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Joshua M. Kimura
Partner

Olivia L. Benvenuto

Samantha E. Rego

Izumi Mitsuda

Heather Ruiz

Kuriho Maeda
"Our client received significantly more than the original valuation, a result even acknowledged by the defense."
Ridesharing services like Uber have revolutionized transportation in Irvine and across Orange County. But with this convenience comes risk. Accidents involving Uber vehicles can leave passengers, drivers, and others with serious injuries, property damage, and complex legal situations.
If you've been hurt in an Uber crash, the Irvine Uber accident lawyers at Kimura London & White, LLP can help protect your rights and pursue maximum compensation for your losses. Attorney Joshua Kimura is listed as a top 5 personal injury attorney in the United States.
The growing popularity of Uber in Irvine has led to an increase in rideshare accidents. While Uber touts its safety measures, accidents still happen. A recent safety report released by Uber highlighted that from 2017 to 2018, there were nearly 107 fatal crashes involving Uber rides in the United States. And those are just the reported incidents. Many Uber accidents likely go unreported.
If you're injured as an Uber passenger, driver, or another motorist involved in a crash with an Uber vehicle, determining liability and securing compensation can be incredibly complex. Uber's insurance policies, the driver's personal coverage, and other factors all come into play.
Understanding Uber's Insurance Coverage
Uber provides different levels of insurance coverage depending on the driver's status at the time of the accident. The insurance carrier and coverage levels can impact your accident claim.
- App off: The driver's personal auto insurance policy applies.
- App on, waiting for ride request: Limited liability coverage from Uber.
- En route to pickup or during trip: $1 million liability coverage.
However, getting Uber's insurance to pay out fair compensation is never easy. Our Irvine Uber accident lawyers can help determine which insurance policies apply and fight for the full damages you deserve. They can also help determine if additional coverage, such as uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, might apply to your case, which could result in significantly more Uber accident compensation for you and your family.
Common Causes of Uber Accidents in Irvine
While Uber drivers must meet certain requirements, they are still prone to the same driving errors and negligence as other motorists.
Some frequent causes of Uber crashes include:
- Distracted driving (using the Uber app, GPS, etc.).
- Fatigue from long hours.
- Speeding to complete more rides.
- Unfamiliarity with Irvine roads.
- Inadequate vehicle maintenance.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving injured 362,415 and killed 3,522 people in 2021. Uber drivers juggling the app, navigation, and passenger interactions are at high risk for distraction. This can lead to serious accidents, including truck accidents and pedestrian accidents, which tend to result in more devastating injuries.
If you are a victim of an accident involving an Uber driver, you need an experienced lawyer by your side.
Steps to Take After an Irvine Uber Accident
If you're involved in an Uber crash in Irvine, taking these steps can help protect your health and legal rights:
- Call 911 and seek medical attention, even for seemingly minor injuries.
- Document the scene with photos and videos if possible.
- Get contact and insurance information from all drivers involved.
- Obtain contact info for any witnesses.
- Report the accident to Uber through the app.
- Contact an experienced attorney before speaking with any insurance companies.
Remember, leaving the scene of an accident without exchanging information violates California Vehicle Code Section 20002. Stay at the scene and follow proper procedures. If you have sustained a serious injury, such as a brain injury or a traumatic brain injury, be sure to seek immediate medical attention. Your health should be the #1 priority in these situations.
How Our Irvine Uber Accident Lawyers Can Help
Navigating the aftermath of an Uber crash is overwhelming for victims. Our experienced, proven attorneys can help you with the various moving parts of these types of cases, including:
- Investigate the accident and gather evidence.
- Determine which insurance policies apply.
- Calculate the full extent of your damages.
- Handle all communication with insurance companies.
- Negotiate for a fair settlement.
- File a lawsuit and represent you in court if needed.
Many accident victims who try to handle claims on their own end up settling for far less than they deserve. An attorney helps level the playing field against Uber's team of lawyers and insurers.
Our personal injury law firm can provide you with the legal representation you need to receive the maximum amount of compensation allowable for your injuries. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don't pay unless your case is won.
Compensation Available in Irvine Uber Accident Cases
If you've been injured in an Uber crash, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills (past and future).
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress.
- Property damage.
- Other accident-related expenses.
In cases of extreme negligence, punitive damages may also be available. Our attorneys can help quantify your full damages and fight for maximum compensation. This includes understanding how driver's personal insurance policies, and any applicable commercial insurance policies, may factor into the equation. They can help you seek compensation not just for your physical injuries but also for the impact the accident has had on your life.
Time Limits for Filing an Uber Accident Claim in Irvine
It's crucial to act quickly after an Uber accident. California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1 requires Uber accident lawsuits to be filed within two years of the collision. Failing to file within this statute of limitations can bar you from recovering compensation.
Additionally, evidence can disappear quickly after a crash. The sooner you contact an Irvine Uber accident lawyer, the better chance they have of preserving crucial evidence to support your claim. This includes gathering witness statements, police reports, and any other documentation that can help strengthen your case. They can also work with medical professionals to understand the full extent of your injuries, especially if you're dealing with something like a traumatic brain injury that might have long-term consequences.
Why Locals Choose Our Irvine Uber Accident Lawyers
The Irvine community chooses Kimura London & White, LLP for a variety of reasons. Here are the ones we receive feedback about the most:
- Success specifically with rideshare accident claims.
- Ability to communicate in English, Spanish, Japanese, and Chinese.
- A track record of successful settlements and verdicts.
- Resources to thoroughly investigate and litigate complex cases.
- Clear communication and a commitment to our clients' best interests.
- Positive client reviews and professional recognition.
Our Irvine Uber accident lawyers offer free consultations, allowing you to discuss your case and evaluate if we're the right fit at no cost. During the consultation, you can ask about our fees, experience with similar cases, and our approach to handling your claim. This is also a good time to ask any questions you have about the legal process and what to expect.
The Growing Problem of Uber Accidents in Irvine
While Uber has improved transportation options in Irvine, it has also introduced new safety concerns. In 2021, Uber reported 5,295 accidents to the California Public Utilities Commission. This number likely underrepresents the true scale of the problem, as many minor accidents go unreported.
A study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggests that the introduction of rideshare services has led to an increase in traffic fatalities. This concerning trend highlights the need for strong legal representation for those injured in Uber crashes.
Free Uber Accident Consultation
If you've been injured in an Uber accident in Irvine, don't try to face down Uber's large legal team on your own. Uber and Lyft have little incentive to pay you what you deserve if you don't have a great attorney by your side. Are you going to take them to court and win all on your own? Hiring a great lawyer can be the difference between being ignored and being taken seriously.
Our experienced Uber accident attorneys in Irvine can be your advocates, fighting to protect your rights and secure the compensation you need to recover. From investigating the crash to negotiating with insurers and litigating in court if necessary, the right attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Don't let Uber's corporate lawyers and insurance adjusters take advantage of you - level the playing field with skilled legal representation.
Give us a call or fill out our form today to receive your free consultation. The consultation is free and confidential, and you don't pay unless you retain our firm and your case is won. You don't have to worry about costs as those are deducted from your settlement or verdict that we'd secure on your behalf.