Uber Accidents in Santa Ana

Uber is a network transportation company that is extremely popular in Santa Ana and around the world. Most people know what Uber is but they do not know what to do after being involved in a crash – either as a passenger or as another motorist. The process for recovering damages after a collision is quite different from an accident with other motorists, as a respected car accident attorney could explain.

A skilled legal professional could answer questions and help you through the process of filing a claim. If you were involved in an Uber accident in Santa Ana, reach out to a lawyer right away to set up a time for a consultation.

Filing a Claim After an Uber Accident

After the crash occurs, anyone who sustained injuries has the legal right to file a claim for damages. The injured party may need to file a claim with multiple insurance agencies, depending on what part of the Uber trip they were involved in and if the driver had their app turned on. This process can get incredibly complex but a skilled legal professional could help walk someone through the process to ensure they cover all bases.

When the Uber Driver is Offline

If the driver has not opened the Uber app to log on, their personal insurance covers the accident, not the company’s insurance.

If the Uber Driver is Currently Active on the Application

If the driver is currently active on the app but has not accepted the ride, Uber insurance coverage is $50,000 for bodily harm with a max of $100,000 and $30,000 for property damages. If these amounts do not cover injuries and damages, they could file a claim with the driver’s insurance policy for the remaining amount.

When the Driver Accepts a Ride or Passenger is Inside the Vehicle

If the driver has accepted the ride or picked up the passenger, the Uber policy will provide $1 million in coverage for injuries and property damages. They also provide an additional $1 million for underinsured or underinsured motorists.

Collecting Compensation After the Collision

After successfully proving fault in this type of collision, a court may award damages for the following:

  • Current and future medical bills
  • The loss of income
  • Future lost earnings and wages
  • Permanent disability or disfigurement
  • Pain, suffering, and mental anguish
  • The loss of enjoyment and an everyday life

As with any car crash or personal injury, the award amount will depend on damages and losses. A lawyer skilled with Uber crashes in Santa Ana could help a plaintiff collect evidence to prove damages and calculate the total losses.

The Insurance Company‘s Offer

It is never a good idea to speak and negotiate directly with insurance companies after an Uber accident because the representative is often looking to get the injured party to take some or all responsibility for their injuries. They will also typically offer low payout amounts since the insurance companies’ goal is to close the claim with the lowest payout possible. A lawyer could handle the communications and negotiations on the plaintiff’s behalf.

Deadline to File a Claim

To file a claim against the driver in California, there is a critical timeline to keep in mind, known as the statute of limitations. Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, the plaintiff has two years to file a compensation claim. A lawyer who is knowledgeable in Santa Ana Uber collisions could answer questions on this code and help ensure that the person files the claim before the statute expires.

Schedule a Meeting With a Santa Ana Attorney After an Uber Accident

Many factors are involved with filing legal claims, not the least of which is interacting with insurance companies. It is always a good idea to reach out to a skilled professional right away to ensure you obtain the maximum payout for damages possible. A lawyer who takes on cases of Uber accidents in Santa Ana could handle negotiations and help you through this difficult process. Reach out to one today.