Legal Help for Uber Accident Victims in Van Nuys
Rideshare services like Uber have changed how people move through cities like Van Nuys, offering convenience at the touch of a button. But with more rideshare drivers on the road, accidents involving Uber vehicles have also increased. Whether you were injured as a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian, recovering compensation after an Uber accident can be more complicated than a typical car crash.
At Noravian Law Firm, we represent those injured in Uber-related accidents throughout Van Nuys and the greater San Fernando Valley. If you were hurt in an Uber accident, call 818-548-8000 today for a free case evaluation. We are here to make sure your rights are protected and you get the compensation you deserve.
Rideshare Crashes on the Rise in Van Nuys and Across California
Van Nuys is one of the busiest neighborhoods in the Los Angeles metro area, with high levels of both commuter and pedestrian traffic. With Uber drivers constantly navigating local streets like Van Nuys Boulevard, Victory Boulevard, and the 405 and 101 Freeways, the risk of crashes involving rideshare vehicles is significant.
A 2023 University of California study linked rideshare growth to an overall increase in traffic congestion and injury-causing accidents in Los Angeles County. Uber accidents are especially common in high-traffic areas like:
- Sherman Way near the Van Nuys Civic Center
- Burbank Boulevard during evening rush hour
- The Van Nuys FlyAway Terminal
- Freeway ramps and exits near Sepulveda Boulevard
These accidents frequently involve rideshare passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and other motorists.
What Makes Uber Accidents Legally Different?
Uber accident cases are not handled the same way as other car accident claims. That is because rideshare drivers are considered independent contractors, not employees. As a result, multiple insurance policies may be involved depending on when and how the crash occurred.
Uber uses a tiered insurance system:
- Offline: If the Uber driver is not logged into the app, their personal insurance applies.
- App On, No Ride Accepted: Uber provides limited liability coverage up to $50,000 per person for injuries and $100,000 per accident.
- Ride Accepted or Passenger in Vehicle: Uber offers $1 million in liability coverage, plus uninsured and underinsured motorist protection.
Our Van Nuys Uber accident lawyers understand how to evaluate these layers and determine which policy should apply to your case.
Who Can File an Uber Accident Claim?
Several parties may have the right to pursue compensation after an Uber-related crash, including:
- Rideshare passengers injured during the ride
- Other drivers hit by an Uber vehicle
- Pedestrians or bicyclists struck by an Uber driver
- Uber drivers injured due to another party’s negligence
No matter your role in the crash, Noravian Law Firm will fight to ensure you receive full compensation for your injuries and losses.
Common Causes of Uber Accidents in Van Nuys
Uber drivers face unique pressures to quickly navigate busy roads, locate passengers, and reach destinations using GPS. These factors, combined with driver fatigue or inexperience, often lead to serious accidents. Common causes include:
- Distracted driving while using the Uber app or smartphone
- Speeding to maximize ride volume and earnings
- Unsafe lane changes or abrupt stops to pick up passengers
- Failure to yield to pedestrians or other vehicles
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Poor vehicle maintenance or faulty brakes
Our attorneys thoroughly investigate each accident to determine exactly what went wrong and who is liable.
Injuries Often Reported in Uber Crashes
Because many Uber accidents occur in densely populated urban environments, the injuries can be serious. Our firm routinely handles cases involving:
- Neck and back injuries, including whiplash
- Head trauma and concussions
- Broken bones or fractures
- Spinal cord damage or paralysis
- Lacerations and facial injuries from airbag deployment
- Psychological trauma and anxiety, especially for passengers
These injuries may require hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, and long-term medical care, which we factor into your claim for maximum recovery.
Compensation Available in Uber Accident Claims
If you were injured in an Uber crash, you may be eligible to receive compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Emergency room and hospital costs
- Surgery, physical therapy, and follow-up care
- Lost wages and loss of future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
Our Van Nuys Uber accident lawyers will calculate the full extent of your losses and demand a settlement that reflects your true needs.
California Law and Rideshare Regulation
California has implemented specific laws regarding rideshare operations. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) regulates companies like Uber, requiring them to maintain insurance policies, conduct background checks, and follow safety standards.
Additionally, under California Civil Code Section 1714, all drivers owe a duty of care to others on the road. This includes Uber drivers who are actively transporting passengers or logged into the app.
California’s comparative negligence rule also applies. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Filing Your Claim in Van Nuys
If a lawsuit is necessary, your case will likely be filed at the Van Nuys Courthouse East, which handles personal injury matters for this region.
Van Nuys Courthouse East
6230 Sylmar Avenue
Van Nuys, CA 91401
Our attorneys are familiar with this courthouse and its judges, giving your case a local advantage. However, many Uber accident cases can be resolved through skilled negotiation without going to trial.
What You Should Do After an Uber Accident
If you were involved in an Uber accident in Van Nuys, here are the most important steps to take:
- Call 911 and request medical attention if anyone is injured
- Take photos of the vehicles, accident scene, and visible injuries
- Get contact and insurance information from all parties, including the Uber driver
- Ask witnesses for their names and contact information
- File a police report and request a copy
- Avoid discussing fault or accepting quick settlements from insurance
- Contact Noravian Law Firm as soon as possible to begin your legal claim
Quick action helps preserve evidence, prevent mistakes, and improve the strength of your case.
Why Choose Noravian Law Firm for Your Uber Accident Case?
Not every personal injury lawyer understands the complexities of Uber accident claims. At Noravian Law Firm, we bring deep experience, personalized service, and aggressive legal strategies to every case. Here’s why clients trust us:
- We know how to deal with Uber’s legal team and insurance carriers
- We handle all documentation, negotiations, and litigation on your behalf
- You pay nothing unless we win your case
- We offer free consultations and responsive communication
- We live and work in the communities we serve, including Van Nuys
Whether your crash happened downtown, near the 405, or outside your apartment, we are ready to take action on your behalf.
Proudly Serving Van Nuys and the San Fernando Valley
Our firm helps injured clients throughout Van Nuys and surrounding areas such as Sherman Oaks, North Hills, Panorama City, Lake Balboa, and Reseda. We are local attorneys who understand the roads, traffic, and rideshare risks specific to this part of Los Angeles.
Let us help you recover after an Uber accident and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Uber Accidents in Van Nuys
What should I do if I was a passenger in an Uber that was hit by another car?
If you were an Uber passenger injured in a crash, you may be able to file a claim against Uber’s $1 million insurance policy or the at-fault driver’s insurance. Contact a lawyer to help determine which party is responsible and to ensure your medical expenses and other losses are fully covered.
Can I sue Uber directly after an accident?
In most cases, you cannot sue Uber directly because drivers are classified as independent contractors. However, you can file a claim against Uber’s commercial insurance policy if the driver was logged into the app at the time of the crash.
How long do I have to file an Uber accident claim in California?
In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. It is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to avoid missing key deadlines or losing your right to compensation.
Call Our Van Nuys Uber Accident Attorneys Today
If you’ve been injured in a crash involving an Uber vehicle, do not try to handle the claim alone. These cases are complex and often involve powerful insurance companies that do not have your best interests in mind.
Call Noravian Law Firm now at 818-548-8000 for a free consultation with a Van Nuys Uber accident lawyer. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing.