Oxnard Uber Accident Lawyer
With over 15 million riders each day for the past several years, the rideshare service known as Uber is a household name around the world. Though widely regarded as a safe service that strongly supports safe driving habits on its website, not everyone takes their advice to heart. If an Uber accident occurs, you may be traumatized by what has happened; you may also be dealing with added confusion regarding who is to blame, whose insurance will cover your damages, and how to proceed. This is understandable – you may be dealing with Uber, your rideshare driver, and other motorists involved in the accident, not to mention their respective auto insurance companies!
The experienced Oxnard Uber accident lawyers at Walch Law know how to handle what could potentially be a complicated lawsuit and how to deal with difficult insurance companies. We are here to help answer questions and fight for you to get the maximum possible compensation for your injuries. Call today to get started and let us show you how we can get the money you deserve as quickly as possible.
Oxnard Uber Accident RisksOxnard is located beside the massive 101 freeway in Ventura County, is a short drive to Los Angeles, and is conveniently located near bars, office buildings, shops, restaurants, and other recreational destinations. It’s no surprise that residents take advantage of Uber as a hassle-free solution to spending large amounts of time looking for limited parking spots, a responsible way to get around, and a pleasant alternative to inefficient public transportation.
However, these extra vehicles in the area add to the risk you’ll be involved in an accident. Uber publicly disclosed it had 58 fatal crashes over the course of a year and an untold number of other injuries sustained in accidents. However, Uber’s prominence on Oxnard area roads is likely to have added to the 1,598 reported injuries and deaths the city reported from car accidents in 2017.
Does Uber Have to Pay for My Injuries?Uber requires that all its rideshare drivers keep a current personal auto insurance policy; they also insure all Uber drivers during the time they are classified as “on the job.” Depending on the at-fault party and when the accident occurred, you may be paid for damages by different insurers at different coverage amounts.
Off-Duty Drivers
If a driver isn’t logged into the app and available for hire as a rideshare driver; Uber’s insurance is not active and will not cover damages. The rideshare driver or other at-fault driver’s own auto insurance policy must cover at-fault actions up to their policy limits.
A Driver Has Logged on and is Available but Not Accepted a Ride Request
Here, Uber’s insurance policy kicks in and may pay out in amounts up to:
- $50,000 bodily injury coverage per person
- $100,000 liability for total injuries per crash, and
- $25,000 property damage.
Though Uber’s insurance covers others, the driver must use their own insurance to cover personal vehicle damage or their own injuries.
The Driver Accepted a Ride Request and Heading to Get Their Passenger
In this case, Uber’s insurance may cover an increased coverage amount of up to $1 million for resulting bodily injury or accident liability.
The Driver Picked Up Their Passenger and is En Route to the Destination
Uber’s policy with elevated coverage will cover up to:
- $1 million total liability
- $1 million bodily injuries
- Their rideshare driver’s vehicle damages – if the driver carries either comprehensive or collision coverage on their personal insurance policy.
The driver also receives uninsured motorist coverage from Uber if they are driving a passenger to their final destination when the accident occurs.
What To DoThere are a few important things to do after an Uber accident to gather important evidence, help determine who is at-fault, look after your health, and help your future legal claims.
- If anyone is hurt or property is damaged, call 911. Notify law enforcement as well and give information to responding officers that can help them complete an accident report.
- Contact your insurer but decline to give a recorded statement
- Whether you believe you were injured or not, seek medical treatment right away. Some serious injuries such as brain injuries can present injuries several days after they occur but be deadly if not properly treated.
- If possible photograph the vehicles and accident scene.
- Get names and contact information for all drivers, passengers, witnesses, and responding officers.
- Get the license and insurance information from the Uber driver.
- Get important documents related to your injuries such as medical bills, car repair bills, and paystubs showing lost wages.
It’s also important you avoid doing things such as admitting fault, apologizing, commenting on social media about the accident or your injuries, and giving recorded statements. These may be used against you to devalue your claim and derail your case.
Get StartedRideshare accidents can cause physical, emotional, and financial damage that change your life in a split second; they can also add unnecessary stress and confusion to your life. The skilled Oxnard Uber accident lawyers at Walch Law understand your situation, which is why we’ll begin fighting for you as soon as we’re hired. We know that money and closure can help get your life back on track, so we’ll work hard to get results quickly. Robert and Gary have spent more than 45 years producing over 95+% successful results for our clients, so call today take the first step towards the recovery you deserve.