Uber Accident Attorney Orange County​

If you need an Uber accident Attorney in Orange County, you need a legal professional that intimately understands this type of personal injury claim. By using these services, you can protect and assert your legal rights so you can receive fair compensation for your personal injury rideshare claim.

How Chudleigh Law Can Help

Collisions during ridesharing can lead to unexpected medical costs. That is why you need to speak to a legal firm that fully understands the expenses involved in rideshare claims. We are specialists in these types of claims as we know the details of rideshare coverage and how to help claimants receive fair and equitable compensation. Contact us to discuss your Uber accident injuries. Our rideshare specialists will thoroughly review your case and determine how we can help you with your negligence claim.

What to Do after an Uber Accident

If you are involved in an Uber Accident, you need to remain at the scene as well as seek medical care immediately. Even if you do not believe you have been hurt, it’s still wise to seek medical care. Certain injuries, such as whiplash, can sneak up on an accident victim at a later date. Make sure that you receive medical care and have a doctor examine you thoroughly on the day of the accident.

Follow the guidelines below if you are involved in a rideshare accident and plan to contact an Uber injury attorney at a later date.

1. Remain at the Accident Site

If you get involved in an accident with or inside an Uber vehicle, stay at the scene. Call 911 if you or others have sustained injuries. Also, contact the police to report the accident. Make sure you receive a copy of the police report as evidence.

2. Seek Medical Care on the Day of the Accident

You should always seek medical care, whether or not your injuries are mild or severe. Maybe you do not believe you have sustained an injury. If so, you still need to visit your doctor on the day of the crash if possible, as some medical conditions, such as whiplash, may surface after the accident.

3. Identify the Other Parties in the Accident

Exchange information with other parties at the accident scene. This is important as it is hard to locate people after they leave an accident scene. Obtain as much information as you can so you can provide these details to an Uber accident attorney. To ensure you have complete information, include the following:

• The name, address, phone number, and email address of the Uber driver
• The insurance company and policy information of the driver
• The license numbers of the vehicles
• The contact details of the Uber driver and his or her employer

4. Talk to Witnesses

If you see witnesses at the scene, ask for a witness statement or request contact information if you need to obtain further details. Some witnesses may be called to testify in your Uber accident case. Check the police report to see if the authorities interviewed people you may have overlooked.

5. Record the Accident’s Outcome

Take photos of the wreck with a camera or your mobile phone. A picture speaks a thousand words and makes it easier to prove your Uber accident claim. Photos can be used to show who was negligent, the severity of your injuries, and how much damage your vehicle sustained. If you were injured, take photos of your injuries. Record the progress of your recovery. By taking pictures, the court can better determine how much compensation you should receive.

6. Watch What You Say at the Scene

Only receive contact details at the accident scene or provide information to the police. Do not sit and talk about the accident to strangers or witnesses. Stay focused on obtaining the information you need in case you wish to file a lawsuit.

7. Consult with an Uber Accident Attorney

If you believe that you are entitled to compensation for damages or injuries and that the other party was negligent, seek legal help. Learn about your options and see what you can do to recover financially and physically.

8. Report the Accident to Uber’s Emergency Hotline

Whether you are a driver or a passenger, you need to report your Uber accident to the company’s emergency hotline. Consult with an Uber accident attorney first.

Uber Insurance Policy for Drivers

Policies for rideshare accidents with Uber carry a $1 million liability cover. Uber’s policy features a $2,500 deductible, which an Uber driver must pay if he happens to be at fault. Uber also carries a $1 million uninsured and underinsured motorist policy. Uber requires that its drivers possess personal car insurance that meets a state’s minimum requirements. Drivers do not need to take out commercial insurance like taxi drivers.

Keep in mind that personal insurance is not designed to cover the added risk of rideshare services. Most personal insurance policies feature a clause that specifically excludes commercial driving activities.

Uber Insurance Policy for Passengers

Uber pays $50,000/$100,000 for injury claims and $25,000 for property damage before an Uber driver has been assigned a rider. Outside of these amounts, the driver must carry the financial risk. During phase 2 (acceptance) and phase 3 (transport), Uber provides drivers with the most coverage – $1 million for liability, $1 million for any injuries from underinsured or uninsured drivers, and a $1,000 deductible for any damage a driver’s vehicle receives.

Understanding the Three Uber Rideshare Phases

Insurance companies break ridesharing into three phases:

Phase 1: The Uber driver cruises with his or her app open but has not yet been assigned a rider.

Phase 2:The drive is matched with a rider and proceeds to pick him or her up.

Phase 3:The rider becomes an Uber passenger. The period ends when the passenger reaches his or destination.

Rideshare drivers should carry insurance in the form of liability protection, collision and comprehensive coverage, and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. All three coverages should be sufficient to protect the driver. However, the protection can vary, depending upon whether or not a passenger is riding in the Uber car. Therefore, the coverage is contingent, depending on the phase, of when the car is driven.

Common Causes of Uber Accidents

The following causes often lead to ridesharing mishaps:

1. Distracted Driving

This type of driving error is one of the leading causes of Uber accidents. For example, an Uber driver may be looking at his or her Uber app or trying to locate a better station on the radio.

2. Drunk Driving

Some Uber drivers may drive under the influence, which is against Uber regulations. However, it still happens.

3. Speeding

Speeding can lead to a serious mishap, especially if an Uber driver has no time to react.

4. Reckless Driving

This error in judgment can result in changing lanes too fast, aggressive driving, or tailgating.

Where Uber Accidents Usually Occur

Most Uber accidents happen about 25 miles from a driver’s or passenger’s home at the following locations:

• At intersections
• At stoplights
• On two-lane highways with heavy amounts of traffic
• In parking lots

If you are considering hiring an Uber accident attorney, you probably were involved in an accident with an Uber driver as a motorist or pedestrian, and your injuries are severe. If this describes you, you need to obtain advice immediately. Do not procrastinate. Contact a lawyer while the accident details are still fresh on your mind.

Common Uber Accident Injuries

Common Uber accident injuries fall under the same categories as other auto injury mishaps. The following are some of themain injuriessuffered following this type of wreck.

Fractured Bones

Bones may be broken, especially when a pedestrian is hit or the impact was severe.

Back and Neck Injuries

Injuries under this category may range from minor neck pain to dislocated spinal discs. Because the neck and back support movement and everyday functions, many victims cannot return to daily or work activities.
Head Injuries

Any head trauma may lead to a brain injury, which can significantly alter a victim’s life. Brain injuries may also result from whiplash, which involves rapid deceleration or acceleration. Whiplash frequently does not surface until a later date.

Head injuries trigger symptoms, such as confusion, visual disturbances, nausea, and cognitive impairment. These types of severe injuries often lead to the loss of motor or cognitive functions. Unfortunately, many people never regain their cognitive or motor skills when they suffer these kinds of injuries.

Internal Injuries

The force of a blunt trauma injury leads to internal bleeding of organs, such as the bladder, kidney, pancreas, liver, or spleen. Physicians find internal injuries difficult to treat.

Lacerations

The cuts and lacerations received in Uber mishaps often leave deep and noticeable scars.

Torso and Rib Injuries

These severe injuries affect the ribcage’s ability to protect vital organs.

Seat Belt Injuries

While seat belts should be worn, as they save lives, they can also lead to injuries, such as whiplash.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries received in rideshare accidents frequently cause paralysis. The injury may not initially surface. That is why Uber accident victims should be treated the day they are injured. MRIs detect injuries that x-rays often miss.

Determining Fault in Uber Accidents

To determine fault in an Uber accident, the driver must have breached his responsibility or duty of care. In turn, the victim was injured as the result of the driver’s action or inaction. If you can show that an Uber driver’s lack of care led to your injury, you have a case for a lawsuit.

Lawyers Who Understand Uber Cases

Lawyers who work with clients who have been involved in Uber accidents understand the unique dynamics of ridesharing coverage and the protection offered by ridesharing companies. They can scrutinize a driver’s or passenger’s needs with respect to pain and suffering, coverage of medical expenses, and income loss.

Insurance Company Tactics

Never rely on the compensation offered by an insurance company. After all, an insurance company is in the business to make money. If it had to pay out sizable claims, it could not operate. Tread carefully when you communicate with an insurance provider. Insurance companies use tactics to devalue or deny claims. Below are some of the methods they use:

• Calling the victim soon after he or she sustains an injury. Some insurance companies call the same day of the collision. While you may feel like talking to someone at this juncture, you need to remember that this call was not made out of concern for you.
• Asking for a recorded statement. Never give a recorded statement, as what you say may be used against you. Instead, speak to a Uber accident attorney.
• Asking for a signed medical authorization. This authorization enables the insurance company to obtain records from your current doctors, as well as any medical provider in the past. Always decline this type of request.
• Offering a fast settlement in return for a verbal or written release of a claim. If an insurance company can get you to agree to a settlement verbally or in writing, it can settle your claim without paying out a large amount. While this tactic works for the insurer, it keeps you from obtaining the money you need to adequately cover the costs of your accident.
• Claiming the insured is partly at fault for the collision, thereby denying liability. Insurance companies also dispute the costs of medical bills and stonewall your settlement, hoping you will agree to a lower payout.

How Much Will It Cost to Hire an Orange County Uber Accident Attorney?

You do not owe anything to an Uber accident attorney unless your case settles. Therefore, the attorney does not receive compensation unless the claim is settled. A portion of the settlement amount is taken out by your legal representative. Most contingency fees range between 33% and 40%.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will I be compensated?

If you or a loved one has been injured in a rideshare accident, you can receive compensation for the following:

• Pain and suffering
• Past, present, and future medical expenses
• Property damages
• Loss of wages

The compensation varies, depending on the specifics of the Uber case.

Will I need to go to face a judge?

While we cannot predict how a case will proceed, we have found, from experience, that you can usually settle your case outside the courtroom and receive a good settlement.

Do I have a solid case?

To prove that you have a personal injury case in an Uber lawsuit, you need to show injury and fault. Your odds for a successful outcome increase when you work with an Uber accident attorney.

Who is responsible for causing an Uber accident – the driver or company?

If the driver violates safety regulations, resulting in an accident, he may be found at-fault. While rare, Uber may be found liable if the driver’s background was not checked prior to employment.

What does Uber offer in terms of medical costs?

Uber only provides compensation for liability. You need to contact an Uber accident attorney to recoup money for medical care.

Give Us a Call to Schedule a Free, No-obligation Consultation

Now is the time to find out how you can receive help for your Uber accident injuries.Contact ustoday for further information and details.