Long Beach Uber Accident Lawyers
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Our Long Beach Uber Accident Lawyers Support Clients Through Every Legal Stage
Rideshare services, like Uber, have revolutionized transportation in Long Beach and throughout California. However, the rapid expansion of ridesharing has also put passengers and other road users at more risk. If you get injured in an accident involving Uber, our Long Beach Uber accident lawyers will assist you in taking legal action and seeking compensation for your injuries and other losses. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Long Beach is an oceanfront gem at the core of Southern California. Visitors have plenty to do here, from joining whale-watching cruises to marveling at the Aquarium of the Pacific. The city’s charming districts also offer shopping opportunities, while coastal brewery tours showcase local businesses and artisans.
Whether you’re heading downtown for a fun night out or dealing with parking challenges, Uber makes traveling around Long Beach affordable and convenient. Uber claims that 99% of its trips are completed safely. However, the reality is that Uber accidents still happen and are all too common in densely populated areas like Long Beach.
If your Uber gets into one, you might be eligible to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. Our Long Beach Uber accident attorneys have experience handling cases like yours and will help you process your claim. We will leverage our knowledge of the ins and outs of the laws governing ridesharing and personal injury to build a well-documented case.
Furthermore, our law firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay any attorney’s fees upfront unless we obtain a recovery on your behalf. However, you may still be responsible for certain legal costs regardless of the outcome. Our lawyers will explain the fee structure and answer your questions during your initial consultation.
Why Choose Our Long Beach Uber Accident Lawyers To Handle Your Case
The aftermath of a car accident is normally stressful. Not only are you dealing with physical and emotional recovery, but you also have to manage communication with insurers and navigate the complexities of the legal system. Things can even get tricky if a giant company like Uber is involved. Determining liability, understanding insurance coverage, and protecting your rights as an injured victim make an already tough situation even more challenging. Working with our Long Beach accident lawyers can provide you with guidance and support as you navigate your Uber accident claim.
Our Long Beach injury law firm offers the following:
Legal Representation And Experience
Our Long Beach attorneys handle a wide variety of personal injury cases, including Uber accident claims. With our knowledge of personal injury and rideshare laws, we can work toward building a case that reflects your unique circumstances and seeks to hold the responsible parties accountable for your injuries and losses. We focus on gathering pertinent evidence and understanding the complexities of rideshare liability to advocate effectively on your behalf.
Client-Centered Approach
Each case is unique and presents different legal issues. Our lawyers tailor strategies to meet your specific needs and provide clear guidance throughout the legal process. We explain your rights so you can make informed decisions, and we keep you updated on the progress of your case.
Case-Building Skills
Our personal injury lawyers will work diligently to build a strong case by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts. We are committed to advocating for a fair settlement and will counter any insurance tactics that aim to deny or delay payment. Please note that while we strive to achieve a favorable outcome, there are no guarantees in legal matters.
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
How Can Our Uber Accident Attorneys Help You With Your Claim?
Road crashes involving Uber aren’t minor incidents that you can shrug off. These unfortunate events affect your overall well-being and may develop into a mess of legal concerns. Our Long Beach attorneys can manage the legal aspects of your situation, including pursuing claims for damages.
Identifying who is at fault in a rideshare accident isn’t easy, especially when multiple parties are involved. Our Long Beach Uber accident lawyers will gather evidence to assess potential negligence on the part of the responsible parties.
Moreover, our Long Beach accident attorneys can assist in evaluating the value of your case by considering factors such as out-of-pocket expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. We aim to seek compensation that takes into account the full extent of your losses.
Filing an insurance claim can be a major hassle when you’re still trying to get back on your feet after a traumatic experience. Furthermore, insurance policies can be confusing. For example, Uber’s liability insurance depends on the activity of its driver when the accident happens. Our Long Beach Uber accident attorneys can provide guidance on what insurance may apply to your case and help you avoid accepting inadequate offers from insurance providers.
If out-of-court negotiations don’t work, our attorneys are prepared to represent your interests in court, advocating for your rights before a judge or jury.
What Is An Uber Accident?
Traffic incidents involving Uber are more complex than regular car accidents. Typical motor vehicle crashes may only require victims to deal with the at-fault driver and their insurance companies. However, Uber accidents might involve going up against a large corporation, making the legal process even more challenging.
Rideshare cases are also associated with legal issues arising from a lack of an employer-employee relationship. Uber considers its drivers independent contractors, so they are required to maintain the minimum auto insurance coverage limits. Commercial auto insurance is only mandatory for those with commercial driver’s licenses who operate black cars, limousines, and similar vehicles.
Furthermore, rideshare companies operate with a profit-oriented approach, which can lead to measures aimed at reducing their liability and providing lower payouts. The settlement they offer may not sufficiently address your recovery needs or adequately compensate for your damages and losses.
Most Common Types Of Uber Accidents In Long Beach
Uber collisions can happen in various ways. While all have detrimental consequences, certain incidents are more dangerous than others.
Our lawyers in Long Beach have handled cases involving the following types of Uber accidents:
Head-On Collisions
This collision occurs when two vehicles hit each other head-on. Head-on crashes can be fatal, particularly when they happen at high speeds. Drivers often cause head-on collisions by recklessly crossing over into oncoming traffic lanes or making judgment errors when trying to overtake another vehicle.
T-Bone Accidents
Also known as broadside or side-impact collisions, T-bone accidents occur when an Uber vehicle hits the side of another automobile. While these collisions can happen anywhere, they are most common in intersections and areas with stop signs and traffic lights. These places are usually notorious for drivers tempted to speed and turn left against oncoming traffic.
Rollover Crashes
A car that flips over once or several times after crashing into another vehicle or obstacle greatly endangers the occupants inside. Vehicles like sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and trucks are more susceptible to rollovers due to their high center of gravity. Our truck accident lawyers have also seen rollover accidents caused by factors such as improperly loaded cargo and poor road conditions.
Rear-End Collisions
A vehicle crashing into the back of another typically happens due to reckless driving and violating traffic rules. Vehicles must keep a safe distance to slow down or stop quickly. Additionally, drivers must wait three seconds before following a car that has just passed a mile marker. Not adhering to this increases the risk of rear-end collisions.
Multi-Vehicle Crashes
Some accidents involve several vehicles. These can be chain reactions resulting from rear-end collisions or a pile-up following any other type of traffic incident. Cases like this are often challenging, as it’s difficult to identify who hits whom first. Our Long Beach car accident lawyers can help you determine the cause of the collision, establish liability, and pursue compensation for damages.
Hurt in an Uber Accident?
Usual Causes Of Uber Accidents
Rideshare services like Uber have become indispensable for daily life in Long Beach and the rest of California. With just a few taps on their phones, users can quickly get a ride to their destination, bypassing the hassles of parking and public transportation delays. However, this convenience comes with risks.
Our attorneys in Long Beach usually encounter the following causes of Uber accidents:
- Speeding — Rideshare drivers who complete more trips make more money. However, the possibility of earning more can tempt them to go over the speed limit and drive recklessly. Speeding compromises their reaction times, making them more likely to end up in accidents.
- Driving Errors — Uber drivers often drive to unfamiliar places. Even with GPS and other navigation devices, they might still get lost. For instance, they could miss an exit or a turn. Their mistakes might also make them agitated, causing them to drive aggressively and crash. Other types of driver error include running red lights or stop signs, improper lane changes, and tailgating. Our DUI accident victim lawyers have also represented clients injured in collisions involving intoxicated Uber drivers.
- Distracted Driving — Uber drivers get distracted while driving when using their phones to monitor bookings. They might also lose focus when chatting with their passengers. Those who drive inattentively might not notice road hazards immediately, leading to a crash.
- Fatigued Driving — Some rideshare drivers work long hours, while others take on multiple jobs to increase their income. Unfortunately, these side hustles can result in exhaustion. Driving while fatigued can be as dangerous as driving under the influence, as both significantly impair judgment and reaction time.
- Pulling Over in Unsafe Areas — When operating rideshare services, drivers may stop or park in unauthorized areas to streamline pickups and drop-offs. While this may expedite the journey, it significantly increases the risk of accidents, endangering passengers and pedestrians.
Determining the cause of the Uber accident is an essential step in identifying the at-fault parties. Our Long Beach Uber accident lawyers will thoroughly evaluate the evidence and consult with qualified experts if needed to help establish a link between your injuries and the Uber accident.
Different Injuries Sustained In An Uber Accident
Uber accident victims are susceptible to various injuries. The severity of this depends on the impact and the type of accident that took place.
Our Long Beach Uber accident lawyers have handled cases involving the following types of injuries:
- Whiplash — Victims may sustain whiplash injuries when the neck experiences a sudden and violent back-and-forth movement, stretching the muscles and ligaments. Symptoms, including neck pain, stiffness, and limited motion, might take a few days to become apparent.
- Head and Brain Injuries — High-impact Uber accidents can throw passengers around the vehicle, hitting their heads on rigid surfaces, which can result in mild concussions or skull fractures. More serious incidents can lead to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that require expensive medical interventions. These injuries might cause long-term mental or physical problems, paralysis, or even death.
- Spinal Cord Injuries — The strong force generated in Uber crashes can damage victims’ spinal cords, nerves in the spinal canal, vertebrae, ligaments, or spinal column. These injuries may cause mobility issues and loss of sensation. Serious cases may lead to paralysis.
- Fractures — Forceful Uber crashes might break a victim’s bones. The most commonly affected areas include the wrists, arms, legs, and ribs. Fractures can be painful and limit one’s mobility. Depending on their severity, these injuries might require casting or surgery.
- Amputations — Severe limb crush injuries sustained in an Uber accident can result in an amputation. The loss of a limb significantly affects a patient’s quality of life, making it challenging to do normal things like walking or driving.
- Wrongful Deaths — Tragically, some Uber rides end in accidents that claim the lives of passengers or other motorists. These heart-wrenching incidents force surviving family members to navigate the difficult process of pursuing wrongful death claims against those responsible.
How Does Uber’s Liability Insurance Work?
Uber maintains comprehensive insurance policies for drivers and passengers who get into accidents. However, victims must understand that getting injured in a crash involving Uber does not automatically guarantee coverage. Insurance coverage primarily depends on the driver’s app status at the time of the accident.
- Period 0 — The rideshare driver is inactive on the app. Uber does not provide coverage in these instances. The at-fault driver’s auto insurance will cover the victim’s injuries and damages.
- Period 1 — The Uber driver is waiting for passengers after logging into the app. If they get into an accident while waiting, their car insurance provides primary coverage. If this isn’t enough, Uber provides up to $100,000 in injury coverage and $25,000 for property damage.
- Period 2 — When a driver heads to pick up a customer and gets into an accident, their auto insurance company is again the primary coverage provider. Uber may step in with more comprehensive coverage of up to $1 million if the driver’s insurance falls short.
- Period 3 — Here, the passenger is picked up and transported to their drop-off point. The same coverage in Period 2 applies.
Our Long Beach attorneys can assist you in understanding the insurance policies relevant to your case. We will carefully evaluate your situation and explore your potential avenues for seeking compensation for damages.
Damages That Can Be Pursued By Uber Accident Victims
Uber accidents can change a victim’s life. California’s legal system allows those affected to pursue due compensation for all their damages, from out-of-pocket expenses to intangible losses.
Our lawyers in Long Beach have helped Uber accident victims file claims for the following damages:
- Hospital bills.
- Emergency care services.
- Surgeries.
- Rehabilitation and therapies.
- Prescriptions.
- Missed wages.
- Loss of future income.
- Property damage.
- Funeral expenses (wrongful death).
- Physical pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress.
- Disfigurements.
- Permanent or temporary disabilities.
- Loss of consortium.
- Loss of quality of life.
Before insurance companies agree to a payment, they will examine each case individually and calculate the victim’s total losses. Consider consulting with our Long Beach Uber accident lawyers to help assess the potential value of your claim, taking into account factors such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We can handle communications and negotiations with the defendants’ insurance providers.
Who Is Responsible For An Uber Accident?
Our lawyers in Long Beach have dealt with Uber accident cases resulting from the negligence of the following parties:
- Uber Drivers — Most of the time, Uber drivers become the primary party liable for accidents and the resulting damages. Reckless driving behaviors often contribute to these incidents, forming the basis for negligence claims.
- Uber — Although rideshare drivers are considered independent contractors, Uber may still be held accountable for accidents involving their vehicles. The rideshare company’s liability may stem from its failure to conduct a stringent screening process to hire only suitable drivers.
- Car Manufacturers — If the crash resulted from a manufacturing issue with the vehicle, such as faulty tires or a malfunctioning automatic braking system (ABS), you might be able to seek compensation from the car company. Similarly, you may also hold the producers, wholesalers, and retailers responsible for your damages.
- Third-Party Motorists — Not all Uber accidents happen due to the negligence of rideshare drivers. In some cases, other motorists’ recklessness leads to collisions. If you get into this situation, you may seek accountability from the at-fault driver.
- Government Agencies — Uber crashes can also arise from factors beyond a driver’s control, such as road conditions or inadequate signage. In such cases, you have the option to file a claim against the government agencies responsible for road maintenance.
If you have difficulty establishing negligence of the liable parties, you may consult our Long Beach Uber accident lawyers. We will carefully assess the circumstances of your case, gathering evidence and reviewing all relevant details to identify those responsible for the accident.
Proving Negligence In An Uber Accident
Seeking damages from the at-fault parties in an Uber accident involves proving that their recklessness caused the collision. However, this process isn’t straightforward. Plaintiffs like you must demonstrate the following elements of negligence:
- Duty of Care — The first step is to show that the defendant owes you a duty of care. This refers to the legal obligation to behave as a reasonable person would to avoid compromising the safety of others. For instance, Uber drivers must drive with the utmost care and abide by all traffic laws and Uber’s rules. This ensures the safety of their passengers and other motorists with whom they share the road.
- Breach of Duty — Next, you must demonstrate how the defendant breached their duty. In an Uber accident, the rideshare driver might have breached their duty of care by running a red light or speeding. They might also be guilty of distracted or fatigued driving.
- Causation — Your Uber accident lawyer must establish the direct connection between the defendant’s breach of duty and the accident. For example, a T-bone collision occurred after your Uber driver disregarded the traffic light at the intersection.
- Damages — Finally, you must present evidence of the damages you suffered from the accident. You may provide copies of your hospital bills, repair invoices, missed payrolls, and other reliable documents showing the losses you incurred after the crash.
Proving negligence after a rideshare accident requires a strategic approach and in-depth legal knowledge. Our experienced Uber and Long Beach Lyft accident lawyers can handle the legal aspects of your case, including filing an injury claim, while you focus on your recovery. We can gather crucial evidence and work to build a strong claim that clearly establishes each essential element of negligence.
What To Do After An Uber Accident In Long Beach
Following an Uber collision, victims may take certain steps to protect their health and rights:
- Stay calm and move to a safe place on the side of the road to avoid additional harm. If your car got hit by an Uber, do not flee the scene. Next, you must quickly assess injuries. In case of severe injuries or any emergencies, promptly call 911.
- Work with law enforcement agencies. Tell them everything they need to know about what happened. These details will help the police create an accident report, which you’ll need when filing a personal injury claim.
- Collect evidence. Take photos and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, the wrecked Uber vehicle, and other damaged properties. You can also ask any eyewitnesses for testimonies or statements about the accident.
- Take note of vital information. Find out the Uber drivers’ names and contact information, as well as that of anyone else involved. You should also write down their insurance details.
- Report the incident to Uber. Passengers may use their app to submit a report. Third-party motorists may reach out to the rideshare company online by completing this form.
- Notify your insurance company. Provide information such as the date, time, location, and parties involved. However, you must not overshare or admit guilt. Remember that your words can be used against you.
- Contact an injury law firm. A Long Beach Uber accident lawyer can help explain your rights, evaluate if you may have a valid claim, and advise you on your next steps. They can assist in identifying negligent parties and pursuing compensation for your damages and losses.
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
Statute Of Limitations For Uber Accident Cases
In California, the statute of limitations sets a strict deadline for filing a lawsuit after a car accident, including those involving Uber. Generally, victims have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This time frame applies to most cases where you are seeking compensation for injuries sustained in the accident.
However, there are exceptions to this general rule:
Claims Against Government Entities
If your Uber accident involved a government vehicle or was due to the negligence of a government agency, the statute of limitations is significantly shorter. You must file a claim within six months of the accident. Failure to meet this deadline can result in losing your right to sue.
Claims Involving Minors
If the victim is a minor (under 18 years old), the statute of limitations may be extended. In most cases, the two-year period does not begin until the victim turns 18.
Wrongful Death Claims
If an Uber accident results in the death of a loved one, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is also two years from the date of death, not necessarily from the date of the accident.
Discovery Rule
In some instances, injuries or damages from the accident may not be immediately apparent. Under the “discovery rule,” the statute of limitations may begin from the date the injury was discovered or should have been discovered with reasonable diligence rather than the date of the accident.
Failing to file a lawsuit within the applicable statute of limitations means losing the right to seek compensation. The court is likely to dismiss your case if the deadline is missed, leaving you without legal recourse.
Our Long Beach Uber accident attorneys can help you determine the exact deadline applicable to your case. We will thoroughly assess your claim, gather the necessary evidence, and file the necessary paperwork within the appropriate time frame.
Uber Accident Statistics
The use of rideshare services, particularly Uber, has been on the rise. According to Uber’s US Safety Report, billions of trips are completed each year nationwide. Data also showed that 99.9998% of them were facilitated without any safety issues.
The National Bureau of Economic Research released a study in 2021 that further supported these findings. It revealed that rideshare services, particularly Uber, have contributed to a 6% reduction in drunk driving deaths across the country.
Despite the low incident rate, Uber accidents remain a serious concern in Long Beach and the rest of California. We are dedicated to providing legal services to injured clients to help them obtain compensation under the law.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Uber Accidents
Do I Need To Hire A Lawyer For My Uber Accident Case?
After an Uber accident, you might be asking yourself, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer?” Although you might get conflicting advice, you can benefit from hiring an attorney.
While no law requires you to hire Long Beach lawyers to file an Uber accident claim, not having one might negatively impact your case. Insurance companies may present lowball offers that do not reflect the total value of your losses. Moreover, the complexity of the legal process may overwhelm you and even affect your recovery.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire An Uber Accident Lawyer?
Many personal injury law firms in California, including Arash Law, operate on a contingency fee basis. Under this arrangement, the lawyer’s fees are a percentage of the settlement or award they recover on your behalf. You won’t have to pay an attorney’s fee up front. This setup allows victims to initiate legal action against negligent parties without immediate legal costs. Please note that you may still be responsible for certain case-related costs regardless of the outcome of your case.
How Much Is My Uber Accident Worth?
No lawyer in Long Beach can predict how much an Uber accident victim may obtain from negligent parties. The truth is that determining the exact amount can be challenging when several factors influence the value of your case. Among these are the following:
- The severity of your injuries.
- Intricacies involved in your case.
- The extent of pain and suffering.
- Duration of your recovery period.
- Your out-of-pocket expenses.
- Needed present and future medical care.
- Number of days off work.
It’s advisable to consult a Long Beach Uber accident attorney to help you get an estimate of the value of your damages. They will thoroughly assess the incident and take into account all the damages and losses you suffered.
Who Can File An Uber Accident Case?
Any injured victim, regardless of immigration and socioeconomic status, may pursue an Uber accident case against the negligent parties.
If you’re an undocumented immigrant in Long Beach, you can still be eligible to file a personal injury claim. California law emphasizes that regardless of your citizenship or residency status, your right to obtain compensation for your injuries remains. The courts also can’t question your immigration status. Likewise, your gender, ethnicity, and race do not influence your legal standing.
If you’re an undocumented immigrant thinking about filing an Uber accident claim, speak with our lawyers in Long Beach. We will help you navigate the legal system and help protect your rights against possible exploitation by Uber, insurance companies, and the defendants.
Contact Our Long Beach Uber Accident Lawyers For Legal Help
Uber accidents can have life-altering consequences. In addition to the physical toll, Uber accidents can create a legal nightmare that many are ill-prepared to navigate. In addition to the physical toll, navigating the aftermath of such incidents can be challenging. At Arash Law, we provide legal representation and support to clients throughout the claims process.
Our Long Beach Uber accident lawyers offer comprehensive legal services and experience in handling a wide variety of personal injury cases. We are committed to advocating for your rights and work diligently to pursue compensation for your injuries and other losses.
Call us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Our lawyers also handle other types of accidents, including hit-and-runs, bike crashes, pedestrian accidents, slip-and-falls, and more. In addition to Long Beach, our injury law firm also serves injured victims of Uber collisions in nearby cities and locations, including Signal Hill, Seal Beach, Rossmoor, Carson, West Carson, Lakewood, Los Alamitos, Hawaiian Gardens, Paramount, Compton, Bellflower, Artesia, Torrance, and Cypress.