Over the last two decades, rideshare companies have become popular in Oakland and worldwide. Uber is reportedly now worth more than $165 billion.
Some studies show that customers using these companies reduce the number of impaired drivers on the road, leading to fewer vehicle crashes.
However, you could still be injured in an Uber accident. There are generally four types of possible injury victims in an Uber accident.
You could be an Uber passenger, the driver or passenger of another vehicle involved in the accident, a pedestrian struck by an Uber, or the Uber driver.
Insurance liability coverage differs greatly depending on whether the Uber driver was logged into the Uber app, logged in but had no passengers, or logged in and either had a passenger or was en route to pick up a passenger.
Additionally, since most Uber drivers are classified as independent contractors, it can be more challenging to hold Uber responsible for the negligence or recklessness of an Uber driver.
Uber accident claims can be complicated. You must have the representation of an experienced Oakland Uber accident attorney to protect your rights and hold all potentially liable parties responsible.
Our attorneys have over 50 years of experience protecting California accident victims and a proven track record of winning big for our clients.
The Oakland Uber accident attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers thoroughly investigate your accident and the parties involved to identify all potentially liable parties. We work hard to build your strongest case so you get the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
Call us at (510) 616-9169 or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. We will listen to you, answer your questions, explain your rights, and help you get the justice you deserve.
Common Causes of Oakland Uber Accidents
Uber accidents can have numerous causes, like most car accidents. However, some of the most common causes of Uber accidents in the Oakland area include:
- Uber driver error. Uber drivers do not receive any additional training before they are allowed to transport passengers, so they are just as likely as any other driver to be negligent or reckless, such as texting while driving or driving under the influence.
- Another driver’s error. A third-party driver may also be responsible for an Oakland Uber accident by causing the collision.
- Defective or improperly maintained equipment. Uber does not inspect or ensure the safety of their drivers’ vehicles. If the car has defective equipment or has not been maintained by the driver, an accident is more likely.
- Road conditions. The city and state governments may be responsible for accidents caused by poorly designed intersections or poorly maintained roads.
Determining liability can be challenging. However, an experienced Oakland Uber accident attorney knows how to identify the causes of your accident and can help ensure all responsible parties are held liable for your damages.
The vehicle accident attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers have a proven track record of securing maximum client compensation and want to do the same for you.
Three Periods Of An Oakland Uber Accident Claim
Uber uses three periods of time to determine eligibility for insurance coverage. The coverage for these three periods is mandated by California law.
Whether you receive coverage or how much you can receive depends on when the accident happened. The three Uber periods to know are:
- Period One. This period begins when the driver has their app on but does not yet have a passenger or a ride request. They are waiting to receive a request via the app. During this period, drivers have limited liability coverage of $50,000 per injury/$100,000 total/$30,000 property damage.
- Period Two. Period two begins when the driver receives a request and begins their route to pick up a passenger. Uber provides up to $1 million of primary commercial insurance coverage during this period.
- Period Three. Period three begins as soon as the passenger enters the Uber vehicle and ends when the passenger exits the car. The coverage in period three is usually the same as in period two.
If an Uber driver is logged out of the app, Uber insurance will not cover the accident. Instead, the driver’s insurance would apply. All California Uber drivers must carry the minimum state requirements of at least $15,000 for bodily injury/$30,000 per accident/$5,000 in property damage liability coverage.
When a driver is in Period Two, Uber may try to limit liability by arguing that the driver was still in Period One. Having as much proof as possible that the driver was in Period Two is essential.
Experienced Uber accident attorneys know how to thoroughly investigate an accident and collect as much evidence as possible to support your claim.
Steps to Take After an Oakland Uber Accident
After an accident, you are likely to be frightened and a bit disoriented. However, if you are able, there are a few actions that can help protect your health and your right to bring a claim.
Some helpful steps to take after an Uber accident include:
- Call 911 or the local police department to report the accident. Be sure to get a copy of the official police report.
- Get medical attention even if you don’t think your injuries are serious. Many injuries are not immediately apparent but can cause life-long pain and mobility issues.
- Report the accident to Uber through the app. You want the company to know about the accident as soon as possible.
- Take photographs and video footage of the accident scene and anything you think may be relevant, such as stop signs, traffic signals, or the condition of the road.
- Collect the Uber driver’s and all other parties’ names and contact information, as well as their make, model, and license plate numbers.
- Collect the contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions and keep all appointments for treatments or therapy.
- Contact an experienced Oakland Uber accident attorney as soon as possible.
You should also follow all instructions your Uber accident attorney gives you to help protect your claim.
Contact an Oakland Uber Accident Attorney
Uber accidents can quickly become complicated. If you have been injured in an accident involving an Uber driver, you need the guidance and representation of an experienced Oakland Uber accident attorney.
The Jacoby & Meyers accident attorneys have been recovering maximum compensation for their clients for over 50 years. We deeply understand the laws related to rideshare accidents and know how to build your strongest case.
Contact us at (510) 616-9169 or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation. We look forward to meeting you and helping you get the justice and total compensation you deserve.
Call or text 888-522-6291 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form