Uber is a ridesharing service that offers to link passengers with a network of drivers whom it claims are independent contractors. Initially, the state of California did not regulate ridesharing but, each year, a number of passengers were injured while riding an Uber in Orange County.
Since Uber did not screen potential drivers before employing them, being an Uber driver was quite easy. To deter Uber's slack recruiting practices and to help protect the riding public, lawmakers enacted legislation in 2015 mandating Uber and other rideshare companies to require certain things of drivers.
In the case of Uber, drivers must pass what the company calls an Uber Background Check. This is conducted by a third party under the direction of Uber. Among other things, a driver must possess a clean driving record, proper license, undergo a criminal background check, abstain from drug and alcohol use, and carry accident insurance. Despite this third party distancing, liability for driver problems would still run to Uber,
If you or a loved one has been injured in an Uber accident, you may be entitled to damages. Contact an Orange County Uber accident lawyer at Barrios & Machado to find out how we can help you get the most out of your compensation. For a free consultation with our Orange County personal injury attorneys, please call (714) 515-9696.
Causes of Accidents Involving Uber in Orange County, California
Do you know that 90% of fatal accidents involving Uber happened in city areas?
Orange County, the third-most populated county in California, has a very high population density and a markedly metropolitan ambiance. It's large enough that many people require a vehicle (or Uber) to get about, yet it's crowded enough that the roads are always unsafe.
Like any auto accident, Uber car accidents can be caused by a variety of causes. In Orange County, some of the most frequent reasons for traffic incidents and collisions involving Uber include:
- distracted driving
- driving too fast or recklessly
- inappropriate turning, improper merging, or other actions
- disregard for traffic lights or road signage
- driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- cell phone use while driving
- aggressive or fatigued driving
- inclement weather
- poor road conditions
- vehicle problems
Common Uber Accident Injuries in Orange County
Injuries frequently happen in vehicle accidents, whether they involve a car, truck, bus, or an Uber.
Following an Uber accident, common injuries sustained by victims include:
- wrongful death
- traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- spinal cord damage
- damage to internal organs
- head, neck, and back injuries
- fractured and broken bones
- sprained joints or ligaments
- cuts or burns
- loss of one or more limbs
- paralysis
What Should You Do Following an Uber Accident?
After being involved in an Uber accident, shock is common. Don't leave the situation hastily even if you have someplace else to be. Use the same caution you would typically use if you were a passenger in a car accident.
While you're still on the site of an Uber accident, you should do the following actions:
- Make a police call.
- Record everything at the accident scene, including any property damage, driver's licenses, license plates, and insurance cards, in pictures and videos.
- Ask witnesses questions and get their contact details.
- Note your Uber driver's name and contact details.
- Take a screen capture of your Uber receipt.
- Get medical help as soon as you can. After an accident, visit an urgent care center or emergency room to be examined.
- Prior to speaking with a lawyer, do not discuss your issue with any insurance or ride-sharing businesses.
When you contact an insurance agent or an Uber staff member, they will ask you questions that might get you into trouble. Their inquiries are meant to catch you in a trap where you unintentionally accept blame or downplay the injuries you are experiencing. To prepare for how to respond to these inquiries, it is crucial to speak with a lawyer first.
Do Not Ignore Your Injuries
Remember to see a doctor regardless of how minor you believe your injury to be or even if you don't suspect you have been hurt at all.
It may be hard to feel or identify some injuries right away after your accident. Your body may be in shock and pumped up on adrenaline, which dulls the pain that can occur later. These forms of injuries may lead to major problems later on.
Uber vehicle accident victims should see a doctor as quickly as possible after the crash, ideally within 24 hours, to have a thorough checkup and ensure any injuries are treated.
What Compensation is Available Following an Uber Accident?
California law enables victims hurt in Uber accidents to sue irresponsible drivers for compensatory damages, financial settlements and awards.
Two categories of compensatory damages exist:
- Economic damages include compensation for verifiable out-of-pocket costs as well as monetary losses for the medical treatment you had, medical care you will likely need in the future, lost income, and lost earning potential.
- Non-economic damages cover your physical suffering, nervousness, sadness, anxiety, fear, shock, indignity, shame, apprehension, panic, ordeal, as well as other emotional and psychological suffering.
In situations involving severe or catastrophic injuries, California does not have any restrictions on the quantity of compensatory damages you are entitled to receive, making it possible to recover extremely substantial sums of money.
Why You Should Contact an Orange County Uber Accident Lawyer
It is common for the Uber driver, Uber (and its insurance companies), a third-party driver, the other driver's insurance company, and in some circumstances, even the driver's own personal insurance company to be parties to an Uber lawsuit. Dealing with several insurance providers and defendants is a difficult undertaking, particularly for a civilian. What’s more, Uber is represented by a group of attorneys which makes matters more complicated.
Contact us
Due to our familiarity with ridesharing injuries, we at Barrios & Machado protect the interests of Uber users who have been injured through negligent driving. Our lawyers will put out a lot of effort to make sure you obtain a just settlement. Call our Orange County accident lawyers at (714) 515-9696 to explore your options and for a no-cost consultation if you or a loved one was injured in an Uber vehicle.
