The immediate aftermath following an accident can make you feel overwhelmed, especially if it involves you as a passenger in a rideshare service like UBER. The uncertainty over what actions to take or where the responsibility lies can be frightening. You got into an UBER to get somewhere quickly, you didn’t anticipate your UBER driver getting into an accident.
If you ever encounter an unfortunate mishap while engaging with UBER, as a passenger, driver, or even a pedestrian struck by an Uber, the primary concern should always be your safety. Once you have ascertained your health and wellbeing, direct your attention to the condition of the others involved. In the case of any injuries, it’s imperative to dial 911 immediately.
Though it might seem that no obvious harm was caused due to the accident, it is still exceedingly crucial to seek professional medical care. The initial shock experienced during a collision can often mask injuries. Additionally, with the arrival of the police, ensure to file a complete report detailing the accident.
Collecting evidence is another vital step. Start by gathering the personal information of your Uber driver and others in the vicinity during the accident, including potential witnesses. Photographs can provide a powerful visual record when taken safely, capturing the location, condition of the vehicles, and any physical injuries. Jot down the exact place of occurrence, this can be vital for future references.
Lastly, you may need to consider getting legal counsel. Seeking compensation for your ordeal is your right, and a seasoned UBER accident lawyer, such as Belal Hamideh, can guide you smoothly through the process.
While filing a lawsuit against UBER may be challenging, it’s entirely possible to receive compensation for your injuries.
The Role of an Uber Accident Attorney
Accidents involving well-known rideshare services like Uber can happen to anyone. These service providers offer a convenient and popular way to commute daily or safely return home after a celebratory evening. However, the risk of an accident exists, irrespective of the driver’s skill and experience.
In the unfortunate event of encountering such an accident, whether as a passenger, driver, or pedestrian, you may be eligible for compensation. Getting through this situation and dealing with the repercussions, including medical bills, income loss due to inability to work, or lengthy rehabilitation, can be tough. This is where the expertise of an Uber accident attorney can prove invaluable.
Belal Hamideh Law is a firm with a proven track record of successful cases involving rideshare accidents. Our distinguished experience in this realm allows us to secure the maximum compensation you are rightfully entitled to.
Dealing with an Uber Accident as a Passenger
Your safety should always be your main concern immediately following an accident. Ensure the driver moves the vehicle out of harm’s way, if possible. Furthermore, inspect your own and fellow passenger’s potential injuries, if you can.
If there are serious injuries, call for an ambulance without delay. Regardless of visible injuries, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical care, as some injuries may not be instantly apparent. Subsequently, report the incident to the police.
If you are in a condition to, gather as much evidence as you can. Start by noting down the details of the Uber driver including their name, license and insurance details. Do the same for any other parties involved along with eyewitnesses. Photographs of damaged vehicles, the location, and injuries can also be incredibly helpful.
Finally, consult an experienced attorney. You may be eligible for compensation, and a proficient lawyer can guide you through the process.
When an Uber Driver Causes an Accident
Your rights don’t change even if you have been hit by an Uber driver. The safety measures and procedures mentioned above remain the same. Make sure to get the Uber driver’s details and most importantly, seek prompt medical assistance even if you believe you’re not seriously injured. Injuries might sometimes take time to manifest. Reach out to a seasoned attorney once you feel ready to proceed with your claim.
What Happens After an Injury While Driving for Uber?
Once you have completed the required steps and collected the details of the other driver involved in the accident, your immediate action should be contacting an attorney who specializes in rideshare accident laws. This becomes essential when you are an Uber driver who has been injured due to another party’s negligence. Uber’s priority is not always its drivers’ well-being, as highlighted by the California Assembly Bill 5. The legal landscape of rideshare laws is convoluted, and Uber might push to avoid any financial responsibility. However, an experienced attorney can help you navigate this labyrinth and stand up for your rightful compensation.
Understanding Uber’s Insurance Policy and Regulations
Uber’s insurance policy for its drivers solely depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident: offline, or within Period 1, 2, or 3.
Offline: If an accident occurs while the driver is offline, meaning not logged into the Uber app, the driver’s personal car insurance will cover the damage.
Period 1: This period refers to when the Uber driver has logged in to the app but has not yet been allocated a ride. The insurance cover during this time includes $100,000 for bodily injury liability per accident, $50,000 for bodily injury liability per person involved in the accident, and $30,000 for property damage liability per accident.
Period 2 and Period 3: These periods indicate instances when a driver has accepted a ride (Period 2) and when they pick up a passenger (Period 3). Uber offers drivers $1 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and $1 million in commercial auto insurance during these periods. Interestingly, in Period 2, an additional $50,000 in bodily injury coverage is provided if the driver has not yet received a ride request.
It’s necessary to remember that Uber has a history of trying to undercompensate accident victims, and on occasions, they’ve also denied liability. Our firm is prepared to fight such instances on your behalf.
Is Filing a Lawsuit against Uber Possible after My Accident?
In the past, victims of Uber accidents have attempted to sue Uber directly when they got injured due to reckless or negligent rideshare drivers. Typically, Uber argues that their drivers are independent contractors, therefore not employees. However, with California’s Assembly Bill 5, this stance is debatable. The best course of action is to seek advice from an attorney who is well-versed in Uber accidents to provide guidance on whom you should sue.
Determining liability in Uber car accidents is similar to establishing liability in other car accidents. You might consider filing a claim if you were injured in a rideshare accident due to the carelessness or recklessness of the driver while they were logged into the Uber app.
Under California law, the criteria for negligence includes; whether the defendant owed you a duty of care, if they breached that duty out of negligence, and finally, if their negligence was the primary cause of your injuries. Negligence can take many forms such as driving while intoxicated, texting while driving, over-speeding, violating traffic laws, or a lack of focus while driving. We’ve successfully helped many clients in situations similar to yours, validating that rideshare drivers were negligent and caused preventable injuries.
Understanding the Worth of Your Uber Accident Claim in California
The likelihood and extent of financial restitution following an Uber accident in California are contingent on several key factors. These include the severity of your injuries, the consequences on your earning capacity, the level of physical and mental trauma endured, and the forecast for your recovery, including future medical needs.
These factors comprise what is known as “economic damages.” These damages are measurable, allowing for more precise calculations. Per California law, an accident victim is justified in seeking compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages extend to all medical costs emanating from the accident, inclusive of ambulance fees, surgical operations, rehabilitative care, and long-term physical therapy.
If the accident inhibits your ability to work, you might qualify for economic damages for lost income. If the accident diminishes your performance at work, resulting in limited earning potential, compensation may be awarded for that as well.
Non-economic damages, on the other hand, account for intangible losses, like emotional distress, pain and suffering, modification in lifestyle due to the unfortunate incident, loss of leisure activities, emotional suffering, injuries culminating into disability or physical constraints (including permanent disfigurement), or even a reduced quality of life. We at Belal Hamideh Law are devoted to advocating fiercely for our clients to ensure they receive the maximum compensation for their suffered aftermath.
When is the Appropriate Time to File My Uber Claim?
In California, you have a period of two years from the date of your rideshare mishap to present your claim. However, it’s worth noting that this period shrinks to six months if a state, municipal or federal vehicle in any way participated in the accident. Engaging with a lawyer as early as possible helps expedite the process of securing the compensation you truly deserve.
The Advantage of Hiring a Skilled Uber Accident Attorney
Uber provides a dependable means of transportation across all of California. Nevertheless, should you be involved in an accident, you may have a valid claim for compensation. An attorney who is versed in handling rideshare accident cases can be of great help, especially in dealing with insurance companies.
Belal Hamideh Law, a proficient Uber accident attorney, has served a significant number of individuals who were simply looking for a convenient ride but unfortunately ended up in an accident. Our firm charges no fees unless we successfully win your case. You are justified in claiming compensation for your difficulties.
A Staff That’s Ready to Help
At Belal Hamideh Law, our areas of expertise span personal injury and wrongful termination. Our principal attorney, Belal Hamideh, boasts a 99% success rate having handled hundreds of cases and recovered millions of dollars for our esteemed clients.
Mr. Hamideh’s exceptional performance has been recognized by The American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys (AIOPIA) as one of the 10 Best Personal Injury Attorneys for Client Satisfaction, evidence of his steadfast dedication to his craft, coupled with a robust academic background from the University of California, Los Angeles and the Pepperdine School of Law.
Mr. Hamideh can argue your case in court if required, thereby ensuring that you receive fair compensation. He believes in delivering excellent customer service, backed by a competent and friendly legal team, always ready to assist in case management.
We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only charge if we win your case. To guarantee maximum benefit, we advise involving Mr. Hamideh from your case’s inception, ensuring it is adeptly handled from start to finish.
As a versatile practitioner serving the entirety of California, Mr. Hamideh handles all cases, regardless of magnitude, with equal zeal. His ability to provide free consultations and respond promptly to calls distinguishes him from his peers. His exemplary performance in his field has gained him a spot in The National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 under 40.
Additionally, we are proud to announce Dawn Ly’s induction into our legal team since July 2021. With over 15 years of experience as a civil litigator and authorized to practice in California, Dawn adds immense value to our team. A graduate from the reputable University of California, Los Angeles and the UCLA School of Law, Dawn’s prominent practice covers workers’ compensation, personal injury, and wrongful termination cases, with a unique proficiency in third-party liability claims. This expertise aids clients injured in work-related accidents to sustain both a workers’ compensation claim and a personal injury action if the accident was caused by negligence on the part of another employer’s employee.
If you have any questions or would like a free case evaluation, message us through this site or call.