Carlsbad Uber Accident Lawyers
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Our Carlsbad Uber Accident Lawyers Offer Legal Guidance That Puts Victims First
Carlsbad residents use ridesharing apps like Uber because they’re convenient. But even with these services, accidents can occur. Since ridesharing laws and policies are constantly changing, understanding your rights after a crash that causes injury or property loss can be crucial. To learn more about what you may be entitled to, you can give our Carlsbad Uber accident lawyers a call at (888) 488-1391.
Uber allows tourists and locals to hail rides through their app and explore Carlsbad easily. Some of the popular places to visit include Legoland California, The Flower Fields, Carlsbad Village, and Carlsbad State Beach. You can use Uber to travel to these places without the hassle of driving and parking. However, despite its convenience, it cannot always guarantee your safety.
Uber accidents happen all over California. If you’re a victim, our personal injury law firm in Carlsbad offers legal guidance. If someone else causes an accident due to their negligence or recklessness, you may be able to file a personal injury claim and seek compensation.
Our Uber accident lawyers in Carlsbad can help victims learn about their rights. We take pride in our attorneys at Arash Law, who have helped numerous victims in California seek compensation for medical bills, income losses, and pain and suffering caused by rideshare injuries.
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 Hire Our Carlsbad Attorneys For Your Uber Accident Case
Our personal injury lawyers know the inner workings of how to file a rideshare accident claim. We have a deep understanding of the laws governing Uber crashes. We can estimate the potential compensation that you may pursue. With many decades of experience at the negotiation table and in the courtroom, our Uber accident lawyers in Carlsbad also know how to advocate for a victim’s rights during discussions with insurance companies and at-fault parties.
Most Common Types Of Uber Accidents
Uber’s ridesharing service is widely used in Carlsbad. In some cases, however, its trips may result in road incidents that put users at risk of injury.
Here are some of the common types of Uber accidents:
T-Bone Accidents
Uber drivers may make illegal U-turns to get to a location more quickly, turning randomly on sections of the road where their movements are unexpected. This sudden action may cause the rideshare vehicle to collide with oncoming cars. T-bone accidents are most likely to occur at intersections, where multiple lanes of traffic cross or turn at the same time.
To avoid T-bone car accidents, Uber drivers must obey traffic laws, stop when the traffic lights are red, and avoid distractions. If they fail to take these precautions, they may be held accountable for the resulting collision. You can reach out to our Uber accident lawyers in Carlsbad so they can assess whether this issue can help strengthen your case.
Rear-End Collisions
It may be easy to assume that rear-end accidents are automatically the fault of the driver in the back. However, when an Uber driver in front brakes suddenly, illegally, or without allowing the driver behind time to stop, they may cause a collision.
Some of the common causes of rear-end accidents are:
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving
- Driving in inclement weather conditions
- Drunk driving
- Driving while fatigued
Each year, around 1.7 million rear-end collisions happen on roads in the United States. Furthermore, about 1,700 of these collisions cause fatalities, and another 500,000 are injured in the crashes. These may cause more serious injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and head trauma.
Head-On Collisions
When an Uber swerves into the opposite lane, it might crash into oncoming traffic head-on. In most cases, the driver may be taking reckless actions like overtaking or speeding. They might also be driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, making them lose control of their vehicles.
Another common cause of swerving and other dangerous behaviors is fatigue. Uber drivers may work for long hours to earn money and not take proper breaks. When they become drowsy while driving, they may cause accidents. Fatigue also affects the driver’s cognitive functions and slows the body’s reaction time.
The injuries that individuals sustain in head-on collisions can often be severe due to the impact. In some cases, they may result in permanent injuries, such as paralysis or brain injuries, that can significantly alter a victim’s quality of life.
Side-Swipe Collisions
Rideshare vehicles may collide with other vehicles at the sides because of various factors, such as distracted driving, overspeeding, or unexpectedly changing lanes to pick up passengers. Drivers might also change or merge lanes recklessly, fail to use mirrors, check blind spots, or activate their turn signals when appropriate.
These instances of negligence may cause a sideswipe car accident, which can result in minor to severe injuries. However, the consequences could be more grievous if a car slams into bicycles or motorcycles. These riders only have protection in the form of helmets and safety gear, potentially making them more vulnerable to incurring the likes of road rash, broken bones, amputations, lacerations, and more.
Fender-Benders
Fender-benders are more likely to result in minor injuries. Involved parties may try to settle the matter among themselves since these are minor accidents, and they might not want to involve insurance companies.
However, you may wish to seek legal guidance in complicated cases. Our Carlsbad lawyers, who are experienced in filing claims for Uber accidents, offer a free initial case review where you can learn more about the next steps you can take if you’ve been injured.
Common Injuries In An Uber Accident
Injuries sustained from an Uber accident in Carlsbad can range from minor to severe. They may cause victims to face substantial medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses.
If you have been injured, call our experienced Carlsbad lawyers to see if they can aid you in building an Uber accident case. We will consider all the related costs of your injuries and their subsequent effects on your life. Here’s how common car injuries might affect victims:
Neck And Whiplash Injuries
Uber collisions may lead to whiplash and neck injuries due to sudden jerking motions. As a result, victims may experience severe neck pain, stiffness, and long-term problems.
If you suffer from these symptoms following a motor vehicle crash, seek medical attention right away. Doctors will diagnose your condition accurately before the injury gets worse. You can then consider consulting our Carlsbad Uber accident attorneys to see if you can get your medical bills and other losses paid by the negligent party.
Broken Bones
The strong impact of a car collision can cause fractures and broken bones. These injuries can range from mild to severe, requiring different forms of treatment. However, even minor cases might require at least splints or casts. Victims may also have to undergo physical therapy to recover mobility in the affected area.
Fractures often occur in the following body parts:
- Arms & legs
- Ribs
- Spinal column
- Skull
Broken bones can take time to heal and be challenging to deal with. Your doctor will discuss the appropriate treatment and recovery timeline for you, depending on the type of fracture and the severity of the injury.
We understand that long-term treatment may result in significant medical expenses, lost income, and other losses. Our Uber accident attorneys in Carlsbad can assess what financial support you can seek from the at-fault party.
Spinal Cord Damage
The spinal cord plays a crucial role in maintaining your health and well-being. It transmits messages between your brain and nerves throughout your body. If it sustains any type of damage, many aspects of your life can be affected.
Spinal cord injuries are one of the most severe types of injuries that can occur in an Uber accident. They are highly likely to lead to loss of sensation, chronic pain, and other persistent issues. In some cases, they may even lead to partial or complete paralysis at the site of the injury. If you or your loved ones became paralyzed due to an Uber accident, our paralysis lawyers can help you advocate for financial support to manage your condition.
Head Injuries
Uber accidents can result in a variety of head injuries. Of these, traumatic brain injuries are the most common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), TBIs caused by automobile collisions account for nearly 300,000 cases of the 1.7 million diagnosed each year. For individuals aged 5 to 24, car accidents are the leading cause of TBI-related death.
Victims with brain injuries often need long-term care. To cope with the additional expenses, you can discuss your case and understand your avenues for compensation with one of our Carlsbad Uber accident lawyers.
Who Pays For Damages In An Uber Accident?
California is a pure comparative negligence state, which means everyone who contributes to the accident or injuries is responsible for covering damages according to their proportion of fault.
The following are possible liable parties in an Uber accident:
- Uber Driver – The Uber driver may have to pay for damages if their negligence or reckless actions, such as overspeeding, unsafely changing lanes, and driving under the influence, contributed to the accident.
- Uber Company – The rideshare service may be held liable if its driver is actively engaged in Uber’s app. In these cases, third-party liability insurance would kick in.
- Another Driver – If another motorist caused the accident, then they might have to pay for the damages.
- Car Manufacturers – Even the manufacturers of the vehicle can be liable for the accident. Sometimes, a defect in a motor vehicle can cause a collision.
Our Carlsbad Uber accident lawyers are skilled in studying who may be at fault in an accident. With sufficient evidence, they can work toward pursuing compensation for the losses you incurred.
Establishing Negligence In An Uber Accident
Determining liability can be challenging when multiple parties may be responsible for a ridesharing accident. To prove a party is at fault, you need to demonstrate these four elements of negligence in your case:
- The negligent party has a duty to care for the victim. For example, an Uber driver has a duty to keep their passengers and other road users safe.
- There was a breach of this duty. A breach of duty exists when an Uber driver, for instance, fails to take appropriate actions to make each ride safe. To illustrate, they may make an illegal U-turn, exhibiting a neglect of traffic regulations.
- The breach directly caused the accident. Using the example above, you must prove that the Uber driver’s illegal U-turn directly caused the accident.
- The accident resulted in damages. You must show evidence that the accident resulted in physical injuries, mental suffering, or property damage.
If even one element is not established, the case is no longer valid, and you won’t be able to pursue compensation. Our personal injury lawyers have in-depth knowledge of Uber accident rules and regulations in Carlsbad and California. We can help you gather proof and build an evidence-based case.
Uber Insurance Coverage
Uber’s insurance policy provides coverage for its drivers and other people who get involved in an accident. However, it’s not always in full effect; there are only specific instances where it applies.
Here’s Uber’s insurance coverage in more detail:
When The Driver Is Offline
Rideshare accidents that happen when the driver is not actively waiting for a booking are out of Uber’s insurance coverage. In these cases, the driver’s personal auto insurance policy applies.
Uber requires its drivers to have the basic insurance coverage required by the state. This provides up to $5,000 for property damage, $15,000 per injured party, and $30,000 per accident.
When The Driver’s Uber App Is On But Does Not Have A Booking
Uber’s third-party liability insurance coverage applies when the driver gets into an accident while they’re using the app and actively waiting for a booking. Uber’s coverage is as follows:
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
- $50,000 per person per accident
- $100,000 per accident
When The Driver Is En Route Or On A Trip
When Uber drivers get into an accident while en route to pick up a passenger or while on a trip, Uber offers up to $1 million worth of coverage. This goes toward financing expenses related to property damage and injuries for both passengers and drivers.
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
What If The Driver’s Insurance Doesn’t Cover All Of The Damages?
There are cases where an at-fault Uber driver may not have enough insurance to cover a victim’s medical costs. Some individuals might not have an insurance plan to begin with.
To protect yourself in these instances, it can be worth having your own UM/UIM insurance coverage. UM (Uninsured Motorist) coverage pays for your medical expenses if another individual is at fault but does not have insurance coverage. UIM (Underinsured Motorist) coverage, on the other hand, takes effect if the negligent party’s insurance coverage is not enough to cover your losses.
If you have been injured in a rideshare collision and the at-fault party is uninsured or underinsured, our legal team can guide you in this matter. Feel free to reach out to our Uber accident lawyers in Carlsbad if you have any questions or concerns.
Steps To Take After An Uber Accident
There are a few steps you can consider taking after getting injured in a rideshare incident. If you opt to consult one of our Uber accident attorneys in Carlsbad, these actions may help them review your case.
- Assess Your Condition — Check yourself and others involved in the accident for injuries.
- Call 911 to Report the Accident — The Carlsbad Police Department will be dispatched to the scene to ensure your safety and redirect traffic. They will also create a report that can help document the accident.
- Get Emergency Care — Carlsbad paramedics can help with first aid and bring you to the nearest hospital for further medical assistance.
- Gather Evidence — If you can, take pictures, take note of relevant information, and ask for the contact details of any witnesses. You may also file a report on your Uber application regarding the incident.
- Stay Off Social Media — Insurance companies and at-fault parties may check your social media for statements that imply you were responsible for the accident. Such evidence may impact your ability to pursue your claim.
- Consult an Uber Accident Attorney in Carlsbad — Discussing your accident with a legal professional can help you decide what to do next when seeking compensation for damages. If you have a valid claim, hiring a lawyer to handle your case can aid you in tackling the legal complexities involved in pursuing it.
These are just some steps you can take after an Uber accident so you can get the medical attention you need while collecting initial documentation that may be helpful in supporting your claim.
Uber Accident Statistics
Uber accidents are more common than you might think. Despite the company’s reputation for safe and reliable rides, collisions may still occur due to the driver or other negligent parties.
According to Uber’s 2021-2022 safety report, the company recorded 101 fatalities from 91 accidents. The majority of these (32%) involved at least one speeding vehicle. Meanwhile, alcohol-impaired drivers accounted for 23% of these cases.
These fatalities included the following groups:
- Pedestrians – 64%
- Road Users – 42%
- Motorcyclists – 29%
- Bicycle or Scooter Users – 7%
This data reveals that pedestrians are more likely to suffer serious injuries in Uber crashes. If you or a loved one were hurt in such an accident despite not using a rideshare app at the time, you can consult our Carlsbad attorneys. With their experience in assessing Uber accidents and handling related claims, they can help you understand the possible legal actions you can take.
Frequently Asked Questions About Uber Accidents
How Much Is My Uber Accident Claim Worth?
The amount of the personal injury compensation a victim may pursue depends on the severity of their injuries and the extent of the damages incurred following an Uber accident. These may include economic and non-economic damages, such as medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering.
Our Uber accident lawyers in Carlsbad will first assess the validity of your claim before estimating the potential value of your losses.
How Long Does It Take To Settle A Car Accident Claim With Uber?
There is no definitive timeline for settling an Uber accident claim, as it varies on a case-by-case basis. The whole process involves several steps, including investigating the cause of the accident and assessing the severity of your injuries.
Should I Accept The Settlement Offer From Insurance Companies?
It may not be advisable to accept the initial offers given by insurers, as they might be insufficient to cover the losses you incurred. If you have a valid claim, you can ask Arash Law’s Uber accident attorneys to estimate the value of your claim and negotiate on your behalf. If an insurance company reaches out to you to ask you to sign anything or provide a recorded statement, it’s also recommended to politely decline.
What Compensation Can I Pursue If I Have Been Injured In An Uber Accident?
If you or your loved ones are injured in an Uber accident, then you might be able to seek compensation. With the help of personal injury attorneys in Carlsbad, you can learn more about your avenues for compensation.
Here are some of the types of damages that may be incurred as a result of an Uber accident:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Medical expenses and treatments
- Loss of income
- Property damage
Call A Carlsbad Uber Accident Lawyer Near You
Getting into an Uber accident can be life-altering for riders. Reaching out to an Uber accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and potential legal options. You may be able to seek compensation for medical bills and other losses related to your Uber accident.
Arash Law is here to provide legal assistance after an Uber accident in Carlsbad. You can get in touch with us through our contact form or by calling (888) 488-1391.
We also help clients from Sierra County and neighboring areas, including Forest Ranch, Durham, Chico, Oroville, Live Oak, Gridley, Lakeport, Upper Lake, Chester, Westwood, Greenville, Crescent Mills, Foresthill, Nevada City in Nevada County, Penn Valley, Grass Valley, Sutter in Sutter County, Yuba City, Los Molinos, Corning, Red Bluff, Glenn in Glenn County, Willows, and Palermo.
