The rise in popularity of rideshares, including Lyft and Uber, means the number of collisions involving these companies has also increased. Unfortunately, nearly anyone with a valid driver’s license can get approved to drive for Uber. Uber drivers are not specially trained the way commercial truck drivers are, nor are they held to the same higher standard.
A Downey rideshare accident attorney at our firm will work tirelessly to gather the evidence needed to prove negligence and liability so you can get the most out of your claim. If you have been involved in a collision while traveling as a passenger in an Uber or struck by an Uber driver, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your damages.
An experienced Downey Uber accident lawyer at The Simmrin Law Group can help you demand justice. Contact our office for a 100% free consultation today to find out what your next steps should be.
What Makes Uber Accident Cases in Downey Unique
You may initially believe that an Uber accident is just like any other type of car crash or personal injury case, except it involves an Uber driver. However, this is not the case. Uber accident lawsuits are often far more complicated than traditional car accident claims.
This is, in part, because Uber has a $1 million auto insurance policy in place. This is designed to compensate injury victims when the Uber driver is ultimately responsible for causing the collision. However, this auto insurance policy is only in place during specific times. These include:
- When the driver is logged in to the Uber Driver app
- When the driver is actively transporting an Uber passenger
- When the driver is waiting to pick up an Uber passenger
For a free legal consultation with a uber accidents lawyer serving Downey, call (310) 896-2723
What Happens When Uber’s Insurance Is Not Active
In the event the accident happens outside of these time frames, Uber’s $1 million auto insurance policy will not apply. Instead, the Uber driver’s personal auto insurance policy should be in effect. Since California law requires all motorists to purchase auto insurance coverage, and Uber drivers will often be legally required to increase their auto insurance coverage limits, the Uber driver’s insurance policy should offer some financial protection.
If the Uber driver was uninsured personally, and the accident happened during a time when Uber’s insurance coverage was not in place, it may be far more challenging to pursue your claim. Furthermore, even if the accident occurred during a time when Uber’s $1 million auto insurance policy should have been in place, Uber may attempt to argue that their coverage was not active to escape financial liability.
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How Downey Uber Accidents Happen
Figuring out what caused your Uber accident is essential. The liable party will be expected to cover your damages in full. Your Uber accident attorney in Downey, CA, at The Simmrin Law Group will need to conduct a thorough investigation to determine how the accident occurred and who is at fault.
In many Uber accident cases, negligent driving contributes to the collision. Some examples of negligent driving could include:
- Speeding
- Following too closely
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Failure to use a turn signal
- Driving while fatigued
- Failure to yield to the right of way
- Making illegal turns
- Road rage
- Failure to check blind spots
- Failure to stop at a stop sign or traffic light
Suing the Government
If the Uber driver was operating their vehicle in a negligent manner, you may have grounds for a claim against them and against Uber’s $1 million auto insurance policy. However, in instances where malfunctioning motor vehicle parts and hazardous road conditions caused the collision, other parties can share blame as well, such as:
- The city of Downey
- The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)
- Safety inspectors
- Road construction workers
- Vehicle maintenance technicians
- Parts designers, manufacturers, and distributors
- Motor vehicle dealerships and professional executives
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How Uber Accident Victims Are Compensated in Downey
Whether you are filing a claim with the insurance company or bringing your Uber accident case to court, you have the right to be made whole. This means you should receive compensation for every loss you experience due to someone else’s negligent actions. To ensure you are compensated fairly, your Downey Uber accident attorney will carefully examine your economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are strictly financial, whereas non-economic damages describe the impact your Uber accident has had on your life. Some examples of economic damages could include:
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning potential
- Loss of benefits provided by your employer
- Medical expenses
- Future medical care
- Medical equipment and devices
- Prescription drugs
- Costs of repairing your vehicle
- Costs of a new vehicle
- Rental car fees
- The diminished value of your car
Non-Economic Damages
Examples of non-economic damages that could be awarded after an Uber accident include:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Disfigurement and skin scarring
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
- Reputational damage
- Fear and anticipation
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What to Expect from the Insurer
Dealing with the insurance company is considered a “necessary evil.” Although insurance coverage is designed to protect victims in the event of an accident, insurance companies are profit-driven. The insurance company will likely prioritize its financial interests above that of its claimants.
Whether you file a claim against Uber’s $1 million auto insurance policy, the Uber driver’s personal insurance policy, or your own auto insurance, you can expect pushback from the insurance company. The insurer will lose money if they pay out on your claim, so they will do everything in their power to avoid liability.
You can protect yourself from being taken advantage of by having your Uber accident lawyer negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. This way, if the insurance company attempts to lowball you or trick you into settling for less than you deserve, your attorney will show them you mean business.
Get Help from an Uber Accident Lawyer in Downey, CA Today
When your Uber accident injuries have consumed your life, it is crucial to ensure the liable party is held accountable. You need access to the financial compensation you are entitled to to cover your costs and rebuild your life.
Find out how to make the insurance company and at-fault parties pay when you meet with an experienced Downey Uber accident lawyer at The Simmrin Law Group. Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today by calling our office or completing our convenient contact form.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form