Ontario 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.
Experienced Legal Assistance From Our Ontario Uber Accident Lawyers
Our Ontario Uber accident lawyers work to support victims in pursuing compensation for their injuries. Arash Law has the resources to help clients in seeking a settlement for their damages based on their case. If you need our help, call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
Uber collisions come with complex legal challenges. Determining liability isn’t simple, as responsibility can fall on multiple parties, including the Uber driver, Uber itself, or even third-party motorists. Negotiating a settlement with one or more insurance companies can also be difficult.
You may thus wish to have advocates who know how to deal with multiple kinds of entities during the claims process, such as corporations and insurance providers. Let our Uber accident lawyers in Ontario see how we can help.
Why Consult With Our Ontario Uber Accident Lawyers
If you’ve been injured in an Uber crash, you may be intent on finding out whether you can legally get compensated for the losses you’ve incurred. Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible to pursue compensation by filing a personal injury claim. Our Ontario Uber accident lawyers can help you figure out whether you have a case.
Here are some of the reasons to consult with our Uber accident attorneys in Ontario:
- Free Initial Consultations — Our lawyers can give you clear, honest answers without any cost or obligation. Our aim is to help you decide on your next course of action regarding your case.
- Contingency Fee Agreements — Our lawyers understand that an Uber crash can cause financial stress. That’s why our firm works on a contingency fee basis. In other words, clients are not required to pay attorney’s fees unless they’re able to collect compensation. Still, certain case-related expenses may apply.
- Legal Support — From investigations and evidence-gathering to negotiations, we can advocate for your rights.
- Experienced & Knowledgeable Lawyers — Arash Law attorneys are experienced and knowledgeable in personal injury law. We’ll use what we know about rideshare insurance policies, state laws, and more to understand your case and help you seek compensation.
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 Our Uber Accident Attorneys Can Help
Ontario, CA, known as “The Gateway to Southern California,” is just 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, offering easy access to major attractions like Disneyland, Dodger Stadium, and the beaches of Venice and Santa Monica. Both residents and tourists can enjoy these destinations with the convenience of rideshare services like Uber.
Unfortunately, despite Uber’s convenience, road dangers remain. Uber accidents can occur in various ways, whether due to the fault of the Uber driver, another motorist, or external factors like poor road conditions or obstructions. The fact that there might be multiple parties involved can further complicate your already challenging case.
Our Ontario Uber accident lawyers can help you in the following ways:
- Investigating Your Uber Accident — We can look into your case closely and identify what factors led to the accident and who may be at fault.
- Gathering Evidence — We can collect critical evidence, including police reports, witness statements, video footage, and testimony, to help prove negligence and establish liability.
- Determining Claim Value — Our attorneys can assess your damages to estimate your claim’s potential value.
- Handling Legal Documentation — We take care of the complex legal paperwork and claim filings, allowing you to focus on your health.
- Managing Insurance Interactions — Our lawyers can communicate with insurance companies on your behalf. We can negotiate to pursue compensation that closely reflects your losses.
- Representing You in Court — If necessary, we can take your case to trial. Our attorneys build every case as if it’s going to court, which helps us prime each one for potential litigation.
Common Causes Of Uber Accidents
Determining the cause of a ridesharing accident in Ontario is the first step in identifying potential at-fault parties to pursue compensation from. Some of the most common causes of these incidents are:
- Violating Traffic Regulations — Running red lights or failing to yield disrupts traffic flow and creates unpredictable situations, increasing the risk of collisions.
- Distracted Driving — Using a cell phone or other distractions while driving increases the risk of collisions, as drivers may miss important road signs or signals. Uber drivers, in particular, are at higher risk as they frequently interact with their phones for navigation and trip requests.
- Driving under the Influence — Alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications can impair a driver’s ability to make rational decisions while on the road.
- Fatigued Driving — Exhaustion leads to slower reflexes, poor decision-making, and even microsleeps. These brief but dangerous episodes of sleep can potentially cause deadly accidents.
- Excessive Speeding — Driving over the speed limit or too fast for conditions raises the chance of accidents. Speeding reduces reaction time and makes it hard to avoid hazards, which can easily lead to losing control of the vehicle or crashing.
- Inadequate Vehicle Maintenance — Failing to address necessary repairs compromises the vehicle’s performance. Worn-out brakes, bald tires, faulty lights, or other neglected maintenance issues can lead to accidents due to mechanical failures.
Our Uber accident lawyers in Ontario can collect critical pieces of evidence to assess who may be liable for your injuries. Fill out our contact form, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Hurt in an Uber Accident?
Potential Liable Parties In Uber Accidents
Under California’s fault-based system, victims of traffic accidents can pursue damages from the at-fault party. Depending on the circumstances, one or more parties may be liable, including the following:
- Uber Driver — Like any other motorist, an Uber driver may be liable if their negligence caused an accident.
- Uber Technologies, Inc. — Uber may cover damages if the driver was actively using the app during the incident. Additionally, if Uber fails to screen drivers properly or allows a driver with a history of unsafe driving or criminal activity to remain on the platform, the company could be liable for negligent hiring or retention.
- Another Motorist — In some cases, Uber or its drivers are not at fault. If another driver’s negligence caused the accident, that driver could be responsible for the crash.
- Other Parties — In certain situations, liability may fall on manufacturers of faulty vehicle parts, vehicle maintenance providers, local governments (for poor road conditions), pedestrians, cyclists, or construction companies whose actions or negligence contributed to the accident.
Determining liability in an Uber accident can be complex and contentious. Under California’s pure comparative negligence system, multiple parties may share liability, with their respective responsibilities determined by their percentage of fault. Our Ontario lawyers can uncover who is potentially responsible for the Uber accident and help you hold them accountable for your damages. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule your first meeting with our attorneys free of charge.
Understanding Uber’s Insurance Coverage
Uber adheres to the insurance requirements set by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for transportation network companies (TNCs). These regulations require Uber to provide varying levels of insurance coverage depending on the driver’s status on the app. Here’s a breakdown:
- Period 0 (Uber Driver Is Offline) — If the driver is offline on the Uber app, their auto insurance covers the damages if they’re at fault for an accident. Uber does not provide any coverage during this period.
- Period 1 (Uber App Is Online, But No Active Ride Request) — If the driver has logged into the app but hasn’t picked up a passenger yet, Uber covers up to:
- $50,000 per person for injuries.
- $100,000 per accident for injuries.
- $25,000 in property damage per accident.
- Period 2 (Ride Accepted, En Route to Pick Up) — Once the driver accepts a ride request and is on the way to pick up a passenger, Uber offers up to $1,000,000 in third-party liability insurance. In addition, there may be supplementary coverage for accidents involving uninsured or underinsured motorists.
- Period 3 (Passenger in the Uber Vehicle) — During this period, the driver is transporting the passenger to their designated drop-off point. The insurance coverage is the same as in Period 2.
One important thing to note is that the compensation you’re able to pursue will not necessarily be equal to the policy limits mentioned above. Our Uber accident lawyers in Ontario can help explain these insurance complexities. We can investigate your case, identify the applicable coverage, and negotiate a settlement on your behalf.
How Our Lawyers Prove Negligence In Uber Accidents
To pursue a claim, you must prove that another party’s negligence caused your injuries. Our Ontario Uber accident attorneys can assist you in demonstrating these four essential elements of negligence:
- Duty of Care — The at-fault party had a legal responsibility to observe due care and avoid reckless actions to prioritize your safety.
- Breach of Duty — They failed to uphold their duty of care.
- Causation — Their actions or inaction led to the accident that caused your injuries.
- Damages — You suffered actual losses due to the Uber accident.
Our car accident lawyers, who handle Uber claims, can collect and gather the following pieces of evidence to help establish liability and support your claim:
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Traffic camera footage
- Eyewitness accounts
- Professional testimonies
- Uber app history
- Driver’s records
Our Ontario injury law firm can investigate your case. We may work with accident reconstruction and forensic professionals to gain a clear understanding of the factors that caused the incident, backing your claim with analysis and evidence.
Damages You Can Pursue In An Uber Accident Claim
Uber accident victims can suffer injuries ranging from minor to life-altering, depending on the severity of the crash. Common injuries that victims often sustain include:
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Head and brain injuries
- Bone fractures
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Burn injuries
- Cuts and lacerations
- Internal injuries
The amount of damages you may seek depends on the severity of the injuries you sustained. Our Uber accident lawyers can assist you in pursuing the following economic damages:
- Medical Costs — You can seek compensation for the full range of medical expenses resulting from your Uber accident injuries. These may include the costs of emergency care, hospital stays, medications, surgical procedures, physical therapy, and other ongoing treatments.
- Lost Income — If you are unable to work as you heal from your injuries, you can file a settlement case for your lost wages. This may also include the loss of future earnings if you’re unable to return to work at full capacity.
- Property Damage — If the Uber collision led to vehicle damage or full wreckage, you may also pursue compensation for repair or replacement costs.
- Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses — You may also file a claim for various other expenses incurred due to your injuries. These can include transportation costs, home modifications to accommodate your recovery, childcare or household assistance, and any other out-of-pocket expenses directly related to the accident.
Apart from financial impact, Uber accidents may also lead to intangible losses. We can help you seek the following damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Mental anguish
- Inconvenience
What To Do Following An Uber Accident
Whether you’re an Uber driver, passenger, or another road user, accidents can be overwhelming. Taking the right steps can protect your rights and potentially help you avoid paying for an accident you didn’t cause. For example, you can do the following:
- Get Help — Call 911 and ask for emergency assistance. Provide the operator with the approximate location of the incident and report any injuries.
- Report the Uber Accident — Notify the following about the collision:
- The Authorities — Coordinate with the local police and any other authorities when they respond to the scene. Focus on the details of the incident instead of assigning blame or admitting fault. The police report may serve as a key piece of evidence in your claim.
- Uber Technologies, Inc. — Report the accident through the Uber website or app. Notifying Uber can help establish a record of the incident and might help you seek compensation under its insurance policy.
- Your Insurer — Notify your insurance company in case you need to access benefits when there are delays with your Uber accident claim.
- Get Medical Attention — Even if you feel fine, it’s important to see a doctor. Some injuries may not show up at the accident scene. Getting checked can result in early detection of any issues and provide a thorough record of your injuries.
- Collect Evidence — Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, vehicle damage, and any other evidence. Also, gather contact information from witnesses and the other driver’s insurance details for your records.
- Consult Our Ontario Uber Accident Lawyers — Our attorneys can help explain your rights and options after an Uber crash. We can guide you on what to do (and what to avoid) during the claims process.
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
Deadline For Filing Uber Accident Cases In California
In California, there is a strict deadline for filing an injury claim following an Uber accident. Generally, victims have two years from the date of the accident to file a case. If you miss this deadline, the court is unlikely to allow your claim. It’s thus crucial to act promptly after an Uber crash.
However, certain factors may affect this time limit. For instance, if you did not discover your injuries immediately, the time limit starts from the date you find out or should have reasonably detected your injuries.
If an Uber accident leads to a fatality, the victim’s family should file a wrongful death claim within two years of the date of death. The family may be able to seek compensation for burial costs, funeral expenses, and loss of financial support, among other losses. The decedent’s estate can also file a survival action claim. This claim seeks damages for the losses the victim would have received if they had lived.
While two years may seem like plenty of time, delays can potentially weaken your case. Crucial evidence, such as witness statements, surveillance footage, and accident reports, can become harder to obtain over time. Our Ontario Uber accident attorneys are ready to help review your case and see how you can file it in line with the statute of limitations. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 for a free case review.
Uber Accident Statistics
Ridesharing services like Uber have transformed transportation, offering greater convenience and flexibility for both locals and tourists, not just in Ontario but throughout the rest of California. They offer a safer alternative to driving after a night out. In fact, one study indicated that rideshare services helped reduce alcohol-related collisions.
However, the rise of Uber vehicles has also introduced new challenges to road safety. As the number of ridesharing cars increases, so does the likelihood of accidents. A study from the University of Chicago shows that road fatalities have increased by 3% each year since ridesharing services started.
According to Uber’s 2021-2022 safety report, about 99.9% of trips concluded without any safety-related incidents. The company’s report also emphasized the following:
- Uber’s motor vehicle fatality rate is 0.87 per 100 million miles traveled.
- There were 153 Uber-related motor vehicle fatalities during this period.
- Over half of these fatalities resulted from the reckless driving of third-party drivers who are not Uber operators.
When an Uber vehicle is involved in a crash, pursuing compensation can be far more complex than in a standard car accident. Our Ontario Uber accident lawyers have the experience to navigate these complicated claims, negotiate for a settlement, and present a case in court if necessary.
Questions People Frequently Ask Our Ontario Uber Accident Lawyers (FAQs)
If you’ve suffered injuries in an Uber accident, you likely have many questions about your rights, the claims process, and what steps to take next. To help you navigate the process, we’ve compiled answers to the most common questions people ask our Ontario Uber accident attorneys. If you have an inquiry about your case, call us at (888) 488-1391.
Do I Need A Personal Injury Lawyer For My Uber Accident?
While it is not mandatory to have a personal injury lawyer handle your case, you may struggle to seek compensation on your own. Uber accident claims are typically governed by complex and relatively new rideshare policies and insurance companies. Our Ontario Uber accident lawyers are familiar with them and can tell you how they may apply to your case. We can also handle negotiations with insurers and build a case to prove liability on your behalf.
Will I Be Required To Be In Court When I Pursue A Compensation Claim?
Whether you’ll need to appear in court depends on the complexity of your case and how negotiations unfold. In most cases, claims get resolved through settlements without ever going to trial.
However, settlements are not simple. If negotiations prove unproductive, taking your case to trial may be necessary to seek compensation for your losses. Our Ontario Uber accident lawyers prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. We can advocate for your rights, whether through settlement negotiations or in court.
Can I Sue Uber For My Accident?
While Uber classifies its drivers as independent contractors to limit its liability, the company still provides insurance coverage based on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. Whether you can sue Uber directly depends on the specific circumstances of your case, including whether Uber’s policies or negligence played a role. Our Ontario Uber accident attorneys can assess your situation and evaluate whether suing Uber is a viable legal option.
How Much Is An Uber Accident Claim Or Lawsuit Worth?
Providing an estimate without knowing the specifics of the case is difficult. The value of accident claims depends on several factors, with the severity of injuries playing a key role. Other factors may include medical costs, lost income, and the impact of the injuries on the victim’s quality of life.
Who Can File A Personal Injury Claim In California?
California law protects individuals who suffer harm due to someone else’s negligence. Anyone injured in an Uber accident has the right to file a personal injury claim, regardless of their sex, gender, or ethnicity. Undocumented immigrants are also entitled to the same legal protections.
Call Our Ontario Uber Accident Lawyers
Uber accidents happen in an instant, but their impact can last a lifetime. Whether you were a passenger, driver, pedestrian, or cyclist, you may be eligible to file a case for your losses. Our Ontario Uber accident lawyers can guide you through the claims process, see if you have a case, and help you pursue compensation if you do. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
Our attorneys also support victims of car collisions, hit-and-runs, workplace injuries, truck accidents, DUIs, and pedestrian incidents, among others. We extend our services to the rest of California, including nearby areas such as Jurupa Valley, Pomona, Claremont, Chino Hills, Colton, Eastvale, Corona, Rancho Cucamonga, Brea, Fullerton, Whittier, Riverside, and San Bernardino.
