Uber Driver Arrested Following Fatal Hit and Run in Costa Mesa

In the early morning of March 3, 2024, in Costa Mesa, California, a distressing hit and run event unfolded that led to tragedy. It was around 12:25 a.m. when the Costa Mesa Police Department received a call that would bring them to a scene of a devastating traffic collision at the junction of Newport Boulevard and Harbor Boulevard. What they found was heart-wrenching: an adult female pedestrian lying in the street, suffering from critical head injuries that threatened her life. The first responders from Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue provided immediate medical care in a bid to save her life. Despite their best efforts, the 47-year-old Costa Mesa woman succumbed to her injuries on March 5, turning the incident into a fatal tragedy.

The subsequent investigation was carried out by the Major Accident Investigations Team (MAIT). Their investigation involved interviews with witnesses and the analysis of surveillance footage. Through their efforts, a 43-year-old rideshare driver from Ontario was identified as the suspect. The man was accused of hitting the pedestrian and then fleeing the scene, failing to offer aid or report the incident. He was arrested and charged with vehicular manslaughter and felony hit and run.

The Rise of Hit and Run Incidents

Recent years have seen a worrying increase in fatal hit and run accidents in California. From 2012 to 2021, there was an 89.4% rise in these tragic incidents, the highest increase in the U.S. Over 60% of these fatal accidents involved pedestrians, highlighting the dangers they face, especially at night.

California’s Commitment to Pedestrian Safety

California law requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing the street within any marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. This law highlights the shared responsibility of drivers and pedestrians to prevent accidents by following the rules designed to ensure everyone’s safety on the road.

Understanding Uber’s Insurance Coverage

These days, rideshare services like Uber have become a fundamental part of how we move around our cities. However, accidents involving these services can bring up complicated questions about insurance and liability. It’s important to know that Uber provides insurance coverage for its rides, which is a safety net for both riders and, under certain conditions, pedestrians involved in accidents with Uber vehicles. This insurance coverage varies depending on the status of the Uber driver at the time of the accident:

• App Off: If the Uber app is off, the driver is covered by their personal auto insurance.
• App On, No Ride Booked: If the driver is logged into the app but hasn’t accepted a ride yet, California’s rideshare insurance requirements provide a higher level of coverage.
• Ride Booked: Once a ride is booked, Uber’s insurance policy offers up to $1,000,000 in liability coverage, regardless of whether the passenger is in the car.

Knowing these details is essential if you have fallen victim to an accident with an Uber vehicle, especially when seeking compensation for injuries or damages.

Los Angeles Uber Accident Lawyers

If you have been involved in a rideshare accident in Los Angeles, Cosa Mesa, or elsewhere in the state, get medical attention and then get clarification on your legal rights. Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates, PC focuses in both pedestrian accident cases and Uber / Lyft rideshare accident cases. Our pedestrian accident lawyers offer guidance and support throughout the legal process, advocating for your rights and working tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for your case. To discuss the specifics of your case, contact Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates, PC by calling 949-727-9300 or contacting us online for a consultation.