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Merced Uber Accidents

Like other bustling cities across the country, Merced residents are taking advantage of the ease of use and low cost of commuting and traveling using Uber and other rideshare companies. Uber users can easily reserve a ride from their phone and can even track their driver coming to pick them up.

One of Uber’s advantages over traditional taxies is that there is usually a surplus of Uber cars and drivers waiting to accept a ride which makes it much quicker and easier to get a ride. However, this puts a lot of Uber cars on the roads of Merced, and accidents are going to happen.

Types of Uber Accidents

Uber accidents can happen the same as any motor vehicle accident; however, there are circumstances that set Uber accidents apart from others. How the accident happens has certain legal implications to the accident, and at Maison Law, we have the experience and knowledge to help Uber accident victims in all situations.

  • Pickup/Drop-off: Uber cars are constantly dropping off and picking up passengers who are at risk of getting hit and injured when this happens.
  • En Route: There are different insurance rules in effect when a passenger is en route. This can make a significant difference in how a case is handled by the attorney.
  • Waiting for Reservation: An Uber driver will log on and then wait for a reservation to accept, and it’s during this time that many accidents happen.
  • Logged Off: If an Uber driver is logged off, then he or she is treated just like any other driver, except under California law, the Uber driver has higher minimum insurance requirements.

Can I Sue Uber Directly?

At Maison Law, we know that insurance laws can be complicated, and they make a difference on each case depending on how and when the accident happened. The law requires Uber drivers to have insurance just like it does with every driver, except that the limits for bodily injury and property damage are higher. Uber drivers are required to have $50,000 bodily injury liability for each person and a $100,000 limit for each accident and $30,000 property damage.

Uber itself has a $1 million insurance policy for any accidents that happen where the company is negligent. This usually happens when an Uber driver is on a ride and thus representing the company. There are rules in place that determine when the Uber driver’s personal insurance or the company’s insurance covers the accident.

Logged Off

When an Uber driver is logged off their app, they are considered not available for accepting a reservation and the company has zero liability if the driver gets into an accident. Often times, this when the driver is out for their personal errands or they are just not wanting to accept rides at the moment.

Logged On but No Passenger

When the driver is ready to accept passengers, he or she logs on their app and then is ready to pick up a passenger when one makes a reservation request. Under California law, during this time, the driver must have the $50,000/$100,000/$30,000 auto policy in place.

Available and With Passenger

Once the Uber driver accepts a reservation, then Uber’s $1 million policy will be in place to cover any accidents where the Uber driver is at fault. This condition is maintained until the passenger steps out of the vehicle, making the circumstances of the accident extremely important.

Uber Accident Injuries

Whether picking up, dropping off or driving while logged on, an Uber driver is at risk of getting into an accident. Many times, the passenger of the Uber car or those in other vehicles are injured due to the Uber driver’s negligence. Some of the common injuries that come from an Uber accident are:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries
  • Severe Concussions
  • Wrist Fractures
  • Broken Arms/Legs
  • Chest Compressions
  • Internal Injuries/Bleeding

Contact a Merced Personal Injury Lawyer.

After any Uber accident involving a serious injury in Merced, contact attorney Martin Gasparian for a free consultation and case evaluation. Mr. Gasparian takes a hands-on approach to every case. He believes that every client should work directly with their lawyer, get honest advice and the personalized attention to detail their case deserves.

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