As ridesharing services like Uber become an integral part of transportation in Los Angeles, the number of related accidents is on the rise. With this increase, the need for skilled legal assistance has never been greater.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an Uber accident, Hillstone Accident & Injury Lawyers can provide the expertise needed to navigate the complexities of your case.
Why You Need a Los Angeles Uber Accident Attorney
Uber accident claims often involve intricate insurance policies and a range of legal considerations. Navigating these complexities without legal guidance can lead to unfavorable outcomes, making it vital to have an experienced attorney on your side.
- Protection of Rights: A skilled Uber accident lawyer ensures your rights are protected throughout the legal process. Insurance companies may attempt to minimize their payouts or deny claims altogether.
- Maximizing Compensation: An experienced attorney will work diligently to maximize your compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. They understand the value of your claim and can negotiate effectively with insurance companies.
Understanding Uber Accident Cases in Los Angeles
Uber accidents can occur in various scenarios, including as a passenger in an Uber, as another driver involved in a collision with an Uber vehicle, or as a pedestrian. Each situation presents unique challenges and potential liabilities.
Uber Insurance Coverage in California
Uber insurance coverage in California is a layered system designed to protect both drivers and passengers, depending on the phase of the trip. These layers align with the different stages of the Uber ride process and vary in coverage amounts, liability, and responsibility.
Here’s a breakdown of how Uber’s insurance works in the state:
- Offline or App Off: When the Uber driver is offline and not using the app, no Uber-specific insurance applies. In this phase, the driver’s personal auto insurance policy is the only coverage that applies.
- $15,000 for injury or death per person.
- $30,000 for injury or death per accident.
- $5,000 for property damage.
- App On but No Ride Request: During this phase, the driver is online and waiting for a ride request. Uber provides contingent liability coverage in case the driver’s personal insurance does not apply or is insufficient.
- $50,000 for injury per person.
- $100,000 for injury per accident.
- $25,000 for property damage per accident.
- En Route to Pick Up Passenger: Once the driver accepts a ride and is en route to pick up a passenger, Uber’s full commercial insurance kicks in. This includes the following.
- $1 million in third-party liability coverage.
- Comprehensive and collision coverage is available if the driver has this coverage on their personal policy. A $1,000 deductible applies to this.
- During the Ride: While the passenger is in the vehicle, Uber’s insurance coverage remains in full effect:
- $1 million in third-party liability coverage.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage to protect against accidents involving drivers who lack sufficient insurance.
- Comprehensive and collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible if the driver’s personal insurance includes these.
Liability in Uber Accidents
Determining liability in Uber accidents can be complex. Depending on the circumstances, liability may rest with the Uber driver, the rideshare company, or even third parties involved in the incident.
Understanding these nuances is critical for pursuing a successful claim.
What to Do After an Uber Accident
It is important to know how to handle the situation in order to protect yourself, your rights, and your potential claim. Let’s outline the steps you should take immediately following an Uber accident to ensure your safety and set up a strong case should legal action become necessary.
Immediate Steps
- Ensure Safety: The first priority is your safety. Check yourself and others in the vehicle for injuries. If anyone is seriously hurt, call emergency services right away.
- Move to a Safe Location: If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic to avoid further danger. Keep in mind that leaving the scene of an accident without exchanging information can lead to legal complications, so remain nearby if it’s safe to do so.
- Call the Authorities: Whether the accident is minor or serious, it’s essential to report it to the police. A police report is a crucial document that may be needed later to support your claim.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent. It’s important to see a doctor to document your physical condition, especially if you plan to file a claim later.
Gathering Evidence
To support your case, gather as much evidence as possible at the scene of the accident. This includes:
- Take Photos: Capture images of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Exchange Information: Obtain the contact and insurance details of all drivers involved in the accident, including your Uber driver. Don’t forget to record the Uber ride information from the app as well.
- Witness Statements: If there are any witnesses to the accident, get their contact details and ask if they would be willing to provide a statement.
- Document Everything: Keep track of all communications with Uber, law enforcement, and medical professionals. This documentation will be useful for your case later.
Contacting Hillstone Accident & Injury Lawyers
Once the initial steps have been taken, it’s important to seek legal advice to protect your interests. We specialize in handling Uber accident cases and can guide you through the complexities of insurance claims and potential legal action.
By contacting Hillstone Accident & Injury Lawyers, you ensure that your case is handled by experts who will fight for the compensation you deserve.
The Statute of Limitations for Uber Accident Claims
In California, the statute of limitations sets a strict time limit on how long you have to file a lawsuit after an Uber accident. For Uber accidents, as with other personal injury claims, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim.
If you fail to file within this window, you may lose your right to pursue compensation altogether.
However, certain factors can affect the statute of limitations:
- Claims against government entities: If your Uber accident involved a government vehicle or occurred on government property, the time frame to file may be shorter—typically six months from the date of the accident.
- Injuries discovered later: If your injuries were not immediately apparent, the statute of limitations might begin from the date your injury was diagnosed rather than the accident date.
Given these strict timelines, it’s crucial to act quickly. Delaying can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Hillstone Accident & Injury Lawyers can help you meet all deadlines and ensure your claim is filed on time.
How Hillstone Accident & Injury Lawyers Can Help
At Hillstone Accident & Injury Lawyers, we are committed to providing expert legal assistance to clients involved in accident and injury cases. With years of experience and a track record of success, our legal team focuses on delivering the best possible outcome for every case.
Here’s how we can help you navigate your rideshare accident or injury claim:
Expertise in Rideshare Cases
Rideshare accidents can be complex, with multiple parties involved, including drivers, companies, and insurance providers. Hillstone Accident & Injury Lawyers specializes in handling these unique cases, ensuring that our clients receive the compensation they deserve.
Our deep understanding of rideshare laws and insurance policies allows us to effectively negotiate with all parties involved and secure the best outcome for your case.
Dedicated Legal Team
Our team of dedicated accident and injury lawyers is here to support you throughout the legal process. From gathering evidence to negotiating settlements or taking your case to court, we work tirelessly to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
With a personalized approach, we treat each case with the attention it deserves, offering clear guidance at every step.
No Win No Fee Promise
At Hillstone Accident & Injury Lawyers, we believe everyone should have access to justice, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why we offer a no-win, no-fee guarantee. You won’t have to worry about upfront legal fees—if we don’t win your case, you won’t owe us a penny.
This ensures that our clients can pursue their claims with confidence and without financial risk.
Case Results
Our success speaks for itself. Hillstone Accident & Injury Lawyers has secured millions of dollars in compensation for our clients, helping them cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. We are proud of the results we’ve achieved, and we are committed to fighting for your best interests, just as we have for countless others.
Call Our Los Angeles Uber Accident Law Firm for Your Case
Navigating the aftermath of an Uber accident can be overwhelming. Hiring an experienced Uber accident lawyer is essential to ensuring you receive fair treatment and adequate compensation.
If you or someone you know has been involved in an Uber accident, contact Hillstone Accident & Injury Lawyers for a free consultation. Our team is ready to assist you in your time of need.
To learn more about your legal options and how Hillstone Accident & Injury Lawyers can help, call (310) 904-4444 or visit our website. Don’t wait—secure your rights and pursue the justice you deserve.
