30
YEARS COMBINED EXPERIENCE
1846+
SATISFIED CLIENTS
500+
SUCCESSFUL LAWSUITS
FREE PERSONAL INJURY
CASE EVALUATION
30
YEARS COMBINED EXPERIENCE
1846+
SATISFIED CLIENTS
500+
SUCCESSFUL LAWSUITS
TESTIMONIALS
3 EASY STEPS TO HIRE AN ATTORNEY
1
CALL AN
ATTRORNEY
2
GET FREE CASE
EVALUATION
3
LET THE SMART
SUITS HANDLE
THE REST
California Rideshare Accidents Lawyers
Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have become popular since they were established because of their convenience and practicality. They offer secure transportation so that you may safely get to your destination rather than driving while under the influence. Uber and Lyft account for 13% of vehicle miles traveled in San Francisco, which is more than double the national percentage of 6%. Around 36% of Americans have used these services, which is part of the reason why this industry has made over $117 billion in sales in 2021. With its rise in popularity also comes risks of car accidents and personal injuries. In such cases, working with California rideshare accidents lawyers can help you attain just compensation for the injuries and damages you have sustained.
Ridesharing Accident Statistics
There are clear benefits of ridesharing services, but this increased popularity has caused an increased number of vehicles on the road which led to a rise in traffic and pedestrian accidents and fatalities. This was opposite from the intended effect when these companies were established because traffic accidents were at an all-time low in 2010, before the popularization of these services. However, a study by BFI University of Chicago reported that fatalities have increased by about 3% annually since ridesharing was introduced. Uber has disclosed in a safety report that there have been 91 fatal Uber accidents that caused the deaths of 101 people in 2019-2020.
Speeding and driving under the influence (by another driver) are two of the most common causes of ridesharing accidents, accounting for 32% and 23% of the total incidents, respectively. Of the 91 reported fatal Uber accidents, 42% were vulnerable road users. They are further divided into 64% pedestrians, 29%motorcyclists, and 7% bicyclists.
Most Common Injuries Sustained In A Ridesharing Accident In California
Traumatic Brain Injuries
These may include concussions, skull fractures, and brain hemorrhage that result from the strong impact of a ridesharing accident. Some symptoms include headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, forgetfulness, emotional agitation, memory loss, and even loss of consciousness. If you experience these symptoms, it might be a good idea to seek medical help because this can potentially develop into a long-term injury that can compromise your daily living.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Also referred to as SCIs, these injuries often result from blunt force trauma to the back that impacts the spinal cord. The spinal cord connects your brain to the rest of your body through a network of nerves that send signals all over. Therefore, injuring the spinal cord may compromise your everyday living by causing life-long consequences like paralysis, loss of sensation, and body weakness.
Soft Tissue Injuries
These injuries include sprains, cuts, abrasions, strains, and bruises that affect non-bony parts of the body. These injuries are not likely to cause you long-term pain, but they can lead to major inconveniences in your life that can render you unable to do your daily activities.
Fractures
Depending on the severity of a collision, you may experience serious injuries, such as fractures. These are also known as broken bones which may need long-term medical treatment, surgeries, and rehabilitation to fully heal.
What Compensation Can You Receive After A Ridesharing Accident?
Generally speaking, you may receive economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages as compensation for your injuries resulting from a ridesharing accident. Economic damages, also known as special compensatory damages, are quantifiable costs that seek to compensate for all the expenses you may have spent due to the accident, like medical costs, loss of income, and repair costs for property damage. Non-economic damages, also known as general compensatory damages, will compensate you for pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and emotional distress. Finally, punitive damages are awarded to you to punish the at-fault party and deter them from committing the same act in the future.
On top of these, Uber has a $1 million insurance policy that covers passenger injuries that are not covered by the mandated liability insurance of the at-fault driver. Uber’s additional coverage applies in three instances, referred to as Period 1, Period 2, and Period 3.
Period 1 is when an accident happens while the driver is waiting for a ride request. If an accident occurs during this period, Uber’s insurance policy will cover bodily injury damages of up to $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 in property damage.
Period 2 is when the driver has accepted a request and is on their way to pick up the passenger. During this period, Uber will cover damages of up to $1 million after the amount has been reduced by the at-fault party’s available insurance coverage.
Period 3 is when the driver is traveling with the passenger to the destination. Same with period 2, Uber will cover damages of up to $1 million, except that during this period, the coverage now extends to the passenger who was with the rider during the accident.
PERSONAL INJURY LAWSUIT
STEPS AND PROCESS
1
Collect All Available Evidence
Every case rests on the backs of investigators who dig deep. We’ll investigate your accident and find evidence like police reports, hospital records, and witness statements. Our injury attorneys go deep into each potential avenue of inquiry, leaving no stone unturned in their exhaustive search for justice.
2
Write a Letter of Demand
A demand letter will be addressed to the offender and their insurance provider or legal counsel. The full financial burden is considered, including future medical expenditures, wage losses, and other expenses.
3
Negotiation
By bringing a lawsuit on your behalf, we acquire bargaining power when an insurance company refuses to give fair compensation. In addition, by filing a case, we can obtain information on the defendants we would not have had access to before.
4
Begin Filing a Lawsuit for Injury
By bringing a lawsuit on your behalf, we acquire bargaining power when an insurance company refuses to give fair compensation. In addition, by filing a case, we can obtain information on the defendants we would not have had access to before.
5
Discovery
Now that we have filed suit, we have the right to obtain information from the defendants that they were previously unwilling to release. By serving them with Requests for Admissions, Interrogatories, and Document Production, we can investigate the validity of their allegations.
6
Mediation
Once both parties have reviewed the facts of the case, a mediation session may be planned to see whether or not an amicable resolution may be reached. The defense will hear our position from a non-biased individual (Mediator), and we may continue bargaining with the insurance company over a reasonable payment.
7
Civil Trial for Injury
We will go to trial if a reasonable settlement cannot be reached. We’ll argue your case in court, using the information found through discovery and any necessary expert testimony. Many of us would rather have a jury decide our cases than a judge, as juries tend to be more compassionate in times of tragedy.
8
Settlement
A settlement has been reached if an agreement can be made before trial. In return for release of all personal injury claims, you should get a settlement that accounts for all your losses up to and including the date of your injury, fees, taxable cost, medical expenditures, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc.
9
Appeal
Suppose the jury decides against you. We will then file an appeal if we believe the defense or the court made a legal mistake. Additional data and legal arguments on our part will likely be required to convince the court of our position. The court, if we prevail, may decide to overturn its earlier ruling or even retry the case.
RESPONSE TO SOME GENERAL QUESTIONS
Who will pay for my medical bills after an accident?
Who is Responsible for the Cost of Property Damage After a Car Accident?
Are There Any Hidden Attorney Fees That I Need To Be Aware of?
What does “No Recovery, No Fee” mean?
Who will pay for my medical bills after an accident?
Who Will Pay for My Car Accident Medical Bills
Determining who will be responsible for your car accident medical bills depends on several factors: the cause of the accident, your level of fault, and the insurance coverage held by the other driver. In such circumstances, seeking guidance and support from a personal injury lawyer, Dallas can prove invaluable.
Following a car accident and sustaining injuries, it is natural to wonder who will bear the burden of your medical expenses and treatment costs. While a car accident injury settlement or a trial verdict can provide financial relief, they may not offer immediate assistance in covering your medical treatment. The answer, in essence, relies on the accident’s nature, the relevant state laws, and the specific insurance policies involved.
General Rule – Ongoing Payment Responsibility Rests with the Injured Party
It is crucial to understand that, in most cases, if you are involved in an accident, you are responsible for paying your medical bills as they are incurred. The only exception occurs in “no fault” states, which will be discussed below. Even if the at-fault party is clearly responsible for your injuries, the law does not mandate them to cover your bills on an ongoing basis.
The law only requires them to provide damages to resolve your lawsuit, and in many instances, your medical claim is included in those damages. However, the defendant is not obligated to pay your medical invoice as they arise.
Car Accidents – “No Fault” States
In motor vehicle accident cases, the coverage of hospital bills depends on whether the accident occurred in a “no fault” state. In “no fault” insurance states, your automobile insurer will cover some or all of your hospital bills resulting from a car accident, regardless of fault. However, there is typically a limit to what your own automobile insurance company will pay, varying from state to state but generally around $10,000 or less.
Once your medical expenses exceed the state’s “no fault” limit, you become responsible for paying them. If you have health insurance, your provider will cover your bills. In the case of Medicare or a state-run health insurance program through Medicaid, these entities will handle the bills. If you lack health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid, you will need to arrange payment agreements directly with your healthcare providers.
Motor Vehicle Accidents – Non-“No Fault” States (Dallas, TX)
If you are involved in a serious accident in a state without “no fault” insurance, you will generally be responsible for paying your expenses until you claim compensation from the at-fault party. However, some drivers in these states have medical payment or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance coverage, commonly known as “med pay” and “PIP” coverage.
This coverage will pay for the fair compensation of drivers or passengers involved in a car accident with the insured party, up to the “med pay” policy limits, which are typically less than $10,000. Once your bills exceed these policy limits, you will be responsible for payment.
Medpay and PIP funds can be utilized initially to cover health insurance deductibles, co-pays, and lost wages until you recover from the at-fault party. If you lack such coverage, in most cases, you will need to find healthcare providers willing to treat you upfront and defer their bills until you receive compensation from the insurance company.
Premises Liability: Slip or Trip and Fall Accidents
In premises liability or slip and fall cases, the responsibility for payment of medical bills typically falls on the injured person, unless the premises owner’s property insurance policy includes “med pay” coverage.
Dallas personal injury attorneys with experience in handling personal injury claims related to premises liability understand that “med pay” coverage can be beneficial. If the premises owner has this type of insurance coverage, the injured person’s medical bills will be paid by the insurance carriers, up to the limits specified in the “med pay” policy. However, once the “med pay” limits are exhausted, the injured person becomes responsible for paying the remaining bills.
Boating Accidents
Boating insurance policies seldom include “med pay” coverage. Consequently, personal injury victims involved in boating accidents will likely be responsible for covering their own expenses. It is crucial for individuals who suffer injuries caused by boating accidents to consult the right lawyer in Dallas to understand their legal options and seek rightful compensation for their injuries.
Work-Related Accidents
In the unfortunate event of a work-related accident due to gross negligence, personal injury victims may find relief if their company carries workers’ compensation insurance. In such personal injury cases, the workers’ compensation insurer will cover all the medical bills incurred by the injured party. It is important to note that these victims involved in work-related accidents are not required to contribute any money towards their expenses, including bills or deductibles.
Moreover, our Fort Worth, Dallas personal injury lawyers who handle personal injury cases are well-versed in the laws pertaining to workers’ compensation and can ensure that victims receive proper reimbursement for transportation expenses related to medical appointments. However, if a company does not have workers’ compensation insurance, pursuing damages under Texas non-subscriber laws becomes necessary.
Reimbursement for Medical Bills Paid by Insurers
If health insurers, Medicare, or the state agency administering Medicaid benefits have paid for your medical bills in relation to the accident, they are entitled to reimbursement for the amount they disbursed to your healthcare providers. Skilled Dallas personal injury attorneys can help navigate the complexities of dealing with insurers and ensure fair reimbursement processes.
Worst-Case Scenario
In the worst-case scenario where an accident occurs, insurance coverage is unavailable, and it is determined that there is no personal injury case due to factors such as personal fault or insufficient evidence, the injured party becomes solely responsible for all medical expenses. These victims facing this situation have limited options and should seek legal counsel to explore any possible alternatives.
Who is Responsible for the Cost of Property Damage After a Car Accident?
Who is Responsible for the Cost of Property Damage After a Car Accident in Dallas?
In Dallas, Texas, the responsibility for covering the cost of property damage resulting from a car accident lies within specific legal parameters. As a car owner, you have the right to choose the body shop for repairing your vehicle. However, determining who will foot the bill for your property damage depends on the urgency of your vehicle’s repair and whether the at-fault party has accepted liability.
In Dallas, as in most places, the responsibility for the cost of property damage after a car accident typically falls on the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Texas follows a fault-based system, meaning that the driver who caused the accident is generally responsible for covering the damages.
If you were not at fault in the accident, you can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to seek compensation for your property damage. Their insurance should cover the cost of repairing or replacing your damaged property, such as your vehicle or any other damaged property involved in the accident.
It’s important to gather evidence and documentation of the accident, including photographs, police reports, witness statements, and any other relevant information that can support your claim. You should notify your insurance company about the accident as well, even if you are not at fault, to ensure they are aware of the situation.
If the at-fault driver does not have insurance or is underinsured, you may need to rely on your own insurance coverage, such as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, to help cover the property damage costs.
Are There Any Hidden Attorney Fees That I Need To Be Aware of?
Are There Any Hidden Attorney Fees That I Need To Be Aware of?
When you engage the services of our Dallas personal injury law firm, we ensure complete transparency regarding our fee structure. There are no hidden charges or surprise fees that catch you off guard. We take the time to explain the details of our contingency fee agreement, outlining all the fees and expenses involved.
In fact, paragraphs 1 and 2 of our agreement provide a comprehensive breakdown, and we require your initials next to each item to confirm your understanding. Our aim is to establish trust with our clients, providing them with peace of mind and alleviating any concerns. Our goal is not to profit at your expense but rather to obtain the best possible results for your injuries and damages.
Are My Medical Bills And Attorney Fees Combined?
It’s important to note that your medical bills and attorney fees are separate entities. While our law firm fees are based on the “No Fee, No Recovery” concept, your medical bills remain your responsibility. For instance, if you received a bill from the emergency room following your accident, it is your obligation to settle that bill as it does not fall within our purview to waive it.
However, when you enter into a contract with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Dallas, such as ourselves, you grant us permission to reimburse the medical providers from the eventual settlement or judgment you receive. This arrangement ensures that your expenses are appropriately handled while allowing us to pursue the compensation you rightfully deserve for your harm or serious injury.
Who Covers the Expenses of Managing My Case?
The good news is that, as experienced personal injury attorneys in Dallas, TX, we have provisions in our contingency contract that allow us to bear the expenses associated with your case. Our law firm agreement enables us to cover the necessary costs throughout the process, and once we secure a settlement on your behalf, we will deduct those expenses from the settlement amount.
It’s important to understand the typical expenses involved in a personal injury case, as they can be significant. For instance, the police department charges a fee for providing copies of the police report, collision videos, and the police call log. Medical providers charge per page to produce your medical records. Filing a lawsuit incurs fees imposed by the court.
What sets our law firm apart is our commitment to leveraging digital resources to streamline these requests and save you money at every turn. For example, our Dallas personal injury attorney makes digital requests for your medical records and bills, opting for a flat fee instead of a per-page charge.
Our communication is predominantly conducted through email and client portals, providing you with convenient and cost-effective access to our Dallas personal injury lawyers. This approach allows us to operate as a faster and more affordable law firm, dedicated to serving your needs.
What does “No Recovery, No Fee” mean?
What does “No Recovery, No Fee” mean?
“No Recovery, No Fee” or “No Attorney Fee if No Recovery” means that you will not be responsible for your attorney fees if we lose your case, or do not settle your case with the responsible party or their insurance company. We will charge you a percentage of the settlement instead of the typical retainer and hourly fees that attorneys charge.
Therefore, if we lose your case any percentage X $0.00 = $0.00 and you owe us nothing for attorney fees. This agreement allows you as a victim of a car accident to receive the proper medical attention that you need without worrying about the outrageous legal fees piling up. Also, this will give you the opportunity to handle your property damage much faster and get back to your daily lives.
In the other Sections, we explain that although there are no attorney fees if there is no recovery, your medical bills and expenses are still due and the medical providers will want payment irrelevant of the results. In addition, we explain in some rarer circumstances that if we lose you may be responsible for attorney fees and taxable court costs of the defendant if the judge exercises discretion and grants them.
What Is The Deadline For Filing A Ridesharing Accident Claim In California?
The statute of limitations for ridesharing accident claims in California is 2 years, which means that you have to file your case within this period or else your case will most likely be dismissed in court, with some exceptions. To see if your case falls within these exceptions, we suggest that you seek the help of a California ridesharing accident lawyer to help evaluate and file your case.
How Much Do Lawyers Charge For Ridesharing Accidents In California?
California ridesharing accident lawyers often operate on a contingency basis, which means that they will take a percentage of the total recovery amount. Miscellaneous expenses like filing costs, court costs, and other fees are often not included. The contingency fee agreement that you sign with your lawyer will outline the percentage they will receive for their services.
How Do Ridesharing Accidents Differ From Other Accidents?
Determining liability in a ridesharing accident can be difficult because the driver, the company, and even the manufacturer can be held liable for the incident. Furthermore, if the accident happened due to hazards in a private property, you may also opt to file a third-party, premises liability claim. This complexity can be confusing for a person who’s not well-versed with state and federal laws regarding these accidents. We recommend that you consult with a California ridesharing accident lawyer to help you evaluate your personal injury claim.
Should I Accept A Settlement Offer For My Ridesharing Accident Claim?
It depends, every case is different. However, more often than not, initial settlement offers are lowball offers. Insurance companies are often open for negotiations so you can probably ask for more if you think it’s reasonable. A California ridesharing accident lawyer can help negotiate on your behalf to help get you a better settlement offer. This is why it might be a good idea to consult with an attorney regarding your case.
Can I Get A Free Consultation For My Ridesharing Accident Claim In California?
At Gosuits, we strive to help our clients with compassion to seek justice. We offer free consultation to help assess your case and help determine your next steps so you can get compensation for your injuries.
Meet the GoSuits Team
It's time we do things the SMART way rather than the hard way
“Hire the Smart Suits for Your Lawsuits”
SEAN CHALAKI
- Texas Super Lawyers: Rising Star 2016 2023 2024
- Law Firm of the Month by Attorney at Law Magazine 2016
- Top 40 under 40 Trial Attorney by The National Trial Lawyers (2015, 2016, 2022)
- Board Member Texas Trial Lawyers Association
- Dallas Trial Lawyers Association
- Danielle Hall, Individually Anf Amh-s V. Witron Integrated Logistics, Inc. Et
- Best Lawyers Ones to Watch 2022
- Best Lawyers 2024
YASAMIN MOUSSAVI
- Principal / Texas and New York Litigation Attorney
- Licensed Attorney with State Bar of Texas
- Licensed Attorney with State Bar of New York
- Licensed Attorney in Federal and District Court
- South Australian Bar Association
SHAWN HASHEMI
- Principal / Litigation Attorney
- State Bar of Texas
U.S. Federal District Court for Northern District of Texas - U.S. Federal District Court for Eastern District of Texas
- U.S. Federal District Court for Southern District of Texas
- U.S. Federal District Court for Western District of Texas
ABBAS HARATI
- Admitted to the State Bar of California
- Certified Mediator in the State of Texas
- Member of the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association
- Member of the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles
We are here to help with your injuries or
assist with loss of a loved one.
or CALL
844-467-8487
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
The content of this website has been prepared by Gosuits.com, for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice from a lawyer. The material posted on this website is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, a lawyer-client relationship, and readers should not act upon it without seeking professional counsel. The chat system is an automated system that provides general information and not legal advice. You should not rely on any of the information, nor should you ever disclose private information to anyone in the chat system. Our office will never ask you for your private information until you have retain our firm with a written contract. Until there is an established written contract there is no attorney-client relationship. The knowledge base section of this website is not to be used as legal advice or legal resources. This website contains attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Disclaimers.
Top Services
Texas Service Areas
California Service Areas
Texas Principal Office: 3234 Commander Dr. Suite 800 Carrollton, Texas 75006
California Principal Office: 2082 Michelson Dr. Suite 315 Irvine, CA 92612
- 844-467-8487
- www.gosuits.com
* Best Lawyers Ones to Watch 2022 – Sean Chalaki
* Rising Stars 2016 – Sean Chalaki
* Attorney at Law Magazine 2016 – Sean Chalaki
* The National Trial Lawyers 2015 – Sean Chalaki
Copyright © 2024 Gosuits.com. All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions