As Uber drivers zip around California, they sometimes engage in negligent behaviors and end up in accidents with other drivers. If you have been unlucky enough to be involved in a wreck with an Uber, it is your right and responsibility to pursue financial compensation for your losses and damages.
With ride-sharing services becoming more popular throughout the United States, the likelihood of becoming involved in a crash with an Uber driver also continues to grow. Wondering how much can you sue for if you were involved in an Uber crash? The answer is not always simple, and the amount of compensation you may be eligible to receive depends on the details of your case. Call The Soliman Law Group to consult about your specific case.
Steps to Take After an Uber Accident
When a crash involving an Uber happens, the first step you should take is to make sure everyone involved is able to get the proper medical attention. Once this is taken care of, obtaining any available evidence is the next step. Witness statements, photos, and videos of the crash scene are incredibly helpful when it comes to establishing the validity of your claim, so if you are able to, it is best to get whatever documentation you can at the scene.
Next, you should contact your insurance company and Uber. Your claim will most likely be processed through Uber’s insurance carrier if you were a paying customer riding as a passenger in a rideshare vehicle at the time of the wreck.
Types of Uber Accident Cases
Most Uber accidents involve a crash with another vehicle. Sometimes, they involve one pedestrian and one vehicle. Sometimes, they involve more than two vehicles. There are also various reasons why Uber claims occur, the most common reason being negligent drivers.
If you are a pedestrian or a driver who was involved in a crash caused by an Uber vehicle, you may be able to file a claim against Uber. The same is true if you were injured in a crash while riding as a passenger in an Uber.
Regardless of what type of Uber crash you were involved in, it is vital to talk to an attorney who can help you pursue full and fair financial compensation for the losses and damages you may be facing.
After an Uber Crash, How Much Can You Sue For?
Uber accident claims can be more complicated than a regular car wreck claim. Understanding the groundwork of an Uber crash claim is vital to ensure that you can gather the maximum compensation available.
Uber crash settlement amounts depend largely on the extent of your injuries. The worth of average Uber accident claims varies greatly, ranging from a few thousand dollars to over 1 million dollars in damages. The payout usually occurs by settling with the insurance company. If the settlement offered to you is not adequate, you can proceed with a lawsuit to seek fair compensation which will be awarded by a judge or jury.
Your legal damages include all of the different ways you have suffered or experienced loss due to your Uber accident. Some of these may include:
- Medical care costs
- Lost earnings
- Pain
- Suffering
- Reduced earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Scarring/disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of childcare
- Property damage
Some damages are straightforward, like your medical bills. You show copies of exactly what your expenses are and make a claim to be paid back that amount. However, some damages, such as pain and suffering, are hard to put a price on. These types of damages are often referred to as intangible or non-economic damages. However, you are still entitled to be compensated for these as well. Sometimes in fact, the compensation you may receive for pain and suffering will be more than you receive for your medical bills.
The best way for you to maximize your financial recovery is to build a relationship with an Uber accident lawyer. An attorney who has experience specifically with these types of cases will be able to help you get the full amount of financial compensation available to you.
Who is Responsible for Uber or Lyft Accidents in California?
When another driver or a passenger is hurt in an Uber crash, the amount of coverage available depends on whether the Uber driver was actually working at the time of the collision. In California, an Uber driver has three different levels of liability limits, which include:
- When a passenger is present inside the Uber vehicle or the Uber driver is on their way to pick up a passenger, Uber will provide up to $1 million in commercial liability and $1 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance.
- If the Uber driver was logged into the Uber app and waiting for a passenger to order a ride, and the collision was caused by the Uber driver, Uber will provide $50,000 for injury/death to one person, $100,000 for injury/death to more than one person, and $30,000 for property damage.
- If the Uber driver was driving on their own time, the driver’s own personal insurance policy must provide $15,000 for injury/death to one individual, $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person, and $5,000 for property damage.
How to Optimize Your Claim: Strategies and Tips
There are specific steps you can take to ensure you get the maximum payout for your Uber accident in California. First, being organized when you file your claim is very important. You should keep all records, documents, and pictures related to your accident in a folder in a safe place. Also, it is vital to document your damages as much as you can. This can ensure that the insurance company will receive all of the information needed to process the claim.
A personal injury lawyer can help you figure out the claims process, help you determine what documentation is needed, and identify all possible liable parties. Additionally, they will also help make sure that the payout you receive is adequate and fair.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid in an Uber Accident Claim
When you have been victimized in an Uber crash, the last thing you want to do is make a mistake that might risk the overall success of your claim. Several common pitfalls can happen even when crash victims are extremely diligent and thorough, so be diligent and aware at all times.
First, do not leave the crash scene without obtaining all necessary information from the other driver(s), including their contact, insurance, and vehicle information. Failing to do this may be detrimental to the success of your claim.
Secondly, do not take the word of other drivers and their insurance companies. Consulting with a qualified lawyer to ensure your rights are protected is paramount.
Third, make sure you familiarize yourself with the documentation needed to support your claim. You will need records of vehicle repair bills, medical bills, and witness statements to prove the severity of your damages. If you do not have these documents, your claim may end up undervalued, and you may not receive the maximum compensation available.
Lastly, file your claim as soon as possible after your accident. If you wait too long, you might miss the statute of limitations and be barred from making a legal financial recovery.
In California, the statute of limitations for Uber accident claims is two years, which means that you must file a claim within two years of the date of your crash in order to receive financial compensation. Additionally, do not sign anything or agree to any settlement offers without talking to a lawyer. An attorney will help protect your legal rights and allow you to exercise any available legal options.
Overall, working with a car crash lawyer who can help you cover all of the bases of an Uber car crash claim is a smart move. If you wish to maximize your financial recovery after being injured in an Uber accident, a lawyer will be able to help you do that.
