Orange County Uber Accident Attorney

Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare vehicle accidents can cause serious and fatal injuries. Broken bones, lacerations, burns, internal damage, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injuries are all common outcomes of Uber vehicle crashes. Victims might never be able to return to their pre-accident physical or mental conditions after a rideshare accident. As Orange County Uber accident lawyers, it’s our mission to get these victims the compensation we believe they deserve.

If you or someone you love have suffered injuries in an Uber accident, the Orange County injury lawyers from DiMarco | Araujo | Montevideo in California can help. We handle personal injury and wrongful death claims throughout Southern California, offering experienced lawyers for Uber and rideshare cases. We will only charge fees for our services if we win. Our lawyers are available 24/7 to talk about your crash, injuries, and options. Call (714) 783-2205 or contact us online today.

Why Choose DiMarco | Araujo | Montevideo for Help?

• Expertise in rideshare accident cases. At DiMarco | Araujo | Montevideo, our car accident lawyers understand rideshare services and how complex the cases can be. We have successfully recovered compensation on behalf of injury victims after Uber accidents.
• No upfront legal fees. Our team handles Orange County Uber crash claims on a contingency fee basis, which means clients never worry about legal fees or attorney costs until after we successfully recover the compensation they need.
• We come to you. If you cannot make it to us, don’t worry. We can come to you at the hospital, at your home, or in a rehabilitation center.

About Orange County Uber Accidents

Uber drivers are just like anyone else. They can make bad decisions behind the wheel – especially if they’re using their phones and the Uber app while driving. The fact that Uber requires drivers to use the app while driving shows how much the company prioritizes roadway safety. Drivers have a short amount of time to receive, read, and accept a ride request (by tapping on the phone) before they lose the opportunity. The involvement of cell phones in Uber’s business plan has contributed to numerous collisions around the country in the last several years.

Fatigue is another significant factor. Many Uber drivers work long hours or drive during late-night shifts to maximize their earnings, increasing the risk of drowsy driving. This is particularly dangerous because fatigue can impair reaction times and decision-making abilities.

Unfamiliarity with local roads and traffic patterns can contribute to accidents. Uber drivers often travel to areas they do not know well, leading to sudden stops, missed turns, and erratic driving behaviors.

High traffic volume in busy areas like downtown Anaheim or popular tourist spots can increase the likelihood of accidents. Heavy traffic conditions create more opportunities for collisions, especially during peak hours or special events. Understanding these common causes can help identify liability and seek appropriate compensation after an Uber accident.

If an Uber driver harms you through negligent driving, you have rights as a rideshare passenger or third party. You might be eligible for coverage under Uber’s insurance policy if the driver was logged into the app at the time of the incident.

Common Injuries Associated With Uber Accident Claims

Uber accidents can result in a variety of injuries (often more than one caused by the crash), some of which can have long-term or even permanent effects on victims. Understanding the common types of injuries can help you recognize the seriousness of your situation and the necessity for proper medical and legal assistance.

• Whiplash and neck injuries. These are some of the most common injuries resulting from car accidents, including those involving Uber vehicles. The sudden impact can cause the neck to jerk violently, leading to whiplash and other cervical injuries.
• Head and brain injuries. Concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and other head injuries can occur when passengers hit their heads against the interior of the vehicle. These injuries can have severe and long-lasting impacts on cognitive and physical functions.
• Spinal cord injuries. Damage to the spinal column can result in partial or complete paralysis. These injuries typically require major medical treatment and long-term care.
• Broken bones. The force of a collision can lead to bone fractures in the body, including to the arms, legs, ribs, pelvis, and more.
• Soft tissue injuries. Torn ligaments, tendons, and muscles are common in car accidents and can cause significant pain and mobility issues.
• Internal injuries. Damage to internal organs can be life-threatening and may not be immediately apparent after an accident.
• Psychological trauma. Car accidents can also lead to emotional and psychological injuries, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), lasting fear and anxiety, depression, and more.

Understanding Uber’s Insurance “Periods”

Uber’s insurance coverage varies depending on what the driver was doing at the time of the accident. Understanding these “periods” is crucial for determining which insurance policy applies to your claim.

• Period 1: App on, no passenger. When the Uber app is on, but the driver has not yet accepted a ride request, Uber provides limited liability coverage. The rideshare company’s coverage includes $50,000 per person for bodily injuries that occur in the incident and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury. Additionally, they provide $25,000 for property damage.
• Period 2: On the way to pick up a passenger. Once the driver has accepted a fare request and is on the way to pick up a passenger, Uber’s insurance coverage increases significantly. This includes at least $1 million in third-party liability coverage.
• Period 3: Passenger in the car. When a passenger is in the Uber vehicle, the same $1 million liability coverage applies, along with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and contingent comprehensive and collision coverage.

How Uber Shields Itself From Liability

Uber employs several strategies to minimize its liability in the event of an accident. One key tactic is classifying its drivers as independent contractors rather than employees, which limits Uber’s liability for the actions of its drivers. Additionally, Uber’s layered insurance policies can be confusing, making it difficult for accident victims to determine which coverage applies to their situation. 

Another strategy involves including arbitration clauses in Uber’s terms of service, which require disputes to be resolved through arbitration rather than in court. This approach can restrict a victim’s ability to pursue full compensation by limiting their legal recourse options. Understanding these tactics is crucial for effectively navigating an Uber accident claim and ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Why You Need an Orange County Uber Accident Lawyer

Don’t try to negotiate an Orange County Uber accident claim on your own. Oftentimes, negligent and careless Uber drivers cause these wrecks. If this is the case, you might qualify for a higher compensation award through a personal injury claim against the individual driver and/or rideshare company than an insurance settlement. It is worthwhile to explore your case and legal options with our Uber accident attorneys in Orange County during a free consultation. You may discover your case is worth much more than Uber’s insurance agents initially told you.

DiMarco | Araujo | Montevideo can fight for maximum damage recovery after an Orange County Uber accident. We can assess your damages, calculate your losses, and negotiate your claim in a way that secures top compensation. We can find out what insurance phase the Uber driver was in at the time of your wreck to make sure you’ll have enough insurance coverage. We can also take your case to trial if that’s the best strategy for maximum recovery.

Trust us with your claim and experience the difference hard-working Uber accident attorneys make. Clients count on us for trustworthy legal advice, peace of mind, and step-by-step legal representation after the worst and most confusing car accidents. Contact us and request a free case evaluation if you’ve been injured in an Orange County Uber accident.