Maison Law’s Santa Monica car accident lawyers represent those hurt in Uber accidents anywhere in the city. For all the convenience of riding in an Uber, this changes when there’s an accident. Your injuries are just as likely as any other car accident, but you don’t have to face them alone. Contact us today to set up a free, no-obligation consultation to talk about your case.
When Do You Need a Lawyer?
You don’t technically need a lawyer after any accident, even one where you’re in an Uber. In fact, if your accident is minor, you probably don’t need to worry about legal action at all. But given the fact that an Uber accident can be confusing on top of dealing with your injuries, it quickly becomes clear how our team can help you.
With our experience, we’ll help you gather evidence, explain your options, then guide you through whatever process you choose. We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning there’s no upfront cost to working with us.
Why is an Uber Accident Different?
There’s a lot of reasons why an Uber accident is different from a regular car accident. Probably the most important, at least to you, is that your injuries are going to come as a passenger. This doesn’t necessarily change the different types of injuries you could have, but what makes an Uber accident different involves who pays for your damages.
Basically, when there’s an accident, the following people are usually responsible:
- Your Uber driver
- Another driver involved
- The City of Santa Monica or State of California
- Vehicle or parts manufacturers
- Pedestrians
- Other Uber passengers
Generally speaking, an insurance company is going to get involved at this point. But with an Uber accident, there’s going to be more insurance companies than normal. Uber drivers don’t work directly for the company, but are “independent contractors.” This means that your driver’s personal car insurance will be the first up in terms of who pays for your damages. Then, as liability becomes more clear with others involved, their insurance will be added in as well.
This, obviously, makes the process more confusing. What doesn’t change though, is what you need to do to get your damages.
How Do You Recover Damages After an Uber Accident?
Legally speaking, you generally have two options to file an injury claim after an Uber accident:
- An insurance claim outside of court
- A personal injury lawsuit inside the court system
Both processes are very similar, with the main difference being that the insurance process is much less formal and it’s the insurance company that decides what to offer you–and their decision is final. Rather, a lawsuit takes more time and energy from you, but gives you a chance at higher damages.
But what you’re able to recover in your claim depends on the extent of your injuries and how well you present your case. California law makes a few things available in any claim, such as:
- Medical expenses and treatment costs
- Ongoing care needs
- Lost income or earning potential
- Any property damage, including to your vehicle
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship or enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death expenses in fatal accidents
Strengthening Your Claim
Because so many different insurance companies are going to be involved, it can be tough to put together a strong case. Thankfully, there’s a few things you can do to strengthen your case even if an insurance company tries to devalue it. So, after your accident, make sure to:
- Get medical care at the scene with an ambulance to connect your injuries to the accident.
- Report the accident to Uber so they can investigate. Also, get the driver and any other information on the ride from the app.
- Call the local police outfit so they can respond and clear the scene.
- Take pictures and videos of the scene, including any vehicle damage and injuries.
- Don’t repair or fix any property that was damaged.
Every accident is different, but these steps apply to most Uber accident situations. That said, it’s important to understand the various causes of these accidents so you can be even better prepared.
Why Do Uber Accidents Happen?
When you stop to consider that an Uber accident is just like any other car accident in Santa Monica, you can begin to see why they happen so often. Still, not every Uber accident is the same–even if many of the underlying causes of them are. Here are a few of the most common:
- Distractions and fatigue – Uber drivers, like any other driver, have a lot that can distract them and cause an accident. This includes their phone, navigation, or conversations with passengers. Also, fatigue from long hours on the road can also impair their ability to react quickly and make sound decisions.
- Reckless driving – Some Uber drivers may choose to drive recklessly, aggressively, or speed to meet tight schedules or increase their earnings, heightening the risk of accidents.
- Crowded locations – Areas of Santa Monica with heavy traffic or congested streets, like Downtown or Mid-City can lead to more accidents due to the sheer volume of vehicles and pedestrians.
- Faulty parts or vehicles – Uber drivers are responsible for keeping their vehicles in safe working condition. However, neglected maintenance can contribute to accidents, especially if critical parts like brakes or tires malfunction.
- Malfunctioning street lights or signs – Uber drivers rely on road signs, signals, and markings to get around safely. Signs that aren’t working can increase accidents, especially in unfamiliar areas.
- Low visibility – Poor weather conditions or low lighting, especially during nighttime trips, can reduce visibility for both drivers and pedestrians, increasing the risk of accidents.
Uber accidents, like any car accident, can do significant damage to how you live your life. From costly repairs to medical bills and lost income, the aftermath can be overwhelming. In more serious cases, injuries can be life-changing or result in the loss of your loved ones. That’s why it’s important to understand the position you’re in when you get in an Uber–and what you can do if you’re in an accident.
Experienced Santa Monica Uber Accident Lawyers
When it comes to Uber accidents in Santa Monica, it takes experience and skill to go through the legal process. At Maison Law, our team of Uber accident lawyers is here to support you through this process, fighting for your rights and making sure you have what you need to recover from any injuries. If you would like to get the process started, contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
