily injury to more than one person.
- Period 1: App Is on, but No Passenger Yet — The Uber driver’s app is on, and the driver is available to accept ride requests, but they haven’t matched a passenger yet. During Period 1, Uber provides the following third-party liability coverage for Uber drivers if they have inadequate personal insurance coverage in the event of an accident:
- $25,000 for property damage
- $50,000 per person
- $100,000 per accident
- Period 2: The Driver Is on The Way to the Passenger — Upon accepting a ride request, the Uber driver is on their way to the passenger’s location during Period 2. Uber’s insurance policy provides $1 million in third-party liability coverage. Additionally, it offers bodily injury coverage for uninsured/underinsured motorists.
- Period 3: The Passenger Is in the Vehicle — After picking up the passenger, the Uber driver is on their way to the passenger’s destination during period 3. Uber provides the highest insurance coverage for both Uber drivers and passengers during this period. As a passenger, you could potentially seek compensation from Uber if you’re injured in an accident during the ride.
Remember that the amount of compensation the injured victim may be entitled to depends on the damages or injuries they sustain, not necessarily the full amount of the policy limits stated above. Our Altadena Uber accident lawyers can further explain the insurance coverage that may be available to you as an injured passenger.
What To Do After An Uber Accident In Altadena, CA
A road accident can leave you shaken, stressed, and confused. However, it’s crucial to remain calm throughout the situation. You or your driver must pull the car to the side of the road if possible. Then, these steps to take after an Uber accident may help protect your safety and assist with the insurance claim process:
- Check for Injuries — Make sure you and the other parties in the accident are safe if you’re capable of doing so. If you or someone else has suffered injuries, dial 911 immediately. Avoid unnecessary movements if you’re severely injured.
- Contact the Police — Notify the police about the incident, even if medical assistance isn’t necessary. Police authorities will document the accident scene and create a report. The police report could support your personal injury claim. Get the responding police officers’ names and badge numbers when they arrive.
- Seek Immediate Medical Care — Even if you don’t feel any pain at the moment, it’s best to seek medical attention to uncover any underlying injuries. Some injuries take days to surface, especially when the adrenaline rush kicks in after an accident. Keep receipts of all costs, including medical bills and out-of-pocket expenses, caused by the accident.
- Collect Evidence — Document the Uber accident extensively. Take clear pictures and videos of your injuries and the accident scene, including damaged vehicle parts, broken windows, and skid marks, to protect yourself. They will provide a time stamp and serve as additional proof to support your Uber accident claim.
- Exchange Essential Information — Jot down license plate numbers as well as the colors, brands, and models of all vehicles involved in the rideshare accident. All parties must provide the following information after an Uber incident:
- Complete name
- Contact information
- Address
- License
- Registration
- Insurance company and policy number
- Gather Information From Witnesses — Statements from witnesses can be valuable when filing an Uber accident claim. Let them recount the incident from their perspective. Don’t forget to write down their names and contact information in case you need to clarify the details of the Uber accident.
- Consult a Skilled Uber Accident Attorney — You can get help from a competent attorney before filing a claim. Our Altadena trial attorneys can help review your case and could help you pursue fair compensation on your behalf. If we take on your case, our team can investigate the incident, help establish negligence, and gather critical pieces of evidence to support your claim.
Gomez v. PG Transportation (settled on 8/11/2023) – settlement involving a man who was struck by a car resulting in a mild traumatic brain injury as well as other orthopedic injuries.– TINA ESHGHIEH
Deadline For Filing An Uber Accident Claim In California
In California, there’s usually a two-year statute of limitations for suing for injuries from an Uber accident. This deadline starts on the date you get injured. However, for minors, the two-year window to sue begins when they turn 18.
Government agencies or employees have different processes. You first need to file a claim with the agency itself. If they reject it, you only have six months to sue them.
In some situations, the injury might not be immediately noticeable. In these cases, the two-year clock starts ticking when you discover an injury.
Remember, failure to take legal action before the deadline can mean losing your right to pursue compensation in court. Speak with our skilled Altadena personal injury lawyers who have experience in Uber accidents. We can help you figure out your deadlines so you can file your case in a timely manner.
When Do I Need An Attorney For My Personal Injury Case?
You can seek guidance from an Uber accident lawyer once you’re done getting initial medical treatment following a rideshare incident. Schedule an initial consultation with us first to determine if you have a valid claim. With a no-obligation consultation, you don’t have to spend anything to learn about your rights as an injured Uber victim.
Uber accidents can be tricky and complicated. Our knowledgeable lawyers handling Uber accidents in Altadena can sift through the details to discover the parties who may be responsible for your damages. If we establish that you have a case, we can help you file a claim, negotiate a settlement, and assist with litigation if necessary.
FAQs About Altadena Uber Accident Claims
Can I File A Claim If I Was Hit By An Uber Driver While Walking Or Riding A Bicycle?
You can file a claim if an Uber driver hit you while you were strolling or riding a bicycle and you sustained injuries. Seasoned Altadena personal injury attorneys can help you prove liability and damages caused by the Uber accident.
In addition to filing a claim against the driver’s insurance company, you may be able to file a claim against Uber itself, depending on the circumstances at the time of the accident. The policy limits you could potentially pursue compensation from may be higher if the Uber driver was transporting a passenger with the Uber app activated.
Uber accidents resulting in injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists typically happen because Uber drivers:
- Fail to yield to pedestrians.
- Pull over in front of a cyclist.
- Open a door in front of an incoming bike rider.
Speak with our personal injury attorneys if you’re a pedestrian or biker injured in an Uber accident in Altadena, CA. We have experienced litigators who understand the complexities of ridesharing law. You can schedule a free initial consultation so we can discuss how we may help you pursue compensation.
What Should I Do If My Uber Driver Appears Drunk?
If your Uber driver appears to be driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, ask to end the trip immediately. Then, carefully exit the vehicle and dial 911.
Uber has a zero-tolerance policy for suspected impaired driving. Report all misconduct by your Uber driver, including inappropriate comments, through the Uber app once you’re safely out of the car. They will likely lose access to the Uber Driver app if there’s adequate evidence of violating the company’s policy.
How Long Does It Take To Settle An Uber Accident Claim In Altadena, CA?
It may take weeks or months to conclude an Uber accident in Altadena, though a settlement isn’t guaranteed. Suppose you file an injury claim against Uber’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. In that case, it may take Uber’s insurance company anywhere from a few months to years to resolve the claim, depending on how long accident investigations and negotiations take.
Every accident case is unique. The timeline for resolving an accident claim depends on many factors, including the strength of your evidence, the severity of your injuries, the complexity of your accident case, and the negotiation process. Consult our Altadena attorneys to explore the details of your Uber accident case.
How Often Do Motor Vehicle Accidents Happen In California?
Motor vehicle collisions kill over a hundred people daily in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Crashes resulting from distracted driving result in around 3,000 deaths each year.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported an estimated 42,795 deaths due to motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2022. In the same year, there were 4,407 motor vehicle traffic fatalities in California. Traffic fatalities surged from 3,980 in 2020 to 4,285 in 2021, an estimated 7.6% increase. Alcohol-impaired driving fatalities, where vehicle drivers or motorcycle riders had a minimum of 0.08 blood alcohol concentration, increased 16% to 1,370 in 2021 from 1,180 in 2020.
According to the National Motor Vehicle Crash Causation Survey (NMVCCS) conducted by the NHTSA, around 2,046,000 crashes, or around 94% of 2,189,000 NMVCCS crashes, occurred due to driver-related reasons, such as distracted driving and speeding.
Contact Arash Law’s Seasoned Altadena Uber Accident Lawyers!
We understand that an Uber accident can be difficult to deal with, especially if it was caused by negligence and led to injury. Our team of compassionate Altadena Uber accident attorneys can help you understand everything that’s going on in your case throughout the legal process.
Working on a contingency fee basis, we don’t require clients to pay our lawyers unless they’re able to collect compensation, though we discuss the other case-related costs they may still have to cover regardless of how their case concludes. Our lawyers are committed to helping you pursue compensation aimed at covering your injuries and other losses. We can do the legwork, from gathering useful evidence for a strong case to representing you in court if needed. We want you to focus on your recovery. Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 for a free, no-obligation case review.
Our Uber accident lawyers offer legal services throughout California. That includes Altadena and nearby neighborhoods, such as La Cañada Flintridge, Emerald Isle, North Arroyo, Pasadena, North Central, Daisy Villa, Hastings Ranch, Kinneloa Mesa, and Normandie Heights. Apart from Uber accident claims, our lawyers have experience with cases involving car crashes, truck collisions, dog bites, wildfires, and more.
