Stockton Uber Accident Lawyers
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Stockton Uber Accident Lawyers Representing Your Legal Interests After An Injury
Getting around Stockton and other California cities has undergone substantial changes over the past few years with the introduction of rideshare apps like Uber. While ridesharing is convenient and quickly gets you to your destination, it also comes with risks. Many Uber drivers engage in unsafe practices that may result in collisions.
It is essential to understand how Uber’s insurance policies may impact your case in the event of a rideshare collision or crash. Our Stockton Uber accident lawyers from Arash Law can help you understand your legal rights and options. Our lines are open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, at (888) 488-1391 to address any questions or concerns you may have about your claim.
Uber may challenge their responsibility for accidents caused by its drivers, since they are considered contractors rather than employees. However, our legal team aims to hold negligent parties accountable for their actions by pursuing compensation on behalf of injured clients. We can assist you in filing a claim or lawsuit against the driver or Uber, depending on the specific circumstances of your case.
We handle negotiations with the insurers and the logistics of filing your insurance claim. Our car accident lawyers, who handle Uber cases in Stockton, have decades of experience handling injury claims for our clients. We are up-to-date on relevant statutes, procedures, and case law. Arash Law has the resources and experience to help you pursue compensation. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
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
What Makes Uber Different?
Unlike other companies, Uber classifies its drivers as independent contractors, which may limit the company’s responsibility in certain situations. Additionally, the company is not recognized as a form of public transportation, such as buses or trains, and its drivers differ from those of traditional taxis. Uber drivers can choose their own working hours, do not receive employment benefits, and are not paid overtime.
Another complexity is that companies that hire independent contractors are generally not held liable for injuries or actions taken by these contractors. While this rule may benefit Uber during accident claims, the law states otherwise. With that said, recent legislation has required Uber to carry up to $1 million in insurance policies for drivers, providing coverage for damages in certain circumstances. Despite these policies, accident victims may still encounter challenges when seeking compensation through insurance claims.
Another critical difference for Uber is how it assesses drivers. There is minimal screening for new drivers. A potential Uber driver must download the app, complete an application, and, upon approval, can start driving. The application will ask if the driver has insurance, has passed a background check within the last seven years, and has a car that meets Uber standards.
With the hiring process conducted over the app or online, there’s a possibility that drivers with poor records may slip through the cracks. This may contribute to the increased risk of collisions and injuries involving Uber.
If you were injured in an Uber crash, speak to our Stockton Uber accident lawyers for legal representation. We serve clients in the city and surrounding areas, including Lathrop, Manteca, Lodi, and Ripon, as well as major cities throughout California such as Los Angeles, San Jose, San Francisco, Sacramento, San Diego, Bakersfield, and Fresno.
Our Stockton Uber Accident Lawyers Can Come To You, Wherever You Are In California
After a major car accident, you may have a long list of concerns and responsibilities, and your injuries might make it difficult to leave the hospital or return home. Arrangements for childcare, work, and daily tasks can add to these challenges. Arash Law can assist you in arranging transportation if you are unable to visit our office for a consultation. We can also meet you at a time and location of your choosing.
Scheduling a free initial consultation can provide an opportunity to discuss your claim in detail. During this period, insurance companies may contact you to request statements or information related to the accident, which could affect your claim. Legal representation can help you navigate communications with insurers and guide you through the process.
Our Stockton Uber accident lawyers can help collect and preserve evidence, such as surveillance and dashcam footage, that may become unavailable over time. You may not be aware that these pieces of evidence exist, but our investigators can locate them if available. Our legal team can manage the claims process on your behalf, so you can focus on your health.
When Is Uber Insurance Coverage Available?
The availability of Uber’s insurance coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. If the Uber driver is not logged into the app, a private insurance policy typically may apply to your injury claim. If the driver is logged into the app and waiting for a ride request, Uber’s contingent policy may provide the following coverages:
- $25,000 for property damage.
- $50,000 for a single person’s injuries.
- $100,000 for all injuries from the collision.
Different insurance policies may cover your losses depending on the circumstances. Our Stockton Uber accident lawyers can help explain your options and manage the legal aspects of your claim, allowing you to focus on getting better.
Common Injuries In Stockton Uber Accidents
The outcome of an Uber accident can be severe, and drivers and passengers can suffer consequences stemming from someone’s negligence. The driver can be locked out of the app, which leaves them unable to work and earn money, while you are also unable to work due to your injuries.
Vehicle(s) can be destroyed, leaving either party without transportation in the foreseeable future. Additionally, the insurance policy may be insufficient to cover all the damages from the collision. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to sue the Uber driver or the company for accident-related losses. Our Stockton Uber accident lawyers can assist in building a case based on the evidence specific to your circumstances.
Uber accidents may result in injuries that have a substantial impact on daily life, particularly when they are severe. Some injuries that are often involved in Uber accidents include:
- Back and Neck Injuries (cervical herniation, ruptured discs, whiplash, spinal cord trauma, and sprains).
- Internal Wounds (like organ damage, traumatic brain injuries, and internal bleeding).
- Broken Bones (in arms, legs, wrists, ribs, etc.).
- Flesh Wounds (torn muscles, lacerations, deep gashes, burns, bruises, and severed body parts).
- Severe consequences, like paraplegia.
Some injuries can have a substantial impact on your daily life due to the required treatment or physical limitations. When injuries result from another person’s negligence, there may be legal options available to seek compensation for the harm suffered. Our experienced Stockton Uber accident lawyers offer a free case review to help you understand your rights and options.
Steps To Take After A Stockton Uber Accident
What you do after an Uber accident can impact the outcome of your insurance claim. Large companies, such as Uber, have experienced legal teams, which is why it can be beneficial to have representation that will advocate for your rights and represent your interests. Taking certain steps can help you protect yourself and support your potential claim. What follows are a few things you can do after an Uber crash.
Seek Medical Attention — Physical and emotional trauma can have long-lasting impacts. Seek medical attention to assess the extent of your injuries. They may not be readily apparent at first, as adrenaline can suppress your pain and symptoms. A medical investigation can help diagnose your injury and devise a treatment plan.
Seeking medical evaluation at the scene or even before you begin experiencing symptoms can help identify any underlying injuries that may not be apparent at first. It’s also important to be assessed at a local hospital, medical center, or doctor’s office, as it supports timely treatment and creates a medical record that may be relevant for any future insurance claim or legal action.
Gather Evidence — Visual evidence, such as photographs and videos, can provide important documentation of the accident scene. Take pictures of the area, the vehicles, the people, your injuries, the surrounding buildings, and any signage nearby. Additional evidence may include the police report, medical records, and other relevant documents.
This evidence can help your Stockton Uber accident lawyer assess your case more effectively. Using the evidence you provide, they can identify any additional documentation that needs to be reviewed to help address potential issues that may arise with your claim, such as rejection or delay. They will continue to gather evidence to prepare for negotiations with the insurance company.
- Get Relevant Information — Get as much information as possible about the driver. Ask for their name, employee information, app work status, driver’s license number, and car insurance. If there was another driver, record their information as well. If witnesses were present, write down their names and phone numbers.
- Speak to a Stockton Uber Accident Lawyer — Seeking representation from our Stockton Uber accident lawyers may be helpful in navigating the process of pursuing compensation for your injuries and losses. We will review your evidence, case details, police reports, and other relevant information. Although we aim to resolve your case out of court, we can prepare your case for trial if necessary. Legal representation can put you in a position to seek the compensation that may be available for your claim.
What Damages Are Available In An Uber Accident?
California law allows accident victims to pursue compensation for their injuries and other losses resulting from an Uber accident. In rare situations, punitive damages may be available, depending on the specifics of your case. For this to be assessed, the at-fault party must have shown extreme recklessness or inflicted intentional harm. The following are some of the available damages in personal injury claims in Stockton and throughout California:
Economic Damages
Intended to compensate victims for tangible losses, these are out-of-pocket expenses and costs, accompanied by documentation such as receipts or bills. Calculating the amount can be straightforward because there is a dollar amount for services or fees. A few examples include:
- Medical Expenses
- Property Damage
- Prescription Medication
- Home or Vehicle Modifications
- Lost Income
- Loss of Earning Capacity
- Medical Devices
- Over-the-Counter Drugs
Note that this list does not cover all possible economic losses that can result from an Uber accident.
Non-Economic Damages
These losses are harder to calculate because they do not have a clear monetary value. They are often subjective losses related to psychological and emotional concerns. Consider consulting with a Stockton Uber accident lawyer who has experience with these types of damages. Examples of non-economic damages include:
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life
- Pain and Suffering
- Emotional Distress and Trauma
- Disability and Permanent Disfigurement Losses
California generally does not cap compensation in personal injury cases, though certain exceptions may apply. If your damages exceed the insurance company’s offer, filing a personal injury lawsuit may be an option. Additionally, the limits of car insurance policies can affect the amount you may be able to pursue.
If your case goes to trial, a jury will consider the evidence presented and follow legal guidelines when determining compensation. Prior to the trial, relevant documentation supporting your claim will be submitted as part of the case for the jury to review when assessing damages. Our Stockton Uber accident lawyers will work to present a well-supported case and represent your interests before the jury.
Sharing responsibility for an Uber accident does not bar you from seeking compensation, but it can lessen the amount you can pursue. California is a comparative fault state. If you are partially at fault in any way, the jury can subtract the percentage of fault you share from your award. Sharing fault can also apply to cases with multiple defendants.
How Long Do You Have To File A Stockton Uber Accident Claim?
California statute of limitations for personal injury cases involving Uber is two years from the date of the accident. Missing the deadline for filing could affect your ability to seek compensation for your injuries.
The statute changes when a state, federal, or municipal agency or vehicle is involved. Your involvement will not matter in these cases, whether you are the Uber driver, another driver, a pedestrian, or a passenger. You will have six months to take action and file a claim. This shorter time limit can significantly impact your case.
There are also other circumstances that may extend or pause the statute of limitations, such as cases involving minors, situations where an injury is not immediately discovered, or when the person seeking to file a claim is incarcerated. Our Stockton Uber accident lawyers can evaluate your case and help you file your claim while paying attention to applicable deadlines. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free case review.
Settlement in a bicycle versus taxi cab company accident; client suffered lower leg injuries– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
Will My Rideshare Accident Case Go To Trial?
Uber accident cases generally do not go to trial. When recovering from injuries and pursuing compensation, the prospect of a trial can be overwhelming. Victims also fear that going to trial will draw out the proceedings, making payment take longer. Meanwhile, your medical bills and costs continue to mount.
While your claim is unlikely to go to trial, it is possible. If negotiations don’t reach a settlement, we can take your case to court. Our Stockton Uber accident lawyers prepare every case as if it will go to trial, which can help during negotiations. Be ready to testify if we proceed to trial.
Having said that, we strive to reach a settlement without going into litigation, mediation, or trial. We have experience in negotiation and use these skills to support your claim by building your case around available evidence, applicable case law, and relevant statutes.
Several factors can affect whether your Uber accident claim proceeds to trial, such as:
Strength Of Your Evidence
The defense may dispute its share of responsibility for the accident, so comprehensive and well-supported evidence can play a crucial role in negotiations or at trial. Evidence is used to help establish liability, causation, and damages, which are necessary elements for pursuing compensation in an Uber injury or wrongful death case.
Evidence to support your claim may include the accident report, expert witness testimony, photos of the crash and your injuries, medical records, eyewitness statements, surveillance or dashcam footage, expense receipts, invoices, cell phone records, and financial documentation.
Causation Disputes
When seeking damages for a preexisting injury or illness, there may be questions about whether the accident caused or aggravated your condition. Compensation can be possible if the accident worsened a preexisting condition, depending on the circumstances. Evidence such as medical records can be important in addressing these types of causation issues.
Value Of Your Damages
Cases involving severe injuries often include claims for higher compensation, which can result in a more detailed review and investigation of the claim by the defense. The process may involve a careful examination of medical records and other evidence to assess the extent of the damage.
The Complexity Of Your Diagnosis
Some medical diagnoses are extremely complex, particularly those with long-term effects, making it challenging to calculate associated damages. Individuals with the same injury may experience different symptoms, healing processes, and durations, as well as varying impacts on daily life, depending on their health, age, and activities before the accident. If there are disputes on your diagnosis or its complexity, the case may proceed to trial for resolution.
If There Are Any Mistakes
Certain actions may impact the outcome of a claim, such as making statements in recorded interviews, posting about the accident on social media, or failing to follow prescribed treatment. A Stockton Uber accident lawyer can provide guidance throughout the claims process to help you address these issues.
Following your doctor’s recommendations and limiting social media activity while your claim is ongoing can help prevent complications, as lapses in treatment or online posts may be considered during the evaluation of your case.
It’s important to note that a trial is still possible even when none of these factors are present. The claims process may proceed to trial if a resolution is not reached, particularly when disputes arise regarding liability or the value of the claim.
Reach Out To Our Stockton Uber Accident Lawyers
Arash Law understands the challenges injured individuals may face after an Uber collision, such as requiring medical attention while pursuing compensation for their injuries. Our experienced Stockton Uber accident lawyers provide comprehensive legal support to help you manage your case, allowing you to focus on getting better. We have a team of attorneys, such as rideshare, truck, pedestrian, bicycle, and car accident lawyers, with decades of experience assisting clients in pursuing compensation in a wide range of personal injury cases. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for an initial consultation.
