Del Norte County Uber Accident Lawyers
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Dedicated Del Norte County Uber Accident Lawyers Fighting For The Average Joe
In recent years, more people have been using Uber for convenient transportation. Sadly, this growth in popularity is directly proportionate to the increase in Uber-related accidents. Our Del Norte County Uber accident lawyers are here to help you pursue compensation for injuries and damages, even if it means facing the rideshare giant head-on. Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 to discuss your case in a free initial consultation.
Del Norte County is located in the far northwestern corner of California along the Pacific coast. In addition to its rich history shaped by Azorean Portuguese explorers and dairy farmers, the county is also home to vast forests of giant Coast Redwoods. The region is known for its unique plants and animals, pristine rivers, historic lighthouses, and primitive rocky beaches. Unfortunately, even in such a serene setting, Uber accidents remain a concern.
Arash Law, founded by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., has a proven success record. Our team is dedicated to securing justice and fair settlements for the average Joe. We’ve assisted many accident victims in recovering over $500 Million in compensation over the years. The good part? We work on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay if we win your case. If you need legal assistance after an Uber accident in Del Norte County, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Let Arash Law guide you through the legal process with the expertise and care you deserve.
Settlement in motor vehicle accident in a Under Insured Motorist Claim against a ride share company; client suffered spinal injuries– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
Do You Need Experienced Del Norte County Uber Accident Lawyers On Your Side?
When dealing with Uber accidents or personal injury cases, in general, it’s essential to have lawyers who know your legal rights and are fully committed to fighting for you. The Del Norte County Uber accident attorneys at our law firm do precisely that. We are ready to negotiate with insurance companies and ensure you get the compensation you deserve after an accident.
When you decide to onboard with us, we will handle everything:
- Cover reasonable costs upfront
- Review insurance contracts
- Negotiate with the insurance company
- Conduct legal research and document key points
- Manage paperwork and form submissions
- Gather and preserve critical pieces of evidence, like surveillance footage, photos, police reports, and medical records.
- Develop a winning strategy with you and execute the next steps toward resolution
- Create a settlement demand package to secure proper compensation
- Prepare for courtroom litigation in Del Norte, if necessary
If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for loss of work, injuries, pain and suffering, and long-term medical treatment. We can help you secure all of these to help you recover and move on from the accident.
Why Choose Our Del Norte County Uber Accident Attorneys For Your Claim?
If you get in an accident with an Uber vehicle, filing a claim through the rideshare company or the driver’s insurance might not get you the compensation you deserve. Insurance companies usually aim to settle for as little as possible. It’s a good idea to consult with one of our experienced Uber accident lawyers in Del Norte County before filing a claim.
Our attorneys will help you fight for the full compensation owed to you by gathering evidence to show who was at fault for the accident, demonstrating the injuries caused, and proving how these affected your life. Essentially, they will show that the driver owed you a duty of care, that they breached that duty, and that your injuries were caused by the accident. If tackling these elements on your own feels tough, hiring our Del Norte County Uber accident lawyers right away is the way to go.
Common Types Of Uber Accidents In Del Norte County, CA
Two types of Uber-related accidents are commonly seen in California. The first type is when a driver is rear-ended by another car. This is usually due to the Uber driver stopping and the other driver not paying attention and rear-ending them. Another common type of accident is when an Uber driver hits a pedestrian.
Our personal injury attorneys in Del Norte handled a lot of Uber accidents, including the following:
- The Uber driver hit another car
- Another car crashed into the Uber vehicle with a passenger
- The Uber vehicle collided with a stationary object
Leading Causes Of Uber Accidents In California
Ridesharing services have potential issues due to various factors, most of which are related to their drivers. Uber, for instance, often hires large numbers of drivers at once. Unfortunately, some of these drivers may lack the necessary experience and training to ensure safe passenger transport. While Uber rides may be more cost-effective than taxis, the drivers have a particular way of navigating heavy California traffic that might need to be safer for people using the same roads.
The following issues contribute to the risk of Uber accidents in California:
- Distracted Driving – Uber drivers often use their smartphones for ride acceptance and navigation, which can be a significant distraction. It is mainly used when the vehicle is in motion.
- Reckless Driving – Some Uber drivers choose to drive faster over safety in an effort to maximize their earnings, causing speeding accidents. Certain drivers even weave through traffic carelessly, which adds another risk.
- Inadequate Vehicle Maintenance – Uber drivers are responsible for keeping their vehicles in good working order. Neglected routine maintenance can lead to equipment failures, such as blown tires or brake issues.
- Weather Conditions – Drivers must adjust to inclement weather to prevent accidents. Traveling too fast during rainy days increases the likelihood of a crash.
- Operating While Intoxicated – There have been instances of Uber drivers driving under the influence, posing a severe risk to passengers and others on the road.
If you’re facing medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering after an accident, consult with our experienced Del Norte County Uber accident lawyers. They can help you pursue compensation from the at-fault parties or their insurance providers.
What To Do After A Del Norte County Uber Accident
It’s normal to feel lost after getting involved in an Uber crash. Due to shock, you may forget what to do next. Despite this, remaining calm and collecting yourself together is essential to manage this stressful situation effectively. After the accident, do the following steps and ensure your safety is secured and your rights to compensation are protected:
- Move to a safe spot if possible and check for injuries.
- Call the police and request medical help if needed.
- Stay at the scene and talk to authorities, but don’t admit fault.
- Take pictures of damages and injuries.
- Get contact details from all drivers and witnesses.
- Seek immediate medical attention, even if you feel okay, and follow prescribed treatment.
- Report the accident to your insurance, but don’t make recorded statements or accept offers without legal help.
- Report the incident to Uber.
- Connect with our Uber accident lawyers in Del Norte County for legal support in seeking compensation from the negligent parties.
Damages To Recover In Del Norte County Uber Accident Cases
After filing a claim against Uber, victims are entitled to compensatory damages, which can be categorized into economic and non-economic damages. Your Del Norte County Uber accident lawyers will carefully assess your case to ensure all your losses are adequately compensated.
Economic Damages
- The costs of hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and other necessary medical treatments
- Compensation for the income lost due to the inability to work during the recovery period
- Damages to the victim’s vehicle or personal property, including repair or replacement costs
Non-economic Damages
- The emotional distress experienced as a result of the accident.
- Lasting impacts on the victim’s quality of life.
- Loss of consortium or relationship
Special Damages
Additionally, punitive damages may be awarded in cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly reckless. These damages aim to punish the wrongdoer and discourage similar conduct in the future instead of compensating the victims.
Wrongful Death
In tragic instances where an Uber accident results in a fatality, wrongful death claims become applicable. Damages sought in such claims may include covering the costs associated with the funeral and burial of the deceased as well as compensating surviving family members for the financial contributions the deceased would have provided.
Uber’s Insurance Coverage For Accidents In California
Insurance rules for rideshare companies like Uber are different from regular drivers. While non-rideshare drivers are required to have a minimum insurance policy of $15,000/$30,000 for bodily injury and $5,000 for property damage, Uber’s insurance coverage for accidents depends on specific periods.
Claims involving Uber can be tricky, as it depends on the driver’s status during an accident. The dedicated Uber accident attorneys Del Norte County will ensure you understand all the technicalities:
- Period 0 is when the driver is offline and not working. When not working for Uber, coverage is limited to the driver’s policy, with no additional Uber coverage.
- Period 1 is when the driver is logged in on the app and waiting for a ride request. Once the driver is logged in on the app and an accident happens, Uber’s insurance covers bodily injury damages up to $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 in property damage.
- Period 2 is when the driver accepts a ride request. When driving for Uber, the $1 million liability policy and $1 million uninsured/underinsured motorist (UI/UIM) coverage apply from the moment the driver accepts a ride request and travels to the passenger’s location. The at-fault driver’s insurance coverage is subtracted from the victim’s damages, and Uber’s policy covers the remaining damages.
- Period 3 is when the driver is transporting a passenger. The coverage in Period 2 also applies when the Uber driver is transporting the passenger until the drop-off is completed.
Dealing with Uber’s insurance company can be stressful for accident victims. Our Del Norte County Uber accident lawyers can help you understand your legal options amid the fine print of these policies.
Who Should Be Held Liable In An Uber Accident?
The process of determining liability in an Uber accident involves various factors. The challenge in resolving claims involving Uber collisions arises due to multiple insurance entities, such as Uber’s insurance, the driver’s insurance, and potentially other drivers’ insurance.
- Uber Driver – The Uber driver can be held liable if their negligence and recklessness directly contributed to the accident.
- Other Drivers – In the event that another driver is at fault in an accident, their insurance may cover damages.
- Rideshare Company (Uber) – Uber may be held liable for accidents caused by issues related to the app, driver screening, corporate negligence, or when its driver was actively working during the accident. Their insurance policy could cover damages beyond the driver’s coverage.
- Insurance Entities – Various parties, including Uber, Uber drivers, and potentially other drivers’ insurance, may share liability based on the circumstances of the accident.
- Local Authorities – In cases where poor road conditions or inadequate signage contribute to the accident, local authorities may be held liable for negligence in maintaining safe roads.
Seeking legal guidance from our Del Norte County Uber accident lawyers is crucial in determining the responsible parties and ensuring a fair claims process.
Can You Sue Uber For An Accident?
We feel for what you’re going through right now. It’s tough dealing with an accident involving a big company with vast resources. But you do have the right to sue Uber for injuries or wrongful death, whether you were in the car, a pedestrian, or in another vehicle.
It’s your call on whether to go for a lawsuit or an insurance claim, but it can be tricky to negotiate a settlement. Our Del Norte County Uber accident lawyers will give you the help you need. We’ll guide you through the steps to sue for compensation.
Proving Liability In Del Norte County Uber Accident Cases
Uber is different from regular taxi companies because Uber drivers are considered independent contractors, not employees. This creates debates about how much responsibility Uber has for its drivers’ actions and who should pay for damages in accidents caused by Uber drivers.
After an Uber accident in California, it’s crucial to know that the state follows a fault system. This means the person responsible for the accident must pay for damages. To get compensation, the injured person needs to show:
- The at-fault party owed them a duty of care.
- The at-fault party broke that duty of care.
- The breach directly caused the accident.
- The accident resulted in actual damages like medical expenses.
Because California follows this system, all drivers, including Uber drivers, must have liability insurance. In case of an accident, the at-fault party or their insurance is responsible for covering the damages of the plaintiff.
When in doubt about the process, consult with one of the best Uber accident lawyers Del Norte County has to offer.
April 2019: $14M settlement in a traumatic brain injury case involving a defective piece of equipment at a factory.– BRIAN BEECHER
What Are My Options After An Uber Crash?
Your options for getting compensation after a collision with Uber depend on what happened during the accident. For example, if you were walking when you were hit by an Uber vehicle, you could file a claim under Uber’s liability coverage. If no settlement is reached, you can file a lawsuit. If you are driving when you get hit, you may also follow a similar procedure. Should you need clarification on your situation or need guidance, let our Del Norte County Uber accident lawyers lay out your legal options.
Statute Of Limitations For Uber Accident Claims In California
While the general time limit for filing personal injury claims in California is two years, exceptions exist that can either shorten or extend the timeframe for legal action.
For instance, if your accident resulted from the negligence of state or city road maintenance, your claim against the local government faces a significantly shorter statute of limitations—just six months. Taking prompt action is crucial to hold the relevant agency accountable.
However, there are situations where the statute of limitations may be extended in California:
- Claims Involving Minors – If a minor is injured in a car accident, the statute of limitations starts when the child turns 18.
- Lack Of Mental Capacity – For individuals lacking mental capacity, the statute of limitations is delayed until they regain legal competency.
Given the varying circumstances that can affect the statute of limitations, it’s essential to speak with our Del Norte County Uber accident lawyers to start your legal claim as soon as possible.
Uber Accident Statistics
- Inexperienced Drivers,
- Intoxicated Drivers (DUI),
- Speeding,
- Poor Road Conditions,
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance.
However, as Uber services become more prominent, their suggested benefits also show promise:
- Reducing DUI-related accidents by 15% to 62% per year.
- Reducing traffic fatalities by 4 % and over 6% for alcohol-related traffic fatalities in the United States in 2019.
- Reducing 16% of traffic fatalities in metropolitan areas.
FAQs About Del Norte County Uber Accidents
What If I’m A Passenger In An Uber Accident?
If you’re a passenger and have sustained significant injuries in an Uber accident, you may be eligible for compensation. It is crucial to consult with skilled Del Norte County Uber accident lawyers to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
I Don’t Feel Any Pain After My Uber Accident. Should I See A Doctor?
Injuries can sometimes take hours or even days to develop. It’s advisable to seek prompt medical attention from a professional after any accident to ensure your well-being. This also helps document any potential injuries.
An Uber Driver Struck Me. Are They Liable?
Whether you were walking or in your vehicle when struck by an Uber, the ridesharing company’s insurance policy may be responsible for covering the damages. Consulting with our Uber accident attorneys in Del Norte County can guide you through the process of claiming compensation.
Get Legal Help From Our Top-Rated Uber Accident Lawyers In Del Norte County
Arash Law specializes in handling different accident cases, including Uber-related ones. We recognize the challenges involved in accidents with rideshare companies. The claims process often involves multiple insurance entities, such as that of the company, the rideshare driver, a third-party driver, and possibly your own.
An experienced attorney is essential when dealing with the complications of determining liability, filing claims, negotiating damages, or taking the case to court. Our skilled Del Norte County Uber accident lawyers, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., possess the expertise and knowledge necessary to handle your case with the care it deserves. Contact us today at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form for a free, no-obligation case review.