If you choose to take an Uber to your destination, you trust your driver to get you there safely. Unfortunately, as with any driver on the road, Uber drivers can make mistakes – some of which can prove disastrous or even fatal.
At Jacoby & Meyers, we exclusively represent injured accident victims. For more than 50 years, we have fought for justice on behalf of clients who’ve been hurt in accidents due to the careless and reckless actions of other parties.
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare car accident with Uber in Sacramento, we can help you explore your options for securing financial compensation for your losses. Contact us for a free case review to learn more.
Why Clients Trust Jacoby & Meyers
- Our personal injury lawyers have been litigating Uber accident cases since the rideshare industry was created. We’ve been a trusted source of high-quality legal representation in California since 1972.
- We have secured more than $2 billion in settlements for our clients – the highest of any firm in California. One of our recent case results was $19 million secured in a case involving a rideshare passenger.
- Our team of experienced attorneys, case managers and assistants excels in the courtroom and beyond. We provide personalized legal services at no costs upfront; you will only be charged if your Uber accident lawyer wins your case.
When to Contact an Uber Accident Lawyer in Sacramento
Accidents involving rideshare vehicles have complex legal issues compared to standard car accident cases. While Uber may technically be responsible for paying for your losses, the company may try to avoid paying to protect its own profits. It does this by classifying its drivers as independent contractors rather than employees.
An experienced Uber accident attorney in Sacramento will know how to deal with the complexities of your case and fight for full financial compensation for your past and future losses. Starting with a comprehensive investigation and evidence collection, an attorney can build a strong injury claim on your behalf.
You can focus on healing from your injuries with greater peace of mind while your lawyer goes up against Uber’s legal team and insurance company in the fight for justice. Although most car accident cases reach settlements, an experienced litigator will have the ability to take your case to court, if necessary.
Common Causes of Uber Accidents in Sacramento
Determining the cause of your Uber accident is crucial since California operates under a fault-based car insurance system. This rule holds the person or party at fault for causing an automobile accident responsible for paying for a victim’s medical bills and property repairs.
Some of the top causes of Uber accidents in California include:
- Distracted driving, such as looking at a phone
- Working long hours and driving while drowsy
- Speeding and violating other traffic laws
- Dangerous, reckless or aggressive driving behaviors
- Running red lights or ignoring stop signs
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Failing to properly maintain the vehicle, leading to a breakdown
- Negligence by other drivers outside of the Uber
- Dangerous road conditions or defects
A car accident attorney in Sacramento can immediately go to work investigating your case to determine its cause. This may involve returning to the scene of the Uber accident, interviewing eyewitnesses and hiring experts to reconstruct the crash.
Steps to Take After an Uber Accident in Sacramento
Getting involved in an Uber accident can be overwhelming. Your first priority should always be your physical health and safety. Then, you can try to take steps that help you build a strong claim to damages. Here’s what to do:
- Check yourself for injuries and get medical attention right away.
- Call 911 to report the rideshare accident to the police if the Uber driver hasn’t already done so.
- Exit the vehicle when it is safe and get the names and contact information of other parties involved.
- Write down your police report number so that you can obtain a copy later.
- Take pictures while you are still at the scene of the Uber accident.
- Take a screenshot of the ride information in the Uber app.
- Contact Uber’s incident reporting line to report the accident. Do not admit fault.
- Keep copies of your medical records and other proof of your losses.
- File a claim with Uber’s insurance provider.
- Consult with an attorney for assistance negotiating a fair insurance settlement.
Unless you were a driver outside of the Uber vehicle, there is generally no need to report the crash to your own car insurance company. However, your car insurance may provide supplemental coverage during your claim, depending on the circumstances.
Liability for an Uber Accident in California
Uber, Lyft and other rideshare accident cases raise unique legal questions regarding liability, or legal and financial responsibility, as well as insurance coverage. Unlike a typical car accident case in Sacramento, an Uber accident will involve possible insurance coverage from more than just the other driver.
Uber offers up to $1 million in insurance coverage to injured accident victims. The amount of insurance available varies based on the phase of the ride:
- Period 0: the Uber driver is not logged into the app. The driver’s personal automobile insurance will apply, and Uber generally will not cover an accident.
- Period 1: the Uber driver was logged into the app and waiting for a ride request. Uber offers up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident in bodily injury insurance in this phase, plus $25,000 in property damage coverage.
- Periods 2 and 3: the Uber driver has accepted a ride and is en route to pick up the rider or has the rider in the vehicle. The full $1 million will apply to accidents caused by Uber drivers in these phases.
Uber’s insurance can be made available to injured rideshare passengers, other drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians in Sacramento. Determining fault for an Uber accident is crucial, as Uber will only cover damages caused by their drivers. If another driver caused your crash, that driver’s insurance would be the primary source of financial recovery, instead.
Request a Free Consultation With an Experienced Uber Accident Lawyer in Sacramento
If you’ve recently been involved in an Uber accident in Sacramento, you can benefit from legal guidance and advice from a trustworthy attorney at Jacoby & Meyers. We are experts in serious automotive accidents, including rideshare collisions. Our law firm is known for achieving settlements more than 10 times the initial insurance offer.
To discuss your Uber accident case in detail at no cost or pressure to hire us, call (916) 269-8918 or send us a message to request a free consultation.
Our local law office address is 1215 K St 17th Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814.
Call or text 888-522-6291 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form