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 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 pursue claims arising from 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
The Oakland car accident attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers investigate vehicle collisions to identify potentially liable parties and preserve evidence. We focus on preparing a case based on documented facts to pursue the recovery available under California law..
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 explain your legal options.
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 specialized training before they are allowed to transport passengers, so they may engage in negligent behavior, 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.
- Defective or improperly maintained equipment. Uber does not directly inspect drivers’ vehicles. If a vehicle has defective equipment or has not been properly maintained, it may contribute to an accident
- Road conditions. The city or state governments may bear responsibility for situations involving poorly designed intersections or inadequately maintained roads.
Determining liability can be challenging. An experienced Oakland Uber accident attorney can investigate the circumstances of your accident and help identify responsible parties.
The vehicle accident attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers represent clients in personal injury claims arising from collisions involving rideshare platforms and other motor vehicles. We focus on identifying liable parties and documenting the full extent of damages to pursue a recovery available under California law.
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 coverage applies, and the amount available, depends on when the accident occurred. 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 generally 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 generally similar to Period Two.
If an Uber driver is logged out of the app, Uber insurance will not cover the accident. Instead, the driver’s personal insurance would typically apply. California Uber drivers must carry the minimum state liability coverage of at least $30,000 for bodily injury or death to one person, $60,000 for injury or death to more than one person, and $15,000 in property damage liability coverage.
When a driver is in Period Two, disputes may arise regarding which coverage period applies. Documentation regarding the driver’s app status can be important.
Experienced Uber accident attorneys know how to thoroughly investigate an accident and collect as much evidence as possible to support their client’s position regarding liability and coverage.
Steps to Take After an Oakland Uber Accident
After an accident, you may feel frightened or disoriented. If you are able, some actions may 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, and request a copy of the official police report.
- Seek medical attention even if you don’t think your injuries are serious. Many injuries are not immediately apparent but can cause lasting pain and mobility issues.
- Report the accident to Uber through the app. You want the company to learn about the accident as soon as possible.
- Take photographs or video footage of the accident scene and anything from the surrounding area that you think may be relevant, such as stop signs, traffic signals, or the condition of the road.
- If you are able, collect the Uber driver’s and other parties’ names and contact information, as well as their make, model, and license plate numbers.
- Obtain contact information from any witnesses.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions and attend all recommended appointments.
- Consider speaking with an Oakland Uber accident attorney to understand your legal options.
You should also follow any guidance provided by your attorney regarding 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, an experienced Oakland Uber accident attorney can review your situation and explain your legal options.
The attorneys Jacoby & Meyers have been representing clients in California accident cases for over 50 years. We understand the laws related to rideshare accidents and can help navigate complex insurance and liability issues.
Contact us at (510) 616-9169 or visit our contact page to schedule a free initial consultation.
Our Oakland Office
Jacoby & Meyers Accident & Injury Lawyers – Oakland
66 Franklin St Suite 300,
Oakland, CA 94607