Sonoma County Uber Accident Lawyers
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Our Sonoma County Uber Accident Lawyers Provide Dedicated Legal Support
Sonoma County is a popular tourist destination for wine lovers, and where there are tourists, there are ridesharing services like Uber. Unfortunately, there is also the risk of Uber-related accidents. If you’re suffering from injuries after an Uber crash, contact our Sonoma County Uber accident lawyers. Our lines are open for accident victims seeking compensation for their medical bills, lost earnings, and other damages. Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
Our Sonoma County Uber accident attorneys can advocate for your rights during the claims process. We understand how complex Uber accident claims can be, and navigating this process can be challenging while you’re dealing with the aftermath. Let us handle your case so that you can focus on your physical and emotional treatment.
Our lawyers work to help you pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. We can help evaluate your case and determine if you have a valid claim.
Does v. California Farm (confidential) –settlement for a group of farmworkers who were killed when the car they were transported in to work flipped over in Merced County.– BENNY KHORSANDI
How Can Sonoma County Uber Accident Lawyers Support Your Case?
Accident victims go through different types of distress. Physical wounds are painful, while mental trauma can last longer than any bodily injury. Then, there is the financial situation to consider. Uber accidents can cause severe injuries that may require a long time to heal. This may not only cause discomfort but also incur substantial medical bills. Additionally, ongoing medical treatments may compromise the victim’s ability to earn a living.
Navigating the claims process may add to that stress, especially in cases involving large companies. Our Sonoma County Uber accident lawyers work to provide clear legal guidance and support throughout the process.
Arash Law works to assist you with the following:
- Investigating the Accident — Establishing negligence in a personal injury claim typically involves a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding the incident. We will gather important evidence, including police reports, witness statements, photos, videos, and CCTV footage, which can help paint a clear picture of what really happened and demonstrate that negligence is involved.
- Filing a Claim — Our Uber accident lawyers in Sonoma County will handle the legal aspects of your case, including submitting the necessary requirements to help file your claim within the legal deadline.
- Dealing with Insurance Adjusters — Negotiating a claim can be challenging, as the process often involves detailed discussions and careful communication, as statements made during negotiations can significantly affect the outcome. We will handle communications and negotiations with insurers on your behalf and assist you in addressing challenges that may arise, such as low settlement offers, delays, or claim denials.
Why Hire Our Sonoma County Uber Accident Lawyers For Your Case?
If you sustained injuries in a rideshare crash, our Sonoma County Uber accident lawyers are ready to assist you. We help clients pursue compensation for the resulting injuries and losses from a collision.
Arash Law has a team of attorneys who handle claims related to Uber accidents. Our lawyers work to help you hold liable parties accountable for their actions by building a well-supported case tailored to your situation.
We also offer free initial consultations to victims, with no risk or obligation to hire our services. If you have questions or concerns, our team is available to address them. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t be charged for the services of our attorney unless compensation is obtained through a settlement or verdict. If there’s no compensation, you won’t owe us lawyers’ fees. Certain case-related expenses may still apply, regardless of the outcome. This will be outlined clearly in a written agreement, and our lawyers will discuss these fees during your consultation.
What To Do After An Uber Accident In Sonoma County?
Taking certain steps after an Uber accident in Sonoma County can help support a potential claim. Here are a few steps you can take when you’re injured while riding an Uber:
- Prioritize Your Safety — Remove yourself and others from harm’s way. After that, check for any signs of injuries. If you can, check on your companions as well.
- Contact Authorities Promptly — Police reports can be useful for your claim. Essentially, authorities can create a theory of liability through their investigation.
- Gather Evidence — Exchange information with the Uber driver. Get their insurance details as well. Then, take photos and videos of the accident and the damage sustained. Additionally, note important details, such as plate numbers and car models. Speak with eyewitnesses and record their contact information.
- Seek Medical Attention — Even if you do not feel any pain or there are no visible wounds or injuries, consult a doctor. Some traffic-related injuries are internal and can only be diagnosed through examinations. It can also help create a medical report that can support your claim.
- Keep the Details of the Case Private — Do not post about it on social media or talk about it with strangers on the road. Moreover, refrain from talking about it with insurance adjusters, especially if they are from Uber. Don’t admit fault or blame other parties.
- Do Not Accept Any Offers — Unless you have a lawyer and you have extensively talked about it, do not accept anything from insurance adjusters. Also, avoid signing anything that your attorney has not reviewed.
- Contact Sonoma County Uber Accident Lawyers — Our lawyers can help evaluate your case and determine if you have a valid claim. We will help you explore your legal options and help determine the filing deadlines for your personal injury claim.
Who Can Be Held Responsible For Damages In A Sonoma County Uber Accident?
Establishing liability in an Uber accident can be complicated because not only the driver may be responsible, but other parties may also be at fault. Basically, if the driver is found to be negligent, they will be held legally accountable. However, it becomes a grey area when Uber, as a company, is involved. While companies can generally be held liable for the actions of their employees, ridesharing services like Uber see their drivers as independent contractors. This technicality can make it challenging for victims to hold the rideshare service directly responsible.
Certain technicalities may limit Uber’s liability for its drivers’ actions. However, specific circumstances can affect whether Uber’s insurance policies apply, such as when a driver is actively transporting a passenger. Uber has stated that third-party liability insurance may cover injuries and damages in these situations. Liability may depend on the details of the case, and responsibility may be disputed.
Our Sonoma County Uber accident lawyers can assess your situation and work to help you hold Uber and its drivers accountable for your injuries and losses. We will also negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf and assist you in seeking fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Common Causes of Uber Accidents
Driver error is one of the primary causes of accidents. Our Sonoma County Uber accident attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation and gather evidence to determine the exact cause of the accident to help establish liability.
Here are the common causes of Uber accidents in Sonoma County and across California:
Speeding
Going beyond the speed limit or speeding under certain circumstances is one of the causes of vehicular accidents. Uber drivers often increase their speed to transport their passengers and pick up a new one as quickly as possible.
Distracted Driving
Anything that diverts the driver’s attention from driving is dangerous. Inattentiveness can result in hazardous situations, as it reduces reaction time to avoid obstacles on the road. Uber drivers use the company’s dedicated app while they drive. They must constantly check their phones for details, which can distract them from driving safely.
Searching For Customers
In line with distracted driving, Uber drivers are frequently on their phones while searching for customers. Or, they may use their phones for navigation while looking for the passenger who booked them. Although these things should be done while the car is safely stopped on the side of the road, some drivers do them while driving.
Failure To Obey Traffic Laws
Traffic laws exist to help keep everyone safe on the road. A driver who disregards these rules faces a high risk of being involved in an accident. For example, stop signs and traffic lights regulate the flow of traffic. Not following these signs can cause crashes that are otherwise avoidable.
The US Department of Transportation (DoT) estimates 165,000 people are injured yearly by red-light runners. In some cases, Uber drivers might disobey some traffic rules to avoid running late. This is not uncommon, as the DoT noted that one in three drivers ran a red light in the last 30 days.
Uber Driver’s Lack of Experience
Besides knowing how to drive properly, Uber drivers also have to learn how to navigate unfamiliar places with GPS. Additionally, Uber’s app can be distracting for first-time drivers and may cause accidents on the road due to their lack of experience.
Motor Vehicle Issues
Drivers are responsible for maintaining their vehicles. Car malfunctions resulting from inadequate maintenance can result in collisions. Such crashes can cause catastrophic injuries, especially when they occur in the midst of traffic.
It’s crucial to maintain the vehicle regularly, as Uber drivers typically drive almost every day.
Stopping In Unsafe Locations
You cannot stop in the middle of the road or in blind spots, as it can be dangerous to do so at these unsafe locations. Leaving your passenger in such a place is extremely unsafe. If stopping is necessary, find a safe place to do so. In addition, use your car’s signal to communicate with other drivers on the road.
Driver Fatigue
Uber drivers decide how many trips they can do in a day. While others are content with completing two to five trips, some drivers squeeze in more trips to increase their income. Unfortunately, these drivers often lack proper rest or sleep. This could result in falling asleep at the wheel, which can cause fatal accidents.
Navigating Unfamiliar Roadways
Driving through unfamiliar locations can be intimidating, even for experienced drivers. You do not know if the roads are well-maintained or where the dangerous potholes are. There may also be missing signs.
Using GPS navigation alone is not enough. In fact, there are an estimated 200,000 car accidents caused by GPS each year. A term known as “Death by GPS” refers to traffic fatalities caused by using satellite navigation. These happen when the GPS directs the drivers to dangerous roads and situations.
Common Injuries Caused By Uber Accidents In Sonoma County
Uber accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor to severe. Here are the common ones involved in the cases our Sonoma County Uber accident lawyers handle:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) — Traumatic brain injuries result from a significant impact to the head and can cause coma, death, or a lifetime of neurological and psychological effects.
- Spinal Cord Damage — Damage to the bundle of nerves and nerve fibers can result in severe health issues, including chronic pain and paralysis.
- Damage to Internal Organs — Issues like a ruptured spleen, collapsed lung, and internal bleeding need immediate medical attention, as they can be fatal.
- Neck and Back Injuries — Depending on the severity, these can heal in weeks or can become chronic.
- Fractured Bones — These typically take weeks to months to heal. Many require surgery to fix.
- Sprained Joints or Ligaments — When stretched too far, joints and ligaments can cause swelling and pain. However, these can heal in weeks with the right treatments.
- Cuts or Burns — Minor cuts and burns can take weeks to heal, while major ones will require a longer healing process. They may even result in loss of sensations or amputations and permanent scarring.
- Loss of One or More Limbs — If the tissue of a particular body part sustains extreme damage that cannot be treated, amputation may be necessary. This can help prevent the spread of infection or address severe trauma.
- Wrongful Death — Car accidents can cause fatalities, particularly in high-speed crashes or when safety measures are not properly utilized. Victims can die upon impact or when they succumb to their injuries. Our Sonoma County Uber accident lawyers assist eligible family members in filing a wrongful death claim.
2019: $27M confidential settlement in a case involving multiple plaintiffs.– BRIAN BEECHER
Available Damages In Uber Accident Claims In Sonoma County, CA
Uber accidents can make an impact on a victim’s life physically, mentally, and financially. However, California law provides a way for injured individuals to pursue compensation for the resulting injuries and losses. Depending on the situation, you may be able to seek the following damages:
Economic Damages
- Medical bills, including present and future medications, treatments, surgeries, ambulance transportation, and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages during the health treatment period.
- Reduced capacity to earn if you were unable to earn an income due to your injuries.
- Damages caused by disabilities and disfigurements.
- Property damages that were incurred during the accident.
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain And Suffering
- Inconvenience
- Mental Anguish And Distress
- Diminished Quality of Life
- Loss of Consortium
Punitive Damages
Courts may consider awarding punitive damages when the at-fault party’s conduct was particularly reckless, although this is done only in rare cases. Our lawyers for Sonoma County Uber accidents will conduct a thorough investigation and determine whether this type of damage is applicable to your case. Complete our contact form for a free case review.
What Is The Statute Of Limitations For Filing A Claim?
Victims generally have two years from the date of the Uber accident to file a personal injury case. However, if you are suing a government entity related to the accident, the deadline is only six months. Meanwhile, if the victim is a minor, the statute of limitations will only start running when they turn 18. Our Sonoma County accident lawyers provide guidance to help you meet these important deadlines.
Consult With Our Sonoma County Uber Accident Attorneys
Arash Law is ready to help if you or a loved one has been injured in an Uber accident. Our team of car accident lawyers is knowledgeable in personal injury claims and lawsuits. Moreover, we have experience handling cases that involve negotiating with insurance companies. We will manage the legal work, allowing you to focus on your well-being.
Contact Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form here to schedule a free case assessment, and if you have any questions or concerns. We also cater to Uber accident victims in neighboring cities and towns, including Anchor Bay, Lower Lake, Middletown, Calistoga, St. Helena, Yountville, Napa City in Napa County, Fairfield, Vacaville, Brooks, Esparto, Vallejo, Novato, San Rafael, Concord, Pittsburg, and Woodland.
