San Benito County 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.
Our San Benito County Uber Accident Lawyers Stand With You Through The Legal Process
Ridesharing services, such as Uber, have experienced a tremendous increase in demand in San Benito over the past few years. Unfortunately, this enormous growth also led to more Uber-related accidents within the area. If you’re suffering injuries from such accidents, let our San Benito County Uber accident lawyers give you a helping hand. Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 for a free case evaluation.
San Benito County is ideal for those who enjoy nature and agriculture, as it’s filled with beautiful vineyards, chocolate factories, and olive groves. This great number of tourist attractions contributes to the massive influx of people who want to roam the county via ridesharing services.
Uber drivers in San Benito consistently transport residents and tourists and deliver food throughout the county. With so many trips happening all the time, it’s hard to predict when an Uber accident might occur. The injuries from these incidents can have a profound impact, not just on the individuals involved but also on their families and friends.
If you’ve been injured in an Uber crash, you don’t have to face the consequences alone. Arash Law and our San Benito County Uber accident lawyers are here for you! We can handle complex personal injury cases, including rideshare collisions. Discuss your case with us by completing our “Do I Have A Case?” form here.
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
How Can Our San Benito County Uber Accident Lawyers Help With Your Case?
Pursuing compensation after an accident can be stressful and complicated, especially when it involves a large company like Uber. Our experienced legal team provides knowledgeable support throughout the process and works to hold responsible parties accountable for their actions.
Our San Benito County Uber accident lawyers can guide you in pursuing claims for your damages. They can advocate for your interests in negotiations with insurers or in court. We can handle the legal aspects of your case, including gathering evidence, filing claims, and managing critical deadlines.
Why Choose Arash Law’s San Benito County Uber Accident Lawyers?
Arash Law’s Uber accident attorneys in San Benito County have handled cases involving Uber-related crashes. With a strong understanding of applicable laws and procedures, our team works to represent individuals injured in these types of accidents.
Our role includes communicating with insurance companies, gathering relevant evidence, and helping you navigate the legal process. We also work to help clients access medical care to evaluate the full impact of their injuries. We approach cases with attention to detail and a focus on identifying available legal options for pursuing compensation under California law.
Additionally, Arash Law operates on a contingency fee basis. This means that you won’t be charged for the services of our attorneys unless compensation is obtained. Please note that you may still be responsible for certain case-related costs. These additional costs and the fee structure will be discussed during your consultation.
Is Uber Financially Liable For Accidents Caused By Its Drivers In San Benito?
The answer to this question is highly dependent on the specific circumstances that started the accident. An Uber passenger who is injured in an accident may have the right to file a personal injury claim against the specific driver they are with or against Uber itself. In some cases, even both. The decision on who to file a claim against may depend on two things. First is what actually caused the accident. The other is how much financial compensation the victim is planning to pursue for the injuries they sustained.
Who Is Liable For Uber Accidents In San Benito?
Determining liability in Uber accidents in San Benito can be a challenging process. For one, multiple parties might share liability in any rideshare accident. Not only do you need to identify who was negligent, but you also need to determine the nature of their negligence.
Here are the key parties that may be held liable in an Uber-related accident:
- The Uber Driver — If the Uber driver is primarily responsible for the accident, they will be liable for any damages. It is crucial to mention that Uber provides insurance for its numerous driver-partners. This insurance policy offers coverage for both physical and property harm caused by their drivers.
- Uber — Uber, the company, may be liable for an accident in certain situations, such as when the corporation was careless in its recruiting or training of drivers. The same applies if a flaw in their app or technology caused the accident.
- Another Driver — If another driver is responsible for the accident, their insurance would typically cover the losses. However, Uber also provides extra insurance coverage, called contingent liability coverage, if the other driver’s insurance is not enough to cover the damages.
- Passenger — If an Uber passenger’s behavior directly caused the accident, they could be liable. Nonetheless, Uber’s insurance policies may provide coverage for passengers in case of an accident while on a trip. It’s crucial to seek guidance from Uber accident lawyers for personalized legal support.
- Local Government — In California, government entities may be held accountable for Uber accidents under specific situations. For example, government entities may be held liable in a case where a hazardous public road or highway condition caused the accident.
According to the law, state and local governments need to keep roads and highways safe for drivers and other road users. Suppose you sustained an injury in a crash because of a hazardous situation on a public road, like a hole in the pavement or a malfunctioning traffic signal. In that case, the government might be liable for any harm caused by the incident.
Our Uber accident lawyers in San Benito County will analyze the evidence from your accident to help identify the parties that may be liable in your case.
What Are The Most Common Causes Of Uber Accidents?
Typically, Uber accidents are similar to those of conventional car, truck, or motorcycle accidents. You could sustain injuries as either the passenger or the driver. Here are some of the most common causes of Uber accidents:
Distracted Driving
Uber drivers spend most of their time driving while using the Uber app. They need to navigate the road while checking their devices from time to time. This constant engagement with the rideshare app while driving results in them losing focus on the road. Additionally, conversations with passengers can create further distractions. All these contribute to the increased likelihood of getting into an accident.
Drowsy Driving
Some rideshare drivers exceed daily driving time limits to increase their earnings. Many of them drive for much longer than they should without taking a break. Similarly, some Uber drivers accept passengers before and after working extended periods at another profession that is not related to ridesharing. No matter the situation, drowsy Uber drivers present a risk to passengers and other road users.
Driver Error
Uber drivers can make errors that lead to unsafe road conditions, including failing to observe traffic signals or misjudging distances when merging. This negligence involves disregarding traffic signs or breaking other rules to increase the number of rides they can finish.
Speeding
Uber drivers may exceed speed limits as they aim to reach their passengers and complete rides efficiently. This can be influenced by various factors, including the desire to increase earnings, time constraints, or the demands of their driving schedules.
Driving While Impaired
In general, everyone who is at least 18 years old and has a suitable vehicle and a driver’s license has the potential to become an Uber driver. The company’s screening method still needs to be more thorough to prevent individuals with a history of drug or alcohol abuse from driving for them. In addition, several Uber drivers may also use stimulants to extend their time on the road to finish more rides than usual.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Uber drivers are in charge of taking care of their designated vehicles. If they neglect crucial car maintenance, a severe accident might happen. Malfunctions in the braking system, tire bursts, and several other technical problems could lead to a driver losing control of their car.
What To Do After An Uber Accident
There is no telling when you’ll be involved in an Uber-related accident. That said, you must know what to do in the event of such an incident. Yes, we understand that the moments following an Uber accident are overwhelming. However, keeping these things in mind helps you protect your safety.
Here are some recommended steps to take after an Uber accident:
Report To Authorities
Call 911 immediately. Inform the responding Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) of every place you feel pain. If you need to visit the emergency room, please do so. If you need to depart the area, get assistance from someone accompanying you to gather evidence. Visit your doctor as soon as you can following an accident and record all the injuries you have sustained.
Document The Accident
If physically able, get as many photos of the accident as you can. Capture everything involved in the event, including the damage to the cars and any harm to your valuables. You have to understand that the scene of the accident may quickly clear up, so document all these as soon as you can. This documentation can serve as evidence for your claim.
Inform Uber About The Accident
Please do not assume that the Uber driver involved will report the accident to themself. In an effort to keep a clean record, some would choose to keep such an event private. Take it upon yourself to inform Uber about the accident that happened. You can do this by going through the “Trip Issues” section within their app. In the event that a rideshare representative wants to speak with you regarding such, we suggest you only do so alongside your attorney.
Remain Silent Regarding The Accident
Avoid discussing the incident with the at-fault party. Using phrases such as “I’m fine” or “I made a mistake” could have negative consequences in the future. Given the situation, you may still need to be made aware of the extent of your injuries to be certain of anything. Similarly, it is okay not to have a clear understanding of who is responsible right from the get-go. With that in mind, make it a point only to discuss the matters associated with the accident with your attorney.
Contact Arash Law’s Uber Accident Lawyers In San Benito County
Liability may be questioned, and the extent of your injuries may be disputed. Our attorneys are experienced in addressing these strategies and presenting well-supported claims on behalf of our clients.
Damages You Can Pursue Following An Uber Accident In San Benito County, CA
Apart from sustaining considerable physical and mental injuries, getting into an Uber accident could also take a significant toll on your finances. An experienced attorney can help you understand what types of damages you may be able to pursue. This can include medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. They will also gather evidence to support your claim. Whether your accident was minor or severe, having legal guidance offers advantages in pursuing the compensation you may be entitled to.
Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, you may be able to pursue:
Economic Damages
- Medical Bills (Medications, Surgeries, Rehabilitation, etc.)
- Lost Wages
- Reduced Income
- Property Damage
- Physical Injuries (Disabilities or Disfigurements)
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and Suffering
- Inconvenience
- Mental Distress and Anguish
- Lower Quality of Life
- Loss of Consortium
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages may be awarded following an Uber accident, at the discretion of the court. However, it is worth noting that courts rarely award this and only when they find the at-fault party’s action extremely harmful or grossly negligent.
Uber Accident Statistics In California
As per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), highway deaths are a noteworthy cause of mortality, particularly among young adults. This is primarily because of novice drivers, intoxicated drivers, and hazardous road conditions.
To address the issue of drunk driving, Uber has promoted the use of their rideshare services to discourage people from driving after consuming alcohol. Interestingly, the company has indicated multiple times that its ridesharing service has contributed to increased road safety.
A study conducted by the University of California, Berkeley, found that the introduction of Uber was associated with a 4% decrease in overall traffic fatalities in the U.S. Additionally, there was a significant reduction of over 6% in alcohol-related traffic deaths. However, with statistics fluctuating over the years, it is difficult to come to an overall conclusion on whether or not increased Uber usage has brought nothing but positive effects. But one thing is for sure: accidents happen, even during the comfort of a rideshare trip.
Gomez v. PG Transportation (settled on 8/11/2023) – settlement involving a man who was struck by a car resulting in a mild traumatic brain injury as well as other orthopedic injuries.– TINA ESHGHIEH
Statute Of Limitations For Uber Accidents In San Benito, CA
As per the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, individuals need to initiate personal injury cases, including Uber accidents, within a two-year timeframe following the date of the accident or discovery of the injury. This deadline is called the statute of limitations.
Even if a span of two years seems like a sufficient amount of time, it is generally advisable to consult with a personal injury lawyer promptly in order to begin the legal process. Moreover, they can also help protect your rights.
In some cases, this timeframe can be extended, but two years is the usual duration. Your ability to take legal action against the other party expires once that period has elapsed.
Here are some exceptions to the statute of limitations:
- Delayed Discovery — Some bodily harm may not become apparent for a period of time due to various factors. An individual involved may not notice any bodily harm or feel any discomfort even after several days, weeks, or even years. The time restriction for taking legal action can be extended because of the challenge of determining the exact time when the damage occurred.
- The Injured Person Is Underaged — If the individual who sustained an injury is below 18 years old or, for any reason, does not possess the legal ability to make decisions (such as mental incapacity), it indicates that they are not deemed legally competent to manage their matters autonomously. In such instances, the time restriction for legal action may change.
- Defendant Left the State — The statute of limitations can also be extended if the responsible party in your personal injury case is currently outside of California. The typical two-year timeframe for initiating legal action will continue as soon as they come back to the state.
Contact Our San Benito County Uber Accident Lawyers
Uber’s significant expansion in the past ten years has led to the inclusion of insurance providers and legal professionals who protect the company’s bottom line. You don’t have to seek compensation for your injuries on your own.
Instead, get in touch with our Uber accident attorneys in San Benito to represent you and pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. If you got injured in a rideshare accident and need a personal injury lawyer to act on your behalf, contact us at (888) 488-1391. You can discuss your situation in a free initial consultation.
Our team also serves clients in Soledad, Greenfield, Gonzales, King County, Hollister, Salinas, Seaside, Los Banos, Marina, Mendota, Gilroy, Monterey, Watsonville, Pacific Grove, and Coalinga.
