Hiring an Uber Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles
If you reside in the bustling city of Los Angeles, chances are you’ve used ridesharing services like Uber at least once. These convenient rides have revolutionized transportation, but they also come with their fair share of risks.
In the unfortunate event of an Uber accident, knowing the legal landscape and the importance of an Uber accident lawyer can make all the difference in securing your rights and obtaining fair compensation for your injuries and property damage.
Were you injured while on an Uber ride?
Common Causes of Uber Accidents
Accidents involving Uber vehicles have become a concerning issue on the roads of Los Angeles, posing significant dangers to local drivers. Common causes of rideshare-related accidents include:
- Speeding: Rideshare drivers often have a financial incentive to maximize their trips, leading them to drive at excessive speeds to serve more passengers and increase earnings.
- Failure to stop: In their pursuit of efficiency, some Uber drivers disregard traffic rules by rolling through stop signs or failing to come to a complete stop.
- Unfamiliarity with roads: Uber attracts drivers from various locations beyond Los Angeles, leading to a mix of unfamiliar drivers on city roads. Lack of familiarity with the area can result in erratic driving, further increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- Distracted Driving: Rideshare drivers are required to interact with the Uber app on their phones, which can cause distractions while driving.
- Driver Fatigue: Uber drivers who are tired or overworked can pose a serious danger on the road. Late-night and early morning hours may see an increased risk of accidents due to driver fatigue resulting from insufficient rest.
- Emerging Risk: Driverless Cars: The introduction of driverless ridesharing services in Los Angeles has added another layer of risk to California’s roads. Several high-profile wrecks involving autonomous vehicles have raised concerns about their safety.
The Legal Landscape of Uber Accidents in Los Angeles
Uber accidents fall under the broader category of personal injury law, where victims seek financial compensation for injuries and damages caused by the negligence of another party. In Los Angeles, accidents involving ridesharing services have their own unique complexities due to the involvement of both the rideshare driver and the rideshare company.
Relevant Statistics and Case Studies
As per Uber’s safety report from 2019 to 2020, there were a total of 101 fatalities resulting from 91 fatal accidents involving their services. The primary contributing factor in most of these accidents (32%) was at least one vehicle speeding. The second most significant cause was attributed to alcohol-impaired drivers (23%). The victims of these Uber accidents consisted of pedestrians (64%), vulnerable road users (42%), third-party motorcyclists (29%), and bicyclists or scooter riders (7%). The report involves 900+ cities where Uber is available with Los Angeles included in the list.
Case studies show the severity of injuries and the importance of legal representation. For instance, the case of our client who suffered serious injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, major depressive disorder, a nasal septal fracture, and severe cognitive and vestibular dysfunction. She was driving through an intersection when an Uber driver ran a red light, violently striking the victim’s car. Through the help of an Uber accident lawyer in Los Angeles, the victim was able to file claims and get maximum compensation with the careless driver’s insurance and Uber.
A different case involved another client who was the victim of an accident while she was on her way home in an Uber ride. The Uber car came to a stop light at the intersection when another vehicle rear-ended them. Our client suffered back injuries and got maximum compensation with the help of an Uber accident attorney in LA.
Ridesharing Laws Unique to Los Angeles and California
California has specific regulations for ridesharing companies and drivers. Uber and other ridesharing services are required to maintain certain insurance coverage to protect passengers and others in the event of an accident.
California Vehicle Code Section 5430
The California Vehicle Code Section 5430 mandates rideshare companies to carry $1 million in insurance coverage to protect against injuries resulting from accidents. Uber’s partner program offers its drivers coverage through major insurance carriers like Allstate, Liberty Mutual, Progressive, among others.
Assembly Bill (AB 1289)
California’s Assembly Bill 1289 states that background checks and certifications for rideshare drivers is a must. The goal is to assess the Uber or Lyft drivers’ knowledge and skills necessary for their respective roles. Conducting these checks is crucial as transportation workers who are physically or mentally unfit can pose significant risks to both themselves and the general public.
How Insurance Works in A Uber Accident
Insurance plays a pivotal role in handling claims arising from Uber accidents in Los Angeles. As an Uber accident victim, relying solely on your personal auto insurance may not be sufficient. Instead, you may need to initiate a claim with both Uber and the driver’s Uber insurance.
Following a covered accident, passengers may be eligible to receive compensation for their injuries and other damages. The extent to which insurance will cover your Uber accident largely depends on the period the Uber driver was in during the crash:
Period 1: The driver is offline or the app is turned off. In this phase, the driver’s personal insurance coverage applies, instead of Uber’s insurance.
Period 2: The driver is available or waiting for a ride request. During this period, Uber provides third-party liability coverage if the driver’s personal auto insurance does not apply. The commercial insurance coverage includes $50,000 in bodily injury per person, $100,000 in bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 in property damage per accident.
Period 3: The driver is en route to pick up riders or actively transporting an Uber passenger. While the driver is engaged in picking up or transporting passengers, Uber maintains $1 million in third-party liability insurance following the California Vehicle Code Section 5430.
Understanding the different coverage periods is essential to determine which insurance policy will apply in case of an Uber accident. If you find yourself involved in such an incident, seek professional guidance from an experienced Uber accident attorney in LA to navigate the complexities of insurance claims and ensure you receive the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Potential Roadblocks in Filing Uber Accident Claims
When filing a rideshare accident claim, there are several potential roadblocks or challenges that individuals may encounter. Some of these include:
Insurance coverage disputes
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft typically provide insurance coverage for their drivers, including an underinsured motorist coverage, but there can be conflicts between the driver’s personal insurance and the rideshare company’s policy.
Determining liability
In rideshare accidents, it can be challenging to determine who is liable for the accident. Liability may depend on factors such as the driver’s status (whether they were on duty or off duty), the actions of other drivers involved, or even road conditions. Establishing liability can sometimes be complex and require thorough investigation.
Gathering evidence
To support a rideshare accident claim, it is essential to gather sufficient evidence. This can include:
- Accident reports
- Witness statements
- Photographs or videos of the accident scene
- Medical records and receipts for medical expenses
Collecting and organizing this evidence can be time-consuming and may require the help of experienced legal professionals.
Complex insurance policies
Rideshare companies often have intricate insurance policies that can be challenging to navigate. Understanding the coverage limits, exclusions, and requirements can be overwhelming for individuals not familiar with insurance jargon and legal terms. This can lead to confusion or misunderstandings during the claims process.
Statute of limitations
Each state has a specific time limit, known as the statute of limitations, within which individuals must file a personal injury claim. In California, the deadline to file claims is two years from the date of accident. Failing to file a claim within this timeframe can result in the denial of compensation.
Navigating these roadblocks and challenges can be overwhelming for individuals seeking compensation after a rideshare accident. Engaging the services of a personal injury attorney with experience handling rideshare accidents can help address these issues and increase the likelihood of a successful claim.
The Role and Importance of an Uber Accident Lawyer
An Uber accident lawyer is a legal professional experienced in handling cases involving auto accidents. Their role is crucial in ensuring your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. They can help:
- Navigate complex insurance claims: Dealing with Uber’s insurance company can be challenging. An experienced attorney will understand the intricacies of insurance policies and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. You can file for various types of damages, such as medical expenses, emotional injuries, (emotional trauma, loss of enjoyment of life, etc.), and wrongful death claim.
- Prove liability: Determining fault in ride-sharing accidents can be complex. An attorney will conduct a thorough investigation, gather evidence, and identify all responsible parties to build a strong case on your behalf.
- Negotiate with Uber and insurance companies: Uber and insurance companies often try to settle for the lowest possible amount. A skilled attorney will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to pursue maximum compensation.
- Provide reliable referrals for medical treatment: Your personal injury lawyer can provide referrals for proper medical care, helping you to recover faster from your injuries and trauma.
- Litigation expertise: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, your attorney will be prepared to take your case to court and fight for your rights before a judge and jury.
How to Hire an Uber Accident Lawyer
When searching for the right Uber accident lawyer in Los Angeles, consider the following:
- Experience and Expertise: Look for a rideshare accident lawyer with a proven track record in handling ridesharing accident cases.
- Reputation: Read reviews and testimonials to gauge their clients’ satisfaction with their services.
- Free Consultation: Many attorneys offer a free initial consultation, which allows you to discuss your case and assess whether they are the right fit for you.
- Contingency Fee: Choose a lawyer who works on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case.
Hire an Uber Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles
If you or a loved one have been involved in an Uber accident in Los Angeles, seeking legal assistance is essential to protect your rights and secure fair compensation. An experienced Uber accident lawyer in Los Angeles will navigate the complexities of the legal system, fight for your best interests, and help you on your road to recovery.
Remember, time is of the essence, so don’t hesitate to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after the accident.
Farahi Law Firm has award-winning Uber accident lawyers with a proven track record in handling motor vehicle accidents, including ridesharing services-related cases.
We work on a contingency basis. No fees unless we win.
Call (310) 601-4925 for a free case consultation with our Uber accident lawyer in Los Angeles.
