If you’ve suffered injuries in an Uber accident in Stockton, our legal team at Maison Law is here to support you. Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, or driving your own vehicle, we can help guide you through the legal process. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and explore your options.
Steps to Take After an Uber Accident
When you get into an Uber, you probably aren’t expecting to be in an accident. But with so many cars on the road, coupled with the fact that you probably aren’t in control of the vehicle, means that you have to be ready when these accidents happen. Here’s a few things you should do in the aftermath:
- Check for injuries – As with any car accident, the first thing you should do is to check yourself and others for any injuries. If you’re hurt, call 911 right away.
- Seek medical care – Even if you don’t feel immediate pain, get medical attention. Some injuries may not be apparent right away.
- Report to the accident – Call the police after the accident so they can respond to the scene. They’ll get information and create a report of the accident.
- Gather information – Collect information from everyone involved, including names, contact details, license plate numbers, insurance details, and vehicle specifics from all parties involved.
- Collect evidence – Make sure to document the accident site with photos or videos, to capture vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Speak with any witnesses – If there are witnesses, get their contact information. Their statements may help establish fault.
- Report the accident to Uber – Report the accident using the Uber app. Uber has a specific process for handling accidents involving their drivers. This will also create a record of the accident.
- Be careful with your statements – Try not to make statements to insurance adjusters or others without consulting our team first. Usually, they’ll try to use your statements against you.
- Maintain detailed records – Keep detailed records of medical bills, property damage, and related costs. This documentation is vital for valuing your claim.
Do You Need a Lawyer?
Whether or not you need our team to help you through the claims process is ultimately up to you, but actually depends on the circumstances. Chances are, if you’re not hurt that badly, you probably don’t need our help. But when you’ve been seriously hurt or there’s liability issues–as is common in Uber accidents–our team can definitely help you.
Here are a few ways that we help our clients:
- Legal support – We support your decision to enter the legal process, and can explain your legal rights, options and what to expect. Better yet, your first meeting with us is free, and there’s no obligation to hire us. Still, we believe that are approach will help you.
- Determining liability – An Uber accident raises some questions in terms of who is actually responsible. As a passenger, you could potentially have to file a claim against the Uber driver as well as anyone else that’s involved in the accident. We’ll look at your case, the evidence, and determine who exactly is liable.
- Making it easier – Most of all, we’ll make the process easier on you. Whether it be filing an insurance claim and negotiating with the company or filing a lawsuit and going back and forth with a defense lawyer, we’ll be there to advocate for you.
Our team takes pride in our approach to Uber accidents, and can make sure you get the treatment you deserve under California law. Still, it’s important to understand what exactly you’ll be going up against.
How is Liability Determined in an Uber Accident?
After an accident involving an Uber driver, our clients often inquire about responsibility. Despite subtle differences between Uber and regular vehicles, the law generally treats them the same. To that end, Uber requires the following minimum auto coverage:
- $1 million liability and uninsured motorist (UM) coverage from the moment a driver agrees to pick up a customer until the customer leaves the Uber vehicle at their destination.
- When the Uber driver is logged into the app while awaiting a customer, a $50,000 per person and $100,000 per occurrence coverage requirement applies.
- If the driver isn’t logged into Uber’s system, their personal insurance, potentially as low as $15,000 per person per accident in California, comes into play.
Again, what sets an Uber accident apart from other car accidents in Stockton is liability issues. In terms of liability, the crucial factor is whether the driver:
- Was logged into Uber’s system at the time of the accident.
When an Uber driver is logged in and in use, Uber’s insurance coverage could apply. Otherwise, the Uber driver’s personal insurance is used. Uber labels its drivers as “independent contractors,” making their personal insurance primarily responsible for covering damages from the accident.
Uber uses this classification to distance itself from post-accident negligence or liability issues, meaning an Uber driver is held liable for the accident, similar to any other car accident.
While Uber may cover costs in some cases involving another driver, an insurance company will always be part of your claim. The extent of your injuries may determine the importance of accessing all available support and benefits, which in legal terms are known as “damages.”
Damages Available in an Uber Accident
Whether you were a passenger in an Uber or involved in a collision in your own car, the process for seeking damages and benefits remains the same as any other car accident. This involves filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company or pursuing a lawsuit. Regardless of your chosen path, the damages you can potentially recover include:
- Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle
- Medical expenses
- Ongoing treatment costs
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
If you’re in an Uber accident, it’s up to you to show how much you were hurt and the damages you suffered. So, make sure to go to your doctor’s appointments and stick to the treatment plan. While we can help with your claim, it’s important for you to do your part. Insurance companies use tricks to save money, and having our experienced team on your side can make sure you get what you’re supposed to in a claim.
Help From Stockton Uber Accident Lawyers
Being in a car accident involving Uber can be really frustrating, whether you’re a passenger or with an Uber driver. Dealing with injuries and car damage is tough, and navigating insurance matters can be challenging before you get the compensation and support you need.
At Maison Law, our team of skilled Stockton car accident lawyers knows how to make insurance companies answer for your injuries. Choosing to work with us is a step toward maximizing your injury claim. If you’ve been hurt in an Uber accident, contact us today to set up your free initial consultation with our team.
