If you have been injured in an Uber accident in Long Beach, our attorneys at Maison Law are here to represent you. Our attorneys will take an aggressive approach to assist you as you navigate the legal system after your accident. Uber accidents can be complex, which is why we are here to provide you with the resources you need to move forward. Please do not hesitate to contact us today for more information on your claim, as well as a no-obligation case review.
Do I Need a Lawyer After a Long Beach Uber Accident?
If you have walked away from an Uber accident with minor injuries or only property damage, it is not likely that you will need the assistance of a lawyer. If your injuries are severe or you are being blamed for your Uber accident even though another party is at fault, you should speak with a skilled Long Beach lawyer.
Uber will attempt to fight you tooth and nail so that they do not have to pay out what you need at settlement. With corporate lawyers on their side, you may experience many difficulties along the way. This is why it can be incredibly beneficial to have a skilled lawyer on your side who can gather necessary evidence and shield you against insurance tactics that can keep you from the benefits you need to get back on your feet.
What Leads to Long Beach Uber Accidents?
Uber is a necessity for many individuals to get from one place to another across Long Beach. From sightseeing to working, there are many reasons why people turn to Uber across the city. However, in the blink of an eye, a careless driver can leave you in an accident that upends your life physically, emotionally, and financially.
Uber accidents can be caused by many different things, from intoxication to speeding drivers. One of the most common causes of these accidents is driver distractions. There are many types of distractions that an Uber driver could face during a shift, which include:
- Cruising for Customers: When an Uber driver is in between ride requests, minutes or hours could pass. While waiting for potential passengers, there is always a chance that a driver could be involved in an accident due to their distractions.
- Distracted by Notifications: When a ride request comes through, an Uber driver will receive an audio alert. Even though many Uber riders can check the request with a quick glance of their phone, this quick glance could be enough to take their attention away from the road. An accident can happen in just seconds, forever altering lives.
- Locating a Rider: Uber drivers use mapping systems to locate riders. However, their attention could still be taken away from the road before them when a passenger isn’t located where they thought they would be. Uber drivers may fail to see a car in front of them or pulling out of an intersection until it is too late.
- Distractions by Passengers: If a rider is talking to their driver or even yelling at them, an Uber driver could lose focus and drift into the opposite lane. They may also speed to their destination or engage in other negligent acts that lead to a serious accident.
Holding a Responsible Party Accountable After a Long Beach Uber Accident
There could be several parties responsible for your Uber accident while you are recovering, from Uber drivers or the driver of another vehicle to the actual Uber company. Here is what could happen during the claims process:
- The Uber Driver’s Insurance: Uber drivers are required by law to carry car insurance just like any other driver on our roads. You will start by filing a claim with their insurer, though it may be denied if the policyholder believes they were working for Uber at the time of the accident. If your claim is rejected, you will file a claim with Uber instead.
- Uber Insurance Coverage: Uber retains coverage that is up to a million dollars for both drivers and their victims in the event of an accident. However, this will only be available to you if your driver was logged into the Uber app at the time of the accident. Uber will do anything to challenge the integrity of your claim and offer you much less than you deserve so that they can save more money for their company, which can leave you in a challenging position.
- Your Own Car Insurance: You may also choose to file a claim against your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage through your insurance company.
If Uber attempts to deny your claim or offer you a low settlement offer, your lawyer can help you take Uber to trial. They will look into several aspects to support your claim, from work policies to hiring practices put in place by Uber. Maison Law also has an accident reconstruction team on their side who can assist you in showing what actually happened at the time of your collision. All of these aspects can be incredibly helpful when it comes to the outcome of your claim.
What Damages Are Available in Your Claim?
Depending on the circumstances of your claim, there could be a variety of damages available for you. Catastrophic injuries and fatal results can stem from these accidents when it is least expected. Some of the damages that you or your family may be eligible for include:
- Medical expenses or future medical bills that you may incur
- Lost wages or loss of future earnings or benefits due to missed time at work
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Therapy costs
- Pain and suffering damages
You or your family may have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit after an accident. California follows a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims. If you fail to comply with these deadlines, you may miss out on financial opportunities. This is why you should speak with an attorney as soon as possible after an Uber accident.
Contact a Long Beach Uber Accident Lawyer Today
If you have suffered injuries in a Long Beach Uber accident, you should be prepared to protect yourself with the help of an experienced and knowledgeable attorney. Our Long Beach car accident lawyers at Maison Law have handled these types of claims for years and will help you gain a better understanding of your accident. We will gather evidence in your claim and help you comply with deadlines that are required of you. Please do not hesitate to contact us today for a free and confidential legal consultation to get started.
