Millions of us rely on Uber to get where we need to go. Most of us have safe experiences with Uber. However, some of us may become involved in a rideshare accident.
If you have been injured in an Uber accident, speaking with an attorney experienced in handling rideshare accident cases may be important. The Fresno Uber accident attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers handle rideshare accident claims and understand how to investigate an Uber accident to determine its cause and identify potentially liable parties.
We understand the laws surrounding Uber insurance coverage and the strategies insurance companies and defense attorneys may use to dispute or limit their liability.
With over 50 years of experience representing California accident victims, our Fresno personal injury lawyers have handled a wide range of injury claims.
Contact us at (559) 545-0730 or complete the short form on our contact page to schedule a free consultation. We look forward to meeting you, answering your questions, explaining your rights, and discussing your legal options.
Types of Rideshare Accidents We Handle
- Collisions between rideshare drivers and other vehicles
- Accidents involving rideshare passengers
- Pedestrian injuries caused by rideshare vehicles
- Multi-vehicle accidents involving rideshare companies
- Property damage claims against rideshare drivers
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents
- Distracted driving while using the rideshare app
- Fatigue from long driving hours
- Unsafe passenger pickup/dropoff
- Rushing to accept ride requests
- Unfamiliarity with Fresno roads
Steps After a Fresno Uber Accident
- Ensure safety and call 911
- Document everything with photos
- Get the rideshare driver’s information
- File a police report
- Seek medical attention
- Consider contacting an attorney
Required Documentation
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Insurance claim forms
- Rideshare app trip details
- Witness statements
- Property damage assessments
Fresno Car Accident and Rideshare Accident Data
Fresno has seen a concerning trend in car accident fatalities in recent years. According to California’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), the city averaged 60 traffic deaths annually from 2019 to 2023. In 2023, however, Fresno experienced a decrease in deadly crashes, with 41 reported fatalities, down from the previous five-year average.
While this decline is encouraging, research continues to examine the broader impact of ridesharing services on traffic safety. A study from the University of Chicago found that the introduction of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft may be associated with a 3% increase in traffic fatalities nationwide. This underscores the complex relationship between convenience and overall roadway safety.
What Damages are Recoverable in a Fresno Uber Accident?
The damages available in a Fresno Uber accident depend on the specific facts of your case. If an Uber driver is at fault, either the rideshare driver’s personal insurance or Uber’s insurance may provide coverage.
Whether Uber’s insurance applies and whether the policy limits are available depends on when the accident occurred. Uber recognizes four periods.
In period zero, the rideshare app is not open, and the driver is not taking ride requests. During this time, the driver’s personal insurance would provide coverage. California law requires minimum coverage for all drivers.
In period one, the app is open, but the driver has not yet been matched with a passenger. During this time, Uber’s liability insurance coverage applies, but the maximum coverage is limited.
In period two, the driver has been matched and is en route to pick up a passenger.
In period three, the passenger is in the vehicle until the ride ends. For periods two and three, Uber provides up to $1 million in coverage.
If another driver is at fault, that driver’s insurance policy may be recoverable in a Fresno Uber accident.
There are generally three types of damages that may be recoverable in a Fresno Uber accident.
Economic damages are more easily quantified and are often supported by documentation such as receipts, invoices, bills, and pay stubs to prove economic damages. They include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Current and future therapies
- Current and future lost wages
- Expenses for necessary modifications to your home or vehicle because of your injuries
- Other necessary expenses resulting from your injuries
- Property damages
Non-economic damages are harder to quantify because they are subjective. They include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional and mental anguish or distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Permanent disability
- Disfigurement and scarring
Both economic and non-economic damages are intended to compensate an injury victim for their losses resulting from the accident. Punitive damages, however, are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter future similar conduct.
Punitive damages, also known as exemplary damages, are rare and may only be awarded by a jury. To recover punitive damages in California, you must prove by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant’s actions or inactions were done with malice, fraud, or oppression.
Schedule a Free Consultation
If you have been injured in an Uber accident, we want to help. Contact the Fresno Uber accident attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers today for a free case review.
Our Fresno accident attorneys have represented California injury victims for over 50 years and handle a wide range of personal injury matters.
Call us at (559) 545-0730 or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation. We look forward to speaking with you about your legal options.
Insurance companies may attempt to reduce or dispute claims. Our accident lawyers can help you understand your rights after a rideshare accident.
Our Fresno Office
Jacoby & Meyers Accident & Injury Lawyers – Fresno
516 W Shaw Ave #200,
Fresno, CA 93704