Orange County Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Whether you’re driving through the busy streets of Irvine or enjoying the scenic views in Newport Beach, Uber and Lyft are great ways to get around Orange County. But be careful because more ridesharing means more crashes. A study from the University of Chicago says that ridesharing has caused a 3% jump in car accident deaths.

In the event of a rideshare accident in Orange County, whether you’re a passenger, driver, or pedestrian affected by such an incident, you need to have reliable legal support. Text Kevin Accident Attorneys, celebrated for recovering millions of dollars for our clients, is prepared to handle your Orange County rideshare accident case.

Which Roads and Intersections in Orange County Are the Most Dangerous?

Orange County, California, is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, with its sunny weather, scenic coastline, and world-famous attractions. However, with more than 3 million residents and millions of visitors each year, Orange County also faces traffic congestion and safety challenges.

Ridesharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have become a convenient and affordable way to get around the country, but they also pose some risks for drivers and passengers. According to a report by California Coast University, there were over 300 rideshare dooring accidents in California alone during a two-year period.

Here are some of the common locations where rideshare accidents occur in Orange County and what you can do to prevent or deal with them.

High-Traffic Areas

Orange County’s major highways, such as the I-5 and Route 91, are hotspots for rideshare activity and accidents. The high volume of vehicles, especially during peak hours, increases the likelihood of accidents. I-5 is one of the most congested freeways in the county, with frequent delays, collisions, and lane closures. Route 91, which connects Orange County to Riverside County, is also notorious for its traffic jams and accidents.

If you are using a rideshare service in these areas, be aware of the traffic conditions and buckle up. If you are involved in an accident, call 911, exchange information with the other parties, and report the incident to your rideshare company.

Residential and Commercial Districts

Rideshare services are prevalent in residential neighborhoods and near shopping centers, restaurants, and offices. These areas can be prone to rideshare accidents. Some of the factors that contribute to these accidents are low visibility, narrow streets, parked cars, pedestrians, cyclists, and delivery trucks. Some of the residential and commercial districts where rideshare accidents may occur in Orange County are the Downtown Disney District in Anaheim, Heisler Park in Laguna Beach, and South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa.

If you are involved in an accident, take pictures of the scene, get medical attention if needed, and contact your rideshare company and insurance provider.

Near Educational Institutions

Colleges, universities, and schools in Orange County witness a high use of ridesharing services. The presence of young, possibly less experienced drivers can escalate the risk of accidents. Some of the educational institutions where rideshare accidents may occur in Orange County are the University of California Irvine Fullerton College, Santa Ana College School of Continuing Education, and Seashore Academy.

If you are involved in an accident, notify campus security, exchange information with the other parties, and report the incident to your rideshare company and insurance provider.

Tourist Attractions

Orange County, with its numerous attractions and beaches, sees a significant amount of rideshare traffic. These areas are often crowded, increasing the chances of accidents. Some of the tourist attractions where rideshare accidents may occur in Orange County are Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Gardens in Fullerton, and Mission San Juan Capistrano.

When using a rideshare service in these areas, be prepared for long waits, heavy traffic, and limited parking. If you are involved in an accident, stay calm, call 911, exchange information with the other parties, and report the incident to your rideshare company and insurance provider.

What Should I Do After a Rideshare Accident in Orange County?

Experiencing a rideshare accident in Orange County can be disorienting and stressful. However, taking the right steps immediately following the incident can significantly enhance your chances of a favorable outcome, especially when it comes to claiming compensation. Here’s what you should do:

Seek Medical Attention

• Immediate Health Assessment: Even if you feel fine, some injuries, especially internal ones, may not be immediately apparent. Visit a doctor or emergency room as soon as possible for a thorough evaluation.
• Documentation for Legal Purposes: Medical records serve as evidence in your legal case. They document the extent of your injuries and the impact on your life.

Report the Accident to the Rideshare Company

• Prompt Reporting: Notify the rideshare company about the accident as soon as possible, whether you are a passenger, driver, or an uninvolved party affected by the accident.
• Use Available Channels: Most rideshare companies have protocols for reporting accidents accessible through their app or customer service lines. This report initiates the official record of the accident and begins the insurance process.

Keep Records of All Related Documents

• Comprehensive Documentation: Collect and organize all documents related to the accident and your subsequent recovery. This includes medical bills, treatment records, receipts, police reports, and any correspondence related to the accident.
• Evidence for Claims: These documents are indispensable for your insurance claim or any legal action. They substantiate the details of the incident, the nature of your injuries, incurred expenses, and the overall impact on your life.

Additional Steps Specific to Orange County

In Orange County, report the accident to the local police, especially if it involves significant injury or property damage. A police report provides an unbiased account of the incident.

We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Rideshare Accident Injuries

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become integral to daily transportation in Orange County and beyond. They’re quick, convenient, and often a smart choice for those avoiding the hassles of parking or navigating busy streets. However, as the popularity of these services grows, so does the number of accidents involving rideshare vehicles.

If you use Uber or Lyft, you need to know about the injuries that can happen in rideshare crashes. Here are some of the most common ones, why they happen, and what they can do to your health.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries include damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons. These injuries are prevalent in rideshare accidents due to the sudden and forceful movements that occur during a collision. The most common types of soft tissue injuries include sprains, strains, and contusions.

• Sprains: Sprains happen when ligaments, which connect bones, are overstretched or torn. Ankles and wrists are particularly susceptible. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and reduced ability to move the affected joint.
• Strains: Strains are injuries to muscles or tendons, the tissues connecting muscles to bones. They often occur in the back, neck, or legs. Strains can cause pain, muscle weakness, and spasms.
• Contusions: Better known as bruises, contusions are caused by blunt trauma that damages blood vessels under the skin. They can be painful and lead to swelling and skin discoloration.

Although they might not seem as severe as other types of injuries, without proper treatment, soft tissue injuries can lead to chronic pain or ongoing mobility issues.

Head and Neck Injuries

Head and neck injuries are among the most serious consequences of rideshare accidents. These injuries can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).

• Concussions: A concussion is a mild form of TBI that can occur when the brain is jolted inside the skull due to a sudden impact. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, confusion, and memory disturbances. While most people recover fully, repeated concussions can lead to long-term neurological problems.
• Whiplash: This neck injury occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and then backward, overstretching the neck muscles and ligaments. It’s a common occurrence in rear-end collisions. Symptoms can include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, and sometimes, numbness in the arms. Recovery can take weeks to months, and in some cases, chronic pain can develop.

Bone Fractures

The force of a rideshare accident can cause different types of bone fractures. These injuries are not only painful but also often require a lengthy healing process.

• Simple Fractures: These occur when the bone cracks or breaks but does not pierce the skin. Treatment typically involves immobilization with a cast or splint.
• Compound Fractures: In these more severe cases, the broken bone pierces the skin, creating an open wound. This type of fracture usually requires surgical intervention to realign the bone and prevent infection.

Fractures can lead to complications like delayed bone healing or bone infection, and they often require rehabilitation to restore full function.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are some of the most devastating outcomes of rideshare accidents. They occur when there’s damage to the spinal cord due to a forceful impact or penetration. The severity and location of the injury determine the extent of the impairment.

• Incomplete SCIs: These allow some degree of sensation or movement below the injury level. Recovery and rehabilitation can lead to significant improvements.
• Complete SCIs: This type of injury results in a total loss of sensation and motor function below the injury level, potentially leading to paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia).

SCIs often require long-term medical care, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and sometimes, lifelong assistance.

Understanding the nature and potential impact of these injuries is beneficial for anyone involved in a rideshare accident. If you or a loved one has experienced such an injury, seek immediate medical attention and legal advice to ensure proper care and compensation.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Rideshare Accident Lawyer?

Suffering an accident involving a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft in Orange County can be devastating. The physical injuries, medical expenses, potential lost wages, and emotional trauma can seem insurmountable. It’s understandable to be concerned about the costs of hiring a lawyer to help you seek the compensation you deserve.

Fortunately, many experienced rideshare accident attorneys, including our firm at Text Kevin Accident Attorneys, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t have to pay any legal fees upfront. Instead, your lawyer’s payment will come as a percentage of the settlement or award they help you secure. If they can’t win your case, you won’t owe them anything. This removes the financial burden associated with legal representation, letting you focus on your recovery.

Can I Recover Compensation if I Share Some of the Blame for a Rideshare Accident in Orange County?

It’s understandable to have concerns about compensation if you were partially at fault for a rideshare accident. Scenarios where both parties share some blame are more common than you might think. For instance, a rideshare driver might have been checking their phone for directions while you were attempting to exit the vehicle without properly looking for oncoming traffic.

California has a “comparative negligence” system. This means that even if you were partly to blame for the accident, you may still be able to recover compensation. However, the amount you receive will be reduced based on your percentage of fault as determined by the courts. If you are found to be 20% at fault, you would still be able to recover 80% of your calculated damages.

Legal Aspects of Rideshare Accidents in Orange County

If you get into a rideshare crash in Orange County or anywhere else in California, you need to know the law. Uber and Lyft have their own rules and insurance, which can make things tricky. Here are some things you should know about the legal side of rideshare accidents.

Independent Contractor Status of Drivers

In Orange County, drivers for rideshare companies are generally classified as independent contractors. This distinction is important for several reasons:

• Liability: As independent contractors, rideshare drivers operate their own businesses. This classification often means that rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft may not be directly responsible for a driver’s actions during an accident.
• Compensation Routes: Despite this, if you’re involved in a rideshare accident, it doesn’t eliminate your avenues for seeking compensation. The legal framework allows for claims to be made under certain conditions.

Insurance Coverage Policies in California

Rideshare drivers in Orange County must adhere to California’s insurance laws, which are designed to protect all parties involved in a rideshare accident:

• Personal Insurance Requirement: Rideshare drivers are required to have personal insurance policies with minimum liability limits of $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage.
• Supplemental Insurance by Rideshare Companies: Rideshare companies provide additional insurance that supplements the driver’s personal policy. This coverage varies based on the driver’s status:
• While Waiting for a Ride Request: The company’s insurance provides liability coverage of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident, plus $30,000 for property damage and $200,000 in excess liability coverage.
• During Passenger Transport: When transporting a passenger or en route to pick up a passenger, the rideshare company’s insurance increases to $1 million for liability and the same amount for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Rights of Injured Parties in Orange County

If you’re involved in a rideshare accident in Orange County, it’s important to know your rights:

• Filing a Claim: As a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver, you’re entitled to file a claim for compensation. This claim can be directed toward the rideshare driver, the rideshare company, or another party involved in the accident.
• Determining the Claim Path: The nature of the accident, the rideshare driver’s status at the time of the accident (logged into the app, waiting for a ride request, or actively transporting a passenger), and other relevant factors influence the direction of your compensation claim.

Contact Our Orange County Rideshare Accident Attorneys Today for Legal Help

If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident in Orange County, turn to attorney Kevin Crockett and our team at Text Kevin Accident Attorneys. With our proven track record of success, including securing a $2.75 million settlement for a car accident case, we are well-positioned to support you through your recovery journey. Contact us for a free consultation, and remember, our services are on a contingency fee basis – you don’t pay unless we win.

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