Santa Rosa Uber Accident Lawyers
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Our Santa Rosa Uber Accident Lawyers Help Explore Your Legal Options
It can be more convenient to take an Uber to your destination than to drive, but this may not be the case if your ride gets into an accident. If you were injured in an Uber crash, you may be eligible to seek compensation for your injuries and losses. Contact our Santa Rosa Uber accident lawyers at (888) 488-1391 for a free and confidential case evaluation.
While Uber offers a convenient alternative to driving or public transportation for Santa Rosa residents, the possibility of negligent drivers risking the lives of passengers and others raises safety concerns.
At Arash Law, we understand the long-term effects of an Uber accident. We have represented injured clients and helped them pursue fair compensation in accordance with California law. Let our Santa Rosa Uber accident attorneys help you by calling the number above or filling out our “Do I Have A Case?” form.
(No guarantee of outcome. Results displayed were dependent on unique facts of that case, and different facts will bring different results.)
When Do You Need The Services Of Our Santa Rosa Uber Accident Lawyers?
While handling a car accident on your own is possible, navigating legal claims against large companies like Uber can be a complex process.
Our Santa Rosa Uber accident lawyers can help in the following situations:
- Disputes — If the other party disputes responsibility, we conduct a thorough investigation to build a well-supported case and help establish liability.
- Catastrophic Injuries — Severe injuries often involve significant long-term costs. Our attorneys can accurately assess the long-term costs and help you pursue appropriate compensation for your needs.
- Psychological Trauma — If you experience emotional or psychological effects after an Uber accident, documenting and proving these damages can be challenging. Our legal team can assist in gathering evidence to support your claim.
To initiate the claims process, our Santa Rosa Uber accident attorneys will send a demand letter to the insurance company outlining your compensation request. This letter details Uber’s potential liability for the accident and explains how your damages may be covered under their policy. Legal representation can help address challenges when dealing with insurers and support an efficient process.
Common Causes Of Uber Accidents In Santa Rosa, CA
Here are the common causes of Uber accidents:
- Fatigued Driving — Fatigue causes delayed reaction time, limits the driver’s focus and attention, and impairs decision-making skills. It may seem like a minor issue, but it could result in fatal accidents.
- Failure to Follow Traffic Signals — Traffic signals such as stoplights, yield signs, and other signs are in place to direct traffic and prevent accidents. Everyone, from drivers to pedestrians, is expected to follow them.
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI) — Substances such as drugs and alcohol interfere not just with the driver’s driving abilities but with their perception of reality.
- Tailgating — Tailgating is a hazardous behavior that increases the risk of car collisions and injuries. Drivers who follow a vehicle too closely do not have adequate time and distance to stop.
- Speeding — Almost all roads, especially major highways, have speed limits, and driving beyond them dramatically increases the risk of deadly accidents.
- Unsafe Lane Changes — Drivers should always turn on their signals when making turns, check their blind spots, and change lanes carefully. They might sideswipe a nearby car if it suddenly swerves into the next lane.
- Failure to Yield — Yielding the right of way is required by law under specific circumstances.
- Distracted Driving — Drivers may get distracted and violate traffic laws, which could result in mistakes that affect not only themselves but also other road users.
You may be injured in an Uber accident in several ways: as a passenger, an occupant in another vehicle, or a pedestrian. If you have encountered an accident with Uber, consider seeking help from our Santa Rosa Uber accident attorneys to understand your legal options.
Common Injuries Sustained In Uber Accidents
Our Santa Rosa Uber accident lawyers have experience helping victims seek compensation for their losses.
Here are some of the injuries sustained by victims in Uber accidents:
Lacerations
Fragments of broken glass, debris, or impact on the vehicle’s interior may result in superficial skin tears and deeper cuts.
Neck And Back Injury
Whiplash, sprains, strains, and herniated discs are the most common injuries to the neck and back due to sudden force or jolting motions.
Paralysis
Severe spinal cord or nerve damage due to a car collision can cause partial or complete paralysis. These may result in long-term medical care for the victim, loss of quality of life, and loss of current and future income.
Broken Bones
Sudden and forceful impacts caused by collisions can result in fractures, from minor hairline cracks to complete bone breaks.
Head Trauma And Brain Injury
From concussions to hematomas, Uber car accidents can cause head injuries with varying symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and temporary memory loss. Severe cases can lead to permanent damage.
Loss Of Limbs
Total car wrecks from accidents can cause amputation. Prosthetic devices are generally needed after sustaining such injuries.
Burns
Cars emit thermal, chemical, or electrical sources that can cause surface-level tissue damage up to third-degree burns in the event of an accident. The severity of the injury depends on the source and time of exposure.
Wrongful Death
Tragically, some accidents result in death. In this case, the victim’s family may be able to file a wrongful death claim, including funeral bills.
Thoroughly documenting your injuries is essential, as the severity of your injuries directly impacts your potential compensation. The at-fault party may be held responsible for your immediate and ongoing medical bills from these injuries, as well as any future ones you might need. Our Santa Rosa Uber accident lawyers can evaluate your damages and account for all your losses when preparing a claim.
Compensation In An Uber Accident In Santa Rosa, CA
If you are in an accident involving Uber, our Santa Rosa Uber accident lawyers can help estimate the potential value of your claim after thoroughly examining your case.
For personal injury claims, victims may be able to pursue economic, non-economic, and punitive damages:
Economic Damages
These losses are measurable and proven with bills and receipts and may be eligible for reimbursement. They include:
- Medical Bills — Hospital bills, ambulance fees, current and incoming medical care expenses such as physical therapy, doctor’s visits and appointments, and rehabilitation expenses.
- Loss of Earnings or Income — Potential loss of benefits and earnings due to sustained injuries.
- Property Damage — Vehicle repairs and replacements.
- Other Economic Damages — Costs related to home care, domestic help, child care, and home or vehicle modifications.
Non-Economic Damages
Calculating non-economic damages can be challenging, as it involves losses that are not easily quantifiable. Some examples are:
- Pain and Suffering — The effects of emotional and psychological trauma can be just as devastating as the accident itself.
- Loss of Quality of Life — Severe or long-term injuries can limit your independence and decrease your quality of life.
- Loss of Consortium — The injured spouse may be unable to provide the same love, services, or support that they provided before the accident.
Punitive Damages
In rare cases, these damages can be pursued when the at-fault party acted with willful disregard for the rights of others and was intentionally reckless. These damages are intended to punish particularly reckless behavior and discourage similar actions in the future.
Our Santa Rosa Uber accident lawyers have experience evaluating the full range of potential damages for injured clients. We aim to pursue fair settlements based on the circumstances of each case.
How To Prove Negligence In Santa Rosa Uber Accidents
Most Uber accident claims depend on proving the other party was negligent, meaning they failed to act with due care. There are four things you need to show in order to seek compensation:
- Duty of Care — The driver has a legal obligation to drive safely.
- Breach of Duty — The driver violated this duty by acting carelessly, such as speeding or texting.
- Causation — The driver’s breach directly caused the crash and your injuries.
- Damages — You suffered actual losses, such as medical bills or lost income.
Additionally, even if you were partly responsible, you may still be able to pursue compensation. California allows for a partial recovery based on your share of the blame. So, if you were 40% at fault, you could still claim 60% of your damages.
Insurance Coverage For Uber Drivers
One important thing you have to note is that Uber classifies its drivers as independent contractors instead of employees. While its drivers are required to have personal auto insurance policies, the company also offers additional coverage for liability issues and accidents involving uninsured or underinsured motorists.
However, this coverage only applies to specific driver phases, such as:
- Phase 0 — The driver’s auto insurance shoulders the victim’s damages if the driver was not using the Uber app when the accident occurred.
- Phase 1 — If the driver is logged in and awaiting a passenger, Uber provides supplemental liability coverage in an accident in the amount of:
- $50,000 per person injured.
- $100,000 total per accident.
- $25,000 for property damage.
- Phases 2 and 3 — The driver is on their way to pick up or is currently transporting a passenger. Uber may provide supplemental liability coverage in an accident amounting to:
- $1 million in liability coverage.
- $1 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Uber accidents can be more complicated than typical car crashes because they have different insurance systems with varying levels of coverage. Insurance companies may dispute which coverage applies at the time of the accident, making it challenging to determine responsibility.
Our Santa Rosa Uber accident lawyers can help identify the responsible parties and clarify which insurance policy is relevant to your case.
(No guarantee of outcome. Results displayed were dependent on unique facts of that case, and different facts will bring different results.)
What To Do After An Uber Accident In Santa Rosa, CA
Below are some steps you can take following a rideshare collision:
- Get Medical Care — Have the first responders examine you. Then, go to the hospital and let the doctors double-check your initial findings. By doing this, the doctor can make a note and start treatment if you have any kind of serious injury, including internal, where you don’t notice any effects yet.
- Obtain Evidence — Take photos of the scene of the accident, your injuries, damaged cars (the one you’re riding in and other cars), and anything else you think is necessary.
- Limit Discussions About Your Case — If you get a phone call and the person says they are from an insurance company, avoid discussing the details of your case. Information you share with the insurers may be used in the evaluation of your claim. Accepting offers or checks may limit your ability to pursue any further claims related to the same accident.
- Stay Off Social Media — Avoid posting about your accident on social media platforms. Publicly shared information may be used during the claims process.
- Talk to Experienced Santa Rosa Uber Accident Attorneys — Our attorneys have experience representing rideshare accident victims and helping them navigate the complexities of the claims process.
What Is The Statute of Limitations In Santa Rosa, California?
According to CCP § 335.1, accident victims have two (2) years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in California. Santa Rosa also follows this window for most personal injury claims, including Uber accidents. However, if you miss this legal deadline, your case may be dismissed by the court. Acting promptly preserves your ability to pursue your claim. Our Santa Rosa Uber accident lawyers can identify the applicable time limits for your case and assist with filing the necessary documents within those deadlines.
Uber Accident Statistics
The rise of ridesharing applications like Uber has contributed to increased traffic volume in California. According to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), between 2017 and 2019, Uber cars were involved in 107 startling fatal crashes across the country, in addition to 2,935 non-fatal incidents that caused 3,221 injuries.
Further data from Uber spanning 2019 and 2020 also revealed that:
- Ninety-one of the total fatal accidents involving Uber cars claimed 101 lives.
- Speeding was identified as a contributing factor in 32% of these collisions.
- Disturbingly, 23% of these fatal accidents involved drunk driving.
- The majority of these accidents involve vulnerable road users, with pedestrians accounting for 64% of them, vulnerable road users accounting for 42%, third-party motorcycle riders accounting for 29%, and bicyclists accounting for 7%.
Uber accidents can involve complex legal issues, especially when passengers or pedestrians are injured. Contact our Santa Rosa Uber accident attorneys for assistance.
Speak To Our Santa Rosa Uber Accident Lawyers
We at Arash Law handle personal injury cases, including Uber accidents. If you’ve been involved in an Uber accident, our Santa Rosa attorneys provide clear legal guidance throughout the entire process.
Schedule a free initial consultation with us by calling (888) 488-1391.
Our Uber accident attorneys in Santa Rosa also offer legal services in neighboring cities and communities, including Roseland, Rohnert Park, Windsor, Healdsburg, Petaluma, Sonoma, Novato, Napa, American Canyon, San Anselmo, San Rafael, Vallejo, Clearlake, Larkspur, and Corte Madera.
