Butte County 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.
Butte County Uber Accident Lawyers Helping Injured Victims Navigate The Claims Process
Rideshares make traveling more convenient in Butte County, but they also increase traffic collision risks. Uber accidents typically involve multiple parties and insurance companies, which may include the rideshare giant itself. This could result in a more complicated legal approach. If you got injured in an Uber crash, reach out to Arash Law’s Butte County Uber accident lawyers for assistance in pursuing compensation. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free case review.
Butte County is known for its diverse landscape, encompassing populated cities like Chico and Oroville, peaceful rural areas, and scenic attractions like Bidwell Park. The growing tourist activity contributes to a busy transportation network where ridesharing services like Uber are becoming increasingly popular.
Arash Law is here to offer you a helping hand if you’re injured in an Uber accident. If you have a valid claim, we’ll work to gather evidence and consult experts to build a case for you. The goal is to help you pursue compensation that closely aligns with your injuries and losses.
Do you want to know if you have a viable case? Fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form and let our Butte County Uber accident attorneys evaluate your situation.
A farm worker, suffered multiple broken bones and other orthopedic injuries resulting from an auto accident where the defendant driver attempted to make a left turn in front of our client in heavy fog.– ARASH KHORSANDI
Why Work With Our Experienced Butte County Uber Accident Lawyers?
Victims of Uber accidents may be left overwhelmed with medical needs, financial burdens, and legal issues. Our experienced attorneys can guide you through the processes you could undertake to pursue compensation in light of these challenges. We seek to hold the responsible parties accountable and advocate for your rights at every step of the claims process.
If you were recently injured in an Uber accident, you may contact us for a free initial consultation. We’ll review your case. If it’s valid, we can help you file a claim, negotiate a settlement, and assist with litigation if necessary.
What Not To Do After An Uber Accident In Butte County
We recognize that Uber accidents can leave victims in a state of shock. Intense emotions could potentially cloud your judgment, especially when you’re injured. Our Butte County Uber accident lawyers have listed these three mistakes to avoid in the event of a car crash:
- Admitting Fault — Words like “I’m so sorry” or “My bad” can easily slip after a frightening Uber accident. These could be seen as an admission of fault and may weaken your claim for compensation.
- Discussing the Possible Cause of the Accident — Even if it’s evident who the at-fault party is, discussing the accident altogether can be dangerous when filing your claim. Your statements might be used against you. Thus, consider only sharing your opinions of the accident with your Uber accident lawyer.
- Confronting Other Drivers and Passengers — Whether a driver or a passenger, never give in to road rage. Heightened emotions can lead to dangerous confrontations in the case of a traffic accident. Let our Butte County Uber accident attorneys and insurance companies sort out the issues.
What To Do To Protect Your Rights After An Uber Accident
If you’re looking for general guidelines for what you should do immediately after an Uber accident, consider the following:
- Prioritize Your Safety — Car accidents can be followed by another, which is why you and everyone else involved should move to safety. If possible, help anyone who needs it.
- Call 911 — In any emergency event, including Uber accidents, it’s crucial to call for help immediately. Emergency medical responders like paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are certified to determine and assist anyone injured. Further, law enforcement will provide documentation of the scene, and cooperating could help protect your legal rights. In addition, information can be exchanged with other parties involved.
- Get Immediate Medical Attention — There’s a high chance that you’ve sustained injuries after an Uber accident, even if they’re not visible. EMTs and first responders can help identify your injuries and take you to a hospital right away. Let the officers and our skilled Uber accident lawyers in Butte County handle everything else. Don’t delay necessary medical care.
Causes Of Uber Accidents Butte County Lawyers Often See
Reckless driving is one of the most common causes of Uber accidents. This is a result of the driver’s negligence or the failure to act with a duty of care.
Some of the common reasons behind Uber accidents our Butte County lawyers have worked on include:
Distracted Driving
Simple actions like changing the radio station, talking to passengers, or texting can lead to a loss of focus. This lack of attention on the road increases the risk of accidents and contributed to 148 fatal crashes in 2022.
Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol leaves drivers unable to react or make decisions safely. Drunk drivers are even more prone to Uber accidents when they cannot control their speed. In 2020, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported over 90,000 DUI violations.
It’s considered illegal to drive with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level of 0.08% or more. However, having less does not mean it’s safe or legal.
- 0.01% to 0.04% May Be DUI — This BAC range may negatively affect visual functions and the ability to perform two tasks at the same time.
- 0.05% to 0.07% Likely DUI — The further BAC levels get close to 0.08%, the further the driver’s coordination is reduced.
Car Manufacturing Defects
All manufactured vehicles must meet federal safety guidelines. When manufacturing and design defects cause motor vehicle collisions, manufacturers could be held liable for the accident. Flaws may include low roof crush resistance, faulty tires, and acceleration and braking issues.
Poor Road Conditions
Hazards like uneven road surfaces or potholes sometimes lead to Uber accidents. These personal injury cases usually involve the local government responsible for maintaining safe roadways.
Rural roads are common in Butte County. If an Uber-related accident happens because of these conditions, our Butte County lawyers who handle Uber accidents can help you file your case in a timely manner. According to California’s statute of limitations, you only have six months to initiate your claim if it involves government entities.
Speeding
Driving too fast not only risks an accident but also significantly raises the possibility of catastrophic or deadly injuries. About 9,378 were killed in speeding-related traffic accidents in 2018, according to a joint report from Berkeley and the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). If you were a rideshare passenger and noticed your Uber driver speeding before an accident, it’s best to mention this to your Uber lawyers. They could confirm this through the car’s GPS data.
Dangerous Roads In Butte County, California
Since 2018, the CHP has reported more than 15 traffic fatalities throughout Butte County and its neighboring counties. Many of these happened on Highway 99 and were attributed to speeding, unsafe passing over double-yellow lines, and DUI.
One potential reason for the highway’s high death rate is its two-lane nature. Head-on collisions are more likely to occur when drivers attempt to pass slower vehicles.
Another dangerous road would be Highway 70, a 25-mile stretch between Marysville and Oroville. Within the last decade, 34 fatalities have been reported on this narrow two-lane highway. Slower-moving trucks and farm equipment frequently travel this route, which might make impatient drivers unsafely overtake them and cause accidents with oncoming traffic.
More notable dangerous roads include Highway 162, Highway 192, and Highway 32. Beyond highways, Skyway, East Gridley Road, and Foothill Boulevard have also seen many car crashes, possibly including Uber vehicles.
Be cautious when booking rides that take these roads. Always keep your safety in mind and call our Uber accident lawyers in Butte County if any accidents occur.
Uber Insurance Coverage In Butte County
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has mandated that Uber provide insurance coverage to their drivers and passengers. In the event of an accident, the applicable policy limits of coverage required are based on three periods:
- Period 1 is when the driver is logged into the app but has not accepted a ride and has no passengers in the vehicle. In these situations where the Uber driver is at fault, Uber must carry liability coverage of at least $50,000 for personal injury or death per person, $100,000 for the accident, and $30,000 for property damage. Some of these may involve pedestrians or other vehicles.
- Period 2 is when the application is on, the driver has matched with a passenger, and is en route. Uber must carry liability coverage of $1,000,000 for personal injury, death, and property damage, and $1,000,000 for uninsured motorist coverage.
- In Period 3, the accident occurs when the driver is transporting a passenger. The coverage is the same as in Period 2.
Please note that, if you’re eligible to file a claim against Uber, the amount of compensation you pursue will depend on your losses and not the full extent of the policy limits listed above.
There’s also what’s known as Period 0, when an accident occurs while the Uber driver is not logged into the app. For these incidents, the driver’s own insurance policy will cover the victim’s damages. As per California Insurance Code §11580.1b, the required insurance should cover $30,000 for injury/death to one person, $60,000 for injury/death to more than one person, and $15,000 for damage to property.
Our Uber accident lawyers in Butte County can clarify which policies and coverage limits may apply to your case.
How Much Is Your Uber Accident Claim Worth In Butte County?
In the event of an Uber accident, placing an actual value on your injuries and losses is subject to investigations, assessment, and analysis. In general, the potential value of an Uber accident claim will vary depending on the facts and circumstances of the situation.
Arash Law’s Butte County Uber accident attorneys can help you identify the economic and non-economic damages you may be entitled to seek. These may include:
- Past and Future Medical Expenses
- Lost Potential Earnings
- Rehabilitation Costs
- Domestic Care for Children (if any)
- Physical Pain and Suffering
- Temporary and Permanent Disability
- Emotional Distress
- Psychological Trauma
- Grief and Loss of Consortium
Compensation also differs depending on the injuries victims are suffering from. Common injuries include:
- Whiplash And Neck Injuries
- Fractures and Broken Bones
- Head Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Crush Injuries
Can I Claim Punitive Damages In Uber Accident Cases?
Victims can claim punitive damages in rare cases where the liable party is proven to have committed willful or malicious acts that led to the accident. Pursuing them will involve proving the defendant’s gross negligence, malice, fraud, or intent to harm in a court of law. These damages often serve as a punishment to discourage future similar actions.
Our Uber accident attorneys in Butte County can give you an estimate of the value of your claim. If necessary, they may represent you in court and advocate for your rights.
Who Can Be Liable In An Uber Accident In Butte County, California?
In most Uber-related collisions, the Uber driver can be liable for your injuries. However, depending on the kind of accident, Uber or the company itself could also be partially at fault. Other entities that might also be responsible for the crash are:
- The driver of another car.
- The equipment manufacturer of the car.
- The city, state, or county, if damaged roads caused the accident.
- Multiple drivers, if more than one were responsible for the accident.
What Are The Vehicle Accident Compensation Laws In Butte County?
Uber accident claims must prove that the driver or other responsible parties contributed to the accident. California, including Butte County, operates under the rule of pure comparative negligence.
Essentially, it means that the judge or jury determines the level of fault for all responsible parties and reduces their liability accordingly. If, for example, a judge or jury confirmed that you were 20% at fault for the Uber accident, you would only be entitled to seek 80% of the damages. In simple terms, if your damages were valued at $100,000, you are entitled to pursue only $80,000 since you were partially at fault.
Our Butte County lawyers can coordinate an independent investigation into your Uber accident. We’ll use it to gather evidence that could support your claim and resolve liability disputes that may arise.
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
The Statute Of Limitations For Uber Accidents In Butte County
Two years may seem like a long time to file a lawsuit. However, that time can easily fly by when you’re in the process of preparing your case and making initial attempts to negotiate a settlement. That’s especially true since certain exceptions to the statute of limitations could extend or even shorten the two-year time frame in your case. If you fail to file on time, you’re likely to lose your right to pursue compensation in court.
Reaching out to our Uber accident lawyers in Butte County early on can help you understand the deadlines that apply to your case. They can also assist with gathering and documenting all related evidence. Most evidence, such as surveillance footage from nearby shops, residences, and even dashcams, can disappear after a short period. If you wait too long to bring legal action, you may lose critical evidence that can benefit your case.
Butte County Uber Accident FAQs
Can I Pursue Compensation If I’m A Passenger In An Uber?
Yes, rideshare passengers injured in Uber accidents are covered by Uber’s insurance policy. When injured in Butte County, contact our Uber accident lawyers. We can handle your case and offer legal assistance.
How Much Is An Uber Accident Case Worth?
Quantifying the potential worth of Uber accident claims and lawsuits often involves multiple variables, like medical costs and lost wages. Every case has a different value. Our Uber accident attorneys in Butte County can come up with an estimate of your damages and build a case for you.
Reach Out To Butte County Uber Accident Lawyers At Arash Law
Butte County’s rural roads present risks for Uber accidents for passengers and drivers alike. We understand the impact such cases can have on your life, especially if you suffered catastrophic injuries. That’s why we handle all our cases with a client-focused approach: we aim to pursue compensation that addresses a victim’s unique needs after an accident.
If you or a loved one was injured in an Uber crash, reach out to us. We are ready to review your case and, if you have a valid claim, advocate for your rights as you pursue compensation for your losses. You may contact us for a free case evaluation to analyze your case and discuss the courses of action available to you. We work on a contingency fee basis. If you sign on as one of our clients, you won’t have to pay attorney fees unless your case resolves with compensation. That means there are no upfront costs, but some case-related fees may apply regardless of how your case concludes.
Contact Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our online contact form. Did you get into an Uber accident outside of Butte County? We also serve other areas, including Red Bluff, Los Molinos, Vina, Orland, Elk Creek, Stonyford, Willows, Maxwell, Williams, Arbuckle, Princeton, Colusa, Sutter, Live Oak, Yuba City, Wheatland, Beale AFB, Nevada, Colfax, Greenville, and Crescent Mills. You can also consult with us about accidents that take place elsewhere in California.
