Maison Law can represent you if you’ve been injured in an Uber accident in California. One of the newer offerings is called Uber Route, and it’s designed to be a more economical approach for you and other passengers. But like any Uber ride, you could end up injured in an accident. It’s obviously confusing, but our team can help you clear things up. Set up a free, no-obligation consultation today.
Do You Need a Lawyer After an Uber Route Accident?
Because it’s newer, the law is still trying to catch up to rideshare services like Uber Route. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have options when you’re hurt–the difference is that car accidents involving Ubers are a bit more complicated. Even still, you don’t technically need a lawyer. With that said, though, having the right legal support can make the process much easier. These accidents often involve multiple insurance policies, different parties, and a lot of fine print. That’s where our team at Maison Law comes in. Here’s how we can help:
- Break down your legal rights and next steps.
- Identify who’s legally responsible for the crash.
- Handle insurance paperwork and deadlines for you.
- Work to recover the full value of your injury claim.
When you get into an Uber Route ride anywhere in California, you expect a safe and reliable ride. But accidents can and do happen, and passengers often end up dealing with injuries and uncertainty. That’s when you can turn to our team for guidance and support.
What Should I Do If I’m in an Uber Route Accident?
After an Uber Route accident in California, you may feel powerless–at least initially. As a passenger, you had no control over the driver’s decisions or the other cars on the road, but you still ended up injured. The good news is, you do have legal options. Just like any other car accident, you can file an injury claim. The key is knowing what you should do to protect that claim from the start. Here are some ways you can do that:
- Put your safety first – If you can, exit the vehicle and move to a safe location. Check for injuries to yourself and anyone else.
- Call 911 – Call 911 for an ambulance and response from the local police–probably the California Highway Patrol (CHP). EMTs can provide on site medical care for any immediate injuries, and CHP deputies will help you get information you can use later on and can also verify that an accident happened with an official report.
- Tell Uber about the accident – Use the app to report the accident. Uber has a formal process for these incidents, especially those involving their commercial platform like Uber Route.
- Document the scene – Take pictures and videos of the scene, the damage, and any visible injuries. The more proof you have, the stronger your claim.
- Exchange your insurance information with others – Get the Uber driver’s name, insurance info, and any details from other drivers involved.
Even though you (most likely) weren’t at fault for the accident, you still need to build a strong claim. While it still takes effort, the sooner you start, the better. But as you’ll find out, there’s important parts of an Uber accident that are a bit different from a normal car accident.
Who’s Liable in an Uber Route Accident in California?
Uber Route may offer a more structured rideshare experience, but when an accident happens, there’s one glaring question: who’s liable? It might seem confusing initially, but like any other Uber accident (or car accident in general), it’s about showing negligence. Liability ultimately comes down to what actually happened, but in most Uber accidents, the cause is tied to:
- Driver distraction (especially app usage or GPS adjustments)
- Fatigue from long shifts behind the wheel
- Speeding or reckless driving in high-traffic areas
- Negligence by another driver on the road
- Poor road maintenance or unsafe intersections
- Mechanical failure or faulty vehicle parts
- Driving under the influence
There’s something important to remember here: Uber drivers don’t work for Uber directly. As “independent contractors”, the driver’s personal car insurance will be in play if they’re the one that was negligent and caused the accident. However, California has laws about what kind of insurance Uber drivers must carry, depending on when the accident happens:
- During your ride (from the moment they accept your request until you get out) – Uber must provide at least $1 million in liability and uninsured motorist coverage.
- Before pickup (when they’re logged into the app but haven’t picked you up yet) – There must be coverage of at least $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident.
- When the app is off – The driver’s personal insurance applies, which might only meet California’s minimum coverage limits.
While the Uber driver is often the focus, they’re not always the only one responsible. Depending on what caused the accident, others could be liable too, including:
- Other drivers who were careless or reckless
- Local governments if poor road conditions or broken signals played a role
- Vehicle makers if a defect or malfunction caused the accident
- Third parties like delivery companies or commercial fleets involved in the collision
Obviously, there’s a lot of moving parts with a typical Uber accident. What’s important for you to remember is that you have the right to file an injury claim against whoever was responsible.
What Can You Recover in an Uber Route Accident Claim?
Being injured in an Uber Route accident can affect your life far beyond the day of the accident itself. From mounting medical bills to time off work, the financial and emotional toll is real. And while it’s a bit confusing, you can file an injury claim like you could in any other car accident. This means you will either file:
- An insurance claim out of court.
- A personal injury lawsuit.
Either route can help you recover damages, but the best option depends on your injuries, evidence, and how the insurance company responds. Here are some of the key losses you may be able to include in your claim:
- Medical costs – This includes your ER visit, hospital stay, surgery, physical therapy, follow-up appointments, medication, and any ongoing treatment you’ll need.
- Lost wages – If your injuries kept you out of work–whether for days, weeks, or longer–you can recover those missed paychecks.
- Property damage – If your phone, laptop, glasses, or any personal items were damaged in the crash, they may be included in your claim.
- Pain and suffering – Not every cost is financial. This covers the physical pain and emotional stress caused by the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment of life – If your injuries prevent you from doing everyday things–like exercising, working, or spending time with family–you may be able to recover damages for these losses.
- Wrongful death – If you lost a loved one in an Uber Route accident, California law allows certain family members to file a claim for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and emotional suffering.
Every case is different, so the value of your claim will depend on how the accident has impacted your life. But remember–California’s statute of limitations gives you just two years from the date of the accident to file a claim.
Free Consultations for Uber Route Accidents Across California
Uber Route might offer a new twist on rideshare travel in California, but accidents can still happen–and when they do, things can get complicated quickly. That’s when you can turn to our California Uber accident lawyers for help.
At Maison Law, we focus on making the legal process simpler when you’ve been injured during an Uber Route ride. Our team understands how these cases work and what’s needed to build a strong, clear claim. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about your next steps, reach out today for a free consultation. Let’s make things easier.
