Salinas Uber Accident Lawyers
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Experienced Salinas Uber Accident Lawyers Offering Legal Support When You Need It Most
Seeking compensation after an accident involving a rideshare company as big as Uber can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, a legal advocate can walk you through your rights and legal options. Our Salinas Uber accident lawyers at Arash Law have decades of combined experience helping injured Californians pursue compensation for their losses. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Ridesharing is a booming industry. Passengers can take advantage of the convenience of avoiding parking in major cities like Salinas, and drivers can make extra income. Despite the advantages that companies like Uber have provided, the more cars on the road, the greater the likelihood of a traffic accident. The team of Salinas Uber accident lawyers at Arash Law has the resources and experience to represent your interests. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule your free initial consultation.
Crashes and fatal collisions typically happen due to someone’s negligence. Uber itself, the Uber driver, another motorist, or the vehicle manufacturer may cause an accident, and some or all of them may be held liable. This makes Uber accidents more complex than other car accidents. Arash Law is here to help you understand the technicalities of your case and navigate the legal process.
A farm worker, suffered multiple broken bones and other orthopedic injuries resulting from an auto accident where the defendant driver attempted to make a left turn in front of our client in heavy fog.– ARASH KHORSANDI
Types Of Accidents Our Salinas Uber Accident Lawyers Handle
Uber passengers in Salinas, California, can experience many types of car accidents. Like other crashes, Uber accidents are often caused by negligence and carelessness. The following are examples of the crashes you may encounter as an Uber passenger:
DUI Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2021, 13,384 people died nationwide in alcohol-related traffic crashes. The number of accidents caused by impaired driving increased by 14%. Thirty-seven people die each day because of drunk drivers. An Uber driver or another driver operating their vehicle under the influence of alcohol may be held responsible for paying the cost of the victim’s losses if liability is established.
Hit-And-Run Crashes
Hit-and-run accidents happen when at-fault drivers leave the scene without providing aid or identification. Hit-and-run is a criminal offense in California, charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor. Under California Vehicle Code sections 20001 and 20002, drivers must exchange their contact and vehicle registration information after an accident.
Rear-End Collisions
A rear-end collision usually happens when the rear driver follows too closely behind the lead car. Drivers should avoid driving too closely to prevent rear-end accidents. Whiplash is a common injury that victims suffer after rear-end accidents.
Single Car Crashes
A single-car crash happens when the driver loses control of the vehicle. The only people injured in the accident are those inside the primary vehicle. An Uber driver may negligently lose control of their vehicle and crash into a pole, median, guardrail, or other structure.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions are among the most severe traffic accidents. A head-on crash happens when the front ends of two cars collide while driving toward each other. Distracted driving, drunk driving, or driving while exhausted are all risk factors for this kind of accident.
Broadsides
Broadside accidents are also called T-bone crashes. Broadside accidents usually happen at intersections. The front end of one vehicle collides with the passenger side of another vehicle. You may be vulnerable to a broadside collision as a passenger in an Uber.
Passengers Entering And Exiting The Vehicle
Passengers must carefully enter and exit the vehicle and always check for oncoming traffic to avoid injury. After entering the vehicle, make sure the seatbelt is immediately and properly worn.
Common Injuries Salinas Uber Accident Lawyers Seek Compensation For
Some Uber accident victims suffer more serious physical injuries than others, and it is usually based on the type of vehicle they’re riding in. For example, if you were in an SUV, truck, or another type of passenger vehicle, its steel body and frame can help protect you. The vehicle’s frame can save a victim from serious injuries, but it does not eliminate the risk.
On the other hand, passengers on motorcycles, bicyclists, and pedestrians are more prone to serious and life-threatening injuries because they are more exposed than those in larger vehicles.
Examples of common physical injuries victims may sustain include:
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries & Concussions
- Amputations
- Abrasions
- Internal Organ Damage
- Joint Damage (e.g., Ankles, Hips, and Knees)
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Death
Remember, injuries may manifest in the form of mental trauma. An accident victim may be entitled to financial compensation for non-physical injuries caused by an Uber accident. Examples of intangible losses that a crash victim may suffer include:
- Mental Anguish
- Pain and Suffering
- Fear of Driving, Riding in a Vehicle, or Traffic
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life
- Diminished Quality of Life
- Embarrassment
Who’s At Fault For An Uber Accident?
There are several potential defendants in Uber accident cases. If you suffered injuries in a traffic accident involving an Uber, you can speak to our Salinas Uber accident lawyers to learn more about your legal rights to pursue compensation for your damages and losses.
An accident victim may have a legal claim against the driver, Uber, or a third party. Multiple parties may also share liability for the accident. This is because:
- An Uber driver or another driver may have acted negligently (i.e., running a red light or a stop sign).
- Uber may have negligently hired a driver (i.e., a driver with a criminal conviction for DUI).
- A third party’s action may have caused the accident (i.e., a vehicle manufacturer failed to replace a faulty part or another driver’s negligence caused the accident).
Examples of factors courts use to determine how fault is apportioned include the following:
- Did the victim fully recover from all injuries?
- Did the victim suffer further medical complications?
- Does the victim suffer from temporary or permanent disability?
- Did the victim lose income because of an inability to work caused by their injuries?
- Has the accident reduced the victim’s quality of life?
Many people do not understand the complexity of dealing with multiple insurance companies and sorting out whose insurance pays for what in an Uber accident. Experienced Salinas Uber accident attorneys at Arash Law can help you understand your rights after a car crash, identify potentially responsible parties, and assist in pursuing fair compensation.
Car Insurance Requirements For Uber Drivers
California law requires Uber drivers to carry certain types of insurance. Typically, insurance requirements vary based on the Uber driver’s status. Uber driver status generally falls into one of the following categories:
- Offline — A driver is considered “offline” if they are not logged into the app and no passenger is in the vehicle.
- Available But Not Paired — A driver is “available but not paired” when they are logged into the app, but they have not been paired with an Uber passenger.
- En Route — A driver is “en route” when the app is on, and the driver is paired with a passenger and on the way to pick up a passenger.
- On a Trip — A driver is “on a trip” when their app is on, they are paired with a passenger, the passenger is in the vehicle, and the driver is completing the trip.
California requirements for Uber insurance coverage are codified in Assembly Bill No. 2293 and have been effective since July 1, 2015. Here are the legal requirements for California Uber insurance coverage:
Period Zero
Uber insurance coverage does not apply during Period Zero. During Period Zero, the rideshare app is off, and the driver is unavailable. Since the driver is inactive, the driver’s personal liability insurance applies if an accident happens.
Under California law, every driver must carry minimum liability insurance coverage. State minimum liability insurance requirements are:
- $30,000 for injury/death to one person.
- $60,000 for injury/death to more than one person.
- $5,000 for property damage per accident.
Period One
An Uber driver is logged into the app but has not yet accepted a passenger during Period One. The driver’s status is available but not yet paired. During Period One, California law requires the following minimum insurance coverage:
- $50,000 bodily injury per person per accident.
- $100,000 bodily injury coverage for all injured persons.
- $30,000 for property damage per accident.
In addition to the above coverage minimums, Uber provides coverage during Period One for drivers who do not have rideshare insurance. Uber is also required to provide at least $200,000 in excess liability coverage during Period One.
Period Two And Period Three
Period Two (the Uber driver has accepted a passenger and is en route to pick them up) and Period Three (when the passenger is in the vehicle) have identical insurance coverage requirements. Uber is responsible for $1,000,000 in insurance coverage for the accident, covering the driver and passenger. Uber also provides uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage and contingent comprehensive and collision coverage up to the value of the vehicle.
Uninsured And Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) and underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) are available when another driver is at fault for the accident, but they are either uninsured or their policy is inadequate to cover the victim’s losses. Uber provides $1,000,000 in UM and UIM coverage for drivers and passengers.
Comprehensive Collision Coverage
Uber provides comprehensive collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible if the driver maintains comprehensive collision coverage on their car insurance policy.
What Can I Expect From The Insurance Company?
Some insurance companies may prioritize their bottom line. The insurance claims process can be overwhelming, especially in an Uber accident. Multiple parties may be responsible in a rideshare accident, and each may have its own insurance policies. With how complex the claims process can get, retaining an experienced car accident lawyer in Salinas who handles Uber accidents may be a wise choice. We’re prepared to help you communicate and negotiate with the insurance company, advocating for your rights every step of the way.
In Uber accidents, the driver’s status determines which insurance company or companies you will work with and who may be responsible for paying your claim.
If the driver is not logged into the app and does not have a passenger in the vehicle, the driver will work with their insurance company to pay for injuries and property damage. The driver will likely not have a claim against the insurance company.
If the driver is logged into the app and is available for hire but does not have a passenger in their vehicle, and an accident occurs, the driver may have a claim against their insurance company and Uber’s insurance coverage.
If the driver is en route to pick up a passenger and an accident happens (Period 2), or if the passenger is already in the car during the accident (Period 3), the driver may also have a claim against their insurance company and Uber’s insurance.
Coverage For Uber Eats Drivers
In addition to insurance coverage for drivers transporting passengers, Uber provides coverage for drivers making deliveries for customers. Similarly, the insurance coverage that applies depends on the driver’s status:
- The Driver Is Offline — If the driver is not logged into the app and is not completing a delivery, the driver’s personal liability insurance covers an accident.
- The Driver Is Available or Waiting for a Delivery Request — If the driver is logged into the app but is waiting for a delivery request, Uber maintains the following auto insurance on the driver’s behalf in case of a covered accident:
- $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per person.
- $100,000 bodily injury per accident.
- $25,000 in coverage for property damage per accident.
- The Driver Is En Route to Pick Up Deliveries and During Trips — When a driver is on their way to pick up an order and during their trip to deliver the order, Uber maintains the following coverage for drivers:
- $1,000,000 in liability coverage for third-party liability.
- Contingent comprehensive coverage and collision coverage up to the value of the vehicle.
Settlement in a motor vehicle accident; client suffered internal injuries.– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
How Can I Get Legal Help: The Cost Of Hiring Salinas Uber Accident Lawyers
The cost of hiring an attorney can vary depending on various factors, including case complexity, litigation expenses, and more. However, getting legal help after an Uber traffic accident may be advantageous when seeking fair compensation after a crash. Our Salinas Uber accident attorneys can help you file a claim for damages after a crash.
Our accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. Under this arrangement, you and our attorneys agree to delay payment until after your case is resolved. The attorney is only paid if you receive compensation, taking a percentage of the settlement or award. Keep in mind that case expenses and litigation costs may still be your responsibility, regardless of the outcome.
Our dedicated Uber accident lawyers in Salinas offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. During this initial consultation, you can have your most pressing questions answered.
Benefits Of Having Legal Representation From Salinas Uber Accident Lawyers
Accident victims who are represented by legal counsel may focus on regaining their health while their attorneys handle their Uber accident claims. Skilled Uber accident lawyers in Salinas can handle:
Negotiations
Your counsel will negotiate with the insurance company and defense attorneys on your behalf. Insurance companies are for-profit businesses. As such, insurance adjusters may prioritize protecting the company’s bottom line. Having an attorney contact the insurance company and represent your interests can help you navigate the claims process.
Case Evaluation
An attorney will take an objective look at your case to determine its potential value. Discussing your case with skilled Salinas Uber accident lawyers will help you understand and identify your damages. Your attorney will help you pursue compensation that reflects your losses.
Communications
Your attorney will help you handle communications from insurance companies and third parties. Receiving phone calls, letters, emails, and other correspondence can be overwhelming, especially when you are healing from injuries caused by a car accident. Your counsel can take the pressure of communicating off your shoulders so you can focus solely on your physical recovery.
Trial Representation
In some circumstances, the insurance company and the victim cannot reach a satisfactory settlement. If so, we can take your case to court to pursue just compensation for your losses. Effective advocacy in civil trials may require skill and experience. As such, you should consider hiring seasoned Salinas Uber accident lawyers who can present your case to the judge or jury.
Contact Our Salinas Uber Accident Lawyers At Arash Law
Seeking compensation for your losses after a traffic crash can be challenging. Fortunately, legal help is available. Hiring an accident attorney may be beneficial when you file a claim for damages, including medical expenses, lost income, pain, suffering, and more.
The legal team at Arash Law, under the leadership of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., wants to be your legal advocate throughout your case while you try to move forward. Our Salinas Uber Accident Attorneys are experienced in representing accident victims who suffered injuries or lost a loved one in Uber accidents.
We also serve clients from Monterey, Marina, Seaside, Pacific Grove, Gonzales, Watsonville, Hollister, Gilroy, Aptos, Soledad, Capitola, Soquel, Santa Cruz, Morgan Hill, and Scotts Valley, and throughout California.
Contact us at (888) 488-1391 or via online chat to speak to a legal professional about your claim. We look forward to speaking with you. At Arash Law, we’re here to help.
