La Jolla 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.
Get Dedicated Legal Help For Your La Jolla Uber Accident Claim
If an accident involving an Uber vehicle leaves you seriously injured, you may be able to pursue compensation for your losses. Our La Jolla Uber accident lawyers are committed to upholding the rights of those who have been hurt by other people’s negligent actions. Call us at (888) 488-1391 and schedule a free, no-obligation first consultation.
Despite Uber’s safety and ease of use, its vehicles may still get into accidents. Numerous distractions, long driving hours, and plain recklessness committed by either an Uber or third-party driver can contribute to risky collisions and potentially cause serious injuries.
Handling an injury claim on your own after being in an Uber crash can be challenging. Our Uber injury lawyers in La Jolla can help. We will work to review your accident, see if you have a case, and potentially help you pursue compensation.
Reasons To Consult La Jolla Uber Accident Lawyers
Uber accidents are not the same as other types of motor vehicle collisions. It can be hard to figure out who is responsible for an accident involving a rideshare vehicle because of the following factors:
- Multiple Parties Involved — Several people can be held responsible in an Uber crash, such as the rideshare driver, other driver(s), and sometimes even the rideshare company. An important part of building a case is determining who is at fault.
- Complex Insurance Policies — Drivers who work for ridesharing services are covered by their own and Uber’s insurance. The coverage that applies to your case will depend on the status of the driver on the Uber app during the collision.
- Legal Restrictions and Regulations — The rules that apply to rideshare businesses are different from those that apply to ordinary drivers. Understanding these regulations is essential for pursuing compensation
Our La Jolla injury law firm recognizes the challenges and uncertainties that can follow an accident. We can guide you through the claims process and potentially advocate for compensation that reflects your injuries and losses. If you’re wondering, “Why do I need a personal injury lawyer?” here’s how we can help:
- Attention and Dedication — We understand that each case is distinct, and we customize our approach to address the specific needs of every client.
- Skilled Negotiation and Litigation — We can negotiate with at-fault parties and their insurance companies on your behalf. If these discussions prove unproductive, we are ready to proceed with your case in court if necessary.
- No Upfront Fees — We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients are not required to pay attorney’s fees unless they’re awarded compensation. However, certain case-related expenses may still apply.
Our client was driving with his wife and son on a two-lane highway when a drunk driver crossed the double yellow lines, causing a head-on collision that claimed the life of a loving wife and mother.– ARASH KHORSANDI
Some Of Our Success Stories
Here are some of the substantial settlements we’ve obtained for our clients:
- $1,125,000 for a lower back injury sustained during a ridesharing incident. For the duration of the litigation, the client resided in Colorado. It led to certain difficulties in the proceedings, but we managed to recover compensation for our client.
- $1,550,000 for our client who suffered spinal and wrist injuries after being involved in a motorcycle versus rideshare company incident. It was the largest motorcycle settlement in Tulare County in 2021.
- $1,100,000 for a client who sustained injuries in a low-impact accident. Our client was a passenger of a popular ridesharing service when the crash occurred.
Are you wondering if you have a valid claim? Fill out our “Do I have a case?” form. Our La Jolla Uber accident lawyers will get back to you right away.
Common Causes Of Uber Accidents
Numerous factors contribute to Uber accidents, which can lead to a range of injuries, from minor discomfort to life-altering trauma. Here are some of the most common causes of Uber accidents and the injuries they often lead to.
- Unfamiliar Areas — When drivers navigate unfamiliar areas, they may focus intensely on their GPS devices. This distraction can cause sudden stops or abrupt maneuvers, which may result in whiplash and neck injuries for passengers or other drivers.
- Distracted Driving — Texting, navigating, or even conversing with passengers can divide a driver’s attention, heightening the risk of collision. Distracted driving accidents can lead to head injuries, such as concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBI), particularly if the impact occurs at high speed.
- Driver Fatigue — Fatigued drivers may struggle to focus, leading to errors such as drifting out of lanes, failing to notice traffic signals, or rear-ending other vehicles. Rear-end collisions may result in back and spinal cord injuries that can cause persistent pain or even paralysis.
- Failure to Yield the Right-of-Way — Ignoring right-of-way rules can lead to dangerous intersection accidents and high-impact collisions. Broken bones and internal injuries are common in these scenarios, as the force of the collision can trap or pin passengers.
- Poor Weather Conditions — Rain, fog, and other adverse weather conditions make roads slippery and visibility low, increasing the risk of skidding or losing control. Accidents under these conditions can lead to spinal injuries due to the unpredictable, forceful impact.
- Aggressive Driving and Excessive Speeds — Rushed drivers may speed or tailgate, leaving little room to react to sudden stops or hazards. Performing quick illegal turns or making sudden lane changes can also catch other drivers off guard, resulting in dangerous side-impact collisions. Such actions can result in broken bones or severe head injuries when a crash occurs at high speeds.
- Defects In The Vehicle — When vehicles are not maintained properly, defective brakes or tires can make stopping or handling difficult, leading to crashes.
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI) — Impaired drivers have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, leading to erratic driving and accidents. This behavior can potentially result in catastrophic injuries.
Our Uber accident lawyers in La Jolla can help you identify which factors may have contributed to the collision. Contact us to schedule a free initial case review.
Hurt in an Uber Accident?
Liability In Uber Accidents
Several parties might be held accountable, including the Uber driver, another driver involved in the accident, or perhaps Uber itself. Our La Jolla Uber accident attorneys can look into your case and identify those who might be at fault. Here are some of the parties that may be held liable in an Uber collision:
- Uber Driver — If the driver’s activities caused or significantly contributed to the accident and your injuries, they can be held accountable for your losses.
- Another Driver — A third-party driver may be liable for your damages and injuries if their actions caused the accident.
- Government Entities — Dangerous road conditions can cause Uber traffic accidents. If that’s the case, you might be able to hold the local government agencies in charge of road maintenance accountable.
- Vehicle Manufacturers — You may be able to sue the manufacturer for damages if the collision was brought on by a manufacturing flaw, such as faulty tires or a malfunctioning automatic braking system (ABS).
- Uber — Uber might also be held partially responsible for the collision under certain circumstances. For instance, if the company does not conduct thorough background checks on, or provide inadequate training to, a driver who contributes to an accident, they may be held liable.
Our car accident lawyers know that, in auto crashes involving Uber vehicles, determining who is at fault can be a difficult task. Establishing each party’s liability requires a comprehensive investigation. In order to show how each party might have contributed to the collision, our La Jolla Uber accident attorneys can help you gather evidence and work to hold negligent parties accountable.
Proving Negligence In Your Uber Accident Claim
Legally speaking, the burden of proof rests with the victim. You must prove who was at fault for the accident for your claim to be valid. To do that, you must establish that the defendant was negligent. For example, if you are trying to prove that the Uber driver was negligent, these four elements must be present:
- Duty Of Care — The driver has a duty of care to their passengers. They must obey traffic laws and exercise reasonable caution while driving.
- Breach Of Duty — The defendant failed to fulfill their duty of care by speeding or violating traffic laws.
- Causation — Since the defendant was driving too fast, they were unable to halt in time and rear-ended your car, causing you to break your arm.
- Damages — You incurred medical expenses, lost income, and other damages as a result of the accident.
In La Jolla, accident victims can pursue a settlement for their losses even if they were partly at fault for the accident. California follows a pure comparative negligence system, where numerous parties can be held accountable in proportion to their share of fault in an accident. That includes injured parties. For example, if you incurred $80,000 in damages but are 50% at fault, you can only collect up to $40,000.
To identify who may potentially be at fault in an Uber accident, our La Jolla Uber accident attorneys will look into your case and consult with other professionals when needed. Depending on our findings, you may be eligible to pursue a claim against the responsible party for your losses and injuries.
Compensation After An Uber Accident
Injuries from an Uber accident can significantly affect your life, your capacity to work, your ability to care for senior family members and children, and your ability to carry out daily tasks. Here are some costs to consider after an Uber accident:
- Costs related to property damage.
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
- Loss of earnings.
- Loss of companionship.
- Permanent disability or deformity.
- Related medical bills.
- Missed income opportunities.
Lost income is almost always a possibility, but what about the stay-at-home parent who looks after their children or elderly family members? This person may no longer be able to perform caregiving duties if they get a severe and incapacitating injury in an Uber accident.
If so, the family might have to look for daycare or childcare outside the home, which could raise expenses. Uber accident attorneys in La Jolla can help you understand your options for pursuing these “hidden costs” if an injury leads to this kind of situation.
Pain and suffering can also have an impact on victims’ lives, even though they cannot be measured in money or written records. To better understand our clients, our car accident attorneys spend time getting to know them. This aims to give us a better understanding of the potential impact of their injuries.
Uber’s Insurance Coverage For Accident Victims
Uber’s insurance covers both drivers and passengers. However, the specifics depend on the driver’s status at the time of the collision:
- App Is Off — The auto insurance of the driver applies.
- App Is On And Waiting for a Ride — Uber offers limited coverage.
- Driver Is En Route For Pick Up Or Has An Ongoing Ride — Uber provides comprehensive coverage, including liability protection.
Recognizing the intricacies of Uber’s insurance policies is essential for seeking fair compensation. Our La Jolla Uber accident attorneys can assist you in managing the nuances of insurance claims. In addition, our lawyers can help you understand which policy applies to your case so you can pursue an appropriate settlement for your damages.
Steps To Take After An Uber Accident
It is common to feel overwhelmed and disoriented following an Uber accident. The following steps are examples of how you can protect your rights during this time.
- Get to Safety — Go to a safer spot near the accident area, such as the side of the road. You’ll be protected from additional injury should something else happen.
- Collect Evidence — Get a copy of the police report, take pictures, and collect the contact details of witnesses. This will assist our Uber accident attorneys in La Jolla in building a compelling case for you.
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately — Get checked out by a medical expert immediately, even if you feel fine.
- Report the Accident — The police will question you about the specifics of the official report when they get to the scene of the accident. Just include the facts; don’t include anything that you’re unsure of.
Additionally, if there is more than $1000 in property damage or if someone is hurt or killed, you have ten days to report the collision to the DMV by filling out a Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California (SR-1).
You should also notify Uber of the accident as soon as you can.
- For Uber Drivers — Click the blue shield icon in the Uber app’s lower left corner to open the Safety Toolkit. From there, you can choose “Report a crash” and explain what happened. Another option is to select the Safety Incident Reporting Line by clicking on Safety in the Help section.
- For Riders — You can report using the app or by completing the online form on the Uber website.
- For Third Parties — You can use Uber’s web form to report the collision if you are neither a driver nor a passenger.
Finally, you can contact our La Jolla Uber accident lawyers. We can help you navigate the complexities of your case while advocating for your rights and interests.
Mistakes To Avoid As An Uber Accident Victim
Even a slight mistake can take away from your claim. These are a few of the common errors to avoid:
- Neglecting Medical Attention — After an Uber accident, get medical help right away, even if you don’t feel any pain at first. This helps create a record of your injuries and treatment.
- Accepting A Settlement Without Talking To A Lawyer — An insurance company’s initial offers are often less than what you might be entitled to because you may have yet to study the full extent of your losses. Consider enlisting the help of Uber accident lawyers in La Jolla, who can estimate the value of your claim and negotiate on your behalf.
- Delaying Legal Representation — California’s statute of limitations indicates that you have two years from the date of an Uber accident to bring a personal injury claim. In addition to that, some exceptions to this rule may extend or even shorten the timeframe for filing your particular case. Missing this deadline can mean losing your right to seek damages.
What initially seemed like a routine rear-end collision, commonly known as a “fender bender,” turned into a significant settlement with high maximum limits for a client who suffered lower back disc injuries. The case was resolved just two weeks before the scheduled trial commencement.– BRIAN BEECHER
Uber Accident Statistics
Critical accidents are still exceedingly rare, according to Uber’s Safety Report. It reveals that more than 99.9998% of rides are completed without a safety incident.
However, during the period covered by this report, Uber received reports of 153 motor vehicle fatalities. With 0.87 motor vehicle fatalities for every 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT), Uber’s rate is still far below the national average. Over half of Uber-related deaths were related to reckless driving, primarily due to third-party drivers who weren’t using the Uber app, which is consistent with national averages.
It is clear that accidents can still happen despite the overall safety of Uber rides. Do not hesitate to contact our La Jolla Uber accident attorneys if you are injured in a collision. In addition to helping you with the claim-filing procedure, we may be able to assist you when negotiating with insurance providers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Much Could I Get From My Uber Accident Claim?
Numerous factors will determine the amount you can pursue through an Uber accident claim, such as your medical costs, the extent of your injuries, and whether you lost income as a result. An Uber accident attorney in La Jolla can assess your case and offer an estimate for your case.
Can I Afford To Hire Uber Accident Attorneys?
The answer is likely yes, as our Uber accident attorneys in La Jolla work on a contingency fee basis. In other words, clients are not required to pay attorney’s fees unless they’re awarded compensation. However, certain case-related expenses may still apply.
Can I Still Seek Damages If I’m Being Blamed For An Uber Accident?
Even if they bear some of the blame for an incident, California accident victims may still have options for pursuing compensation. California follows a pure comparative negligence system. Following an accident, several parties may be held accountable. However, your share of liability will be deducted from your potential compensation. Consult with one of our La Jolla Uber accident attorneys if the issue causes more uncertainty than clarity.
Contact Our La Jolla Uber Accident Lawyers
Dealing with an Uber accident can be stressful. You do not have to face this alone. Working with personal injury lawyers familiar with rideshare laws may help you seek compensation for your losses.
We are more than Uber accident lawyers. We’re committed advocates with experience handling cases on our clients’ behalf. Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
Aside from Uber accidents, our La Jolla lawyers also handle truck accidents, slip-and-fall accidents, and DUI incidents. We also help injured victims in neighboring areas, including Bonita, Bostonia, Chula Vista, Coronado, Encinitas, El Cajon, La Mesa, La Presa, Lemon Grove, National City, Poway, San Diego, Santee, Solana Beach, and Spring Valley.
