You should be able to trust that your safety and well-being are your Uber driver’s top priorities. Unfortunately, since Uber drivers are not required to complete any specialized driver training, nearly anyone with a virtually clean driving history may be able to sign on as an Uber driver. This means more and more Uber drivers with minimal training or experience are out on the Huntington Beach roadways.
If you suffer catastrophic injuries in a collision while traveling as a passenger in an Uber or are hit by an Uber while driving your own vehicle, you may have the right to compensation for your losses. The claim process can be intimidating, but you do not have to challenge the liable party on your own. With the legal support of an in-demand Huntington Beach Uber accident lawyer from Text Kevin Accident Attorneys, you can access the resources that are rightfully yours. Contact our office to request a free consultation today and find out how much you could win if your claim is successful.
Huntington Beach Uber Accident Statistics
The California Office of Traffic Safety OTS Crash Rankings Results from 2021 are alarming at best. There were 924 total collisions involving injury or death, 112 of which involved alcohol. There were also 70 motorcycle accidents, 146 bicycle accidents, and 118 speeding-related accidents that year.
Which Roads and Intersections in Huntington Beach Are the Most Dangerous?
These are some of the most dangerous roads and intersections in Huntington Beach, so drive carefully:
- Gothard and Heil
- Ellis and Newland
- Edinger Avenue and Beach Boulevard
- Adams and Bushard
- Magnolia and Yorktown
What Should I Do After an Uber Accident in Huntington Beach?
Build the strongest case against the liable party from the start by following these tips:
- Call emergency responders
- Document the accident scene
- Get a medical evaluation
- Notify the liable party’s insurance policy
- Get help from a skilled Uber accident lawyer in Huntington Beach
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Uber Accident Injuries
Here are some of the most common injuries seen in Uber accidents:
- Whiplash
- Neck Injuries
- Concussions
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Broken Bones
- Fractures
- Spinal Cord Injuries
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Uber Accident Lawyer?
You do not need a payment plan when you work with an Uber accident attorney from Text Kevin Accident Attorneys. Instead, you hire a lawyer on contingency. Payment for our attorney’s fees is contingent upon us winning you compensation for your damages. After reviewing the specific details of your case, we will have a better idea of how much we will need to charge for our services.
If your case is fairly straightforward, we may only require 20% of whatever you are awarded. However, the more complex your case is, the more you can expect to pay for our legal fees. Since we work on contingency in accordance with Rule 1.5 Fees for Legal Services by the State Bar of California, attorney’s fees will never exceed 40%. You will know exactly how much will come out of your settlement before we move forward with your investigation.
When looking for the right Uber accident attorney in Huntington Beach to take on your case, make sure you select a law firm that has extensive experience handling Uber accident claims. Since there are many intricacies to Uber accident lawsuits, it will benefit you to have a specialized legal advocate in your corner as you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Can I Recover Compensation if I Share Some of the Blame for a Uber Accident in Huntington Beach?
Yes, since CA follows pure comparative negligence laws. Your percentage of blame will come out of your settlement. You should be reimbursed for every single loss you experienced as a result of your Uber accident. The exact amount of money you will get will vary widely depending on the extent of your medical bills and lost wages, how profoundly your life has been affected by the accident, and whether punitive damages will be awarded in your case.
If you receive a punitive damages award under California Civil Code Section 3294, it will be because the Huntington Beach civil courts found it appropriate to punish the defendant for their egregiousness or wanton disregard for your safety or well-being. You can find out what your damages are worth and whether punitive damages could be issued in your case when you go over your losses at length with your Uber accident attorney.
How Uber Accidents Happen in Huntington Beach
Your Huntington Beach Uber accident attorney from Text Kevin Accident Attorneys will need to thoroughly investigate the cause of your collision. This will help us not only determine who is at fault but also how we should approach your car accident and insurance claims. It is not unusual for Uber accidents to be caused by reckless Uber drivers. They may be:
- Distracted
- Drunk
- Drowsy
- Under the influence of drugs
- Aggressive
- Speeding
However, Uber accident injuries can also happen when the Uber driver’s car malfunctions in some way or road conditions prevent the Uber driver from being able to get you to your intended destination safely.
Do not be afraid to take legal action against multiple parties. When Uber accidents occur, it is common for Uber drivers, Uber, and even third parties to be sued. You do not need to choose just one. Anyone and everyone who shares liability for your damages can be held accountable. In fact, you have a better chance of maximizing your compensation if multiple parties can share responsibility for covering your costs.
How Huntington Beach Uber Accident Settlements Work
Uber accident claims are different from traditional motor vehicle accident cases. In a regular car accident case, you might sue the driver who hit you, file a claim against their insurance policy, or take legal action against parts manufacturers or the California Department of Transportation for failing to maintain safe roadways.
While these factors may still apply in your Uber accident case, you will also need to contend with Uber and its insurance. Getting Uber’s insurance to cover your damages or filing a lawsuit against Uber itself may be one of the most difficult elements of your personal injury case.
When Uber Pays
Uber protects its drivers with auto insurance coverage. Despite the fact that liability insurance through Uber can be up to $1 million, it is only active during specific times, including:
- When the Uber driver is logged into the Uber app
- When the Uber driver is waiting to pick up a rider
- When the Uber driver is transporting their rider
When the Uber Driver Pays
If the collision occurs when Uber’s insurance policy is not active, the driver will be just like any other motorist on the roadway. According to the California Department of Insurance, all California motorists are required to carry auto insurance coverage. If the Uber driver has personal insurance coverage, you may still be able to file a claim against their policy.
If they are not insured or their insurance does not fully cover your damages, we may need to consider filing a personal injury lawsuit against the Uber driver in Huntington Beach civil courts.
Insurance companies make money by paying out as little as possible on claims. Expect the insurance company to fight back after you file a claim. Be wary of bad faith insurance tactics like delaying the processing of your claim, misrepresenting the policyholder’s policy terms, refusing to investigate your claim, or tricking you into settling for less than you deserve.
Huntington Beach Uber Accident FAQs
Uber accident lawsuits in Huntington Beach must generally be filed within two years of the collision date. According to California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, injury victims have up to two years to initiate the claims process, and failure to do so could prohibit them from having their Uber accident lawsuit heard at trial. Although two years may seem like plenty of time to file a claim, the truth is that your Huntington Beach car accident lawyer will need as much time as possible to build a powerful case against the at-fault party.
If you wait too long to get started, we may not have enough time to build the strongest case possible. Furthermore, evidence that may have been key to establishing liability in your case could be lost if we do not act quickly enough. For example, if your Uber accident happened at the intersection of Adams and Bushard or Heil and Gothard, you may have the right to access traffic cam footage of the wreck that clearly establishes the defendant’s liability for your damages.
There are also situations in which you may have additional time to file your claim if the statute of limitations has been tolled. When this happens, the statute of limitations countdown temporarily pauses. This often happens when minor children are injured or Uber accident victims are not diagnosed with injuries related to the crash until after the accident date. If you believe the statute of limitations may have been paused in your case but are unsure of how much longer you have to file your claim, do not hesitate to contact a Huntington Beach Uber accident attorney at our firm for answers.
Comparative negligence is a legal doctrine used in California to handle claims where the injury victim is partially at fault for the accident. According to California Civil Code 1714, if an accident victim is partially at fault for the collision, they will no longer be entitled to the full value of their settlement. Instead, their percentage of liability will be taken out of their payout.
For instance, if you accelerated as you went through a yellow light but were hit by a distracted Uber driver, the defendant might argue you were partially at fault. The judge may agree and determine that you are 10% liable for your injuries. When your settlement is awarded, 10% will be taken out to account for your portion of the blame.
Let’s say you were awarded a $5 million settlement. After your 10% deduction, your Uber accident settlement would be valued at $4.5 million. While this is still considered a sizable award that you can be excited about, you still lost $500,000 by sharing liability. For this reason, it should be of the utmost importance to get help from a legal representative who will do everything possible to challenge the defendant’s partial fault accusations.
If you suffered a whiplash injury while traveling in an Uber or after being hit by an Uber driver, you may have the right to sue. The cause of your accident will determine whether you sue Uber, the driver that hit you, or some other third party. If your whiplash injuries keep you out of work, result in considerable medical expenses, or leave you with lasting symptoms that impact your ability to live normally, you may be entitled to full compensation for your suffering.
Absolutely. Lost wages are one of the most common types of losses that injury victims demand as part of their personal injury claims. When you need to take any amount of time off of work, it could significantly affect your ability to provide for yourself and your family. This is particularly true if you work at an hourly rate or are already struggling to make ends meet.
However, it is not only your last wages that can be included. You can also fight for compensation that covers your loss of employee benefits and diminished earning capacity. As an employee, your employer may have contributed to your 401(k), IRA, or other retirement savings. They may also have covered a portion of your health insurance and provided you with benefits like vacation pay, sick time, bonuses, and regular salary increases. If you suffer injuries that prevent you from being able to get back to work or earn a living at all, you can request compensation for a loss of future potential earnings as well.
Yes. Uber drivers may be independent contractors, but that does not absolve Uber from being responsible for the drivers they allow to transport passengers in the company’s name. If you were assaulted, raped, attacked, or violated by your Uber driver, you may have the right to file a legal claim against them. The at-fault party could also face criminal charges, depending on the specific circumstances of your case.
Trust in a Powerful Huntington Beach Uber Accident Lawyer
Uber accidents may be far more complicated than run-of-the-mill motor vehicle accidents. When you are going up against a rideshare conglomerate like Uber, you deserve only the best legal representation. Fortunately, a highly experienced Huntington Beach Uber accident attorney from Text Kevin Accident Attorneys may be able to help guide you through the claim process and get the most out of your claim.
Between filing an insurance claim and fighting for your right to total compensation in court, you can feel confident in your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve. Our firm is empowering you. Do not let the at-fault party get away with their negligence. You can make them pay when you contact our legal team to request a 100% free consultation. You can reach us by phone or through our convenient contact form to get started as soon as today.
Huntington Beach FAQs
When you take I-605 S approximately 37 miles, you’ll arrive in Huntington Beach roughly one hour after leaving L.A.
Here are a few places you could go to get your vehicle repaired in and near Huntington Beach?
- Beach Collision
- Collision Center
- ER Collision and Auto Body
- G&D Auto Collision
- Long Beach Collision Center
Huntington Beach Points of Interest
A long stretch of sandy coastline popular for surfing, swimming, and beach activities.
Location: 21601 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92646
Website: parks.ca.gov
A landmark pier offering stunning views of the ocean and a vibrant atmosphere with shops and restaurants.
Location: Main Street & Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA, 92648
Website: surfcityusa.com
A wetland and wildlife habitat popular for birdwatching and nature walks.
Location: 18000 CA-1, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Website: wildlife.ca.gov
A shopping, dining, and entertainment complex with ocean views.
Location: 21010 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Website: gopacificcity.com
A large park with walking trails, sports facilities, and the Shipley Nature Center.
Location: 18002 Goldenwest St, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Website: huntingtonbeachca.gov
A museum dedicated to the history and culture of surfing.
Location: 411 Olive Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Website: huntingtonbeachsurfingmuseum.org
Huntington Beach Points of Interest
- Adams
- Bolsa Chica-Heil
- Garfield
- Gilbert Island
- Goldenwest
- Newland
- Oak View
- Ocean View Estates
- Sunset Beach
- Surfside
- Wintersburg
- Yorktown
