Palm Springs Uber Accident Lawyers
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Our Palm Springs Uber Accident Lawyers Offer Legal Help For Life-Changing Moments
An experienced attorney can help if you suffered an injury in an Uber accident. Car crashes come with extensive physical recovery, massive financial burdens, and mental anguish, but a lawyer can help reduce your stress in the aftermath of a crash. Having the right legal team can provide support as you pursue compensation for losses from the parties that may be responsible for the accident. Call Arash Law’s Palm Springs Uber accident lawyers at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
Uber crashes are complex, as there are many potentially responsible parties. The lawyers at Arash Law have years of experience helping residents of Palm Springs and the surrounding areas seek compensation for their injuries. Contact us or complete our online form to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation with Uber accident lawyers in Palm Springs. We look forward to hearing from you.
November 2020: $9M settlement in a mild traumatic brain injury case involving a construction worker injured at the jobsite.– BRIAN BEECHER
Uber Accident Statistics
The Uber corporation promotes its service as safe and convenient. Despite safety measures that the company may put in place, accidents still happen. As Uber became more popular over the past decade, the number of traffic accident fatalities increased by three percent. If you suffered an injury after a crash while using Uber, consult Palm Springs Uber accident lawyers to discuss your options and learn about your rights after an accident.
The 2017-2018 Uber Accident Safety Report reported the following statistics:
- In 2017, Uber completed one billion rides. In 2018, Uber drivers completed 1.3 billion rides.
- From 2017 through 2018, 107 people died in Uber accidents.
- Of the 107 deaths that occurred in Uber accidents from 2017 to 2018, the demographic breakdown of victims included 21 percent drivers, 21 percent riders, and 58 percent third parties.
The 2019-2020 Uber Accident Safety Report reported the following statistics:
- In 2019, Uber completed 1.4 billion trips. In the same year, there were 59 Uber-related fatalities.
- In 2020, Uber completed 650 million trips. In the same year, there were 42 Uber-related fatalities.
Are Uber Accidents Different From Regular Car Crash Cases?
Yes, Uber accidents differ from regular car crashes in one critical way. Liability is the most significant difference between normal car accidents and Uber crashes. Uber’s liability insurance may cover the victim’s losses if the driver was working when the accident happened. However, if the driver was not logged in when the incident occurred, the driver’s insurance may have to cover the victim’s damages.
Most Common Types Of Uber Accidents
An accident can happen for many reasons. No matter the cause of your crash, our Palm Springs Uber accident lawyers at Arash Law can help you understand and navigate the legal process to help protect your right to seek compensation.
Common types of Uber accidents include the following:
Passenger Hurt By Uber Driver’s Negligence
Uber accidents commonly happen when a driver negligently operates their vehicle. Negligence is among the most common causes of traffic accidents. The Uber driver is responsible for remaining alert and completing the trip safely.
Third Party Hurt By Uber Driver’s Negligence
Sometimes, an Uber driver’s negligence can hurt others besides their passenger. A third party is usually not a part of the service agreement between the Uber driver and their passenger. Third parties can include another driver, passenger, pedestrian, or someone else sharing the road with the Uber driver.
Uber Driver Hurt By Another Driver’s Negligence
Uber drivers share the road with drivers who are not completing rideshare trips. If the Uber driver suffers an injury because of another driver’s negligence, that driver may be responsible for paying the cost of the Uber driver’s losses.
Passenger Hurt By Another Uber Driver’s Negligence
There are thousands of Uber drivers, all completing trips at any given time across Palm Springs. This means you can get into a traffic accident with another Uber driver. If that happens, the negligent party may be liable for the cost of your injuries and losses.
Uber Driver Causes Their Injury
The Uber driver’s negligence may cause them injury. This type of accident will likely result in medical bills and property damage. However, if a driver is injured in an accident they caused, they may not have a legal claim against anyone else.
Property Damaged By Uber Driver Negligence
Some accidents result solely in property damage. Although the damages from these accidents are not physical, the responsible party could be held liable for covering the cost of the victim’s losses.
Defective Or Malfunctioning Vehicle Part
Some traffic accidents happen because of product defects. In such cases, the vehicle or component manufacturer may face liability. Essentially, an unsafe part can lead to a severe accident.
Compensation Available In An Uber Accident Claim
An accident victim may seek compensatory damages, including both economic and non-economic damages. In some circumstances, an injured accident victim may receive punitive damages that aim to punish the grossly negligent action rather than compensate for their losses, though such an award is rare.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are physical and tangible losses that an accident victim may suffer. Economic damages are usually easy to spot and prove. Examples include:
Medical Bills
Uber traffic accidents can end in severe injuries that require extensive medical intervention. Medical treatment can quickly get expensive. Sometimes, the impact of a car accident can leave the victim permanently disabled and, therefore, needing permanent medical treatment and care.
Lost Income
Injuries from an accident can cause you to lose time at work. If an injury keeps you out of work, medical and other bills will start piling up. The responsible party may be liable to pay for your losses.
Property Damage
Sometimes an accident will cause property damage. If an Uber driver hits you, that driver may be held responsible for the damage they caused to your car or any other property.
Non-economic Damages
Non-economic damages include intangible losses incurred after an accident. Accident victims can usually pursue compensation for non-economic losses. Examples of these losses include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Embarrassment
- Inconvenience
Who Is Responsible For Paying For My Losses After An Uber Accident?
Determining liability in a rideshare accident can be challenging. Typically, liability is assigned based on several factors, including the drivers’ actions, the conditions of the vehicles, and the circumstances surrounding the accident. Potential defendants in a rideshare accident case include the driver, the rideshare company, and third parties. Each of these defendants can share responsibility for causing the crash.
Uber
The legal theory of vicarious liability allows an accident victim to pursue compensation from a negligent driver’s employer. Employers must hire competent professionals to complete work for them. However, Uber considers its drivers as independent contractors.
Still, a rideshare company might be liable for negligent hiring or retention if the company fails to perform a background check on a driver. If the driver has alcohol- and drug-related charges on their criminal and driving records, the company may face legal responsibility if the driver causes an accident.
Driver
An Uber driver must operate their vehicle safely. Failure to operate their car safely is negligent, and an injured person may have a legal claim against the driver. There are many instances where a driver can be negligent. Examples include running a red light, speeding, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, among other actions.
Third-Party
Someone other than the Uber driver or rideshare company might be at fault for causing an accident. For example, suppose another driver ran a red light and caused a crash. The third-party driver could be held responsible for covering the costs of the Uber drivers and their passengers’ injuries.
Vehicle manufacturers can also face legal consequences if their product is defective and the defect causes an accident. Suing a manufacturer can be challenging, though. If you suspect a defective vehicle component, Arash Law’s Palm Springs Uber accident lawyers can explain your rights and develop a legal strategy to pursue compensation for losses.
Does Uber Have A $1 Million Insurance Policy?
Yes, Uber has a $1 million insurance policy. However, this policy does not pay for injuries or property damage unless the Uber driver was working when the accident happened. Working includes driving to pick up or drop off a passenger.
Coverage for Uber drivers depends on the circumstances surrounding the accident. Uber may cover bodily injury and property damage from an accident, depending on whether:
- The driver was traveling to pick up a passenger.
- The driver was logged into the app and connected to a passenger.
- The driver was taking a passenger to their destination.
The Uber driver’s personal liability insurance will primarily cover the accident if the app is off. Generally, the driver’s insurance coverage will primarily cover an accident if the app is on and the driver has not yet connected with a passenger. Uber’s liability coverage will provide additional liability coverage.
Uber’s liability insurance also covers property damage. Uber might provide a maximum of $25,000 in coverage for property damage if the driver requests the coverage. It is essential to recognize that policy coverage is conditional and only applies to damages that are actually incurred.
When Should I Accept A Settlement Offer?
Accepting a settlement offer resolves your accident claim. Insurance companies often make initial settlement offers to victims. However, it is advisable to carefully consider any settlement offer before accepting it. Try to avoid agreeing to a settlement before:
- Completing medical treatment.
- Returning to work.
- Consulting with Palm Springs Uber accident attorneys.
How Much Time Do I Have To Settle Or Sue?
Accident victims do not have an unlimited amount of time to settle their claims. Under California law, an accident victim typically has two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit or settle with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Two years is the statute of limitations for injury lawsuits. A statute of limitations is the deadline imposed by law to resolve an accident claim. However, there can be exceptions in certain cases. Working with Palm Springs Uber accident attorneys can help you avoid issues with the timeline.
What Should I Do After A Palm Springs Uber Accident?
The steps you take after a traffic crash can impact your physical well-being and your legal claim.
Call The Police
After a traffic crash, call the police and make a report. The police report is important because it contains the officer’s narrative and initial finding of liability.
Get Medical Attention
Getting medical attention is crucial. See a doctor immediately after a car crash to get proper treatment for your injuries. Some injuries are not immediately apparent, so a physical examination is critical.
File A Report With Uber
After an Uber accident, you should file a report with the rideshare company. The Uber insurance policy cannot cover your losses without an official report.
Contact An Attorney
Arash Law’s Palm Springs Uber accident lawyers offer comprehensive legal services to injured victims. They can help you understand your rights and build a well-supported case.
Gil v. Anderson Plumbing: verdict by a Los Angeles County Superior Court jury in Van Nuys awarded to a man who was injured when his vehicle was struck from behind by a large commercial plumbing van. Benny was part of the trial team that obtained this verdict.– BENNY KHORSANDI
How Can Palm Springs Uber Accident Lawyers Help Me?
There are many ways Uber accident lawyers in Palm Springs can help after a traffic crash. An attorney can manage the legal aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
An experienced accident attorney can help you in the following ways:
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
- Handle communication between you and the rideshare company’s legal team.
- Subpoena the driver’s smartphone and GPS data.
- Locate and interview witnesses.
- Collect photos and evidence of the accident scene.
- Review the police report and insurance company investigation.
How Much Do Uber Accident Attorneys In Palm Springs Charge?
Many accident attorneys charge a contingency fee to represent car crash victims. A contingency fee is a payment arrangement in which the lawyer is paid only if the case results in a monetary recovery. An attorney who charges a contingency fee for their work does not collect money for services unless the client receives a settlement. However, some case-related charges may still apply regardless of the case result. Contingency fees allow accident victims who could not normally afford to pay for legal counsel to pursue compensation after a car crash.
Contact Arash Law To Speak With Palm Springs Uber Accident Attorneys
At Arash Law, we understand the hurdles accident victims face, and we are here to help. Our Uber accident lawyers in Palm Springs, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., can represent victims in pursuing compensation for their injuries and other losses.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we don’t charge any attorney’s fees upfront. We only collect fees if we recover compensation for you. However, you may still be responsible for certain case-related costs. We handle the legal aspects of your case and are dedicated to helping you get your life back on track.
Contact us at (888) 488-1391 or via online chat to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
Our Uber accident lawyers in Palm Springs also serve neighboring cities and communities, including Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, La Quinta, Banning, Indio, Yucca Valley, East Hemet, Coachella, San Jacinto, Hemet, Beaumont, Yucaipa, and Twentynine Palms.
