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Uber has been great in meeting the transportation needs of the public. Instead of trying to call a traditional cab or even flag one down, Uber allows individuals the opportunity to schedule a ride through the convenience of a smartphone.
While the convenience of this has helped to revolutionize transportation, there is another side that tends to fly under the radar of most. In California, Uber related accidents have been increasing dramatically. On average, there is an Uber involved accident in the state daily.
California Uber accident attorney Ryan Sargent has a proven track record of helping victims who have been injured as a result of a negligent Uber rideshare. Whether as a passenger or in a different capacity, he has the ability to help you get the best settlement for your case.
What he can’t help with is negligence on the part of the passenger. Make sure you buckle up every time to take a ride in a car.
Don’t Wait to Contact Me if you have Been Injured in a California Uber Related Accident
There are some very serious injuries that can be inflicted as part of any vehicular accident. It is important that you seek immediate medical attention if you have sustained any sort of injury. Even if you are feeling ok following the accident, you should still take yourself to the hospital or your private doctor to get evaluated. Many people don’t fully experience the true extent of their injuries until days after the accident occurred.
Common Accident Injuries in California
- Concussions or another head injury
- Broken bones
- Cuts and burns
- Traumatic Brain Injury
The state of California has been proactive with regard to Uber (and other ride sharing service) related injury accidents. The state has recently passed a number of laws that are designed to protect anyone who is a victim of a ride sharing accident.
If you find yourself involved in one of these types of accidents, you need to know what all your options are for possible compensation. It is also important to understand the extent of your injuries and the true amount of time it will take for your recovery.
Common Rideshare Related Accidents in California
While the cause of most auto accidents is negligence on the part of one or all parties involved, there are some common situations involving ridesharing drivers.
- The Uber driver was the cause of an accident with another vehicle
- Another vehicle was responsible for hitting your Uber
- You are hit by an Uber driver in your own vehicle or as a pedestrian
If you find yourself in an injury accident because of the negligence by an Uber (or another rideshare) driver, you might be entitled to compensation for the injuries sustained, medical treatment, loss of work, quality of life, and/or pain and suffering.
It’s free to speak with us and learn the value of your case today.
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Ridesharing Services Liability in California
Since Uber and other ridesharing providers are independent contractors who use their own cars, there are some discrepancies in the law. Because of the popularity of the ridesharing services, and the rise in accidents, the ability to determine damages and liability can be a confusing process.
If you are injured in an accident in any motor vehicle in California, the liability system in place states that the at-fault driver bears the brunt of the responsibility for paying for the damages. What this means for you is that you need to prove the following things to have a valid claim for damages:
- You must show fault on the part of the responsible driver
- The accident resulted in damages of some sort, whether those damages are medical or pain/suffering
All drivers in California are required by law to carry liability insurance as a result of the at-fault (tort) system of liability. What this means is that your Uber driver (or their insurance) is responsible for the damages if they are determined to be the at-fault party. If they are not the at-fault party, then the responsibility would reside with the other party.
Rideshare Insurance Requirements in California
Even though they operate as independent contractors, Uber and other rideshare drivers have different requirements for the amount of insurance coverage they need to carry.
For a typical driver in California, the minimum coverage amounts are $15,000/$30,000 for bodily injury and $5,000 for property damage. For an independent contractor working as a rideshare driver, those minimum amounts increase to $50,000 per person for bodily injury and $100,000 liability coverage per accident. They must also carry $30,000 for property damage.
These requirements must be met for the time that an Uber driver is logged into the system, but does not have a passenger. They must also carry an additional $200,000 in excess liability coverage for any severe accidents.
Once an Uber driver has picked up a passenger, their coverage limits are increased. This is where the company comes into play, as Uber provides drivers with $1million in liability coverage per accident and for accidents involving uninsured/underinsured motorists.
What are your options if you are involved in a rideshare accident?
The options you have if you are involved in an accident can vary depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident. If you caused or contributed to the crash, then you would be liable. However, if you find yourself the victim of an accident by a rideshare driver, then you would be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
If you were the passenger in an Uber or another rideshare vehicle, you would need help filing your claim with the insurance company of the at-fault driver. This also applies if your vehicle is struck by an Uber driver and it is determined that the accident is not your fault.
You want a California Uber Accident attorney with experience on your side
Accidents involving Uber or another rideshare company can get extremely complicated. There is a multitude of involved parties, and the case becomes much more complex than what you would find in a traditional vehicle injury accident.
The Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers has a proven track record of getting fair settlements for clients. You need an experienced California Uber Accident attorney on your side to help you determine what damages you might be entitled to, and to help you navigate the complicated territory of filing a claim against an Uber driver. He has the experience and dedication that you need.
Contact me today for a free consultation.
