Visalia Uber Accident Lawyers CA

Which Party is Liable in an Uber Accident?

Uber auto accident claims involved more complicated factors than a regular car accident claim. Uber passengers involved in a crash may face the following situations:

• The Uber driver was at fault for the accident. 
• The Uber driver was not at fault for the accident. 

But as the injured party in an Uber accident, you are in a win-win situation. 

• If your ridesharing driver is at-fault for the accident, then the ridesharing service’s insurance coverage will pay for your accident injuries and property damage.
• If your rideshare driver is not the at-fault party and another driver is responsible for the accident, the third party’s car insurance is responsible for your compensatory damages. 
• If an Uninsured or Underinsured motorist causes the accident, then you are also covered by the ridesharing service’s liability insurance.

Insurance Requirement for Uber in California 

For transportation network companies (TNCs) in California, the Public Utilities Commission has established rules to protect passengers and others who may be affected by their service. These regulations are made with the aim of ensuring safety for all individuals associated with ride-sharing vehicles. 

Uber’s insurance coverage is determined by the features of its service app and spans three periods.

• Period 1: App open – waiting for a match.

Uber provides the following insurance coverage:

• $50,000 for personal injuries and death per person
• $100,000 for personal injuries and death per accident
• $30,000 for property damages

TNCs are also expected to have excess liability insurance coverage of at least $200,000 per occurrence.

• Period 2: Match accepted-driver is on their way to pick up the passenger.

Uber provides primary commercial liability insurance coverage for up to $1 million per accident.

• Period 3: The passenger is still in the vehicle until the passenger exits the vehicle.

Uber offers primary commercial liability insurance coverage for up to $1 million per accident. During this time, Uber shall also provide Uninsured and Underinsured motorist protection the same amount. 

If you’ve been in an accident with a driver who has not logged into their app or was on a personal ride, then compensation is strictly limited to their own insurance coverage. 

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has announced that TNC drivers are now considered employees under the state’s Assembly Bill 5. This decision is expected to have a huge impact on both these workers and transportation companies around California.

Not only does this move improve the conditions for Uber drivers, but it can also impact their accountability in case of negligence. It may benefit passengers or other car accident victims who have been involved in an incident while using one of these ride-sharing apps.

Due to the complexities of cases such as these, it is pertinent that you hire an accident attorney with experience handling Uber accident claims to handle your claim. 

Most Common Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries

Like most automobile accidents bodily injury is extremely common. Oftentimes these accident-related injuries can lead to mounting expenses and prolonged medical care. 

Some of the most common injuries a victim might sustain in an Uber accident are:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Spinal cord injury 
• Bone fractures
• Whiplash
• Back injury
• Loss of limbs 

What Compensation Can an Accident Victim Recover in an Uber Accident Claim?

As the injured party, you are entitled to monetary compensation for your injuries and damages. You may be entitled to the following compensation for damages:

• Medical expenses
• Future medical bills
• Loss of income
• Physical therapy
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of enjoyment
• And more

If the accident leads to the wrongful death of a loved one, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for their injuries and damages. Although no amount of financial compensation can make up for the loss of a loved one, these compensatory damages are meant to help ease the financial burdens of the family. 

It is crucial to hire an experienced lawyer to handle the legal process of your personal injury claim. In situations such as these, it is important to have legal representation by your side as insurance companies may use this difficult time to take advantage of your vulnerability. 

Therefore, you must refrain from speaking to an insurance adjuster without your personal injury attorney. 

Steps to Take if You Are Injured in a Ridesharing Accident

1. Contact the police – You must contact the police immediately after the incident. The police need to be at the accident scene and file a police report. This may be used as proof to help strengthen your claim. 
2. Seek medical care – Even if you believe your injuries are only minor, it is pertinent that you have yourself checked by a medical professional to ensure that you have no internal injuries. Some injuries may not present themselves outwardly. 
3. Document the incident and your injuries – Take as many pictures as you can of the accident scene. Photograph the accident from different angles and capture details you think may be important to your case. Document your injuries immediately after the incident and as they heal as well. 
4. Write down the details of the accident – Note down as many details of the accident as you can. Recall how the incident occurred and what happened immediately after. 
5. Contact a Visalia Uber accident lawyer – Contact an accident attorney immediately after an Uber accident. An experienced attorney will support you through the whole process and recover the maximum compensation you need and deserve. 

Contact Experienced Visalia Uber Accident Lawyers

At Farahi Law Firm, our Visalia Uber accident lawyers have helped many Uber accident victims recover compensation for their injuries and damages. If you’ve been involved in a car accident and need help, contact an Uber accident lawyer as soon as possible. 

Not only will we fight to protect your rights from insurance carriers who may seek to lowball you, but we will also ensure that you receive the right medical care you need and recover the fair compensation you deserve. 

We will handle the complex paperwork of your case so you can focus solely on your recovery. Call us at (559) 315-4111 for a free case consultation. We work on a contingency basis, so you won’t need to pay us a single cent unless we win your case. Your justice is our cause! Contact us today.