Lakeside 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.
Reliable Lakeside Uber Accident Lawyers Who Fight For The Average Joe
Uber promises affordability, convenience, and safety for its passengers. Unfortunately, some Uber rides do not arrive at their intended destination. Instead, people get injured on their ride and end up in the hospital. Let our Lakeside Uber accident lawyers explain your right to compensation and guide you through the process of filing a claim. Call Arash Law today at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free case evaluation.
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 water activities for both locals and tourists. Additionally, the community is in close proximity to cities like Santee and outdoor destinations like the Cleveland National Forest—all of which are easy to access 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. But 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 secure maximum compensation. We have represented thousands of accident victims, recovering over $500 Million in compensation for them. Our Lakeside Uber accident attorneys, headed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., can help you get the same outcome so you can recover physically and financially.
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, you need to hire our Lakeside Uber accident attorneys to help you obtain maximum compensation. We do this through:
- Conducting A Thorough Investigation – We will conduct an independent investigation of the accident to get a clearer picture of how it happened. Our team will also gather and preserve relevant proof, such as CCTV and dashcam footage, witness statements, police reports, and medical records. Once we’ve collected all the possible evidence, we will analyze it comprehensively to build a strong case.
- Negotiating With Insurance Companies – Insurance companies might try to minimize payouts by placing blame on victims. But our Uber accident lawyers in Lakeside will deal with them to ensure they don’t lowball you. We will provide proof of the other party’s negligence and the extent of your injuries to get a fair settlement.
- Representing You In Court – Most of the rideshare accident cases our attorneys handle settle out of court. But we are fully prepared to take your case to trial if the at-fault party doesn’t accept responsibility and if no agreement is reached with the insurance company.
If you’re not sure where to start on your journey to full financial recovery, consult our Lakeside Uber accident lawyers. Schedule a free initial consultation today.
What Are The Usual Causes Of Uber Accidents?
Uber accidents typically have the same causes as any car accident. However, the use of the Uber application while driving presents an additional risk factor. Since Uber drivers need to check their phones to monitor ride requests, arrange pick-ups, and navigate the map, their focus is often divided. Sometimes, all it takes is a second of inattention to cause a devastating accident.
In 2022, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 3,308 distracted driving-related fatalities. Uber hasn’t released an in-depth report on accidents related to its drivers, but the ridesharing service was likely involved in some of these accidents.
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. Going beyond these speed limits decreases 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 cars may not be able to stop in time to avoid a collision.
Drunk Driving
Alcohol impairs 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 check and maintain their vehicles regularly to identify potential problems and fix them. Constant maintenance is essential since Uber vehicles are on the road for long periods, causing them to break down and wear out more easily.
Driver Fatigue
Many Uber drivers would have multiple jobs other than driving for the ridesharing company. Considering the long hours they spend on the road, many of these drivers are sleep-deprived. Unfortunately, fatigue and sleep deprivation have no place on the road.
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 also have a hard time focusing on driving safely, increasing the chances of getting into 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 Uber Accident Victims Suffer From
Uber accident victims can sustain minor to severe injuries; our Lakeside lawyers helped clients who suffered the following:
- 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 so much force that they 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 tube-like bundle of soft tissues protected by the backbone 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 help you find medical experts who will treat you on a medical lien. In other words, these professionals will be paid from your compensation.
What If My Medical Bills Are More Than My Settlement?
If a settlement is not enough to cover medical bills, the victim may be responsible for paying the leftover medical expenses. However, our expert Uber accident lawyers in Lakeside can help negotiate favorable payment terms with medical experts to help you pay the bills without further financial burden.
With that in mind, consult with our Lakeside Uber accident lawyers before agreeing to any lien. We can help you decide whether it’s the best course of action or if there are other options you can take.
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 do a thorough investigation to establish 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:
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, our Lakeside lawyers specializing in Uber accident cases can answer them.
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 you suffer. In California, the DMV requires every driver to carry the following minimum liability insurance:
- $15,000 for injury/death to one person.
- $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person.
- $5,000 for damage to property.
If the driver is underinsured or uninsured, our Lakeside Uber accident attorneys can help you find ways to ensure you are compensated fairly.
Types Of Compensation Uber Victims Can Recover
Uber accident victims are entitled to economic and non-economic damages. Rarely, the court also awards 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 and replacement
- Therapy and rehabilitation
- Home modifications
- Utility bills
On the other hand, non-economic damages are compensation for intangible losses. Our Lakeside lawyers, who specialize in Uber accident claims, can quantify them based on their impact on your life. To prove that, we will consult with credible experts, such as economists, life care planners, and mental health professionals. We will also look at journals and diagnoses to measure 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 secure 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.
- Call the top-rated Uber accident lawyers Lakeside has to offer at (888) 488-1391. We’ll explain your rights and legal options. If you need help acquiring police reports or evidence like CCTV footage, our team can expedite 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 there is no way of knowing how many more lives were lost 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, we recommend hiring a lawyer. Our attorneys in Lakeside have decades of experience helping Uber accident victims like you. We use our experience and skills to help you secure maximum compensation. Plus, 85% of the money insurance companies pay goes to victims who hire a lawyer.
Contact us today to find out if you have a valid claim. One of our multilingual staff will reach out to you as soon as possible.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Personal Injury Lawyer?
Most personal injury lawyers in Lakeside, including our skilled attorneys at Arash Law, work on a contingency fee basis. This agreement means we don’t charge upfront fees. Instead, you pay us through the compensation you receive, which means you don’t have to spend anything out of your own pockets. If we don’t win your case, you can walk away without any obligations.
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 claim within the statute of limitations may not receive compensation anymore. That’s why we encourage you to start the process early. Our Uber accident lawyers in Lakeside are here to help you avoid missing important deadlines.
Do I Accept Any Offers From The Insurance Company?
We do not recommend accepting insurance company offers without consulting a personal injury lawyer first. Most of the time, they start with lowball offers, hoping you will take the bait. Once you accept the money, you can’t ask for more, even if the settlement is not enough. With the best Uber accident lawyers Lakeside trusts by your side, you can check whether the offer is sufficient for your needs. If not, we will negotiate with insurers on your behalf.
Consult The Uber Accident Lawyers Lakeside Relies On!
Uber accident cases are more complicated with the involvement of the rideshare giant. It’s hard to navigate the legal system as it is. Having to face a company with a big legal team is even more daunting. But that has never intimidated us here at Arash Law. If we know we are in the right, we will face giants head-on and ensure our clients get the justice they deserve.
Our Lakeside Uber accident lawyers, headed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., have a proven track record of helping thousands of accident victims. We treat every case with the same level of compassion and attention. Most of all, we treat each client like family.
Let us start on your journey to healing. Contact us today at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free consultation and answer any questions you might have.
We extend our expertise 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 Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, and San Diego.
