If you’ve been hurt in an Uber accident in Fremont, our team of car accident lawyers at Maison Law is ready to help you. An Uber accident is different from a normal car accident in that, most likely, you’ll be a passenger. Still, the injuries and other damage you could experience can have a huge impact on your life. Don’t hesitate. Contact us today to set up a free consultation to talk about your options.
What Can Our Lawyers Do For You?
One of the first questions you probably have is whether or not you even need a lawyer’s help. The answer depends on your circumstances. If your injuries or the accident itself was just minor, you probably don’t need to worry about the legal side of things. But when you’ve been seriously hurt or there’s liability issues–as is common in Uber accidents–our team can definitely help you by doing the following:
- Giving you legal support – We stand by your choice to take legal action and provide you with a full explanation of your legal rights, options, and what to expect. Your initial consultation with us is free, and there’s no obligation to hire us. We recognize the importance of being well-informed about what lies ahead. Our team is committed to making sure you understand the challenges and aspects you’ll be facing.
- Determining liability – Uber accidents often raise questions about responsibility. As a passenger, you might need to file a claim against the Uber driver and others involved in the accident. We analyze your case, examine the evidence, and pinpoint exactly who is liable.
- Making the process easier – Above all, we strive to simplify the entire process for you. Whether it involves filing an insurance claim, negotiating with the carrier, or entering legal proceedings and interactions with a defense lawyer, we’re here to support you.
- Maximizing your claim’s value – Our team takes pride in our dedicated approach to Uber accidents, making sure to properly evaluate and give your claim its rightful value. This allows us to maximize your case’s overall value.
With this initial step taken care of, we believe that you having a full understanding of the process can make your decision easier. That said, you’re probably dealing with more pressing physical and financial issues from the accident. And this starts as soon as the accident happens.
What to Do After an Uber Accident
No one expects an accident when they hop into an Uber, but it’s very important to be prepared. Here are some simple steps to take after an Uber accident that can protect your claim:
- Check for injuries and get medical care – Right after the accident, make sure to check yourself and others for any injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Even if you don’t feel pain right away, it’s crucial to get medical attention. Some injuries may not show up right after the accident.
- Gather information and collect evidence – Collect details from everyone involved, such as names, contact information, license plate numbers, insurance details, and specifics about the vehicles. Take photos or videos of the accident site to document vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Report the accident to Uber and the police – Use the Uber app to report the accident. Uber has a specific process for handling accidents with their drivers, and it creates a record of the incident. Also, call the police so they can come to the scene. They’ll gather information and create a report of the accident.
Damages in a claim
Despite these challenges, our team can stand with you every step of the way. Going through this process alone can be extremely challenging, especially when the overall goal–recovering damages–is vital to improving your health and well-being. Usually, a successful claim will allow you to get back things like:
- Medical bills and other expenses, even for ongoing treatment or therapy
- Costs related to your physical pain, emotional distress, and mental suffering from the accident
- Lost income from missed work or loss of earning potential
- Repair or replacement costs for any personal property that was damaged in the accident
- Costs relating to your reduced quality of life or personal relationships
As with any claim, you have to file within California’s statute of limitations. Currently, you have two years from the accident date to file your claim. Not filing by this deadline will mean that you lose your right to recover these all-important damages.
How Are Uber Accidents Different?
In legal terms, an uber accident is the same as any other car accident. If you get hurt because of someone else’s negligence that caused the accident, you have the right to file an injury claim. In practical terms, though, an Uber accident has some qualities that make it different from normal car accidents:
- Insurance and liability issues – Uber drivers are typically considered independent contractors, and their personal insurance may not cover accidents that occur while they are driving for Uber. Uber provides insurance coverage, but the process can be more complex compared to regular car accidents.
- Multiple parties – In an Uber accident, multiple parties may be involved, including the Uber driver, passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians. Determining liability and dealing with multiple insurance companies can add complexity to the claims process.
- Uber’s procedures – Uber has specific procedures for handling accidents involving their drivers. Reporting the accident through the Uber app and navigating their protocol is different from the standard process for regular car accidents.
- Challenges with evidence – Collecting evidence and documenting the accident scene may be more challenging in Uber accidents due to the transient nature of rideshare services. Passengers may not have access to necessary information, and the quick resolution of the incident might make it difficult to gather evidence.
- App usage records – In Uber accidents, the app’s usage records can be valuable pieces of evidence. This includes data about the driver’s location, speed, and the timing of the trip, which may not be available in other car accidents. However, requesting and ultimately getting these records from Uber can be a challenge.
As you can see, there’s certain aspects that make an Uber accident unique from other car accidents. This means that what you may need to do will differ from others in similar accidents. At the end of the day, though, you have to understand that you have legal rights and options.
Underlying Causes of Uber Accidents
Even though calling an Uber gives you a great deal of flexibility and convenience, it’s ultimately like any other situation where you’re a passenger. What this means, in very real terms, is that you don’t have control over the actual vehicle you’re riding in. More to the point, this lack of control leaves you vulnerable to accidents, many of which are caused by:
- Distracted driving – Uber drivers have to deal with a lot of distractions, especially from the app itself, which provides directions, notifications, and other things that can take their attention off the road.
- Reckless driving – As with any accident, reckless driving by the Uber driver–speeding, recklessly changing lanes–frequently causes accidents.
- Fatigue – Uber drivers working long hours might experience fatigue, leading to lapses in concentration and an increased risk of accidents.
- Inexperience – Some Uber drivers may lack experience, making them more susceptible to accidents, especially in challenging driving conditions.
- Poor maintenance – Many Uber vehicles have a lot of wear and tear from so much use. This can lead to accidents caused by no maintenance or a breakdown of parts.
If you’re in an Uber accident, we can help figure out who’s at fault and guide you through the process. Whether it leads to an insurance settlement or a court trial, we’re committed to making sure you get the result you deserve.
Free Consultations For Uber Accident Victims in Fremont
When you get injured in an Uber accident in Fremont, you can turn to our team at Maison Law. We have the experience, skill, and resources you need to successfully navigate the claims process to get what you’re owed. We’ll be happy to explain your options and what lies ahead for you. Contact us today to set up your free consultation.
