Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers | May 26, 2025 | Car Accident
Being hit by a car while walking is a nightmare scenario, and it can turn your or your family’s world upside down in an instant. Now, throw in the fact that the car was an Uber or other rideshare vehicle in Santee, California, and things can get even trickier. Figuring out what to do next and what your legal options are becomes really important during such a difficult time.
At Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers, we have a long-standing commitment to helping individuals in the Santee and greater San Diego area who have been injured due to the negligence of others. Our experienced vehicle accident attorneys understand the intricacies of personal injury law, especially when rideshare companies are involved. We strive to provide compassionate guidance and representation to ensure our clients receive the justice and compensation they deserve.
Immediate Actions To Take Following Your Uber Pedestrian Accident
The moments immediately following a pedestrian-vehicle collision are critical. If you are able, or if you are assisting someone who has been struck:
- Ensure Safety First: Move the injured pedestrian to a safe location away from further traffic if it’s possible without causing further harm. Activate hazard lights on any involved vehicles to warn other drivers.
- Call 911: Report the accident immediately. This will ensure that law enforcement and emergency medical services are dispatched to the scene. The police report will be a vital piece of documentation later in any potential legal proceedings.
- Gather Information: If possible, collect the Uber driver’s name, contact information, license plate number, and insurance details. Also, note the make and model of the vehicle. If there were any witnesses, obtain their names and contact information as well.
- Document the Scene: Use your phone to take pictures and videos of the accident scene, including the position of the vehicles, any visible injuries, traffic signals, and road conditions.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor initially, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical evaluation. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or head trauma, may not present symptoms right away. A thorough medical examination will document the extent of the injuries and link them to the accident.
Understanding Liability in a Santee Uber Pedestrian Accident
Determining who is legally responsible for a pedestrian accident involving an Uber driver in Santee can be multifaceted. Several factors come into play:
- The Uber Driver’s Status: A key element is whether the Uber driver was “on duty” at the time of the accident. This can be further broken down into:
- App Off: If the driver was not logged into the Uber app or was using their personal vehicle for personal reasons, their personal auto insurance policy would likely be the primary source of coverage.
- App On, Not Yet Matched with a Rider: In this scenario, Uber’s contingent liability coverage may apply. This typically provides coverage if the driver’s personal insurance is insufficient.
- Matched with a Rider or Transporting a Rider: When the driver has accepted a ride request or is transporting a passenger, Uber typically provides primary liability coverage.
- The Driver’s Negligence: To establish liability, it generally needs to be shown that the Uber driver was negligent, meaning they failed to act with the reasonable care that a prudent driver would exercise in the same situation. Examples of driver negligence include speeding and distracted driving.
- Pedestrian Actions: While drivers have a responsibility to exercise due care, pedestrians also have a duty to act reasonably for their own safety. If a pedestrian’s actions contributed to the accident (e.g., jaywalking, being intoxicated), this could affect the amount of compensation they may be entitled to under California’s comparative negligence laws.
- Other Potential Liable Parties: In some less common situations, other parties might bear some responsibility, such as the City of Santee if poorly maintained roads or obscured signage contributed to the accident.
Uber maintains insurance policies that provide coverage in the event of accidents involving their drivers. However, the specifics of this coverage can be confusing and depend heavily on the driver’s status at the time of the incident.
Contact Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers
If you or someone you know has been injured in a pedestrian accident involving an Uber driver in Santee, California, don’t navigate this complex legal landscape alone. Contact Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. Let our dedicated team help you understand your rights and pursue the justice and compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing and recovery.