El Dorado 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.
Dedicated El Dorado County Uber Accident Lawyers Committed To Defending The Injured
Are you suffering from injuries due to an Uber accident? Consider working with experienced El Dorado County Uber accident lawyers to deal with the complexities of filing a claim. Contact Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation.
El Dorado County, a picture of serenity at the Sierra Nevada foothills, is a vibrant place full of history and natural beauty. Gold panning in the American River and reliving the “Great Western Migration” from South Lake Tahoe to Placerville brings in an increasing number of tourists each year. This significantly contributed to the economy and businesses like Uber. However, it also led to an increase in rideshare accidents.
If you are a victim of an Uber accident, Arash Law can review your case. Our El Dorado County Uber accident lawyers are committed to bringing you justice and helping you seek compensation for your injuries.
Settlement in a Under Insured Motorist Claim against ride share company; client suffered spinal injuries– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
Our El Dorado County Uber Accident Lawyers Are Here To Advocate For Your Case
If you’re suffering from injuries due to an Uber accident, the legal complications of dealing with large corporations and insurance providers can be overwhelming. Our El Dorado County Uber accident lawyers are here to help you navigate these challenges and seek fair recompense for your losses.
Here are the things our law firm can do for our clients:
- We thoroughly investigate the accident, interview witnesses, gather evidence, and analyze police reports to build a strong case for your claim.
- Our legal team is prepared to negotiate with rideshare and insurance companies on your behalf, leveraging our legal knowledge to pursue fair compensation.
- We provide personalized attention to your specific needs and the details surrounding your case.
- We have significant experience and knowledge about Uber accident cases and California’s rideshare regulations.
- Our El Dorado County Uber accident lawyers are not only committed to advocating for your rights but also to supporting you with compassion and care.
Our El Dorado Uber accident lawyers can use our strategic skills to help you pursue a favorable outcome for your case.
The Difference Between Uber Accidents And Car Accidents
While one may think Uber accidents and car crashes don’t have much of a difference, our El Dorado County Uber accident lawyers have observed otherwise. We frequently deal with both, allowing us to draw a clearer line between the two different cases.
Ridesharing has a unique nature, involving details that are not present in regular car crashes. It is a commercial activity wherein the Uber driver provides transport in exchange for payment. Rideshare drivers, however, are not considered employees of the company. They’re independent contractors, adding another layer of complexity that may affect liability and insurance coverage.
While Uber provides coverage, the driver must also carry personal insurance. The involvement of multiple insurance companies may complicate things further, especially when other parties are involved with their own policies.
With all these considerations and other unique factors, it can be challenging to file a claim and seek fair compensation. Our El Dorado County Uber accident lawyers are well-versed in the intricacies of the insurance process and are dedicated to holding the responsible parties accountable.
Common Causes Of Uber Accidents In El Dorado County
The popularity of rideshare services continues to rise in El Dorado County, leading to an increase in Uber accidents as well. These incidents may result from the following challenges and hazards commonly faced on the roads of El Dorado County:- Poor Road Conditions — Uber accidents can be attributed to factors on the road, such as a lack of proper signage, wet pavement due to rain, poor maintenance, potholes, or uneven pavement.
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI) — Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs impairs a person’s ability to operate the vehicle safely, possibly leading to collisions.
- Distracted Driving — Texting, eating, talking, and looking at a phone may affect a driver’s ability to react to traffic situations.
- Reckless Driving — Drivers may engage in careless behaviors, such as tailgating, not looking at side mirrors, not using turn signals, and overtaking incorrectly, which may lead to accidents.
- Violating Traffic Laws — Disregarding traffic laws, like running red lights or making illegal turns, compromises the safety of the car’s passengers and the other vehicles sharing the road.
- Driver Fatigue — Uber drivers spend a long time on the road to make a significant income, and doing so may lead to dozing off or overfatigue, affecting their ability to drive safely.
- Mechanical Failures — Cars often experience malfunctions, which may or may not be due to negligence on the driver’s part. However, mechanical failures due to improper maintenance put the liability on the driver.
Types Of Injuries Caused By Uber Accidents
Uber accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, the type and severity of which can vary based on the circumstances of the accident. Our El Dorado County Uber accident lawyers commonly see the following types:
Lacerations And Bruises
These injuries are pretty common in a car accident due to the sudden impact of a collision. Passengers may hit their bodies on the surfaces in the vehicle, or flying shards and objects might hit them. Either way, they usually need medical attention, depending on the severity of the wound.
Victims can seek compensation to cover any medical expenses for treatment, including bandages, stitches, and medication.
Broken Bones
A forceful impact in a collision can lead to severe injuries like broken limbs, ribs, pelvis, or facial bones. These types usually require extensive medical care, which may include surgery and rehabilitation. Medical expenses can be recoverable, but victims may also pursue compensation for lost wages if the injury prevents them from working.
Whiplash
Rear-end collisions, which commonly lead to whiplash, are prevalent in Uber accidents. The sudden back-and-forth movement of the head can cause soft tissue damage in the neck. It is characterized by symptoms like headache, stiffness, and pain in the affected area. Minor cases usually only need ice packs and pain medications. If severe enough, whiplash injuries might require physical therapy and injections.
Head And Brain Injury
Car accidents can cause various types of head trauma, ranging from mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Passengers may suffer blunt force trauma or strike their heads against hard surfaces due to the vehicle’s abrupt deceleration.
Severe cases can lead to memory loss, cognitive impairment, disability, and even death. Immediate medical attention is essential, as well as any succeeding surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing care that the doctors suggest.
Spinal Cord Injury
Trauma to the spinal cord is among the most severe consequences of Uber accidents. Sudden blows or cuts to the spine often lead to loss of sensation, strength, and function below the injury.
In the best-case scenario, a victim may still resume their everyday life after a round of rehabilitation and medical treatments. However, it’s not uncommon for spinal cord injuries to cause paralysis, impaired motor function, and permanent disability.
Internal Injuries
A strong impact or penetration by a sharp object can cause internal damage to the organs, such as the lungs, heart, and kidneys. Such injuries often lead to life-threatening complications requiring surgery, extended hospitalization, and constant care.
Aside from medical expenses, compensation can also include income loss, diminished earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
Wrongful Death
Car accidents, in general, can tragically cause death. In this case, the family members can pursue a wrongful death claim on behalf of the deceased victim.
Wrongful death claims can seek compensation for damages like hospitalization costs prior to the victim’s demise, funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional distress. Such cases allow surviving family members to pursue financial recovery for these losses.
What To Do Following An Uber Accident In El Dorado County
If you find yourself in an Uber collision, our El Dorado County Uber accident lawyers recommend taking the following steps for your safety and potential claim:
- Stay Calm and Check for Injuries — Assess yourself for injuries first, then check the condition of anyone else involved.
- Call Emergency Services — Call the police and paramedics immediately, especially if there are victims requiring medical aid.
- Seek Medical Attention — Traffic accidents can lead to various types of injuries, some of which are not immediately apparent. Make sure you get checked by paramedics even if you believe you don’t have any severe injuries. Follow their instructions, especially when they tell you to go to the hospital. It also leaves a trail of documentation you might need for insurance claims.
- Report the Crash to Uber — You can report the incident through the app. Ask your driver to do the same.
- Get the Contact Information of Any Witnesses — Identify any witnesses in the area and write down their contact details. You may need their testimonies later.
- Gather Evidence — If it’s safe, take photos and videos of the accident scene, including the vehicle, your injuries, road conditions, and any other damages. Note down important information like the location, your Uber ride details, the driver’s license plate number, and so on.
- Report to Your Insurance Provider — Contact your insurance company to report the accident as soon as possible. Cooperate with their investigation, but don’t give more details than what was asked.
- Do Not Admit Fault — Avoid making any statements that can imply you are at fault, including apologizing to anyone.
- Consult Uber Accident Lawyers — El Dorado County Uber accident lawyers can protect your rights and help make the legal process more manageable.
Who Is Liable In An Uber Accident?
Determining liability in Uber accidents can be complex, relying on various factors like the circumstances of the accident and applicable laws. Generally, potential parties who may be liable for an Uber accident are:
- Uber Driver — The driver can be responsible if they caused the accident through recklessness and negligence.
- Other Motorists — If another driver on the road caused the accident instead, they may be held liable for any damages you are suffering from.
- Passenger — In some cases, the passenger may be partially at fault for the accident, such as when they interfere directly with the driving or engage in another behavior that affects the driver’s ability to operate the car safely.
- Uber — The rideshare company’s liability may depend on whether the driver was actively using the app and acting within the scope of their agreement with Uber.
- Third Parties — The responsible party can also be pedestrians, cyclists, or owners of animals if their negligence contributed to the accident.
In many cases, liability is shared among multiple parties, necessitating a thorough investigation. Our skilled and experienced El Dorado County Uber accident lawyers will investigate the circumstances of the accident and help build your case based on the gathered evidence.
Comparative Fault Law In The State Of California
California follows a pure comparative fault system, which means it assigns fault to anyone even partially responsible for the incident. The court will assign each party a percentage of the fault corresponding to the degree of their negligence and damages caused.
Unlike states with modified comparative fault laws, California does not cap the fault at 50%. Injured parties can still collect damages even if they are 99% at fault. However, the compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault.
For example, an injured party is found to be 20% at fault for the Uber accident, and the amount of damages payable is $200,000. In this scenario, the plaintiff may receive $160,000 after subtracting $40,000 (20% of $200,000).
The comparative fault laws aim for an equitable distribution of liability, acknowledging that multiple factors and parties can cause a single Uber accident. At the same time, injured parties can still pursue damages even if they are partially responsible.
To explore your legal options for seeking compensation, get in touch with our El Dorado County Uber accident lawyers.
How Uber’s Insurance Coverage Works
California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) outlines insurance requirements for TNCs that Uber must adhere to. Rideshare services may satisfy these requirements through:
- The driver’s TNC insurance.
- The TNC’s insurance policy provides coverage when (1) is unavailable.
- A combination of (1) and (2).
The rideshare company can provide more coverage, but not less than the required amount. For Uber drivers and passengers, the insurance coverage varies based on which phase the driver is in.
Period 0 – Driver Is Offline
Drivers are considered to be operating the vehicle for personal use when they’re logged out of the Uber app. In this case, the rideshare service doesn’t provide coverage, and the driver’s automobile insurance takes effect.
Period 1 – Driver Is Online And Waiting For A Match
If an accident happens while the driver is logged on but without a passenger, Uber covers the following amounts:
- $50,000 for death and personal injury per person.
- $100,000 for death and personal injury per accident for injuries.
- $25,000 per accident for property damage.
In California, TNCs like Uber must also provide extra coverage of at least $200,000 per accident to cover any liability from using the app.
Period 2 – Driver Is En Route To Pick Up A Passenger
When the driver gets a match and is on their way to the pickup location, Uber provides primary commercial insurance of up to $1,000,000.
Period 3 – Passenger Is On The Vehicle
Once the passenger gets on the vehicle and until they get off, Uber provides uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage of $1,000,000. This is in addition to the primary commercial insurance of $1,000,000.
Gil v. Anderson Plumbing: verdict by a Los Angeles County Superior Court jury in Van Nuys awarded to a man who was injured when his vehicle was struck from behind by a large commercial plumbing van. Benny was part of the trial team that obtained this verdict.– BENNY KHORSANDI
Covered Expenses In Uber Accidents
Rideshare-related accidents can lead to various types of losses. The actual amount depends on the specific circumstances surrounding the accident and the applicable insurance policies. Our El Dorado Uber accident attorneys can help clients file claims for the following damages:
- Medical Treatment — For personal injuries, you can claim damages for any medical expenses you incur, including doctor fees, hospital bills, surgery, medication, and rehabilitation.
- Lost Income and Earning Potential — Any earnings lost – present and future – due to the injury can be a part of your claim.
- Property Damage — Victims can seek compensation for repairs and replacement of damaged property, including vehicles and personal belongings.
- Pain and Suffering — The physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional distress caused by the Uber accident can be compensated.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life — The accident may lead to injuries that severely affect the victim’s ability to enjoy life as usual.
- Funeral Expenses — In cases where the Uber accident leads to death, the surviving family members can seek compensation for the funeral and burial expenses of the victim through a wrongful death claim.
- Other Necessary Costs — A victim may require home modifications, round-the-clock care, domestic help, and other expenses that can help them manage their injury.
Coming up with an actual figure for all damages will be challenging. Nevertheless, our Uber accident lawyers in El Dorado County will evaluate your case and file a claim for the damages you seek.
Statute Of Limitations In El Dorado County For Uber Accident Cases
The deadlines may vary depending on the state and the type of legal claim. If you’re involved in an Uber accident in California, the statute of limitations is two years for a personal injury and three years for property damage.
The statute of limitations sets a time limit for legal claims after an event. The purpose of this deadline is to allow a reasonable timeframe for bringing an alleged wrongdoing to court. It helps promote fairness by preventing parties from making outdated claims where evidence and witnesses may no longer be available.
However, some exceptions or extensions might apply to Uber accidents:
- The statute of limitations can be extended if the injury was discovered later than the date of the accident.
- The deadline can be tolled (delayed) if the defendant is a minor at the time of the accident. In this case, it will run once they turn 18.
- If the defendant is out of state, in prison, or insane, the deadline will be delayed until they return to the state, get out of prison, or are no longer insane.
- Suppose the accident was caused by factors like poor road maintenance that fall under the government’s responsibility. In that case, you only have six months to file a special claim with the respective agency.
Given that time is of the utmost importance, it’s so important to talk to a knowledgeable legal team as soon as you can. Figuring out the deadline and whether tolling applies to you is a challenging task, as well. Talk to our El Dorado County Uber accident lawyers so we can carefully review your case and give you professional advice.
Statistics For El Dorado County Traffic Accidents
As the County of El Dorado continues to evolve, so too does the occurrence of traffic incidents – from South Lake Tahoe to Shingle Springs. In 2022, data from the California Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) show that:
- There were a total of 877 traffic accidents leading to fatalities and injuries in El Dorado County.
- 658 fatal and injury crashes have been reported.
- 137 of the incidents involved alcohol, while 12 involved drugs.
- 47 accidents were attributed to distracted driving.
- Speed-related accidents totaled 271.
- 94 motorcyclists were involved in accidents.
These numbers may be lower than in other parts of California, but they are still significant. This is especially true when you consider that the number of tourists visiting El Dorado is expected to increase in the coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions About El Dorado County Uber Accidents
How Much Can You Get For Compensation After An Uber Accident?
Uber accidents are complicated, and no two cases lead to the same compensation value. Our skilled El Dorado County Uber accident attorneys can help estimate an amount, but the final settlement will depend on the following factors:
- Extent and severity of injuries.
- Covered damages.
- Fault percentages of all involved parties as per the comparative negligence law.
- Policy limits and coverage thresholds of the insurance carried by the Uber driver, Uber, and other involved parties.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Lawyer For An Uber Accident?
At Arash Law, we understand that a crash can put you and your family at a financial loss. That’s why when you hire our Uber accident lawyers in El Dorado County, you don’t need to pay us any upfront costs. Instead, we represent victims on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid after you obtain the settlement or award for your claim. This fee comes from a percentage of that settlement, so there is no fixed amount. However, you may still be responsible for other costs associated with your case.
How Long Do Uber Accident Settlements Take?
The time it takes to reach a settlement varies widely based on several factors, making it challenging to come up with an accurate timeline. While some cases are resolved relatively quickly, others may take significantly longer. Some factors that may influence the duration are as follows:
- The severity of the injuries may take longer to determine the full extent of the treatment and prognosis of the victim.
- The time it takes to negotiate a fair settlement amount can take longer if the insurance companies are being extra tricky.
- Disputes over the liability may occur, especially if there are multiple parties involved.
- Other legal proceedings, such as mediation, arbitration, or litigation, may be required.
It’s not uncommon for Uber and insurance companies to drag out the process as long as they can, often using strategies designed to challenge your claim or minimize its value. Our El Dorado County Uber accident lawyers understand rideshare company procedures and recognize how such actions can take a toll on your physical, mental, and financial status. We will strive to protect your interests and make this experience more manageable for you.
Call Our Dedicated Uber Accident Lawyers In El Dorado County!
Uber accidents happen, but this doesn’t mean you must suffer as a victim for the rest of your life. It’s important to remember you have rights and legal options to pursue. This is where our knowledgeable El Dorado County Uber accident lawyers come in. We will advocate for your rights and pursue accountability from the responsible parties.
With our experienced legal team by your side, you may be able to seek fair compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses. Our Uber accident attorneys will advocate for your rights and guide you throughout the legal process.
Contact Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 for your free initial consultation. Arash Law also represents Uber accident victims in these areas: Tahoe City, Carson City, Indian Hills, Garnerville, Markleeville, Bear Valley, Pioneer, Sutter Creek, Jackson, Plymouth, Elk Grove, Galt, Sacramento, Folsom, Roseville, Lincoln, Wheatland, Colfax, and Gold Run.
