San Mateo 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.
San Mateo Uber Accident Lawyers Representing The Injured With Experience And Dedication
If you find yourself injured in an Uber accident caused by another’s negligence, you may wish to have reliable legal assistance by your side. Our San Mateo Uber accident lawyers are ready to guide you through the complexities of seeking compensation for your injuries and other losses. To schedule your free initial consultation, call us at (888) 488-1391.
When it comes to Uber accidents in San Mateo and across California, Arash Law’s attorneys understand the emotional and physical toll accidents can take on victims, and our team is ready to advocate for their rights. Our team handles cases using a client-focused approach, with the goal of providing clients with the support they may need during these challenging times. If you are injured in an Uber accident, let us review your case and see how you may be able to pursue compensation for your losses.
The attorneys at Arash Law have a history of handling various cases for clients, including those involving rideshare companies like Uber. Our dedicated team of Uber accident lawyers in San Mateo is knowledgeable about state and insurance regulations surrounding rideshare crashes and can explain how they may affect you. If you’re a victim of an Uber accident, let our discussions guide you toward understanding your options and deciding how to legally proceed after you’re injured.
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
How Can San Mateo Uber Accident Lawyers Help You Pursue Compensation?
The San Mateo personal injury lawyers at Arash Law can collect evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and prepare for trial if necessary. Before all that, they can help assess if you have a case and are eligible to seek damages.
To file a case and pursue compensation for injuries and losses in California, you must establish the following:
- The accident happened because of someone else’s negligent action or inaction. California follows the legal doctrine of pure comparative negligence, which means if you suffer injuries in an accident, you can pursue compensation based on the percentage level the liable party is found to be at fault.
- The accident resulted in you suffering physical injuries, as well as financial damages stemming from your injuries.
Establishing negligence can be done with the assistance of a lawyer. They can present those findings to the insurance company to settle your case or at trial in front of a jury if a settlement isn’t reached.
Find out more about how our Uber accident attorneys in San Mateo can help you and your family by filling out the “Do I Have A Case?” form.
Why Consult Our San Mateo Uber Accident Lawyers For Your Case?
The San Mateo rideshare accident lawyers from Arash Law are ready to answer questions about your rideshare accident. If you have a valid claim, we can help you negotiate with potentially at-fault parties, like Uber, and their insurance companies to help you seek compensation for your injuries and other losses. Here are a few reasons you may wish to schedule a consultation with us:
- We have years of experience practicing personal injury law and have handled rideshare claims before. We’ll aim to use that knowledge to review your Uber accident, discuss its potential legal ramifications, and help you decide what to do next.
- We care about our clients. Our Uber accident lawyers in San Mateo represent clients using tailored approaches. We work to listen to their stories, understand their unique circumstances, and come up with personalized strategies so we can help them pursue compensation with their post-accident needs in mind.
- We operate on a contingency fee basis for personal injury claims. This means you won’t owe attorney’s fees unless compensation is recovered on your behalf. Certain case-related costs may still apply regardless of the outcome. Our team will explain these details before you decide to proceed.
If you suffered injuries in a crash involving a rideshare vehicle, reach out to learn more about how we can help. You can call us at (888) 488-1391 to receive a no-cost case evaluation.
What To Do After An Uber Accident In San Mateo, CA
There are steps that may protect your right to pursue a settlement in the event of an injury in an Uber accident. For example, you could do the following if you are conscious, safe, and able:
- Call 911 and report the accident. After a crash, you should call the police unless nobody was injured or nothing was damaged. An official police report of what happened can be obtained from the authorities, which you could use as evidence for your claim. When talking to them, simply explain what happened, but never admit fault or make any assumptions.
- Seek immediate medical attention. You should seek medical attention right away so that your injuries do not become more severe or life-threatening. Tests and scanners will identify injuries inside the body that have not yet manifested symptoms. Even if you feel fine, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- Report the incident to your insurance company. When talking to your insurer, only give away what is necessary and refrain from revealing too much information. Consult an attorney before accepting a settlement offer or recording a statement. Having legal representation could help you avoid making certain mistakes that you might have made when managing the claim on your own.
- Contact our skilled Uber accident lawyers in San Mateo. Free initial consultations are available so you can discuss your case without worrying about costs. In addition to assessing whether your claim has merit, we could negotiate with insurance companies and assist you throughout the claims process.
Common Causes Of Uber Accidents
Uber accidents are no different from other car accidents: both can be caused by negligence. Some common examples of driver negligence our San Mateo Uber accident lawyers frequently encounter are as follows:
Driving While Under The Influence Of Drugs Or Alcohol
Operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol significantly increases the risk of accidents. Impaired judgment and reduced coordination pose severe dangers to the driver, passengers, and other road users.
Failing To Ensure Their Vehicle Is Inspected And Well-Maintained
Neglecting regular vehicle inspections and maintenance can result in mechanical failures, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Properly maintained vehicles are crucial for supporting safety measures for both drivers and passengers, helping create a safer and more comfortable experience for everyone involved.
Speeding To Pick Up Or Drop Off Passengers On Time
The pressure to meet tight schedules may lead private or Uber drivers to exceed speed limits, compromising safety. Speeding can contribute to accidents, especially in congested urban areas where quick stops and turns are necessary.
Ignoring Traffic Lights Or Signs
Disregarding traffic signals and signs poses a risk to all road users. Drivers who fail to adhere to traffic regulations may cause accidents due to their disregard for established rules.
Inexperience
Inexperienced drivers may need help navigating challenging road situations and making quick, informed decisions. Lack of experience can contribute to accidents, especially in complex traffic scenarios.
Poor Weather Conditions
Bad weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or fog, can reduce visibility and create slippery road surfaces. Drivers facing challenging weather conditions may encounter difficulties in safely operating their vehicles, potentially leading to accidents.
Rideshare Drivers Can Be Distracted And Fatigued On The Job
Operating an Uber vehicle takes a great deal of time and attention. Drivers use their smartphones to identify passengers, find their way around new areas, and line up the next passenger, all while driving.
Using a smartphone while driving is a form of distracted driving, which is doing any activity that takes your attention off the road. Distracted drivers who cause accidents are liable for the injuries they cause, as are fatigued drivers.
Rideshare drivers often have full-time jobs in addition to the contract position with Uber. They also tend to drive at night when people are looking for a safe way home after drinking. Given the structure of rideshare companies, many drivers work very hard and could naturally become fatigued.
A driver who engages in drowsy driving cannot correctly respond to risks on the road as quickly as if they had ample rest, potentially leading to accidents. When a tired driver causes an accident, they could be considered negligent and may be held responsible for the losses suffered by accident victims. Arash Law’s Uber accident lawyers in San Mateo can help investigate your accident and study how they may hold potentially guilty parties accountable for you.
Does Uber Provide Liability Coverage For An Accident?
In certain scenarios, Uber offers liability coverage for accidents that occur during a trip. This coverage is designed to protect both passengers and third parties who may be injured in an accident with an Uber vehicle. The coverage includes bodily injury and property damage, providing financial assistance for medical expenses and other damages.
Uber’s liability coverage typically applies when the Uber driver is actively transporting a passenger or is en route to pick up a passenger after accepting a ride request. The coverage limits, however, may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the accident. Generally, the amount will be based on the following phases:
- Phase 1 — The Uber driver is logged into the app and waiting for a passenger. The coverage includes up to $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.
- Phase 2 — The Uber driver accepts a ride and is en route to the passenger. Uber offers up to $1 million coverage and another $1 million for uninsured/underinsured motorists (UM/UIM) coverage in case an at-fault third-party driver has an insufficient insurance policy.
- Phase 3 — The Uber driver is actively transporting a passenger. The same policy for Phase 2 applies.
Those injured in an Uber-related accident must understand the coverage available and how to navigate the claims process. You can reach out to our San Mateo Uber accident lawyers to understand Uber’s insurance policies.
What If The Uber Driver Was Not Logged Into The Uber App?
If the Uber driver is not logged into the Uber app at the time of an accident, the situation may become more complex in terms of insurance coverage. During these periods, the driver is essentially using their vehicle for personal reasons, and Uber’s insurance likely won’t apply. In such cases, the driver’s auto insurance becomes the primary coverage.
It’s essential for anyone injured in an accident with an Uber driver who is not actively using the app to gather information about the driver’s insurance. In some instances, the driver’s insurance may not be sufficient to cover their damages, leading to potential complications in seeking compensation. Consulting with our experienced San Mateo Uber accident lawyers can help clarify these complexities so you can decide on your next course of action.
Why Uber Accident Claims Can Get Complicated
In rideshare companies like Uber, drivers typically do not undergo special training. Instead, a person can work as a driver for a rideshare company if they pass a criminal background and driving record check, have a valid driver’s license for the minimum amount of time specified, and meet the requirements regarding age, vehicle status, and insurance. Still, drivers who work for rideshare companies must adhere to the California Vehicle Code and drive safely and responsibly, like all other drivers.
While rideshare drivers offer services on behalf of rideshare companies, in most cases, they are not employed by these companies but instead operate as independent contractors. Therefore, if a rideshare driver causes a collision, the company likely cannot be held vicariously liable or, in other words, responsible, for that driver’s negligent actions. Still, laws were passed requiring them to share liability under specific circumstances. They must carry at least $1 million in coverage for people injured in crashes when their drivers have accepted a ride or had an active passenger.
If a rideshare driver caused your injuries, you may be able to pursue compensation from the rideshare company’s insurer. However, if a third-party driver was the ultimate cause of the accident, they could be liable for your damages, which means you may have to file a claim with that driver’s insurer. Since identifying liable parties after a crash can become complicated in these scenarios, you can ask our San Mateo Uber accident lawyers at Arash Law for assistance with investigating your crash, assessing the facts, and pinpointing your options for pursuing compensation.
Pursuing Financial Compensation After An Uber Accident In San Mateo, CA
Following an accident, you may be eligible to pursue a settlement intended to help you get back to the same position as though the accident never occurred. An early settlement offer might cover your damages in full if you have only suffered minor personal injury and property damage that will heal and won’t impede your ability to work. However, when serious injuries and losses are involved, it’s a different story.
You can always consult with Arash Law’s Uber accident lawyers in San Mateo. Our lawyers have the experience you may need to assess the extent of your injuries and identify the damages you may be able to seek. This task can involve factoring potential future costs into your claim, as well. Generally, they could help you seek two types of compensatory damages: economic and non-economic.
Economic Damages
When you’re hurt in an Uber accident, it’s not just about physical pain; it’s also about the financial strain. Our Uber accident attorneys in San Mateo may consider seeking the following tangible and measurable economic damages:
- Medical Bills — This can include short- and long-term medical expenses, such as hospital stays, medication, rehabilitation, surgeries, and ongoing treatments.
- Missed Paychecks — If you’ve had to miss work due to the accident, you may be able to pursue compensation for lost income, including your reduced capacity to earn future income.
- Property Damages — If applicable, you could seek compensation for the repairs or replacement of your damaged vehicle and other property.
Non-Economic Damages
We understand that Uber accidents may cause more damage than just visible injuries. We’re here to assess whether you can pursue compensation for the following intangible non-economic losses that are difficult to measure:
- Pain and Suffering — Your emotional and physical pain matters could be considered in your claim.
- Stress and Anxiety — Dealing with the repercussions of an accident can be stressful. You may be able to seek damages for the emotional distress you’ve experienced.
- Life Impact — When your quality of life is affected, you could potentially pursue compensation for this kind of loss.
Our client was parked on the side of the road and was struck by the defendant driver traveling at a high rate of speed– ARASH KHORSANDI
Punitive Damages
In rare cases where the actions leading to your accident were particularly reckless, we’ll explore the possibility of punitive damages:
- Form of Deterrence — Punitive damages are about more than just compensation; they’re about holding those responsible parties accountable and preventing future harm. If someone acted really carelessly or downright dangerously, we’d explain how punitive damages might apply to your situation.
- Real-Life Examples — We take a look at situations similar to yours where punitive damages made a difference.
Wrongful Death Cases
In more severe cases, rideshare crashes could be fatal. We’re here to guide eligible surviving relatives in filing a wrongful death claim or lawsuit after the death of a loved one in an Uber accident. We’re committed to helping families suffering from a loved one’s wrongful death by explaining the legal process of seeking damages such as funeral and burial costs.
For legal support after an Uber accident in San Mateo, consider the San Mateo personal injury attorneys at Arash Law. Our team is experienced with handling multiple types of personal injury cases, including those involving rideshare vehicles. Consider booking a free case review to learn more about what you may be able to pursue through an Uber accident claim.
Establishing Liability In An Uber Accident
Lawsuits arising out of rideshare accidents are similar to those handled by our car accident lawyers. In establishing liability, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant was negligent by proving that they had a duty to act with reasonable care but breached that duty.
For example, if an Uber driver caused an accident by driving too fast for conditions or turning without adequate clearance, this may constitute a breach of the standard of care. The plaintiff must also show that the breach caused their harm. While the breach does not need to be the sole cause of the plaintiff’s injuries, it must be a substantial factor in bringing about the accident.
Our San Mateo Uber accident attorneys can assist injured victims with establishing liability by studying what may have caused a crash and whose actions might have led to it.
Statute Of Limitations In San Mateo, California
As with many jurisdictions, there is a statute of limitations in California that establishes a time frame during which a legal action must be initiated. This applies to personal injury claims arising from Uber accidents.
For Uber accident cases in California, individuals generally have two years to initiate legal action against the responsible parties. The statute of limitations can depend on the nature of the claim. For example, one exception states that for injured minors, this two-year time frame will only begin once they turn 18. The right to seek compensation may be lost if you miss the deadline that applies to your case. Those injured in Uber accidents may thus wish to be aware of these time constraints and take prompt legal action to protect their rights.
In these cases, you could get in touch with San Mateo Uber accident lawyers early on. Our team of attorneys at Arash Law can help gather evidence, assess liability, and take all necessary legal steps within the applicable statute of limitations.
Uber Accident Statistics
When examining the percentage contribution of annual impaired driving fatalities and the number of trips conducted by impaired drivers in 2020, rideshare platforms emerge as a promising countermeasure to address this harm. These platforms offer potentially impaired drivers an easily accessible alternative mode of transportation.
Companies like Uber facilitate the matching of passengers with drivers through mobile apps, providing a convenient and often more accessible option compared to public transportation or taxis. Despite their convenience and potential benefits, the direct impact of rideshare platforms on reducing impaired driving crashes and fatalities has faced skepticism.
Limited and varied research on the topic of ridesharing’s impact on impaired driving, along with criticisms of rideshare companies being confined to urban areas with limited access in rural regions, have contributed to this skepticism. However, recent research findings in 2020 from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) challenge this by highlighting key points:
- Half of crash fatalities occur in urban areas (UAs).
- 79% of deaths happen in UAs and the five surrounding miles.
- 59% of rural crash deaths occur within five miles of UAs.
Reach Out To San Mateo Uber Accident Attorneys
Rideshare apps like Uber allow people to travel without worrying about driving themselves. However, as the number of rideshare drivers on the road increases, so does the likelihood of rideshare collisions. If you are a victim of an Uber accident, you can talk to an attorney regarding the compensation you may be able to pursue from the at-fault party or parties.
The Uber accident attorneys at Arash Law also assist clients in nearby cities and neighborhoods, including Tanforan, San Bruno, Millbrae, Hillsborough, Burlingame, El Granada, Miramar, Half Moon Bay, Emerald Hills, Woodside, West Menlo Park, Atherton, Menlo Park, North Fair Oaks, Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, Foster City, Highlands-Baywood Park, and Belmont.
You can reach out to the San Mateo rideshare accident lawyers from Arash Law at (888) 488-1391, or use our contact page to schedule a free initial consultation. We are ready to discuss your legal options, assess whether you have a valid claim, and potentially pursue compensation on your behalf.
