Oakland Uber Accident Lawyers
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Move Forward After An Injury With Help From Oakland Uber Accident Lawyers
Uber accidents are prevalent throughout Oakland and the Bay Area. These accidents can result in severe or fatal injuries for those involved. Call our Oakland Uber accident lawyer at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
There are many ways that Uber accidents can happen, from speeding drivers to reckless third parties. Collisions can happen with other motorists or pedestrians. Arash Law can help with seeking compensation for your losses.
Victims of Uber accidents often face significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Our attorneys help identify responsible parties and pursue accountability for their actions.
2019: $27M confidential settlement in a case involving multiple plaintiffs.– BRIAN BEECHER
Crash Statistics In Oakland
Oakland is the largest city in the San Francisco Bay Area and in Alameda County. According to the last census report, there is a population of 419,267, making it the 45th largest city in the country. Several significant highways run throughout Oakland. It is a known fact that traffic congestion leads to vehicle collisions. Uber crashes are among those collisions.
According to reports by the Office of Traffic Safety, 3,178 people suffered an injury or died in 2015 in car accidents. Among those were 235 motorcyclists, 210 bicyclists, and 340 pedestrians. Two hundred forty-four accidents involved alcohol consumption. Four of which involved drivers under the legal drinking age (21). In 2016, California saw 3,623 traffic fatalities.
Alameda County had 9,867 victims who suffered injury or death in traffic collisions. A minimum of 890 of those collisions involved alcohol. For the same year, there were 2,523 speed-related collisions.
While those numbers are alarming for the state, there are staggering numbers for Oakland. For the same reporting year of 2015, there were 624 fatal or injury collisions in Oakland involving speed. Of those, 463 were hit-and-runs, and 371 occurred at night.
According to reports by the Office of Traffic Safety, 2,289 people suffered an injury or died in 2020 in vehicular crashes. Among those were 143 motorcyclists, 154 bicyclists, and 255 pedestrians. There were 131 victims killed or injured in crashes involving alcohol consumption. Three of which involved drivers under the legal drinking age (21). In 2021, California saw 4,285 traffic fatalities.
OTS reported that Alameda County had 7,856 victims who suffered injury or death in traffic collisions. A minimum of 689 of those collisions involved alcohol. For the same year, there were 1,691 speed-related collisions.
While those numbers are alarming for the state, there are staggering numbers for Oakland. For the same reporting year of 2020, there were 251 fatal or injury collisions in Oakland involving speed. Of those, 496 were hit-and-run cases, and 287 occurred at night.
Uber US Safety Report for 2019-2020 found that “101 individual motor vehicle fatalities occurred across 91 fatal Uber-related crashes.” The report cited speeding and impaired driving as the top causes of death. Tragically, 64% of the fatalities were pedestrians, 29% were third-party motorcyclists, and 7% were cyclists.
The consequences of car accidents are catastrophic in many cases. Distracted, reckless, and negligent drivers cause injuries and deaths yearly. These actions are preventable. While we cannot change driver actions, our dedicated lawyers for Uber accidents in Oakland can represent victims and their loved ones.
Arash Law offers victims, who might not have a voice otherwise, an opportunity to exercise their rights. Our Oakland Uber accident lawyers have decades of experience helping clients pursue compensation and justice for their collision. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free case review.
Car Accident Laws To Know In California
Take swift action and speak to skilled Uber accident lawyers in Oakland. While attorneys have the legal training to handle accident claims, you must be familiar with your rights and the laws that are applicable to your case.
Numerous federal, state, and local laws can apply to your case. Here are a few of the most important ones:
- Fault-Based Car Insurance Rules — California handles claims using the concept of fault. This means that the driver responsible for causing the crash is also financially liable for the resulting damages. Injured parties will bring their claims to the at-fault driver’s insurance company first. They may also file for reimbursement from their own insurance providers in certain circumstances.
- Comparative Negligence Laws — California follows a pure comparative negligence rule for handling accident claims. Pure comparative negligence means both parties can share fault in an accident, which can benefit victims in some cases and be a detriment in others. As the claimant, you can be partially responsible for causing a collision and still be eligible to pursue damages. The caveat is that your assigned percentage of fault will reduce your award.
- Damage Awards Available — You can pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, property damages, rental car costs, disability, etc., under California law. Your damages will vary based on the facts of your Uber collision.
California fault laws allow injured parties to sue the other driver for minor losses. If you suffered losses under $10,000, you can take your case to small claims court instead. However, most of the time, accident damages are resolved through an insurance claim.
Are Uber Accidents Common?
Uber promotes safety for their drivers and passengers. Still, there is a risk every time you book a ride, the same as every time you get behind the wheel. Even so, accidents are not unheard of and happen more often than you think. Uber users are increasing, and so are Uber accidents in Oakland. The number is high, but not enough for anyone to swear off rideshare companies forever.
Besides the driver’s credentials, many risks are present when getting into a rideshare. Our Oakland Uber accident lawyers are more focused on what happens before and after these collisions than on how many crashes there are. Uber does not have a strict hiring process, which often contributes to these accidents.
Common Uber Accident Cases In Oakland
Riding or driving a rideshare is not without risk. Uber accidents, for example, can happen in many ways, such as:
- An Uber driver causes a collision with a passenger in the vehicle.
- An Uber driver causes a crash with a pedestrian or bicyclist.
- An Uber driver crashes into another vehicle.
- Another motorist causes a collision with an Uber.
You can be injured in any of these collisions as an Uber customer. The worst part is that you have no control in any of these instances. You may be suffering an injury, and someone else is at fault. Remember, you may have options to pursue a claim. Contact an Oakland Uber accident lawyer to learn more about them.
Common Causes Of Oakland Uber Accidents
Uber drivers can face many dangers while driving. The fast pace of rideshare work and the need to respond promptly to passenger requests can sometimes increase the risk of accidents. Factors such as heavy traffic, unfamiliar routes, and frequent app usage for navigation and communication can all contribute to collisions. Arash Law handles various rideshare collision cases. If you are injured in a crash, call our Oakland Uber accident lawyers for legal assistance.
Uber drivers also face more distractions than other motorists since using an app is the most significant part of their job. They are also using GPS for navigation. Other common issues are recklessness, intoxication, and fatigue. Uber drivers have no limit on how many hours they can work.
It’s also worth noting that Uber accidents do not all happen because of Uber drivers. Other motorists or parties can also cause a collision. While some Uber drivers are reckless, others are careful. There are third-party road users you might have to worry about. They can cause accidents due to errors, such as failure to yield, running stop signs. Other common causes include inclement weather, vehicle defects, and poor road design. If you suffer an injury from a collision with an Uber, call Arash Law to learn more about how you can seek compensation for your damages. An Uber accident lawyer in Oakland will investigate your collision and determine who is responsible.
Every car accident is unique, but there are many similarities. Through decades of experience handling car accident cases, we’ve identified patterns that frequently lead to crashes. Knowing what they are can help you on the road and during your accident claim. Some of the most typical causes of Uber accidents include the following:
- Texting and driving
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Breaking road rules
- Drowsy driving
- Defective vehicle parts
- Inexperienced drivers
- Roadway hazards
- Running stop signs and red lights
- Poor vehicle maintenance
Driver error, dangerous roadways, and lack of vehicle maintenance are all preventable causes of collisions. Negligence is to blame for most of these causes. Accidents are preventable when drivers take care of their vehicles and follow the law. Our Oakland Uber accident lawyers can help you find out who is responsible and why. Then, we can work to seek fair compensation for your losses.
Oakland Passenger Safety
Ridesharing services such as Uber have made transportation more convenient, but passenger safety remains a concern. While Uber conducts background checks on its drivers, these screenings have certain limitations. For example, they typically review records from only the past several years, meaning some prior incidents may not appear.
If you were injured or harmed due to the actions of a rideshare driver in Oakland, you may have the right to file a personal injury claim. Our attorneys can help you understand your legal options and evaluate whether negligence played a role in your case.
Driver Rights In Oakland
Uber drivers are considered independent contractors. Workers’ compensation does not cover an Uber driver, nor do they have the same rights as full-time employees.
If a driver is involved in an accident, Uber may temporarily deactivate their account while the incident is reviewed. This can make it difficult for drivers whose primary income depends on ridesharing work, leading to financial strain during recovery.
Drivers who suffer injuries in a crash may have options for pursuing compensation through available insurance coverage or third-party claims. Our Oakland Uber accident lawyers can review your circumstances, explain your rights, and help identify potential legal avenues for recovery.
What To Do After An Uber Accident In Oakland
What to do following a collision can be very confusing for the victim. You have injuries and are unsure what to do next. After an Uber accident, consider the following steps:
- Check for injuries for everyone in your vehicle, starting with yourself.
- If you are at a busy intersection, do not exit the vehicle.
- Call 911 for first responders and police.
- Do not refuse a medical evaluation. Assuming your injuries are minor is a huge mistake. Some injuries have delayed symptoms, only appearing hours or days after the collision.
- Document the details of your accident in a journal or your notes.
- Gather contact information about the drivers and anyone involved in the collision.
- Using your cell phone, take pictures of the accident.
- Get the contact information for witnesses.
- Screenshot your status in the Uber app.
- Get insurance information for all drivers.
- Request an accident report from the police.
- Inform the treating physician that you were in an accident and need thorough records.
- Speak to an Oakland Uber accident lawyer from Arash Law.
Delaying specific actions can hurt your case in many ways. For example, delaying medical treatment can jeopardize not only your health but also your potential claim. Speak to Oakland Uber accident lawyers if you want to know how to protect your claim.
You have a limited amount of time to file a claim. You can lose your rights if you fail to file within this timeframe. There are a few exceptions to the statute of limitations. An Uber accident lawyer in Oakland can help you seek compensation for your accident-related bills.
Five Things Not To Do After A Car Accident In Oakland
While there are many things you should do after a car accident, there are others you should not. Your priority is to seek medical attention. Here are some of the common pitfalls that may affect your claim:
- Admitting Fault or Guilt — Never admit fault to the insurance company, police, or drivers. If you are a passenger in an Uber, this potential mistake might not apply to you. Refrain from saying sorry in any way, which can be considered an admission of guilt.
- Waiting Before Receiving Medical Treatment — Go to the hospital or doctor immediately following the accident. Get medical treatment even if you feel uninjured. You can have a hidden injury. Getting medical care directly shows the insurance company that your injuries were severe.
- Representing Yourself in a Claim — While it is possible to represent yourself in an injury claim, it is ill-advised. An Oakland Uber accident lawyer understands the laws and how they apply to your case. We aren’t afraid to negotiate for a higher settlement or go to trial if necessary.
- Saying Yes to a Quick Settlement Agreement — After an accident, insurance representatives may contact you to discuss the incident or offer a settlement. These early offers may arrive before you’ve completed medical treatment or fully understood the extent of your injuries and losses. Settling too soon could result in compensation that doesn’t reflect your total damages. Resist the urge to settle. Instead, consider speaking to Arash Law.
- Waiting Too Long to File a Lawsuit — It is vital to move quickly because you only have two years from the accident date to sue. You have three years to file for property damage claims. For claims involving government agencies, you only have six months. Missing a deadline means losing your chance to file a lawsuit.
Even harmless posts on social media can be misunderstood. If you’re unsure what you can do to protect your case, speak to qualified Uber accident lawyers in Oakland. Our legal team can answer your questions and guide you on what to do in the hours, days, and weeks after a collision.
Why You Need The Help Of Skilled Oakland Uber Accident Lawyers
Uber accident cases are rarely straightforward. These accidents often involve multiple parties and insurance companies. An Uber accident lawyer in O-Town can investigate your claim to determine liability. This step involves gathering ride-share app data, witness statements, police reports, surveillance footage, etc. We will also collaborate with financial and medical specialists to calculate your expected losses.
Uber does offer $1 million coverage in cases of accidents. While the policy exists, it is not easily accessible. Sometimes, you can use this policy in conjunction with another policy. Our Oakland Uber accident lawyers will negotiate with the negligent parties’ insurance companies to push for compensation for your injuries.
Another benefit of hiring an Oakland Uber accident lawyer is that they can gather evidence that is otherwise challenging to obtain. There can be critical evidence that proves what happened and who was responsible for the collision. Uber might have a dash cam. There can also be surveillance cameras nearby. While this evidence exists, gaining access to it can be tough. Our Oakland Uber accident lawyers can look for evidence to support your case.
Uber insurance policies are complex. They have a $1 million insurance policy, which is only accessible in certain situations. The policy applies from the moment the driver accepts a ride request until the driver drops off the passenger, ending the ride. You must often file a claim with the driver’s insurance policy first. Due to these and other complications, working with an Oakland Uber accident lawyer could be an advantage for you.
The claims process after an accident can be complicated and time-consuming. Insurance adjusters carefully evaluate each case, with the goal of resolving claims in accordance with company policies and available coverage. Arash Law attorneys employ effective strategies to navigate the complex legal landscape and assist clients in seeking compensation.
Oakland Uber Accident Compensation
When you can access the Uber insurance policy, you can pursue compensation for various losses. Our Oakland Uber accident lawyers can help you pursue compensation for:
- Disability
- Medical expense
- Loss of life enjoyment
- Lost income
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced earning capacity
The list above is not exhaustive, and you may also incur additional losses for other damages. Organize and retain all documentation and receipts related to your injury claim.
Injuries In Oakland Uber Collisions
Victims can suffer severe and life-threatening injuries after an Uber accident. Vehicle occupants, pedestrians, and cyclists may suffer various injuries depending on how the crash occurs. Some common injuries that happen in Oakland Uber accidents are:
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Contusions
- Internal bleeding
- Broken bones
- Amputations
- Loss of bodily function
Many factors can dictate the injuries victims suffer and how severe they are. How the collision occurs and if speeding is involved can significantly impact your injuries. Your medical treatment and prognosis will also affect your compensation claim. Our Oakland Uber accident lawyer can help you receive the necessary medical attention and seek compensation.
How Does Insurance Work For An Oakland Rideshare Accident?
Insurance policies are challenging, to begin with, but they become more complex in rideshare accidents. The first challenge is determining which insurance policy pays for a victim’s losses after an Uber crash. The insurance companies will review the driver’s status during the collision. Based on their status, different insurance policies will apply. The possibilities are as follows:
- A personal insurance policy kicks in if the Uber driver is not signed into the app and causes a collision. Their carrier is responsible for seeking compensation for injured individuals.
- If the driver is signed on but does not have a passenger, a personal policy will apply for the most part. Uber and other rideshare services have supplemental insurance policies that can kick in under certain circumstances. If a claim is denied on the driver’s insurance policy, then Uber’s policy may apply. It can also apply if the insurance benefits are exhausted.
- The Uber insurance policy kicks in when an Uber driver is signed into the app and has a passenger. It also applies when the driver has accepted a ride and is en route to pick up the passenger.
While these are the basics of which insurance policies apply, there are many complexities. An Oakland Uber accident lawyer can review the insurance policies and determine a suitable course of action.
Liability In A Ridesharing Accident
In fault-based states, the person responsible for a collision must cover the victim’s injuries and property damage. This coverage includes damages to other drivers, pedestrians, and vehicle occupants.
California Minimum Liability Coverage (From 2025 Onward)
- Bodily Injury Liability:
- $30,000 for injury/death to one person.
- $60,000 for injury/death to more than one person per accident.
- Property Damage Liability:
- $15,000 for property damage per accident.
Optional But Commonly Recommended Coverages
- Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI):
- Same minimum limits as liability ($30,000 / $60,000), but not required — insurers must offer it, and you can reject it in writing.
- Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD):
- Up to $3,500, only if you don’t have collision coverage — also not required, but must be offered.
Drivers have the option to pay for higher premiums and limits. Most Uber drivers will have policies with higher premiums because of their rideshare status. When the policy limits are reached, victims might have the opportunity to seek further compensation in court, based on the unique details of their situation.
Rideshare Insurance Policies
Rideshare coverage is split into several periods with different coverages. Another factor to consider is that Uber drivers typically use their personal auto coverage before Uber’s policy kicks in.
In Period 1, drivers are active on the app and waiting for a ride request. Period 2 begins when the driver accepts a request and is en route to a passenger. Period 3 starts when the passenger enters the vehicle. A $1 million liability coverage will be in effect during Periods 2 and 3.
California requires all drivers to have insurance. Drivers must pay for these policies monthly, but they can only be used when the specific situation applies. They can face penalties and criminal charges if they fail to carry this insurance and are in a collision. When a driver turns off the app, personal insurance will apply again.
If the above sounds confusing, that’s because it is. Victims know they were in an accident and that someone must pay them. We can assess your damages and determine the applicable insurance policy. The intricacies can be left to an Oakland Uber accident lawyer.
Compensation For Ridesharing Accident Injuries
Before accepting any settlement, especially if you have not yet received a complete medical evaluation. It’s advisable to review your situation with a lawyer. Arash Law’s Oakland Uber accident attorneys can assess your claim, explain your rights, and help you make an informed decision about the next steps.
The damages you can seek are based on the circumstances of your case. Amounts will vary, but you can seek the following damages:
- Medical bills
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Rental vehicles
- Medical equipment
- Medications
- Lost income
- Loss of future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral and burial expenses
If a loved one dies in a collision, surviving family members can seek damages. Our Oakland ridesharing accident lawyer is here to help you during this tragic time.
Uber’s Insurance Coverage
Uber is a transportation network company. That means it connects passengers with drivers of non-transport vehicles. Riders may enjoy cheaper fares, but may also be taking risks. There are fewer legal protections for rideshare services than for taxis. Uber drivers and passengers can protect themselves by speaking with an Oakland Uber accident lawyer.
Uber and rideshare services, in general, are new. The laws are slow-moving, and few comprehensive laws protect drivers or passengers. That results in many injured parties fending for themselves after a car accident.
Uber’s website provides guidance on insurance regulations and coverages for its partners and riders. The website states:
- All drivers must have auto liability insurance meeting the minimum state requirements where they are driving.
- Uber offers minimum liability coverage of $50,000 for bodily injury for one person, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. These coverages apply when you turn on the app.
- Uber offers liability insurance of $1 million per accident from when a driver accepts a ride until the trip ends.
Coverages are extensive when drivers have a passenger, but are comparatively low when the driver does not. Uber makes the insurance process very complex. The Oakland Uber accident lawyers at Arash Law understand how these policies work and how they may apply to your case.
Settlement in a motor vehicle accident; client suffered internal injuries.– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
Damages Available For An Oakland Uber Accident
Uber crash victims will have different types of compensation available in Oakland. The Uber accident lawyers at Arash Law will work to calculate your economic and non-economic damages. Our goal is to help rideshare crash victims. We have handled different cases for clients and pursued compensation for losses, such as:
- Lost income.
- Property damage, like vehicle repairs or replacement.
- Medical bills related to the crash, like hospitalizations and doctors’ visits.
- Pain and suffering or mental anguish.
- Out-of-pocket expenses like household assistance.
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
- Emergent medical bills.
- Ongoing rehabilitative care.
- Estimated future medical expenses.
Everyone has different needs, and the same injury can impact two people differently. Working with an experienced Oakland Uber accident lawyer is vital to determine which damages apply to your case and how much they are worth.
How To File A Claim With Help From Oakland Uber Accident Lawyers
Uber accident victims must understand they have a limited time to file lawsuits in court for their damages. Insurance carriers have strict reporting deadlines. Many insurance deadlines are within a day or two of the collisions. Failing to file a claim within these time frames can hinder your chance to obtain compensation.
California also imposes strict deadlines for filing lawsuits. The statute is two years from the accident date. You will lose your rights if you do not file within this deadline. Consulting an Oakland Uber accident lawyer before you file a case can clarify other steps you may need to take.
To file a claim, you must contact the insurance company and inform them that a crash has occurred. Your status in the accident will determine how to proceed. An Uber driver in a collision will have a different process than an Uber passenger. The process also differs when another motorist causes the crash or a pedestrian is involved. Our Uber accident lawyer in Oakland can evaluate your case and find a suitable legal option for you.
How Can An Uber Accident Occur?
The truth is that Uber drivers are regular people who signed up for an app to make extra money. That means that Uber accidents happen in the same ways as other car accidents. Inattention is one of the biggest causes of vehicle accidents. Traffic ebbs and flows, and drivers must pay attention to react appropriately. When a driver isn’t paying attention, car accidents are the result.
One of the biggest causes of distraction is cell phone use. Texting and driving affects every driver. Uber drivers will rarely be texting or talking on the phone while driving. However, their cell phones are their lifeline to their employment. They must be watching to accept rides, looking for directions, and ending rides. Some drivers will send messages to passengers that they are arriving.
Talking to a passenger isn’t a crime, but it can be a distraction. Small talk can lead to intense conversations that take the driver’s eyes off the road or their attention. Another factor is drivers wanting to get as many rides as possible. The more rides they complete, the more money they make. This may lead to speeding and reckless driving. These factors can increase accident risk substantially.
What Are The Risks Of Riding In An Uber?
Driving or being a passenger in a vehicle brings risks daily. There are risks when riding with friends or family, but you are comfortable with their skills. When you order an Uber ride, you enter a vehicle with someone you don’t know, and you have no information about their driving record or background.
Uber has a screening process, but it is not extensive. Drivers will have a background and driving history check. However, these checks only go back a few years. It does not guarantee that the driver has a clean record.
When our Oakland Uber accident lawyer investigates your case, we will complete a background check into their criminal and driving history. We will look for traffic infractions and tickets. Our findings can serve as evidence to help your personal injury claim.
Do Uber Drivers Have Insurance?
Uber provides insurance coverage for its drivers, but the application of this coverage can depend on several factors, including the driver’s status within the app at the time of the accident. Understanding these distinctions is crucial to determining which policy applies.
Limited coverage applies when the driver is waiting for a ride request. Full coverage takes effect once a trip is accepted and continues until the passenger is dropped off.
Are Uber Riders Safe?
There is always a risk of a car accident happening. The risk does not vary much from being in another car. Regarding car accidents, you are at the same or similar risk when in an Uber. The risk is slightly higher if you are with an irresponsible driver. Most Uber riders will arrive at their destination safely without being involved in an accident.
You can be at risk for personal injury in other ways. Consulting an Oakland personal injury lawyer if you suffer an injury can be advantageous.
Were You Hurt Due To An Uber Accident?
You may be able to pursue compensation if you suffered an injury in an Uber accident. To safeguard your rights and explore your options for obtaining compensation, consulting with an experienced attorney may be beneficial.
Our experienced Oakland Uber accident lawyer understands driving laws, Uber policies, and your rights. We have extensive experience handling cases for our clients across California for years. Our team will guide you through the legal process.
Contact Our Oakland Uber Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been involved in an Uber accident, it’s important to understand your legal options before accepting any settlement offer. Speaking with an experienced attorney can help you make informed decisions about your next steps.
When you reach out to Arash Law, an Oakland Uber accident lawyer will listen to your story, review the details of your case, and explain your available options. If you choose to work with our firm, we will conduct a thorough investigation and advocate for your interests throughout the legal process.
We serve Oakland as well as Bakersfield, Berkeley, Contra Costa, Fresno, Irvine, Kern County, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Marin County, Merced, Modesto, Monterey, Newport Beach, Orange County, Pasadena, Placer, Santa Cruz, West Hollywood, and the rest of California.
Call us at (888) 488-1391 or complete our “Do I Have A Case?” form for a free initial consultation.
