Berkeley Uber Accident Lawyers
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Berkeley Uber Accident Lawyers
Who Are Ready To Listen To Injured Victims
Uber accidents in Berkeley can result from factors like reckless driving or dangerous road conditions. If someone else’s actions caused your injuries, work with our Berkeley Uber accident lawyers to discover who may be responsible and potentially pursue compensation. For any questions about your legal options, call (888) 488-1391.
In 2023, Berkeley was ranked among the top 50 cities in California with the highest number of fatal and injury crashes, according to UC Berkeley’s Transportation Injury Mapping System. This scenario highlights the significant risks that both pedestrians and drivers encounter in the city. Even something as routine as an Uber ride to work carries the potential for unexpected injury.
If you’re injured in an Uber accident in Berkeley, our team of attorneys is here to help. We are committed to reviewing your case and helping you explore the actions you can take to uphold your rights.
Our client was driving with his wife and son on a two-lane highway when a drunk driver crossed the double yellow lines, causing a head-on collision that claimed the life of a loving wife and mother.– ARASH KHORSANDI
How Our Berkeley Uber Accident Lawyers Can Help Your Case
Our lawyers are dedicated to helping you navigate the claims process after your Uber accident. We stay on top of new laws and regulations related to ridesharing, allowing us to advocate for our client’s rights after such incidents. Our Berkeley injury law firm is prepared to see if we can do the same for you, too.
After an Uber accident, you might ask, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer?” Feel free to bring your case to us so we can discuss how we can support your claim. Here are some ways we can help:
- Identifying All Responsible Parties — Our Uber accident lawyers will examine the incident to assess fault, including the carelessness of the driver or the business, the behavior of other road users, the road conditions, and Uber’s policies.
- Calculating Your Damages — An Uber accident can result in medical bills, missed income, and other non-economic losses in addition to the injuries sustained. Our team knows how to estimate the value of your damages and can use that knowledge to help you pursue a fair settlement.
- Negotiate With Insurance Companies — Negotiations are a crucial aspect of injury claims, especially if the insurance companies offer settlements that do not reflect your losses. Our Uber accident lawyers in Berkeley can assist with building a well-supported case and present it with the goal of achieving a favorable outcome for you.
- Represent You in Court — If the other party doesn’t agree on a fair settlement, our litigation attorneys are prepared to take your case to court. We will present evidence, call on witnesses, and make legal arguments on your behalf.
Common Causes Of Uber Accidents
Determining the cause of the accident is one of the first steps in proving negligence and identifying who may be obligated to compensate you. Our Berkeley Uber injury lawyers take this responsibility seriously. We examine every detail of your case, analyze supporting evidence, and piece together a complete picture of the events leading to the collision.
Like car accidents, Uber collisions can be caused by various factors, including the following:
Distracted Driving
A common cause of Uber accidents is driver distraction, often due to phones, passengers, or GPS systems. When drivers focus on incoming ride requests, navigation, or communicating via calls or texts, their attention to the road is compromised. Distractions are a common cause of rear-end accidents, possibly resulting in a wide range of injuries. For example, a sudden jolt from a collision could cause whiplash injuries.
Whiplash is mostly considered a minor injury, but in some cases, it can give rise to chronic pain, which may trigger depression. Other symptoms include blurred vision, memory problems, and nerve damage. Injuries like whiplash may be addressed by physical therapy or chiropractic treatments. The costs of these, in turn, may be sought through your personal injury claim. Contact our Berkeley car accident lawyers who focus on Uber accident cases to learn about your rights and options.
Fatigued Driving
Though drivers of any kind of vehicle can potentially be drowsy behind the wheel, Uber drivers often work long hours for extra income, which can result in fatigue and slow reaction times. This also increases the risk of falling asleep at the wheel, which could make them drift off into the opposite lane and hit another vehicle head-on. Such incidents can produce serious physical harm, like brain and spinal cord injuries. These conditions could then end up as long-term or permanent disabilities, which require costly, ongoing medical care.
A fatigued driver may be held responsible for your immediate and future treatment costs. Learn more about your case by reaching out to our attorneys, who handle Uber accidents in Berkeley.
Reckless Driving
Some Uber drivers might speed or disregard traffic regulations to complete rides more quickly and increase their earnings. Reckless driving behaviors can lead to accidents, putting not only the passengers but also other road users at risk.
For instance, a hit-and-run driver ran a red light, resulting in a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Sacramento Street and Alcatraz Avenue. The driver of the second vehicle suffered spine and neck fractures. This incident could have been avoided, along with the resulting medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost income, and other damages. The negligent party may be held responsible for the victim’s losses.
If something similar happened in your Uber accident, you may have a valid case. Fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form, and our Uber accident attorneys in Berkeley will get back to you shortly.
Failure To Maintain The Vehicle Properly
Uber drivers often use their own vehicles to transport passengers. This means the responsibility for upkeep lies with the driver. If they fail to maintain their cars properly, mechanical malfunctions could occur and lead to an accident.
However, this issue of negligent vehicle maintenance doesn’t just apply to Uber drivers. It also applies to third parties. Say your Uber is hit by a truck. Our truck accident lawyers can help you hold the trucking company liable if the collision occurred due to poor truck maintenance.
Dangerous Road Conditions
Accidents are more likely to occur on poorly maintained roads, especially when drivers fail to adapt their driving to the conditions. Factors like potholes, construction zones, and slippery surfaces can drastically affect their ability to operate their vehicle safely.
If a driver loses control at the wheel, an accident could occur and result in injuries. These conditions can cause substantial pain and limit your mobility, affecting your ability to perform daily tasks or enjoy the activities you love. Such injuries can primarily affect your physical health, but they may also take a toll on your emotional well-being.
Determining Negligence And Liability In An Uber Accident
Negligence refers to the failure of an individual or entity to act with the level of care expected of them, injuring another party. In an Uber accident, multiple parties may be negligent and, therefore, liable for your damages. Here are some of them:
- The Uber Driver — If their carelessness resulted in the accident, their personal or commercial auto policy may step in to pay for your damages, depending on their status on the Uber app.
- Uber Technology, Inc. — While Uber isn’t typically responsible for its drivers’ negligence, it could face liability in certain circumstances. An example is when Uber fails to ban or suspend a driver with a prior safety report, and they end up causing an accident.
- Third-Party — Any other person or entity whose negligence resulted in the accident can share responsibility. Some examples include:
- Another careless driver.
- Manufacturers of a defective product.
- The government body responsible for road maintenance.
- The car owner.
To establish that these parties are negligent, you and your Berkeley Uber accident lawyers must prove the following elements:
- The defendant had a duty of care or legal responsibility to ensure your safety.
- They breached that duty by failing to perform the level of care expected of them in a given situation.
- The breach of duty directly led to the accident in which you were injured.
- You suffered damages due to the accident.
At Arash Law, we understand that a strong, methodical strategy is the key to building your case. Our Uber accident attorneys in Berkeley can help investigate your claim. We may collaborate with professionals to further support your case. By helping you take legal action against those at fault for your accident, we can advocate for your right to pursue fair compensation for your losses.
Available Compensation For Uber Accident Victims
If you’re injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to pursue monetary losses. These include:
- Medical expenses
- Medical equipment
- Rehabilitation costs
- Disability accommodations
- Lost income
- Damaged property
- Pain and suffering
- Mental distress
- Permanent disfigurement
- Reduced quality of life
If you’re awarded a settlement, the at-fault party will be legally obligated to compensate you for your losses. If multiple parties are involved, their financial responsibility toward you corresponds to their percentage of liability. However, if you are partially at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your degree of responsibility in the accident. For instance, if your total damages amount to $10,000 and you are found to be 30% liable, you would be eligible to claim only $7,000.
Unfortunately, comparative negligence adds to the complexity of personal injury claims. Insurance companies may attempt to shift blame to you to reduce the amount they owe.
Our Berkeley Uber accident lawyers are committed to helping you understand what you can do in case you may be partially liable for your injuries. As an established personal injury law firm in California, we are committed to helping clients pursue fair compensation according to state laws.
Wrongful Death Damages In Uber Accidents
An Uber accident might result in the loss of a loved one. While we can never make up for that loss, our Berkeley personal injury lawyers may be able to help a victim’s surviving relatives seek the compensation available to them.
In California, legal heirs can file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party. With the help of our Uber accident lawyers in Berkeley, you can potentially seek damages for:
- Funeral and burial costs.
- Medical expenses prior to death.
- Loss of financial support.
- The monetary value of the deceased’s supposed domestic services.
- Emotional distress.
- Loss of companionship, love, and care.
Uber’s Insurance Policy For Accident Victims
A valid claim for compensation must be filed with the appropriate insurance company. In Uber collisions, this could be the driver’s auto insurance company or Uber’s commercial insurance provider, depending on the driver’s status on the app at the time of the accident.
- Offline — If the driver is logged out of the Uber app, their auto insurance covers the damages they cause.
- Online and Available for a Trip — Uber’s third-party liability insurance applies if the driver causes an accident while logged into the app and waiting for a ride request. It covers up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for injuries. For property damage, it provides up to $30,000.
- En Route or on a Trip — At either of these stages, Uber provides $1,000,000 for property damage and injuries caused by the driver.
While the coverage amounts may seem substantial, it can be difficult to determine whether you’re eligible and which coverage applies to your case. Plaintiffs in a personal injury claim also cannot expect the size of their potential settlements to match those amounts. Instead, maximum coverage in these insurance companies only puts a cap on how much they might be able to receive after an accident.
Let our Berkeley Uber accident lawyers handle this task for you so you can focus on your recovery. With our experience, we can help analyze your case and see how you may pursue compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses.
What To Do After An Uber Accident
Following an Uber accident, try to stay calm as much as possible. What you do next may lay the foundation for your physical and financial recovery. For instance, you can:
- Check yourself for injuries.
- Call 911 for immediate medical help and assistance from local authorities.
- If you can move, document the scene by taking photos and videos of crucial information, such as:
- Visible injuries
- Property damage
- Skid marks
- Debris from the accident
- Weather
- Road conditions
- Collect information from all involved parties, including the Uber driver. Get their names, driver’s license information, vehicle license plates, and insurance details.
- Ask for the contact details of witnesses, if any.
- Get yourself checked out in a healthcare facility after leaving the accident scene. Even if you feel fine, there could be an underlying injury without immediate symptoms.
- Report the accident to Uber via the app. If you’re not a passenger, you can use its online form instead.
Consult with our Berkeley Uber accident lawyers. We can review your case for free and explain your legal options during our first meeting.
What initially seemed like a routine rear-end collision, commonly known as a “fender bender,” turned into a significant settlement with high maximum limits for a client who suffered lower back disc injuries. The case was resolved just two weeks before the scheduled trial commencement.– BRIAN BEECHER
Why Consult A Lawyer After An Accident
If you’ve been in an Uber accident in Berkeley, you should know California’s deadlines for filing lawsuits. According to the statute of limitations for personal injury, you have two years from the date of the accident to submit your claim. If you go beyond the allowed timeframe, you could lose your right to take legal action altogether, and your case will be dismissed.
Acting promptly also helps you build a well-supported claim. The longer you wait to pursue your case, the harder it might be to gather the evidence you need for your case. Over time, such proof can disappear or get tainted, and memories can become less reliable over time.
Consult with our Uber accident lawyer in Berkeley as soon as you have reason to believe another’s negligence caused your accident. We can help you protect your rights and comply with any deadlines.
Uber Accident Statistics
According to Uber’s latest safety report, the rate of overall crashes reported on the platform decreased from 2017 to 2022. However, motor vehicle fatalities have significantly increased. Here’s a quick rundown:
- 2017 to 2018 — The company recorded 107 motor vehicle fatalities, equating to a rate of 0.58 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT).
- 2019 to 2020 — The number of fatalities dropped slightly to 101, but the death rate per 100 million VMT increased by 7%, rising to 0.62.
- 2021 to 2022 — This period saw a significant rise in fatalities, with 153 cases, or a rate of 0.87 per 100 million VMT. This represents a substantial 40% increase when compared to the previous period.
Despite the general safety of this rideshare app, the fact remains that there are still individuals and families who get injured in accidents involving Uber. Behind each statistic are incidents that occurred due to negligence, highlighting the importance of holding rideshare companies accountable when necessary. If you or a loved one is injured in an Uber accident, you can seek guidance from our lawyers in Berkeley.
Frequently Asked Questions
I Was Struck By An Uber Driver. Are They Liable?
If an Uber driver hits you, you may be able to hold them liable, whether you’re a pedestrian, cyclist, driver, or another road user. In California, determining liability depends on who is at fault, which is established by examining the actions of all involved parties. For example, if a driver hits someone on a sidewalk or crosswalk, they may be found to be at least partially responsible.
If an Uber driver is found liable, the rideshare company’s insurance may cover the damages. However, it depends on their status on the app at the time of the accident, whether they were off-duty, waiting for a booking, en route to pick up a rider, or actively transporting a passenger. An Uber accident attorney in Berkeley can help investigate the details of your case and identify the most suitable paths you can take to seek compensation for your injuries.
I Don’t Feel Any Pain After My Uber Accident. Should I See A Doctor?
Yes, you should immediately seek medical attention even if you don’t feel injured after an Uber accident. Many injuries may not show symptoms right away due to adrenaline or shock masking the pain. Some conditions can become serious if left untreated, and seeing a doctor ensures any hidden injuries are identified and documented promptly.
Additionally, getting prompt treatment strengthens your accident claim. Our Berkeley attorneys for Uber accidents can use your medical records to prove that your injuries are related to the accident based on the date you went for a check-up.
Do I Need A Lawyer For An Uber Accident?
You’re not legally required to hire an attorney for your Uber accident. You can file a claim on your own, but this means you must deal with the repercussions of the accident while handling the complex legal procedures, such as:
- Managing and filing paperwork within deadlines.
- Identifying who should compensate you.
- Negotiating with insurance companies.
- Gathering evidence and witness testimonies.
A Berkeley Uber accident attorney can manage the claims process on your behalf. Moreover, experienced lawyers know how to help clients pursue compensation that closely aligns with the value of their case.
How Much Is My Uber Accident Claim Worth?
Every personal injury case is different, which makes it challenging to determine the exact value of your Uber accident claim. However, some factors determine how much money you may be able to pursue, including:
- The nature and severity of your injuries.
- The Uber driver’s degree of negligence.
- Whether you share fault.
- Whether the driver’s actions were deliberate.
- The estimated time away from work.
- Insurance policy limits.
To get a clearer picture of what your claim may be worth, consult with our Berkeley Uber accident lawyers. We can help evaluate the specifics of your case and account for your damages, including both immediate and future losses. Reach out to our law firm to take the first legal step toward recovery.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire An Uber Accident Attorney?
Since every Uber accident case is unique, there is no one way to determine how much hiring an attorney will cost. However, working with Arash Law typically doesn’t require upfront fees. Our Berkeley Uber accident lawyers work under a contingency fee agreement, which means they don’t charge by the hour. Instead, they will take an agreed-upon percentage from a client’s final settlement, and only if they’re awarded one.
With this arrangement, we aim to make our services more accessible for victims who may be hesitant to pursue a claim due to financial concerns. Additionally, it may encourage your attorney to work hard to further your case. However, some case-related costs may still apply under this agreement. We work to clarify this with potential clients before they decide to work with us.
Contact Our Dedicated Uber Accident Lawyers In Berkeley
If you or a loved one is injured in an Uber accident, consider seeking guidance. Rideshare cases can be challenging to handle, with multiple insurance companies often involved and complex legal issues to navigate. Nevertheless, Arash Law’s Berkeley Uber accident lawyers are ready to advocate for your rights.
Headed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., our personal injury attorneys assist clients with everything from identifying liability to negotiating with insurers and taking cases to court if needed. We work to protect their rights throughout the process, prioritizing their fair treatment and avoiding any mistakes that could derail their claims.
You can consult with our experienced Berkeley Uber accident lawyers to gain legal clarity on how to move forward after an accident. Call (888) 488-1391 for a no-cost initial consultation.
Our injury law firm offers services in neighboring areas, including Albany, Piedmont, Oakland, Orinda, Richmond, Alameda, El Sobrante, San Pablo, Moraga, Lafayette, Pinole, Hercules, San Francisco, and Walnut Creek. Our lawyers also represent victims throughout California in various practice areas, including Lyft accidents, slip-and-falls, commercial vehicle collisions, product liability, and more.
