When Do I Need to Hire an Uber Accident Lawyer?

If you have been involved in an accident while using Uber, you might wonder if you need to hire an Uber accident lawyer. The decision to hire an attorney should generally be based on the complexity and severity of your case. If you sustained injuries in an Uber accident caused by another person’s negligence, a personal injury lawyer specializing in Uber and Lyft accidents can help you understand your rights. An experienced Pasadena Uber accident lawyer can deal with the insurance companies on your behalf and help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Dos and Don’ts After an Uber Accident

After an Uber accident, certain actions can significantly impact the outcome of your claim.

Dos:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Get a medical evaluation, even if injuries seem minor. Ensure you follow your doctor’s prescribed treatment plan and document your injuries.
2. Report the Accident: Call the police and wait for the authorities to arrive at the accident scene. Ensure you get an official police report. Also, report the accident to Uber as soon as possible. You can report the accident by phone, online, or through the Uber app.
3. Document the Scene: Take pictures of the accident scene, skid marks, broken glass, property damage, and any visible injuries.
4. Collect Information: Obtain the Uber driver’s information, including their contact information and insurance details. Also, gather the contact and insurance information of other involved parties. Ask any witnesses for their contact information and if they are willing to provide a statement.
5. Consult a Pasadena Uber Accident Lawyer: Schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer to understand your rights and next steps. Uber and Lyft accident attorneys will safeguard your rights and handle communications with the involved parties on your behalf.

Don’ts:

1. Don’t Admit Fault: Avoid apologizing or making statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault.
2. Don’t Neglect Symptoms: Some injuries might not be immediately apparent. After a car accident, it’s crucial to get a medical evaluation as soon as possible.
3. Don’t Settle Prematurely: Avoid accepting initial settlement offers from insurance companies without consulting a personal injury lawyer. Insurance adjusters do not have your best interests in mind and are well-trained to look for reasons to minimize or deny your claim.
4. Don’t Post on Social Media: Refrain from discussing the accident or your injuries on social media, as this information can be used against you in your claim.

When Should I See a Doctor After an Uber Accident?

You should see a doctor as soon as possible after an Uber accident, even if you don’t think you were hurt. It’s crucial that injuries are diagnosed and treated early, which is crucial not only for your health but also for documenting your Uber accident injuries. Medical records will serve as essential evidence if you pursue a claim for compensation.

Delaying medical treatment can not only harm your health but also weaken your personal injury case, as it may be argued that your injuries were not serious or accident-related.

Compensation Available for Uber and Lyft Accident Victims

Victims of Uber and Lyft accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, depending on the specifics of their case. A Los Angeles Uber accident attorney can help you determine the full extent of your losses and fight for the maximum compensation.

• Medical expenses: This includes current and future medical bills, such as emergency medical services, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy.
• Lost wages: If you have to miss work during your recovery, you may recover compensation for lost income. Additionally, if your injuries prevent you from working, you can pursue compensation for loss of earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering: These damages can include physical pain, emotional trauma, mental distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Property damage: These costs are associated with repairing or replacing your vehicle or other personal property damaged in the accident.
• Punitive damages: In cases of gross negligence or reckless behavior, additional punitive damages might be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct.
• Wrongful death: Between 2019 and 2020, 101 traffic accident fatalities occurred in 91 Uber-related crashes. If you lost a loved one in an Uber accident, you may be able to pursue legal action to recover compensation for your losses.

How Is Liability Determined in an Uber Car Accident?

Uber’s insurance policies come into play based on the driver’s status, and in some cases, both Uber’s and the driver’s personal insurance company might share liability.

My Uber Driver Caused the Rideshare Accident

If your Uber driver caused the rideshare accident, Uber’s insurance policy may cover your damages. When the driver is logged into the app and has accepted a ride or is transporting a passenger, Uber’s commercial insurance provides up to $1 million in liability coverage.

A Third-Party Driver Caused the Accident

If a third-party driver caused the accident while you were a passenger in an Uber, the at-fault driver’s insurance is responsible for damages. However, Uber’s uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may also apply.

Uber’s insurance can provide additional protection if the third party’s insurance does not cover your losses. This coverage ensures that you can still recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages, even if the responsible party lacks adequate insurance.

Rideshare Insurance Periods

When an accident occurs, Uber’s insurance coverage can apply depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.

The Rideshare Driver Is Offline and Not Working

When the rideshare driver is offline and not working, their personal auto insurance is responsible for covering any accidents.

In this situation, Uber’s insurance does not apply. Therefore, you would need to pursue an insurance claim through the driver’s personal insurance policy.

The Uber App Is on and the Driver Is on Standby

If the Uber app is on and the driver is waiting for a ride request, Uber provides contingent liability coverage. This means that the driver’s personal insurance is the primary coverage, but Uber’s liability insurance policy can provide supplemental coverage if the personal policy doesn’t fully cover the damages. 

Per Uber, this liability insurance coverage includes up to:

• $50,000 per person
• $100,000 per accident for injuries
• $25,000 in property damage per accident

The Uber App Is on and the Driver Is “En Route” or Transporting a Passenger

Uber’s commercial insurance policy is in effect when the Uber driver is logged into the app and is on the way to pick up a passenger or is actively transporting a passenger. During these periods, Uber provides primary commercial insurance coverage up to $1 million in liability coverage, which covers injuries and property damage resulting from an accident. 

Additionally, Uber’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can provide further protection if the at-fault party lacks sufficient insurance.

Can I Sue Uber for an Accident?

Suing Uber directly for an accident can be challenging due to Uber’s classification of rideshare drivers as independent contractors, not employees. Still, Uber’s insurance policies are designed to cover damages and injuries resulting from car accidents involving their drivers.

In most personal injury cases, claims are settled through these insurance policies without the need to sue Uber directly. If negligence on Uber’s part, such as inadequate background checks, can be proven, there might be grounds for a personal injury lawsuit.

Experienced rideshare accident lawyers can assess your case and inform you of the best course of action based on your specific situation.

What’s the Deadline for Filing an Uber Car Accident Claim?

The deadline for filing a car accident claim is known as the statute of limitations. In California, you typically have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. 

However, specific circumstances, such as claims against government entities or minors involved, can alter these deadlines. It’s crucial to act promptly and consult with an Uber accident lawyer to ensure all legal timelines are met and your right to pursue compensation is preserved.

How Can a Pasadena Uber Accident Lawyer Help My Claim?

Unfortunately, rideshare accidents are common in Los Angeles County. In 2021, there were 59,603 victims killed and injured in traffic accidents across L.A. County. If you sustained significant rideshare accident injuries, are facing substantial medical bills, or liability is disputed, seeking legal counsel can be crucial for your personal injury claim.

A Pasadena Uber accident lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal landscape, protect your rights, and help you recover full and fair compensation.

Rideshare accident lawyers can also handle negotiations with insurance companies and represent you in court, if necessary, to recover the maximum compensation.

Contact an Experienced Pasadena Uber and Lyft Accident Attorney

If you have been involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, contacting an experienced Uber/Lyft accident attorney can be crucial to securing the compensation you deserve. At Rose Accident Lawyers, our personal injury attorneys specialize in rideshare accident cases and understand the unique challenges involved. We maintain a 99% success rate and have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients.

Don’t navigate the aftermath of an accident alone—reach out to a skilled attorney who can help you achieve the best possible outcome for your situation. Call our Pasadena personal injury law firm today to schedule a free consultation.