El Dorado County Uber Accident Lawyers
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Powerful El Dorado County Uber Accident Lawyers Defending The Injured
Are you suffering from injuries due to an Uber accident? You need highly competent El Dorado County Uber accident lawyers to deal with the complexities of filing a claim. Contact Arash Law today 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 bring 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 trusted El Dorado County Uber accident lawyers are committed to bringing you justice and securing the compensation you deserve.
Settlement in a Under Insured Motorist Claim against ride share company; client suffered spinal injuries– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
Our Trusted El Dorado County Uber Accident Lawyers Are Here To Help You Get The Money You Deserve
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. Don’t worry; our El Dorado County Uber accident lawyers are here to help you navigate these challenges and obtain the highest compensation for all damages.
- 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 highly experienced in negotiating with Uber and insurance companies, leveraging our expertise to ensure fair compensation.
- We provide personalized attention to your specific needs and the details surrounding your case.
- We have a wealth of experience and knowledge about Uber accident cases and California’s rideshare regulations.
- Our El Dorado County Uber accident lawyers are not only dedicated to fighting for your rights aggressively but also to supporting you with compassion and care.
Let our El Dorado Uber accident lawyers handle your case. With a 99% proven success rate, we will use our extensive strategic skills to help you achieve the best outcome possible.
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.
And let’s not put it past Uber and its insurance company to make the process more difficult. The rideshare service will first investigate whether its driver is at fault or not. They will do their best to implicate you and the other parties, even going so far as manipulating statements.
With all these considerations and other unique factors, it can be challenging to file a claim and get fair compensation. That’s why you need our experienced El Dorado County Uber accident lawyers by your side. We are well-versed in the nuances of the insurance process, and we will tirelessly fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Common Causes Of Uber Accidents In El Dorado County
- Poor Road Conditions – Uber accidents can be attributed to factors on the road, such as lack of proper signage, wet pavement due to rain, poor maintenance, potholes, or uneven pavement.
- Driving Under the Influence – 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 – Uber drivers may engage in reckless 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 passenger and the other vehicles sharing the road.
- Driver Fatigue – Uber drivers spend a long time on the road to make significant income, which 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
Lacerations and Bruises
Victims can seek compensation to cover any medical expenses for treatment, including bandages, stitches, and medication.
Broken Bone
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 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 can 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 aim to help the surviving family members achieve financial stability and justice for the loss of their loved ones.
What To Do Following An Uber Accident In El Dorado County
- 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 attention.
- 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. Make sure to 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 would implicate you to be at fault, including apologizing to anyone.
- Consulting Uber accident lawyers – El Dorado County Uber accident lawyers will make the whole process easier. It also ensures your rights are well protected, and you can get fair compensation.
Who Is Liable In An Uber Accident?
- 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 will 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 help you prove the negligence of other parties.
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 their percentage.
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 would only 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 recover damages even if they are partially responsible.
If you want to ensure the maximum compensation possible, get in touch with our El Dorado County Uber accident lawyers.
How Uber's Insurance Coverage Works
- The driver’s TNC insurance
- The TNC’s insurance policy provides coverage when (1) is unavailable
- A combination of (1) and (2)
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
- $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
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
- 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.
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.
- 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 falls under the government’s responsibility. In that case, you only have six months to file a special claim with the respective agency.
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 are 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?
- 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?
Our El Dorado County lawyers specializing in Uber accidents understand that a crash can put you and your family at a financial loss. This is why we represent victims on a contingency fee basis. We don’t charge any upfront fees to take your case. Instead, we only get paid once we win your case, helping you ensure we’ll do our best to get a favorable outcome.
How Long Do Uber Accident Settlements Take?
- The severity of the injuries, as it 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. This step could take longer if the insurance companies are being extra tricky.
- Disputes over the liability, especially if there are multiple parties involved.
- Other required legal proceedings, such as mediation, arbitration, or litigation.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to our Uber accident lawyers in El Dorado County today. We are seasoned in aggressively fighting against rideshare company tricks and strategies.
Call The Most Trusted Uber Accident Lawyers In El Dorado Today!
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 trusted El Dorado County Uber accident lawyers come in. We will fight tirelessly to hold the responsible parties accountable.
With our experienced legal team by your side, you can be confident that you have the best chance of getting the maximum compensation for your medical expenses, pain, and suffering. Our El Dorado Uber accident attorneys are with you every step of the way, guiding you and advocating for your rights.
Don’t let an Uber accident define your future. Contact Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 or use our contact form for your free consultation. Arash Law also proudly represents Uber accident victims in these areas: Tahoe City, Carson City, Indian Hills, Garnerville, Markleville, Bear Valley, Pioneer, Sutter Creer, Jackson, Plymouth, Elk Grove, Galt, Sacramento, Folsom, Roseville, Lincoln, Wheatland, Colfax, and Gold Run.
