Since its official launch in 2010 -, Uber has been one of the most frequently used e-hailing apps in America. In 2014, the service provider launched UberPool to help riders spend less on their commute, reduce traffic congestion, and save the environment.
Apart from being beneficial for riders, Uber suggests that UberPool is beneficial for Uber drivers as well. These ridesharing services give Uber drivers the ability to pick up more passengers. This means less downtime for rideshare drivers, allowing them to complete more rides throughout the day.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, both Lyft and Uber paused their pooling services in efforts to lower cases. Uber also encouraged its customers to only travel when necessary. In 2021, as lockdowns and mandates started to ease off, Uber has seen a steady rise in its numbers. These numbers are projected to continue to rise as the ridesharing market is expected to be worth $200 billion by 2025.
As the ridesharing industry grows, we can expect to see more and more cars on the road. With that said, people can expect to see a growth in auto accidents as well. If you are a frequent customer of rideshare services, this article is for you.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a Uber ridesharing accident in California, you must speak to an Uber accident lawyer as soon as possible. A rideshare accident claim can be a complex undertaking if done alone. An experienced rideshare accident lawyer will help guide you through the process and ensure that you get the maximum compensation possible.
Why Should You Hire an Uber Injury Lawyer?
If you or a loved one are Uber accident victims, you are entitled to monetary compensation for your injuries and damages caused by the accident. Acquiring this compensation, however, might not be as simple as one may think. Insurance companies will try to lowball you out of a fair settlement by reducing the liability of their client (Uber — or Lyft if that’s what you used).
An Uber rideshare accident is also more complicated than the usual car crash case. This is because, in a rideshare incident, there are more parties involved — and may involve several insurance companies as well.
Here’s how an Uber accident attorney can help you with your ridesharing case:
Deal With Insurance Companies
Although it appears as though insurance providers are eager to help in situations like these, it is important to remember that they are NOT on your side. Insurance adjusters will try to use every trick in the book to lower liability. They could manipulate your words as a means to place some blame on you for the accident or coerce you into settling for a much lower offer.
Our experienced uber accident lawyers know the tactics insurance adjusters might use to lower compensation. At Farahi Law Firm, we will protect your rights and handle your personal injury claim with care.
Determine Fault and Liability
Farahi Law Firm’s lawyers, doctors, and case managers will conduct a thorough investigation into your case and determine the cause of the accident. In doing so, our experienced attorneys will be able to establish liability and identify the party at fault. We work with accident reconstruction specialists to help shed light on the details of the accident.
Uber rideshare insurance claims are handled differently from that of a standard car accident insurance claim. Especially if it is determined that the at-fault party is the Uber driver.
Uber’s group insurance policy only covers vehicle accidents under certain circumstances. If the accident happened while the Uber driver was offline, the driver’s personal insurance coverage will apply. In these cases, oftentimes, insurance policies may be much lower.
Calculate the Real Value of Your Injuries
Another way an insurance provider could seek to lower your compensation is by downplaying your injuries. If you decide to handle your Uber accident claim on your own, one of the dangers you may be subjected to is an adjuster suggesting you visit a doctor to assess your injuries. These doctors are more than likely working with these insurance companies and will not assess your injuries objectively.
Once your case has been properly valued, your California Uber accident lawyer can begin to establish what you can be compensated for, such as:
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of consortium
- Present and future medical care (such as physical therapy)
- Compensatory damages
- and many more
Uber Regulations in California
Many Californians use Uber’s rideshare services daily. There are specific laws that govern both Uber drivers and passengers for their protection. Here are some of the rules mandated by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC):
- Uber drivers must clearly display Uber decals on the front and back passenger side windshields; of their rideshare vehicle while on duty.
- According to Public Utilities Code 5445.2, all drivers must pass an annual national criminal background check.
- All Uber vehicles must undergo a vehicle inspection every 12 months or 50,000 miles (whichever comes first) as mandated by the CPUC. The 50,000-mile mark also includes the miles driven while not on duty.
What Should You Do After a Rideshare Accident?
Being involved in a motor vehicle accident can be traumatizing and horrific, especially if the accident resulted in severe bodily injuries. There are several details of your case, such as financial compensation, that may be affected by the steps you take after an accident.
1. Report Your Crash to Local Law Enforcement
After ensuring the safety of yourself and others, contact the police immediately and make sure the reporting officer files a police report. This can be used as evidence to strengthen your personal injury insurance claim.
2. Seek Medical Assistance
It is pertinent that you see a medical professional right after your accident to assess your injuries. Even if you think they might only be minor. Some injuries may not present themselves early due to the adrenaline rush triggered by the accident. Keep a copy of your medical records after the accident, as this can also be used as evidence when filing your personal injury claim.
3. Collect as Much Evidence as Possible
Take as many pictures of the accident scene as you can. Make sure to document your injuries as well, and if possible, collect statements from any witnesses who were at the scene of the incident. The more evidence you have, the better this is for your claim.
4. Report Your Accident to Your Insurance Company
Notify your insurance company about the accident, but you won’t need to go into so much detail regarding liability. In the case of a rideshare accident, if you were an Uber passenger, report the crash to Uber. All rides on Uber are insured.
5. Contact Your Personal Injury Lawyer
The best way to protect your rights is to have legal representation. Insurance companies could use your lack of legal counsel as a way to cheat you out of fair compensation. Hiring an experienced California Uber accident lawyer will make sure you get the medical treatment you need and the proper compensation for your injuries and damages.
Injured in an Uber Rideshare Accident? Contact Us!
As previously mentioned, the insurance claim process of a ridesharing accident could be tricky and difficult to handle without legal assistance. If you or a loved one were injured in an Uber rideshare accident, don’t hesitate to contact a personal injury attorney to handle your case.
At Farahi Law Firm, our rideshare accident attorneys have years of experience winning our clients the maximum compensation possible for their injuries and damages. Not only do we help our clients win compensation, but we also ensure that our clients get the right medical attention they need without having to worry about medical costs.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we don’t charge any fees unless we win! Contact us today or call (844) 824-2955 for a free case consultation.