What is Uber’s Proposed Measure?
Uber has introduced a California ballot measure that would change the rules for people injured in car and truck accidents. This measure would significantly limit the compensation accident victims could receive for medical costs and make it harder for them to secure legal representation. The plan favors large corporations like Uber, making it more difficult for injured individuals to access medical care and fair financial recovery after a crash.
Impact on Medical Expense Recovery
If the measure passes, accident victims could be limited to receiving only Medicare rates for medical expenses, rather than the actual amount they paid. This could prevent people from recouping their full medical costs and increase healthcare expenses statewide. The proposal also imposes stricter requirements for proving medical liens, further limiting victims’ ability to recover costs.
Effect on Hiring a Lawyer
The initiative would place tight restrictions on contingency fees for injured parties while leaving Uber’s legal fees unrestricted. As a result, pursuing claims with lower damages or complicated liability could become economically unfeasible, leaving victims with fewer options to obtain legal representation against large companies, even in serious accidents. Essentially, this measure would make it harder for Californians to hold corporations accountable for injuries.
Who is Affected?
Although Uber supports this initiative, it is not limited to rideshare accidents. The rules would apply broadly to all motor vehicle accidents, impacting drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and anyone harmed in car or truck crashes across California.
Why the Proposal Is Misleading
The idea of a “cap” might sound fair, but it leaves out important facts.
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Fewer Lawyers Could Take Cases
Personal injury cases are expensive to handle. Attorneys often pay upfront for experts, records, and investigations. If the fee is capped too low, many lawyers will not be able to take on complex or high-risk cases. -
Victims Could End Up With Less
Uber says this proposal would give victims more of their settlement, but if fewer lawyers are available, many victims may never get a settlement in the first place. -
Corporations Benefit Most
Large companies like Uber stand to gain the most. If fewer lawsuits are filed, these companies will face less pressure to improve safety or take responsibility for harm caused by their drivers or policies.
What This Means for Accident Victims
If this proposal becomes law, it could make it harder for injured people to hold Uber or its drivers accountable after a crash.
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Access to Justice Could Shrink
Many victims rely on contingency fee arrangements because they cannot afford to pay hourly legal fees. A fee cap would limit access to skilled attorneys, especially for those with serious injuries or complicated claims. -
Settlements Could Be Smaller
When fewer lawyers are available, insurance companies and large corporations have more control. Victims may feel pressured to accept smaller settlements just to move forward. -
Rideshare Accidents Could Be Impacted the Most
Uber accident claims are already complex. Determining fault, dealing with multiple insurance companies, and proving damages often take months of work. A fee cap would make these types of cases even harder to pursue.
Why Hire Fielding Law
At Fielding Law, we believe accident victims deserve fairness and access to justice. Limiting attorney fees might sound like it helps victims, but in reality, it helps large corporations avoid responsibility.
Our team has the experience, compassion, and determination to stand up for injured people and ensure they have a voice against powerful companies. If you or a loved one has been injured in an Uber accident or by a rideshare driver, we are here to help.
Call 833.88.SHARK to speak with a trusted personal injury attorney today.
Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.
