The use of Uber for transportation around Sacramento has increased in recent years. So, too, have the number of car accidents involving Uber drivers. When you are injured in an Uber car accident, it is important to know who is responsible for your injuries and how to seek compensation from the responsible party. At Sette Law, our Uber accident lawyers provide a free consultation to help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Have you been injured in an Uber accident? Sette Law can help.
What To Do If You Have Been Injured In An Accident While Riding In An Uber
If you have been injured in an accident while riding in an Uber, it is essential to take similar steps as you would after a car accident, as follows:
- The most important thing is to seek medical care, even if your injuries seem minor
- You need to make sure the accident is reported to the police immediately and to Uber as soon as possible
- If you can, take pictures and videos and obtain the contact details of any witnesses
- You should consult with an Uber car accident injury lawyer next
- Your lawyer will help determine who is liable and file the necessary injury claim against the responsible party
What Are The Uber Insurance Requirements In California?
Uber insurance requirements in California depend on the status of the driver and include:
- When offline: The driver’s own automobile insurance is required to drive for Uber and must meet California’s minimum required limits
- When online and waiting for a trip: Uber provides supplemental coverage for drivers waiting to receive a trip. They offer $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident for injuries, and $25,000 for property damage. This is in addition to the coverage the driver has.
- When on a trip: Uber provides $1,000,000 for property damage and injury coverage to riders and others involved in an accident when the Uber driver is at fault
Can I Sue Uber If I Have Been Injured In An Accident?
Unlike other states where Uber drivers are considered “gig workers” or independent contractors, California requires Uber drivers to be Uber employees. As such, you can sue Uber when an Uber driver is at fault for an accident and you are injured.
When Can The Uber Driver Be Held Responsible?
The Uber driver can be held responsible for your injuries when they fail to provide a duty of care to you. This means that their actions, or lack thereof, result in negligence that contributed to and caused your injuries. For example, they were texting on their phone, ran a red light, and were hit by another vehicle.
What Damages Can I Get From An Uber Accident Injury Claim?
You can seek economic and non-economic damages from the responsible party. Economic damages include medical bills, current and future lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. Basically, anything that has an assigned dollar value is considered economic damage.
Non-economic damages do not have an assigned dollar value. They include pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of consortium. In certain cases, punitive damages may be awarded when the responsible party’s actions were grossly negligent.
Can I Still Seek Damages Even If I Was Partially At Fault For The Uber Accident?
California is one of a handful of states that uses pure comparative negligence. So, anyone involved in the accident could essentially seek damages for the percentage they were not at fault.
How Can An Uber Accident Lawyer Help Me?
An Uber accident lawyer provides you with valuable legal assistance and representation throughout your case and helps with the following:
- Case evaluation: An experienced Uber accident lawyer will assess your case, advise you on the potential strength of your claim, and discuss available legal options
- Gather evidence: Your Uber injury lawyer will assist in gathering the evidence you need to support your injury claim
- Helps determine who is at fault: Your lawyer will review the evidence in your case to determine who is responsible and whether there could be more than one party negligent
- Handles settlement negotiations: Most Uber accident claims are settled outside of court. Your lawyer knows how to skillfully negotiate with insurance companies and adjusters to get the compensation you are entitled to receive.
- Litigation in court: If a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will litigate the case in court in front of a judge and jury to potentially obtain a ruling in your favor
- Knowledge of Uber insurance regulations: Your lawyer is aware of the laws and insurance regulations for Uber to ensure when they are responsible, they are held accountable
- Reduced stress and give you time to heal: Navigating an injury claim after an Uber accident can be extremely stressful, especially when recovering from injuries. Having a lawyer represent your interests allows you to focus on healing while enabling them to take care of the legal aspects of your case.
Get Help After An Uber Accident In Sacramento From Sette Law
If you have been injured in an Uber accident in Sacramento, Sette Law can help. We are experienced in rideshare injury claims and assist victims in securing compensation for the injuries they are entitled to receive. Don’t risk losing your legal rights without getting an honest opinion from our Uber accident lawyers today with a free consultation.
Injured in an Uber accident? Contact Sette Law today for help.
Sources:
California Code, Civil Code CIV § 1431.2. (2022).
I Was Involved in an Accident. (2024).
Insurance To Help Protect You. (2024).