At Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys, we understand that being hurt in an Uber accident can bring unexpected challenges and worries. In Los Angeles, rideshare drivers often face distractions or fatigue, increasing the risk to everyone on the road.
A Los Angeles Uber accident lawyer from our firm is here to discuss your options and help you move forward. We’ve secured millions of dollars for our clients and will strive to help you, too.
When it comes to your recovery, our Los Angeles rideshare accident lawyers can provide guidance on covering medical bills, lost income, and emotional distress. We are committed to supporting you with experience, compassion, and a focus on achieving meaningful results.
Protecting Your Rights After an Uber Accident in Los Angeles
Our Los Angeles car accident lawyers at Omega Law Group are here to help if you’ve been involved in an accident with an Uber. We know how stressful these situations can be, and we’re ready to assist you, whether you were:
- A passenger using a rideshare
- An Uber driver
- Someone in another vehicle
- A pedestrian or cyclist injured in the incident
Rideshare insurance companies often try to minimize injuries or create barriers to fair financial recovery. That’s why it’s essential to have our team on your side. Our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers handle the claims process, negotiate with insurers, and protect your rights.
Our goal is to let you focus on recovering after an accident while we work tirelessly to achieve the results you deserve.
How an Uber Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles Can Help You
Our Los Angeles Uber accident attorneys are here to support you through every step of your personal injury claim. We understand how challenging it can be to deal with rideshare companies after an accident, and we’re committed to making the process easier for you.
Here’s how we can help:
- Determine who is responsible for your injuries.
- Identify insurance policies and assess the driver’s status at the time.
- Calculate the value of your claim and negotiate with insurance companies.
- Pursue a fair settlement or file a formal legal claim if needed.
Our attorneys have extensive experience working with victims of rideshare accidents. Reach out today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can assist.
How Uber and Taxi Services Differ
Knowing the differences between an Uber vehicle and a taxi can be helpful. Taxis are hailed from the street or airport lines, and you pay the driver directly using cash or a credit card. With Uber, you use an app to request a ride, and payment is processed automatically through the app.
Taxi companies own and maintain their cars, leasing them to drivers who often need special licenses. These vehicles are regulated by local authorities. In contrast, Uber drivers are independent contractors using personal cars, which makes insurance coverage more complicated in case of an accident.
Most personal auto insurance policies don’t cover commercial use, like driving for a ridesharing service. This means an Uber driver’s insurance may deny a claim if an accident occurs.
Understanding Uber’s Insurance Policy
Understanding insurance coverage as an Uber passenger in California depends on the driver’s status during the accident. If the app is off, the driver’s personal insurance covers property damage and injuries under California’s at-fault laws.
When the app is on and the driver is waiting for a ride request, more extensive liability insurance applies:
- $50,000 for bodily injury per person
- $100,000 for total bodily injury per accident
- $30,000 for property damage
- An additional $200,000 excess policy for severe accidents
Once a ride request is accepted, Uber provides $1 million in third-party liability insurance, covering uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. If you’ve been injured, our attorneys can help review the details, available insurance policies, and Uber rideshare policy limits.
What to Know About Accidents With an Uber Eats Driver
If you’re involved in an accident with an Uber Eats driver, you might be entitled to financial compensation. Like the policies for drivers with passengers, Uber provides supplemental insurance coverage, depending on the Uber Eats driver’s app status at the time.
When the app is turned off, only the driver’s personal insurance is in play. However, if the Uber Eats driver is active, either waiting for or completing a delivery, Uber’s additional coverage can apply.
It’s always best to discuss your situation with an Uber accident attorney in Los Angeles. Insurance policies and coverage can be complex, so having professional guidance ensures you understand your rights and options.
Liability in Los Angeles Uber Accidents
Several situations impact how liability is determined, and Uber accident victims may face different scenarios based on the details of their auto accident.
Here’s how liability works for rideshare passengers:
- If your Uber driver caused the accident, the ridesharing company’s insurance covers your injuries and damages.
- If another driver is at fault, their insurance is responsible for compensating you.
- If an uninsured or underinsured motorist caused the accident, Uber’s liability insurance will step in to cover your losses.
Our goal is to guide you through these situations and help you understand your rights. If you have questions, we’re here to provide answers and support.
Common Injuries in Uber Accidents
Uber accident injuries can have a serious impact on your life, even if they seem moderate at first. The effects can be both immediate and long-lasting.
Our Los Angeles Uber accident attorneys are here to help you recover damages for various crash-related injuries, including:
- Whiplash and neck injuries: A sudden jolt in an Uber accident can cause violent head and neck movements, resulting in whiplash or severe neck trauma. These injuries may lead to chronic pain and require ongoing medical treatment.
- Head and brain injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are some of the most severe outcomes for Uber accident victims. Even a mild concussion can disrupt cognitive functions, while more severe TBIs could result in lifelong disabilities.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord may lead to partial or full paralysis. Victims often need extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and support for daily activities.
- Broken bones: The force of an auto accident may fracture bones in the arms, legs, or ribs, necessitating surgeries, physical therapy, and lengthy recovery times.
- Internal injuries: Organ damage and internal bleeding can be life-threatening, requiring immediate medical intervention to prevent further harm.
- Soft tissue injuries: Sprains, muscle tears, and ligament damage may cause intense pain and mobility limitations, often needing physical therapy for proper healing.
Once you’ve reported your accident and sought medical care at the nearest emergency room in Los Angeles, reach out to our law firm. We offer a free consultation to discuss your situation and explain how we can assist you in seeking the recovery you need.
Damages You Could Recover in an Uber Accident Claim
Victims of rideshare accident claims may be entitled to various forms of compensation for the financial, physical, and emotional impact of the crash. Seeking maximum compensation can help cover these critical economic and non-economic damages.
- Medical expenses: This includes hospital bills, surgeries, doctor visits, medication, physical therapy, and any future medical care related to the accident.
- Lost wages: If injuries keep you from working, you may recover lost income, including future earnings if the accident leads to long-term or permanent disability.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation can be sought for physical pain and emotional distress, considering how the injuries have affected your quality of life.
- Property damage: You may be reimbursed for repairs or replacement if your vehicle or belongings were damaged.
- Punitive damages: In cases of egregious or reckless behavior by the Uber driver, punitive damages may be awarded to penalize the responsible party and deter similar actions.
If you’ve been injured in an accident with an Uber, our team is ready to fight for the compensation you need. Contact our Uber accident lawyers in Los Angeles to learn how we can assist you in pursuing your claim.
Steps to Take If Your Uber Is in an Accident
If you’re in an accident while riding in an Uber, here’s what to do:
- Notify the authorities: Call the police promptly after the incident. An officer will come to the accident scene and create a police report. Be sure to get the report number, as it can serve as crucial evidence.
- Get medical care: Visit a healthcare professional immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Some conditions may not show right away, so a medical exam is essential for your well-being.
- Capture the details: Take numerous photos of the accident scene from various angles and document any injuries. Continued photo updates of your injuries as they heal can be useful.
- Gather information: Collect names, contact details, and license plate numbers of everyone involved. If witnesses are present, ask for their information as well.
- Reach out to our legal team: Contact a Los Angeles Uber accident attorney promptly. Our team can guide you through the process and help protect your rights.
Our legal team is here to support you through the process. California Vehicle Code § 20001 requires drivers, including rideshare drivers, to stop at an accident scene. If you have questions or need assistance, reach out to our Los Angeles uber accident lawyers for guidance.
Rules Rideshare Drivers Must Follow
In California, rideshare drivers for companies like Uber have a higher duty of care to keep their passengers safe. According to California Civil Code § 2100, these drivers must exercise great care and skill in protecting their riders during transport.
Uber drivers must follow strict rules:
- They must travel at reasonable speeds and stick to designated routes without delays or detours.
- They cannot eject or abandon passengers in unsafe areas, as doing so may put them at risk of foreseeable harm.
- Vehicles used for ridesharing must be safe and suitable for transporting passengers.
If a rideshare driver violates these responsibilities, it can be considered “negligence per se,” holding Uber automatically liable. Our rideshare accident lawyers in Los Angeles are ready to fight for maximum compensation if you’re wrongfully blamed for a crash.
Understanding the Statute of Limitations for Uber Accident Claims in California
In California, you generally have two years from the date of an Uber accident to file a personal injury claim. However, there are some important exceptions:
- Minors: The time limit begins when the minor turns 18.
- Delayed discovery: If an injury isn’t immediately noticeable, the clock starts when the injury is discovered or should have been.
- Government vehicles: If a government vehicle was involved, the time frame is reduced to six months from the accident date.
- Tolling: The statute may be paused if the defendant leaves the state.
We recommend starting your claim quickly to preserve evidence and protect your rights. Our legal team is here to guide you through the process and answer your questions.
How Omega Law Group Can Help After an Uber Accident
At Omega Law Group, we understand how stressful an Uber accident can be. Our Los Angeles Uber accident lawyer is here to guide you through the legal process with compassion and assertive representation so you don’t have to tackle this on your own.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us unless we win your case. This allows you to focus on your recovery while we handle the details and fight for the outcome you deserve.
If you’re ready to discuss your case or have questions about your options, reach out to Omega Law Group today. We’re here to support you and provide the legal assistance you need.