Modesto Uber Accident Lawyer

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Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers of Modesto are here to help if you’ve been injured in an Uber accident. Our lawyers understand that car accidents can happen at any time, even if you’re riding in an Uber. Unfortunately, you’re just as likely to be hurt as a passenger than you are as a driver. To learn more about your legal choices, contact us today for a free consultation.

Should You Work With a Lawyer?

Any car accident brings its share of questions, especially when you get hurt. But an Uber accident is different, even in terms of a car accident. It always brings questions relating to who’s responsible for your injuries because–in the vast majority of them–you’re not driving the car. Thus, you’re probably not going to have any control over whether the accident happens.

Still, you don’t need a lawyer. There’s no legal requirement in California that says so, and if the accident is minor, you probably won’t need to worry about the legal process at all. However, in the event that your injuries are more serious, our team can be a huge help.

We’ll explain your options, help you gather evidence, then guide you through the legal process if you decide you want to take legal action. Better yet, we work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning there’s no upfront cost to you.

What’s the Legal Process After an Uber Accident?

Legally speaking, an Uber accident isn’t all that different from another car accident. The big question you probably have is who is responsible for paying for your injuries and other losses. The answer depends on how the driver is classified. The vast majority of Uber drivers in Modesto (and elsewhere) are classified as “independent contractors.” This means that they don’t work for Uber directly, and as such, their personal car insurance will serve as the responsible party for paying for your losses.

However, California law has a few considerations in place when it comes to insurance for Uber drivers:

They must carry liability and uninsured motorist insurance of at least $1 million, covering from the moment a driver accepts a customer’s ride request until the customer exits the vehicle at their destination.
If the driver is logged into Uber’s app while waiting for a customer, additional coverage of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per incident is required.
If the driver is not logged into Uber’s system, their personal insurance applies, which could be as low as California’s minimum limits of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per incident.

Also, aside from your driver, there’s a number of potentially liable parties in an accident:

Other drivers
Local governments
Vehicle manufacturers
Third parties

What are your damages?

Another similarity with regular car accidents is that your damages in an Uber accident can be pretty significant. With all that said, the following types of damages are available in such claims:

Medical bills and ongoing care costs
Lost income or earning potential
Repair/replacement expenses for your vehicle
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of companionship
Loss of quality of life
Wrongful death expenses, if your injuries are fatal
Punitive damages, in cases of intentional negligence

Remember, any injury claim in California has to be filed within two years of the date of the accident. Miss this statute of limitations, and you won’t be able to file a claim or recover damages. This will make your physical recovery much more difficult.

What Can Cause an Uber Accident?

Chances are, you probably won’t be in control of the vehicle during your Uber accident, so you can’t avoid the accident. Likewise, you can’t control the actions of your driver. All of this means that you probably won’t be the direct cause of the accident you’re in, but you’ll still have to deal with the outcomes. Usually, these accidents are caused by:

Driver error – Uber drivers can make errors like speeding, using phones while driving, running red lights, or not yielding, leading to accidents.
Poor road conditions – Hazardous road conditions such as potholes, uneven surfaces, or unclear signs can raise accident risks, especially for unfamiliar drivers.
Other drivers – Accidents may happen because of other drivers’ carelessness, like tailgating, sudden lane changes, or driving under the influence.
Problems with the vehicle – Mechanical issues like faulty brakes or tires in Uber cars can cause accidents.
Weather – Poor weather in Modesto, especially rain or fog, can make driving harder and raise accident risks.
Fatigue – Driving for long hours to earn money can make Uber drivers tired, affecting their judgment and reaction times.
Inexperience – Some Uber drivers may not be experienced enough to handle certain road conditions, areas or unexpected events, raising accident risks.
Pedestrians or bicyclists – Accidents can happen when pedestrians or cyclists are not paying attention, and do things like cross suddenly in front of a vehicle.

Injuries

By far the worst result of an Uber accident is the injuries you could suffer. Given the nature of riding in an Uber, potential injuries often mirror those seen with passengers in regular car accidents. These commonly include:

Broken bones
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Internal injuries
Spinal injuries
Whiplash
Burns
Knee injuries
Cuts and bruises
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

If you’re injured in an Uber accident, taking legal steps to recover damages is essential to your recovery. But that means filing an injury claim, and taking steps to protect its viability.

How Can You Protect Your Uber Accident Claim?

Once you decide to file an injury claim after an Uber accident, it’s up to you to show the extent of your damages–effectively proving your case. While our team can help you in that regard, there’s a few things you’ll need to do after the accident itself to protect your health, safety, and yes, your potential case:

Get to safety – The first thing you should do is get out of the car and to a safe place on the road. Then, check for any injuries.
Report the accident – Call the local police or sheriff’s department to report the accident. This will let them respond and clear the scene. They’ll also probably write up a report about what happened.
Get medical care – You should also call 911, especially if you or someone else is hurt. This will allow an ambulance to be dispatched to the scene. Get medical attention from them for any injuries, then get further care with your doctor or at an emergency room.
Notify Uber and your insurance company – When you have your injuries taken care of, make sure to go through the Uber app to report the accident to the company. They have procedures for handling accidents that you’ll need to stay on top of. Also, tell your insurance provider about the accident so they can begin their claims process.
Gather evidence – Take pictures and videos of the accident scene if you can. Make sure to get any vehicle damage and injuries to document them.
Exchange information – Give your insurance information to anyone else involved in the accident so they have it. Even though you likely didn’t cause the accident, this information is helpful. Also, make sure you get all the information you can about your Uber driver.

These steps are important in any car accident, but especially in an Uber accident. Despite the fact that fault probably won’t have anything to do with you, you still have to present a strong case to recover damages. This is another area where our experienced Uber accident lawyers can help you.

Modesto Uber Accident Lawyers Can Help You

Nobody plans to get hurt in an Uber, but accidents happen, especially with so many people using the service here in Modesto. This situation is undeniably difficult, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers of Modesto, our team can help you recover and guide you through the legal process. Contact us today to set up a free, no-obligation consultation.