Today, it is commonplace to use a phone app to hail a ride with Uber. The rideshare service has come to replace taxis in many areas. While some consumers see the Uber driver as simply another type of taxi service, there are significant differences. Drivers for ridesharing companies are contracted by the company and are not considered full-time employees.
If you are managing painful injuries due to a collision while on an Uber ride or were hit by an Uber driver, a Hayward Uber accident lawyer from Nadrich Accident Injury Lawyers can help. Like any car accident, you are entitled to collect compensation for your injuries. Our personal injury attorney can listen to your story, gather evidence, determine liability and file an insurance claim or lawsuit on your behalf.
Who Is Liable in a Rideshare Accident in California?
Your attorney can help you discover the liable party in a rideshare accident. In California, rideshare drivers have additional coverage levels, including medical and property damage coverage for riders. When you have an attorney to assist you with your claim, an investigator will recreate the accident and determine who was at fault.
Liability could be with the Uber driver, the other driver or their insurance providers, and the rideshare company could also be liable. If your driver did not have the required coverage, your attorney might include the rideshare company as a responsible party.
California Law and Three Stages of Uber Driver Accident Responsibility
The LA Times reported in 2014 that California Bill AB2293 was passed, requiring specific insurance coverage for rideshare drivers. This insurance bill requires insurance coverage for medical bills and property damage for Uber drivers, passengers and pedestrians hurt in a collision.
California has raised the standards for insurance coverage requirements for rideshare drivers like those who drive for Uber.
The extra coverage for rideshare insurance covers any gaps in the driver’s personal insurance policy. The law requires rideshare corporations like Uber to guarantee that all drivers have this additional coverage before picking up any customers. Uber sells insurance to its drivers through these types of insurance programs.
Three Stages of Responsibility
The additional coverage provided to the rideshare driver is not always in effect. If the rideshare driver is in an accident while off-duty, their personal insurance will cover the damages. Since the additional coverage is only during specific times, the state and insurance companies have defined three stages of different coverage levels.
ValuePenguin, a data resource company, explained the three levels and types of coverage needed.
- Stage 0: The driver is off duty.
- Stage 1: The rideshare app is on, and the driver is waiting on a call.
- Stage 2: The driver is picking up or dropping off customers.
- Stage 3: The car is en route with passengers to their destination.
During stage 0, only the driver’s personal insurance policy would apply. At the start of stage 1, California law requires minimum insurance coverage limits. This driver is required by law to have this additional coverage, whether purchased on their own or through the rideshare company.
Stages 2 and 3 are when the most insurance coverage is in effect. Rideshare companies must carry a minimum of $1 million in liability coverage.
What Are My Recoverable Damages in a Hayward Uber Accident Case?
Your recoverable damages include any amount needed to make you whole again. If you have suffered significant losses due to hospital bills or physical therapy, you can recoup these losses when you file a claim. In California, you can collect both economic and non-economic damages. Your recoverable damages will be a total of these two types.
Nadrich Accident Injury Lawyers
(510) 342-5780
Common Types of Economic Damages
- Medical bills
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation costs
- Travel to medical services
- Lost wages
Common Types of Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of society
- Mental anguish
- PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)
- Disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
I’m Out of Work; What does it Cost to Start My Claim?
Contingency fees are a simple payment agreement in which you agree to pay a percentage to the attorney in place of your fees. When you are injured due to negligence, your ability to have the funds available to immediately cover attorney costs should not limit your path to justice. We want you to receive the compensation you deserve. So, at Nadrich Accident Injury Lawyers, you pay us only after we have obtained a settlement or court award for you.
Free Consultation
Take advantage of our complimentary case consultation. There is no obligation to have someone review your claim. During your consultation, we will examine what happened and explain the value of your case. You can ask questions about procedures, costs, or anything you can think of that helps your claim. If your injuries are severe, let us know. We can come to you.
What Our Previous Clients Say About Working With Us
When considering which firm to work with on your Uber accident claim, checking out the reviews from previous clients can give you good insight. You can see some of our 5-star Google reviews for yourself:
- “Personal injury lawyers that care. They made sure that I had everything I needed to get better and move on with my life after my injury.” – Norm T.
- “I had two personal injury attorneys working on my case and they both helped me understand what was going on with my case the entire time.” – M. Shaw
Our team is dedicated to giving every client the respect and consideration they deserve. We are passionate advocates for our injured clients and will fight for the compensation you need to move forward.
Who Should I Contact If I’ve Been in an Uber Accident in Hayward?
If you have been hurt or are managing severe injuries due to an Uber accident, reach out to the offices of Nadrich Accident Injury Lawyers. Our attorneys serving Hayward are ready to assist you. You do not have to go through this legal battle alone; talk to our team for guidance. You deserve to be compensated for your losses and injuries.
The sooner you call, the sooner our Uber accident lawyer can get started on your case. California has a two-year time limit called the statute of limitations, and you will need to file your lawsuit within that time. We can help you through the legal process and ensure you meet all state deadlines in the filing. Call today! We want to get you back to your life.