Lakeside Uber Accident Lawyers
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Our Lakeside Uber Accident Lawyers Help Protect Your Legal Interests After An Injury
Uber offers its passengers affordability and convenience. Unfortunately, some Uber rides do not arrive at their intended destination. Instead, some people can get injured on their ride and end up in the hospital. If you’ve been hurt in a rideshare crash, our Lakeside Uber accident lawyers can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of filing a claim. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free case review.
Lakeside is one of San Diego County’s hidden gems. It’s a charming community well-known for its natural beauty. The nearby San Vicente and El Capitan reservoirs offer a range of water activities for both locals and tourists. Additionally, the community is near cities like Santee and outdoor destinations like the Cleveland National Forest, all of which are easily accessible via Uber.
However, Uber drivers are not specially trained for their jobs. Anyone with a standard driver’s license in California can apply to be an Uber driver. Being a rideshare driver is not easy work. It requires spending long periods behind the wheel, using a phone while driving, and navigating unfamiliar places, all of which can potentially lead to Uber accidents.
If you’ve been injured while using Uber, we can help you pursue fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other related losses. Arash Law has represented injured victims in various personal injury cases, including rideshare accidents. Our Lakeside Uber accident attorneys, headed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., will work diligently on your case and handle the legal matters on your behalf while you concentrate on healing physically.
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 Lakeside Uber Accident Lawyers
If you get injured in an Uber crash, our Lakeside Uber accident attorneys can help you prepare a case that reflects the full extent of your losses. We aim to assist you in seeking compensation by doing the following:
- Conducting a Thorough Investigation — We conduct an independent investigation into the accident to gain a clearer understanding of how it occurred. Our team also gathers and preserves relevant proof, such as CCTV and dashcam footage, witness statements, police reports, and medical records. Once we’ve collected all the possible evidence, we analyze it comprehensively to build a well-supported case.
- Negotiating With Insurance Companies — Our Uber accident lawyers in Lakeside can help you negotiate with insurers and evaluate whether your settlement offer reflects your losses. We can present proof of the other party’s negligence and the extent of your injuries to advocate for a fair resolution on your behalf.
- Representing You in Court — Most of the rideshare accident cases settle out of court. However, our Uber accident lawyers in Lakeside are prepared to take your case to trial if the at-fault party denies responsibility and if no agreement is reached with the insurance company.
If you’re not sure where to start on the legal process for compensation, consider consulting our Lakeside Uber accident lawyers. We’re available for a free initial consultation.
What Are The Usual Causes Of Uber Accidents?
Uber accidents typically have the same causes as any car accident. However, using the Uber application while driving presents an additional risk factor. Uber drivers often divide their focus as they check their phones to monitor ride requests, arrange pickups, and navigate the map. Serious traffic accidents can occur during those brief periods of distracted driving.
In 2022, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 3,308 distracted driving-related fatalities. While Uber hasn’t published detailed accident statistics for its drivers, rideshare services operate in the same traffic environment as other vehicles on the road.
Aside from distracted driving, here are some other common causes of Uber accidents our Lakeside lawyers encounter:
Speeding
The maximum speed limit on streets and highways in and around Lakeside is 50 mph. Across California, it can reach 65 mph. Exceeding these speed limits can significantly reduce the driver’s reaction time to road hazards. Cars also have longer stopping distances the faster they go, so even if the driver sees the danger in time, their car may not be able to stop in time to avoid a collision.
Drunk Driving
Alcohol can impair judgment and the senses. Drunk drivers may not know they are speeding or going the wrong way. In some cases, they would be deliberately reckless, increasing the odds of causing an accident.
In California, including Lakeside, Uber drivers are prohibited from driving if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.04% or higher. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) sets this threshold.
Vehicle Malfunction
Negligent maintenance can lead to vehicle malfunctions. For example, an Uber driver neglected his car’s brake pads. Upon hitting the road, the driver was unable to brake and crashed into oncoming traffic, causing catastrophic injuries.
Uber drivers should regularly inspect and maintain their vehicles to identify potential issues and address them promptly. Constant maintenance is essential, as Uber vehicles are on the road for extended periods, which can cause them to break down and wear out more easily.
Driver Fatigue
Many Uber drivers hold multiple jobs in addition to driving for the ridesharing company. Considering the long hours they spend on the road, many of these drivers are likely to be sleep-deprived. Unfortunately, fatigue and sleep deprivation pose significant safety risks to drivers.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fatigue-related impairment has similarities with alcohol-related impairment. It is said that being awake for 17 hours has the same effect as having a BAC of 0.05%. Meanwhile, being awake for 24 hours has the same effect as having a BAC of 0.10%.
Driver fatigue can lead to falling asleep behind the wheel. In addition to being slow to react to road hazards, exhausted drivers may also struggle to focus on driving safely, thereby increasing the likelihood of an accident.
Inclement Weather
Heavy rain can limit visibility and make roads slippery, both of which could increase the risk of a vehicle losing control and crashing. Drivers are encouraged to slow down as there is less traction. Using blinkers can also help with communicating with other drivers in low-visibility settings. Better yet, safely pull up to the side of the road and wait for the rain to stop.
Common Injuries In Uber Accident Cases
Uber accident victims can sustain minor to severe injuries. Our Lakeside attorneys have helped people who have been hurt in the following ways:
- Whiplash — The sudden and forceful jerking movement of the neck during a rear-end collision can result in whiplash. Although whiplash is commonly seen as a mild injury, it can lead to long-term neurological and mobility issues.
- Fractures — Uber car collisions generate substantial force that can break bones, especially in the extremities. Healing time depends on the severity of the fractures. On average, it takes fractures six to eight weeks to heal, but more severe cases may take months or years.
- Spinal Cord Injuries — Any injury to the spinal cord can affect the victim’s strength, senses, and body function below the injury site. Severe cases may cause temporary or permanent paralysis.
- Head Injuries — According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, head injuries are among the most common causes of disability and death in adults. These injuries can range from mild bumps and bruises to internal bleeding and brain damage.
- Soft Tissue Injuries — The body is made up of different soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, nerves, and ligaments. Among the most common soft tissue injuries is bruising, which happens when the impact of an Uber accident breaks the blood vessels near the skin’s surface.
Getting immediate medical care is important after an accident. However, the inability to pay for healthcare may cause some victims to avoid or delay seeking further help. Our Lakeside attorneys for Uber accident cases can connect you with medical providers who work on a lien basis, meaning they agree to delay payment until your case resolves. While you are still responsible for the costs, this allows you to gain access to healthcare without paying up front.
What If My Medical Bills Are More Than My Settlement?
If a settlement is insufficient to cover medical bills, the victim may be responsible for paying the remaining medical expenses. Our Uber accident lawyers in Lakeside may be able to negotiate payment arrangements with medical providers to help ease your financial concerns.
With that in mind, you can consult our Lakeside Uber accident lawyers before agreeing to any lien. We can help you determine whether it’s the right approach for your situation or if other options might be more suitable.
Who Is Liable For An Uber Accident?
The negligent party whose action or inaction directly caused the accident is responsible for an Uber crash. Here are the usual liable parties:
- Uber Driver — A reckless or negligent rideshare driver could run over a pedestrian, hit another car, or crash the Uber vehicle while carrying a passenger.
- A Third-Party Driver — In some cases, another motorist may hit the Uber vehicle you’re riding, resulting in your injuries.
- Car Manufacturers — If a defective car component, such as brakes or steering, caused the accident, the vehicle’s manufacturer can be held liable regardless of intention.
- Pedestrians or Non-Occupants — While pedestrians and bicyclists are often the victims of accidents, their own negligence can sometimes be a contributing factor. For example, a pedestrian who is distracted by their phone and crosses the road without checking for traffic could cause the Uber driver to swerve and crash to avoid them.
- Government Entities — Poor road conditions, such as potholes, broken guardrails, faded road markings, inadequate lighting, or malfunctioning traffic signals, can also contribute to Uber accidents. In these cases, the government entities responsible for maintaining the roads can be held liable.
Knowing who is accountable in an Uber accident is an essential part of filing a claim. That’s why our Lakeside lawyers will conduct a thorough investigation to help assess liability.
Uber Insurance Liability Coverage
Uber maintains insurance coverage for its drivers and passengers, but what’s covered depends on certain factors, such as when the accident happened. The company’s coverage is as follows:
Period 1
This period pertains to when the Uber driver is logged into the app but has not accepted any rides yet. If an accident happens during this time, Uber maintains the following coverage:
- $50,000 per person liability coverage.
- $100,000 per accident liability coverage.
- $25,000 for property damage.
Period 2
The driver is logged in and has accepted a ride, but the passenger has yet to enter the vehicle. During this time, Uber’s insurance policy covers the following:
- Up to $1 million per incident for property damage and bodily injury to passengers and third parties.
- Up to $1 million for bodily injury per incident if an uninsured or underinsured driver caused the accident.
Period 3
If the driver is on a trip with the passenger inside the vehicle, Uber maintains the same coverage as in Period 2.
Uber’s liability is often a point of debate in Uber-related collisions, which makes them more complicated than regular car accident cases. If you have questions regarding Uber’s liability, reach out to our Lakeside lawyers handling Uber accident cases.
What If The Uber Driver Is Not Logged In On The App?
The driver is solely responsible for any accident that happens when they are logged out of the app. Their personal insurance policy will be used to cover any damages and losses they suffer. In California, the DMV requires every driver to carry the following minimum liability insurance:
- $30,000 for injury/death to one person.
- $60,000 for injury/death to more than one person.
- $15,000 for damage to property.
If the driver is underinsured or uninsured, our Lakeside Uber accident attorneys can help you explore legal options for compensation.
Types Of Compensation Available In Uber Accident Cases
Uber accident victims may be eligible to pursue economic and non-economic damages. Rarely, the court can also award punitive damages as punishment if the defendant’s actions were extremely negligent or intentional.
Economic damages cover the victim’s tangible losses. These damages are proven through documents like receipts, bills, and invoices, which is why it’s essential to keep a record of any expenses related to the accident.
Examples of economic damages include:
- Medical Bills
- Medical Lien
- Lost Wages
- Reduced Ability To Earn
- Property Repair & Replacement
- Therapy & Rehabilitation
- Home Modifications
- Utility Bills
On the other hand, non-economic damages are compensation for intangible losses. Our Lakeside lawyers, who handle Uber accident claims, quantify them based on their impact on your life. To calculate these losses, we may consult with credible professionals, such as economists, life care planners, and mental health professionals. We will also look at journals and diagnoses to estimate non-economic damages, which include the following:
- Pain and Suffering
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety and Depression
- Isolation
- Decreased Quality of Life
- Loss of Consortium
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life
- Disability
- Disfigurement
If the accident is fatal, immediate family members and legal heirs can file a wrongful death claim. Compensation for wrongful death can cover medical bills, burial and funeral fees, reduced monetary support, and subjective losses like grief.
What To Do After An Uber Accident In Lakeside
Following certain steps can help you protect your future and your well-being. Here’s what our personal injury attorneys recommend doing after an Uber accident in Lakeside, California:
- Stay calm and assess your situation. Check for any injuries you might have, and take note of any visible wounds and pain you feel. Also, check on your companions.
- Move to safety if you can, but never leave the scene. Dial 911 as soon as possible. You may also contact Lakeside police at (619) 938-1360. Wait for emergency responders and the authorities to show up.
- Get immediate medical attention from paramedics, regardless of whether you feel fine or there are no visible wounds.
- Work with authorities and answer their questions honestly and clearly. However, avoid adding unnecessary opinions and comments. Additionally, avoid apologizing and admitting fault.
- Gather information, especially the Uber driver’s name, address, and insurance details. If there are witnesses, get their contact information and permission to testify.
- Record evidence on your phone. Take pictures and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, the surroundings, and anything else that might be helpful later.
- Report the accident to Uber using their app or website.
- Keep a record of everything that happened during and after the accident, especially during your recovery. A journal can be useful in proving pain and suffering. There are also key details you might forget as time passes.
- Contact Uber accident lawyers in Lakeside. Our attorneys can walk you through your rights and legal options. If you need help acquiring police reports or evidence like CCTV footage, our team can assist with that process.
Uber Accident Statistics
Ridesharing companies like Uber are projected to rise in popularity in the foreseeable future. By 2027, ridesharing services are forecast to generate $54.38 billion in revenue. The prediction is not surprising, given that Uber and Lyft are more affordable, cleaner, and convenient than traditional taxis.
Additionally, a National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) study suggested that Uber has helped decrease alcohol-related deaths in the United States by up to 6%. Uber itself has also released a safety report for 2019-2020, highlighting how 99.9% of its trips ended without any safety-related issues.
The report indicated that there were 101 fatalities in 91 Uber-related crashes. Thirty-two people died as a result of speeding-related issues; 23 involved an alcohol-impaired driver, and 15 were caused by a driver driving the wrong way. According to Uber, the majority, if not all, of the liable parties were third-party drivers.
Furthermore, a study found that traffic fatalities have increased by 3% since the introduction of services like Uber. Unfortunately, the company has not released any more safety reports, so it can be difficult to determine the exact number of fatalities in Uber accidents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I Need A Lawyer For An Uber Accident Claim?
Although there’s no law prohibiting victims from filing a personal injury case on their own, consider speaking with a lawyer about your options. Our attorneys in Lakeside have experience helping Uber accident victims like you. We are committed to helping you pursue compensation that reflects your losses.
During your free case review, we can help you evaluate whether you have a valid claim. If you would like to discuss your case in a language other than English, we can arrange for translation services upon request.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Personal Injury Lawyer?
The cost of hiring a personal injury lawyer can vary from case to case, depending on various factors. Most personal injury lawyers in Lakeside, including our attorneys at Arash Law, work on a contingency fee basis. This agreement means we don’t charge attorney fees unless we obtain compensation for you. Instead, we take a portion of the compensation you receive as our payment. You may still be responsible for some costs regardless of the case outcome. During your free case review, our attorneys will discuss our fee structure and any potential costs.
How Long Do I Have To File A Lawsuit After An Uber Accident?
According to the statute of limitations in California, Uber accident victims have two years to file a personal injury case. If the victim is a minor, the deadline will be paused until they reach 18. If an injury is discovered later, the victim has one year to file a case.
Victims who fail to file a lawsuit within the statute of limitations may lose the right to seek compensation for their losses. That’s why we encourage you to start the process early. Our Uber accident lawyers in Lakeside can help you understand the applicable deadline or exemption for your case and assist in filing the necessary legal paperwork within the required timeframe.
Do I Accept Any Offers From The Insurance Company?
We do not recommend accepting insurance company offers without consulting a personal injury lawyer first. Initial offers may not fully reflect the extent of your losses, and once an agreement is signed, it is typically final. With experienced Uber accident lawyers in Lakeside by your side, you can evaluate whether the offer is sufficient for your needs. If not, we can negotiate with insurers on your behalf.
Contact Our Uber Accident Lawyers In Lakeside
Uber accident cases can be complicated, particularly when multiple insurance policies are involved. Arash Law is here to help you gain clarity through clear and honest representation. Our attorneys can guide you through the legal process. We can help you negotiate with rideshare companies and seek fair compensation for your losses.
Our Lakeside Uber accident lawyers, headed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., have years of experience representing accident victims. We take a client-focused approach to every case we handle. We listen closely to your concerns and answer any questions you may have. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation.
We extend our services to areas near Lakeside, such as Winter Gardens, Blossom Valley, Flinn Springs, Eucalyptus Hills, Bostonia, Crest, Hillsdale, Grossmont, La Mesa, Rancho San Diego, Spring Valley, and Lemon Grove. Our team also helps accident victims across California, including those in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, and San Diego.
