At Maison Law, we represent victims of many types of car accidents in Turlock and throughout the remainder of Stanislaus County, California. Being hurt in an Uber accident can be a traumatic experience and can also raise questions concerning liability. If you have sustained injuries in an accident involving an Uber driver, it is crucial that you understand what legal options you have moving forward. Please do not hesitate to contact us today for more information.
For years, Uber and other ridesharing companies have operated in Turlock and throughout Central California. Turlock has many sights to see that necessitates the need for Uber, from the Carnegie Arts Center to several large movie theaters. However, Uber accidents continue to happen every year in this major city and beyond, putting lives at risk. Many individuals question what options they have for recovery after an Uber accident.
The Question of Liability in a California Uber Accident
California was actually the first state to roll out Uber and other ridesharing services in the U.S. in the year 2013. From the very beginning, Uber and other ridesharing services have been vastly different from the services that you obtain from a regulated taxi company. When it comes down to this, many individuals then ask: How do I financially recover from an at-fault party after an Uber accident?
Drivers owe others who share the roads with them, as well as passengers, a legal duty of care under any circumstances. The same can be said as it applies to Uber accidents. In the event of an Uber accident caused by a negligent driver, the Uber driver is typically at fault for the collision. You may also wonder if Uber itself can be held liable. This is where the laws become a bit more complex.
Uber drivers are considered to be independent contractors. This means that Uber, as a company, is not “technically” liable for the negligence of a driver who causes an accident. However, Uber and other rideshare companies can still be held liable for a collision if they have negligently hired a bad driver with a record or allowed a driver to stay on their app even after they have been involved in accidents.
Because proving liability in a rideshare accident is not always easy to do, it can be crucial to seek the immediate help of a legal advocate. You do not want an insurance company pointing the finger at you and saying that a driver or company does not owe you compensation following an accident. Acting quickly can help you retain your rights during these difficult times.
Common Causes of Turlock Uber Accidents
Just as with any type of passenger vehicle accident, an Uber accident can also occur due to a wide array of reasons. These include some of the following:
Speeding: Speeding is a regular occurrence for Uber drivers even though it is against the law to drive over the speed limit. Uber drivers speed as a way to make it quickly to their destinations so that they can complete more jobs with more passengers in a day’s time. A speeding accident can lead to severe damages and injuries to those involved.
Fatigued Driving: When an Uber driver is working all day to take passengers from one destination to the next, they are bound to feel tired from time to time. Drowsy driving can cause a driver to momentarily fall asleep at the wheel, causing a life-altering collision.
Distracted Driving: Uber drivers are always aware of what is happening on their app or GPS. As a result, they can easily become distracted behind the wheel, taking their attention off the road.
Disobeying Road Rules: Uber drivers who are trying to get to a destination quickly may break the rules of the road, such as driving through a red light or making illegal U-turns. This can easily lead to a traumatic collision.
If a Family Member Was Killed in a Turlock Uber Accident
On top of the Uber collisions that lead to serious injuries every year, some take the lives of those involved. A fatal Uber accident can happen unexpectedly and cause devastating harm to a family. Not only do these accidents cause immense grief, but they also leave many families in a difficult financial position. If a family has sustained the loss of a loved one, they may be eligible to receive some of the following damages:
- Lost income that the deceased may have earned in the future
- Loss of consortium or companionship
- Funeral and burial-related expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses that a loved one sustained
There are many family members who can bring a wrongful death claim after a fatal Uber accident, from spouses to parents. Families only have two years from the passing of their loved one to bring a claim, which is why it is imperative and beneficial that they speak with a lawyer immediately.
Contact a Turlock Car Accident Lawyer Today
After an Uber accident, it is not uncommon to have questions concerning liability and deadlines. Luckily, there are options for you and your family as you work on your recovery. Speaking with a Turlock car accident lawyer can help you through these challenging times.
At Maison Law, we have successfully and compassionately helped many victims of Uber accidents and other California collisions. We want to help you obtain maximum compensation for your case so that you can get back on your feet. Please do not hesitate to contact us for a free and no-obligation case review in your time of need.
