Maison Law represents victims of Uber accidents throughout Porterville and beyond. No matter if you were a passenger in an Uber vehicle, in another vehicle, or walking at the time of the accident, there are options available for you. We will answer any questions that you have along the way after your accident. Please do not hesitate to contact us today for a free consultation to get started.
Do I Need a Lawyer Following an Uber Accident?
After a car accident involving an Uber, you may wonder if you are required to have a lawyer on your side. Though there is no requirement for it, speaking with an attorney can benefit you depending on the circumstances of your accident. For instance, it can be beneficial to speak with a lawyer if you have sustained major injuries or if liability is a concern.
You may need to speak with an attorney to move forward with a claim if the following aspects are true about your claim:
- Your accident was completely or partially caused by another party
- Your injuries required a stay in the hospital or follow-up care
- You were forced to miss out on time at work due to your injury
- Your life has otherwise been impacted by the accident
What Are Common Causes of Uber Accidents in Porterville?
Uber accidents are not uncommon in Porterville. With so many areas and sights to visit in the city, from Eagle Mountain Casino to the Trail of 100 Giants, it is no surprise that these accidents happen weekly throughout the area. These accidents happen most commonly due to the following reasons:
- Distracted Driving: Uber drivers spend a long period of time on our roads, which means that there is always a chance that they could become distracted more easily. There are many common distractions that impact Uber drivers including texting and driving, using a GPS to locate customers, and talking with passengers inside the vehicle.
- Locating Customers: There are times when Uber drivers enter unfamiliar areas so that they can pick up customers. When an Uber driver makes a sudden stop or heads down a one-way street in the wrong direction, a serious collision could occur.
- Driver Fatigue: Uber drivers may cut hours of sleep so that they can put on more hours on the road. In the blink of an eye, a driver could fall asleep at the wheel, putting their own life and the lives of others at risk.
- Speeding: An Uber driver may try to get from one area to another as quickly as possible so that they can maximize their income. Speeding, however, can lead to life-altering results. It can also increase the likelihood of an accident being more severe than expected.
Who is Liable for a Porterville Uber Accident?
Uber accidents are a lot like other types of car accidents but with a few differences. In terms of liability, there may be concerns with who will pay for your damages. This depends on how the driver is classified at the time of your collision. In most cases, a driver is seen as an independent contractor if they are working for Uber.
In California, Uber vehicles are supposed to follow these minimums in regards to insurance coverage:
- $1 million liability and uninsured coverage from the time that a driver accepts a request until the passenger exits the vehicle
- $50,000 per person and $100,000 per incident when the driver is logged into the Uber app but has not yet picked up a passenger
- As little as $15,000 per person and $30,000 per incident if the driver isn’t logged into the Uber system and their personal insurance has to take care of matters
There are many parties aside from just the Uber driver who could be liable for an accident. These include other drivers, passengers, pedestrians, car manufacturers, government agencies, and more. Insurers are only interested in paying as little as they possibly can. This is why, following an Uber accident, it is vital that you speak with an attorney who can handle your case for you properly.
What Damages Are Available After an Uber Accident?
It is important to strengthen your claim because this can help you determine how much you will receive in damages. In the case of many Porterville Uber accidents, these damages include the following:
- Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle
- Medical expenses or those you expect to incur in the future
- Lost income or future lost wages due to missing time at work
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship or consortium
- Wrongful death expenses if a fatality resulted from the accident
After an Uber accident in Porterville, you only have a limited amount of time to file a claim under California’s statute of limitations. The deadline is two years from the time you discover your injury, which is why you should act quickly to retain legal help.
Contact a Porterville Uber Accident Lawyer Today
It can be challenging to get back on your feet after you have been hurt in an Uber accident. If you have been injured in one of these collisions, speaking with a Porterville car accident lawyer is in your best interests. At Maison Law, we will provide you with the resources that you need to get back on your feet. We will also answer any questions you have along the way. Please contact us for a no-obligation, free case review.
