Uber Accident Lawyer in Fresno
Fresno is a popular place for Uber rides. Every day, residents and tourists rely on the popular rideshare app to find transportation. And while you might think of an Uber as a safer alternative to driving, this isn’t always the case. Accidents happen and Uber accidents are particularly complex. If you find yourself injured in a rideshare crash, you could benefit from working with an Uber accident lawyer in Fresno. Grossman Law Offices has extensive experience with rideshare collisions and is ready to take on your case.
The Challenges of Uber Accidents
In 2014, there were 1,983 people injured or killed in Fresno car accidents. Uber drivers aren’t perfect, and even the best of drivers could find themselves involved in a crash. But Uber accident law in Fresno is unclear and has not caught up to the popularity of ridesharing.
As with any new trend, it takes some time for the laws to catch up with the changes. Uber and other rideshare companies have grown in numbers, leaving more and more vehicles on the roads. Because there are more Uber drivers, there are more Uber accidents.
Unfortunately, insurance claims involving Uber accidents are more complex than regular claims. In most cases, the insurance company will put up a fight. If you want to seek compensation, you need to work with a lawyer who has experience working on Uber accident cases.
Uber Time Periods
One of the most significant difficulties with Uber insurance claims is the way in which Uber divides its insurance coverage. Depending on when your accident occurred, you may not have any insurance coverage through the company if you’re an Uber driver.
For instance, drivers only receive limited liability coverage during the first period. This time period begins when your app is on and you’re waiting for someone to request a ride. If you want more coverage, you need to rely on your own car insurance company.
During the second period, Uber provides excellent insurance coverage. This period begins when the driver is on their way to pick up a passenger. Despite the quality of coverage, you still may need to fight for compensation. Uber wants proof that you were picking up a passenger. If you don’t have that evidence, they could choose to deny your claim.
The final period also gives you coverage from Uber. This period begins when the passenger enters your vehicle and continues until they leave it. Because the passenger is an eye witness to the accident, receiving compensation for a third-period crash is relatively straightforward.
Proving Fault
Another challenge comes with proving fault. As an Uber driver, you may need to show that the other driver was liable for the accident. But this is easier said than done. You need witness testimony, video footage, or a police report to support your account of the collision.
What You Should Know About Uber Crashes
Whether you’re a driver or passenger in an Uber vehicle, there are a few things you should know about an accident. Typically, Uber insures second-period and third-period drivers with up to $1 million in liability insurance as well as uninsured and underinsured motorist protection.
Because the coverage is so high, you could receive a significant settlement from your accident claim. If you were the Uber driver and another motorist caused the accident, you might receive a large settlement check. The same is true for a driver who was hit by an at-fault Uber driver. No matter who was at-fault for the crash, the Uber passenger could get a high payout.
How to Handle the Insurance Company
It’s important to understand how to handle the insurance company in the event of an Uber accident. The first step is to file a claim. When you file, the insurance company will connect you with an insurance adjuster. They will look for holes in your story and attempt to get you to admit fault for the accident.
To avoid hurting your case, you should speak to an experienced accident lawyer before you talk to the insurance company. They will handle your claim and reduce the chance of you saying something that jeopardizes your payout.
A lawyer helps you with another aspect of your claim. Even if the insurance adjuster agrees that you aren’t at-fault for an accident, they may try to say your damage calculations are incorrect. They often refuse to pay accident victims the money they need to pay medical bills and recover missed wages. However, an aggressive attorney will know how to prove your damages and negotiate a fair settlement.
Uber Passengers Need Lawyers Too
You might think that an Uber passenger has no need for an Uber accident lawyer. However, this is not the case. Although fault is irrelevant, you still need to prove the extent of your injuries.
An attorney will be able to find proof of your injuries. In some cases, they may hire an expert witness to testify about the severity of your injuries. They will also collect all of the medical evidence needed to make a strong case. With firm proof of your injuries, the insurance company has no grounds to deny your claim. You can recover damages for all of your past and future medical bills.
You May Be Able to File a Personal Injury Claim
If all else fails, you might be able to file a civil lawsuit against the negligent party. The lawsuit could request damages for your medical bills, missed wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
As you might expect, it’s difficult to file a successful lawsuit. You need the guidance of an experienced Uber collision attorney. In most situations, they will resolve the case out of the courtroom.
Looking for an Uber Accident Lawyer in Fresno?
If you’ve been in an Uber accident, it’s time to take action. Uber is not your friend and will not fight for your rights. To get the money you deserve, you need to work with a law firm that will put you first. Here at Grossman Law Offices, we do just that. Call us today and find out how we want to help you.
