Santa Clarita Uber Accident Lawyers
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Our Santa Clarita Uber Accident Lawyers Offer Practical Legal Help After An Accident
Uber usage is steadily growing in Santa Clarita, California, due to its cost-efficient benefits. Some people prefer using Uber to commute, as it allows them to save on gas and car maintenance. However, as Uber usage continues to thrive, so does the risk associated with it while on the road. If you sustained an injury or lost a loved one while using the ridesharing service, our Santa Clarita Uber accident lawyers can walk you through your legal options for seeking damages. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 to get your case reviewed in a free initial consultation.
Santa Clarita is one of the gateways to the “Thrill Capital of the World,” Six Flags Magic Mountain. The city is home to historical museums, shopping centers, bars, and restaurants. People travel here for both business and leisure, which is why it’s no surprise that Uber is widely used in the area. Unfortunately, due to its popularity among residents and tourists, Uber accidents have become a growing concern.
Arash Law is a personal injury law firm that handles Uber-related accidents. Led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., our Santa Clarita Uber accident attorneys strive to help clients seek compensation for their injuries, lost income, and other related losses.
Settlement in a Under Insured Motorist Claim against ride share company; client suffered spinal injuries– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
Do I Need Santa Clarita Uber Accident Lawyers To Seek Compensation?
While you’re not legally required to hire a lawyer to file an Uber accident claim, doing so can be beneficial, especially when dealing with large companies that have experienced legal teams on their side. Legal support may help you avoid mistakes during negotiations or while navigating the complex claims process.
Our Santa Clarita Uber accident attorneys focus on personal injury cases involving rideshare accidents with companies such as Uber and Lyft. We can also represent clients in cases against corporations such as Walmart and Target. This experience allows us to steer discussions at the negotiation table toward fair compensation.
Insurance companies and corporate legal teams may closely examine your statements to identify inconsistencies and raise defenses that may limit the extent of their responsibility. To help protect your interests, our attorneys can manage communication with Uber and other parties involved, thereby preventing missteps that could hurt your case.
Why Consider Hiring Our Lawyers For Your Uber Accident Claims In Santa Clarita?
Our attorneys are prepared to advocate for your interests. At our law firm, we employ a client-first approach when handling cases. Here’s what our team offers:
- Thorough Investigations — After we agree to handle your claim, we will conduct an independent investigation into your Uber accident. Our injury lawyers will work with investigators to search for additional evidence that may support your case.
- Open Communication — Throughout the claims process, our Uber accident attorneys keep you informed about the progress of your claim and explain each step along the way.
- On-Demand Translation — If you’d prefer to discuss your claim in a language other than English, we can arrange for translation services at your request.
- Network of Professionals — Besides hiring investigators for your case, we can also connect you with doctors to help with your medical care and treatment. We also have access to accident reconstructionists who can offer detailed insights into how the accident may have contributed to your injuries, helping to support your case.
Our legal services are available to you with no upfront legal fees. We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don’t have to pay any attorney’s fees unless compensation is obtained. While clients are still responsible for certain case-related costs, our fee structure enables you to seek legal counsel regardless of your current financial situation. Our Santa Clarita Uber accident lawyers will discuss our pay structure and potential costs during your free initial consultation.
Uber’s Insurance Coverage
Uber’s insurance company may help pay for your damages and losses if you are injured in a rideshare accident caused by one of its drivers. However, they only do so if the accident happened while the driver was on duty. The company’s liability insurance policy is divided into different periods:
Period 1
According to Uber’s insurance policy, it can be held accountable if its driver was on duty (logged into the app) at the time of the accident, even if there was no passenger.
Uber’s insurance policy for this is:
- $50,000/person for bodily injury.
- $100,000/accident for bodily injury.
- $25,000/accident for property damage.
Period 2
The ridesharing company can also be held liable for any injuries its drivers cause on their way to pick up the passenger.
For example, you are in your car, properly parked on the side of the road. Then, an Uber driver who is on his way to pick up a passenger loses control of his vehicle and hits you. The driver may be held accountable for your injuries and vehicle damage.
Additionally, Uber provides the following coverage:
- Up to $1 million for the total liability.
- Up to $1 million for accidents caused by uninsured and underinsured motorists (UM/UIM).
- If a driver secures comprehensive and collision coverage on their personal motor policy, Uber will maintain contingent collision and comprehensive coverage up to the car’s actual value ($2,500 deductible).
Period 3
If the Uber driver has already picked up the passenger en route to the booked destination, Uber has the same coverage as Period 2.
There is also what is known as Period 0, wherein the accident happened while the driver was offline. The driver’s own insurance policy is in effect during this time.
Many people may find Uber’s insurance policy confusing or unclear. However, our Santa Clarita Uber accident lawyers can break it down for you and identify which one may be applicable to your case. If you have any questions or concerns, our legal team can assist you.
Common Causes Of Uber Accidents
Human error is the most common cause of Uber accidents. Uber drivers are just as prone to causing accidents as any other motorist on the road.
These are common causes of Uber accidents:
Speeding
The maximum speed limit in Santa Clarita is 65 mph, and it is automatically reduced to 55 mph when it rains. However, many Uber drivers go beyond these speed limits to drop off passengers quickly. Going beyond the speed limit may result in an accident, as drivers have less time to react to dangerous situations.
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, speeding is a leading cause of many traffic accidents in Santa Clarita and nearby areas.
Distracted Driving
There are many acts of distracted driving, but the use of mobile phones commonly appears in investigations of many traffic accidents. Texting, receiving calls, internet browsing, taking photos, and emailing can take the driver’s attention away from the road, putting them at risk of an accident.
According to OTS, there were 148 people killed in car crashes in the entire state of California in 2022, representing a 5.1% decrease from the previous year.
Uber drivers are more prone to distracted driving because they need to check their phones for incoming bookings and maps from time to time.
Driving Under The Influence (DUI)
In California, it is illegal to drive when the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is beyond 0.08%. Although it is a misdemeanor in the state, offenders can still face penalties of up to $1,000 in fines, as well as 3 to 5 years of probation.
Uber forbids drivers from accepting trips while intoxicated to avoid an accident that could endanger their passengers. Despite this strict rule, some Uber drivers may have been drinking while on duty.
California traffic safety data indicates that alcohol and drug impairment remain major contributors to traffic fatalities across the state. Despite the government’s frequent warnings to drivers not to drink or take drugs and drive, a few irresponsible people continue to do so, resulting in multiple casualties.
Fatigued Driving
Most Uber drivers are part-time, and some work at night. But, due to financial constraints, many choose to drive while sleep-deprived. Everyone needs to earn some extra money, and that is completely understandable. However, it should not be at the expense of the passengers.
A microsleep can lead to accidents, potentially causing harm to passengers, motorists, and pedestrians. Even though Uber constantly encourages its drivers to rest before going to work, some continue to disregard this, putting their paying customers at risk.
Typical Injuries Suffered In Uber Accidents
Our attorneys have assisted Uber accident victims in Santa Clarita in pursuing compensation for their injuries and related losses. Among the victims we helped, cuts, burns, and contusions are the typical injuries they have sustained. However, some victims have suffered from more severe injuries and even death.
These are the most common injuries we see in Uber-related accidents:
Whiplash
This neck injury is caused by the strong and rapid back-and-forth movement of the head and neck. Its symptoms are stiffness, headache, dizziness, and immobility of the neck.
Whiplash normally occurs in a rear-end collision, and people who sustain it may recover within a few days. However, in some severe cases, it takes months to heal. Regardless of the level of pain, seeking prompt medical evaluation is important for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Concussions are a type of TBI where the head absorbs a hard and swift blow, causing the brain to move partially. TBIs result in extreme headaches, confusion, nausea, tinnitus, blurred vision, and dizziness.
Most people who have severe TBIs also suffer long-term and chronic conditions, such as mood swings, memory loss, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. TBIs are usually classified as serious injuries because of their significant impact on the patient’s life.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above as a result of an Uber accident, our Santa Clarita lawyers can connect you with doctors in California who can handle TBIs.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries often result in serious and lasting disabilities. Beyond the physical challenges, they can lead to significant financial strain.
According to the United Spinal Association, 18,000 Americans sustain spinal cord injuries (SCIs) every year, or two injuries an hour. About 38% of these SCIs are caused by vehicle accidents.
A spinal injury is serious and devastating. Some of its symptoms may include:
- Intolerable back pain.
- Numbness or tingling.
- Loss of balance.
- Loss of bowel or bladder control.
If you experience any of these symptoms after an Uber accident in Santa Clarita, see a doctor immediately.
Broken Bones
Fractures are typically instantly noticeable after an injury. The symptoms include swelling, bruising, skin discoloration, bodily distortion, and an inability to move the injured part. Sometimes, there are open incisions with visible protruding bones in cases of severe breaks.
Broken bones are common in these types of accidents and can heal in a matter of months. Their impacts are severe because the victim is unable to perform typical chores or jobs due to limited movement. It is also possible that an individual will be unable to work if a major body part, such as a leg or hip, is broken.
Aside from suffering from pain, the victim’s financial situation can be affected because broken bone rehabilitation entails more than simply surgery. There is a series of therapies and medical examinations that may deplete your savings.
Internal Bleeding
Internal hemorrhage is not obvious and can only be detected using specialized medical equipment like CT scans and MRIs. However, some symptoms can indicate a life-threatening internal injury, such as dizziness, passing out, visual issues, severe headaches, weakness, chest discomfort, nausea, and blood in the stool and urine. If you experience any of these signs, seek a doctor as soon as possible. Internal bleeding, when untreated, can lead to complications and even death.
Compensation Uber Accident Victims Can Pursue
Regardless of the severity of your injuries, you may be eligible to pursue compensation if you are hurt while riding in an Uber.
Our Santa Clarita Uber accident lawyers will assist you in identifying both economic and non-economic damages that you may be able to pursue from the negligent parties.
Economic Damages
Economic damages include past and future medical bills, missed salary wages, and even your decreased ability to provide for yourself and your family. These damages are broadly defined as any quantifiable financial loss.
Non-Economic Damages
Meanwhile, non-financial losses are classified as non-economic damages. These losses include pain and suffering, a loss of enjoyment in life, the loss of a spouse, and physical disfigurement. Non-economic damages include the aforementioned mental health issues.
Our Santa Clarita Uber accident lawyers can help identify and quantify the non-economic damages that may apply to your case.
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
What To Do After An Uber Accident In Santa Clarita, CA
Safety should come first after an accident. Based on our experience helping clients with Uber-related cases, here are some important steps to consider if you’re involved in an incident:
- Check yourself for any possible injuries if you’re able. Call the local Santa Clarita police and EMT.
- Go to a safe area away from passing vehicles if possible. Don’t leave the scene and wait for the authorities.
- Seek immediate medical help from the paramedics. Then, follow up with a doctor’s visit later on to unmask any other possible injury and prevent further health complications.
- If you can move and it’s safe to do so, start gathering evidence. Take photos and videos of your injuries, your surroundings, and your car’s damage if hit.
- Get the names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and insurance details of the drivers involved.
- Ask for eyewitnesses. Get their information and ask for their permission to testify.
- Report the incident using the Uber app.
- If you were involved in an Uber crash, contact your insurance company and explain your situation.
- Talk to our Santa Clarita Uber accident lawyers for guidance on the claims process.
Uber Accident Statistics
In a 2020 report, Uber stated that 99.9% of all trips were deemed safe. Though the figure is outstanding, we cannot ignore the fact that there are still accidents and casualties under its supervision.
In the report, it stated that there were 101 fatalities in 91 Uber-related accidents on the road in the entire United States. Speeding and DUI were the leading causes of accidents, accounting for 32% and 23% of the total, respectively, indicating that all passengers and motorists should exercise additional caution when traveling and on board Uber service vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There A Deadline For Filing A Personal Injury Lawsuit In California?
There is a deadline for making a compensation claim. Under California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can result in losing your right to pursue compensation. While two years may seem like sufficient time, gathering evidence, consulting experts, and managing recovery can make the process challenging. It may be wise to prepare your claim promptly to help protect your legal rights.
Are There Exceptions To The Statute Of Limitations In California?
If you have been injured or your car sustained damage, you can sue both the driver and Uber and seek compensation for losses.
The statute of limitations gives victims a two-year deadline for filing a claim or lawsuit. There are some situations where the statute may be tolled. These include:
- Underaged Victims — If the parents or guardians of the victim decide not to pursue the case, the process may be placed on hold. It may resume on the victim’s 18th birthday, should they decide to push it.
- Delayed Discovery Rule — Some injuries may not be immediately apparent. In such cases, the statute of limitations may start on the date the injury was or could have reasonably been discovered.
- Government Involvement — If you get injured while inside a government property or a government entity causes the accident, you may only have six months to file a lawsuit.
To avoid a technical forfeiture, our Uber accident attorneys in Santa Clarita can help you gather evidence, file the complaint, and attend court hearings on your behalf if you are unable to be there due to persistent injuries.
How Do I Report An Uber Accident In Santa Clarita?
It is advisable to report an accident to Uber as soon as possible. To do this, open the Uber app, then:
- Go to Safety.
- Click I Was In An Accident.
Select the correct trip and indicate all the details. An Uber team member will contact you to verify your safety and collect all necessary information.
Alternatively, you can also speak with Uber customer support through the app.
- Tap the Menu icon.
- Tap Help.
- Navigate to the Issue You’re Experiencing.
- Tap Call Support.
If you want to learn more about your rights as an Uber accident victim and how to proceed with your claim, consider speaking to our Santa Clarita lawyers.
What If The Negligent Party Does Not Have Enough Insurance To Cover My Injuries?
If the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own insurance policy. Many policies include Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UIC) and Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UMC), which provide protection in these situations.
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage — Gives you coverage in the event of an incident with an uninsured driver.
- Underinsured Motorist Coverage — Provides coverage if you get injured in an accident with a driver who lacks sufficient insurance to cover the costs of the damages or injuries they may be accountable for.
When Should Uber Accidents Be Reported?
If you are able to move during the accident, you may want to report it using the Uber app and to the police via 911 as soon as possible. If you are unable to move due to your injury, ask someone at the site to report the incident.
Consider consulting our lawyers in Santa Clarita so they can guide you on what to report to Uber and also help protect your legal rights. Refrain from making recorded statements or sharing the incident on social media that may hurt your claim.
Contact Our Uber Accident Lawyers In Santa Clarita
If you’ve been involved in an Uber accident, Arash Law can help you understand your rights and options. Our team can manage the legal process on your behalf so you can focus on your recovery. Drawing on our experience helping clients with Uber accident cases, we work diligently to pursue fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Contact us at (888) 488-1391 to get in touch with our Uber accident lawyers in Santa Clarita. We also have Uber accident attorneys serving nearby locations, such as Santa Monica, Inglewood, Burbank, Pasadena, Quartz Hill, Palmdale, Pomona, Ontario, Chino Hills, Rancho Cucamonga, Malibu, Simi Valley, Lake Hughes, Thousand Oaks, Fillmore, Santa Paula, Camarillo, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Ventura, Oak View, and Ojai.
