At Maison Law, our attorneys are here to assist you if you were injured in a Ridgecrest Uber accident. We understand just how quickly these accidents can occur and how you can be affected in or out of an Uber vehicle. You can be injured as either a passenger or a driver in one of these collisions. To find out what legal options are available for you at this time, contact us today for a free consultation.
Should You Work with a Lawyer?
One of the many questions that victims of any car accident have is whether or not they should work with a lawyer when they are hurt. Unfortunately, Uber accidents vary greatly from other accidents and you may feel as if you need the help of a lawyer. Though it is not a legal requirement to have an attorney in California, it can benefit you in many ways.
Speaking with one of our attorneys can ensure that your rights are being protected as you deal with an Uber accident. Here are some aspects that we can handle for you:
- Explain all of your legal options to you
- Help you gather evidence that can be crucial in your claim
- Negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company
- Take your claim to trial if it can’t be settled
You may have limited time after an Uber accident, which is why you should consider your legal options immediately. In California, you have two years from the time you discover your injuries to file a claim under the state’s statute of limitations. This is why you should never delay seeking help with your case.
How Do Uber Accidents Commonly Occur in Ridgecrest?
Uber accidents in Ridgecrest are a fact of life, as rideshare vehicles are a necessity in many areas of the city. These accidents tend to occur most commonly due to these reasons:
- Driver Distractions: It is not uncommon for drivers to drive while distracted while they are traveling in an Uber vehicle. There are many types of distractions that affect Uber drivers such as texting, using a navigational device, or even talking to passengers inside the vehicle.
- Locating a Customer: Uber drivers travel in many unfamiliar areas as they pick up customers. When they take their eyes from the road to locate a customer, they could increase the chance of a serious accident.
- Fatigue: Many Uber drivers travel for long hours trying to maximize the amount of money that they bring in during a day’s time. This means that they may receive less sleep than they need, which can cause a driver to fall asleep behind the wheel. A serious accident can happen within seconds due to fatigue.
- Speeding: When Uber drivers are trying to make as much as possible, they might speed from one destination to the next. Speeding can lead to severe accidents, as well as increase the likelihood that the damages will be more catastrophic than usual.
- Driving Under the Influence: Even though Uber drivers typically know the dangers of driving while intoxicated, it still happens and leads to many accidents each year.
What is the Legal Process After a Ridgecrest Uber Accident?
Uber accidents only vary from car accidents in a few ways. You may wonder who pays for your injuries and other damages after you have been hurt in a Ridgecrest Uber accident. This will depend upon how the driver is classified at the time of your accident. In many cases, California Uber drivers are known as independent contractors, which means that their personal car insurance will take care of your losses. However, there are a few considerations to be made when it comes to Uber drivers and car insurance:
- Uber drivers carry liability/uninsured motorist coverage at a minimum of $1 million. This covers anybody involved in an accident from the time that an Uber driver accepts a ride to the time that a customer exits the vehicle.
- Coverage is $50,000 per person and $100,000 per incident if the driver is logged into the Uber app and waiting for a customer when the accident happens.
- If the driver is not logged into their app at the time of the accident, personal insurance will apply. It is important to keep in mind that this may not cover all of your damages.
It is also vital to consider that other parties could also be responsible for your accident. These include other drivers, vehicle manufacturers, third parties, and more. Determining liability is one of the most important steps that you can take as you move forward with a claim.
What Damages Are Available After an Uber Accident?
Depending on the circumstances of your claim, there are several types of damages you may be eligible to receive after a Ridgecrest Uber accident. These include some of the following:
- Medical expenses/Costs related to ongoing care
- Lost income and future loss of earnings
- Repair and replacement to your vehicle
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of quality of life
- Wrongful death damages if a life was lost in an accident
- Punitive damages
Contact a Ridgecrest Uber Accident Lawyer Today
Nobody ever expects that they will become involved in an Uber accident until it happens to them. These accidents have been happening more commonly than ever with the rise in ridesharing throughout Ridgecrest and the rest of California. If you have been hurt in an Uber accident, our Ridgecrest car accident lawyers at Maison Law are here for you. Please contact us today for a confidential and no-obligation legal consultation to get started.
