Founder and Managing Partner
February 2024 has witnessed a worrying surge in Uber accidents across various locations, highlighting the persistent risks that come with the convenience of ridesharing services. As we delve into some of the most harrowing incidents that have occurred this past month, it’s crucial to recognize not only the immediate impact on those directly involved but also the broader implications for public safety and rideshare practices.
At J&Y Law Firm, a leading personal injury firm based in Los Angeles, CA, we are dedicated to advocating for the rights and well-being of those affected by personal injuries, including those sustained in Uber accidents. Our team of experienced legal professionals understands the complex nature of rideshare accidents and the challenges victims face in seeking justice and compensation. Through this blog, we aim to shed light on the severity of these incidents and the critical need for accountability and enhanced safety measures.
As you read through the accounts of the worst Uber accidents of February 2024, remember that these stories are not just statistics—they represent real people who have endured significant trauma and disruption to their lives. If you or someone you know has been involved in a similar incident, J&Y Law Firm is here to help. We are committed to ensuring that victims receive the compensation they deserve for their medical bills, lost income, and the impact on their quality of life. Together, we can work towards a safer, more responsible ridesharing environment.
Uber driver dead and one passenger injured in crash, police arrest suspect
Salinas Police confirmed to KION that at least one person has died and one person is injured after they were involved in a two-car crash on Sunday night.
Investigators said the crash happened on North Sanborn Road and Freedom Parkway around 11:14 p.m. Officers confirmed that an Uber driver in one of the vehicles died and a passenger is being treated for their injuries at Natividad Medical Center.
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has identified the victim as 53-year-old Jorge Vasquez Topete of Salinas. Salinas Police identified the suspect as 27-year-old Juan Manuel Gonzalez. Investigators said Gonzalez ran from his vehicle that he was driving on Sunday night.
Gonzalez was arrested on Monday morning and will be booked into the Monterey County Jail on vehicular manslaughter charges, felony hit and run and driving without a license. Salinas Police LT. Zach Dunagan says it is unknown if Gonzalez was under the influence of drugs or alcohol but says it is sad when the person who was trying to right things gets caught in a tragedy.
“It’s one of those things that even if you’re responsible and you take an Uber, people are still out there drinking and driving,” Dunagan said. “And there’s still the possibility of a drunk driver hitting you.” Police said that this is an ongoing investigation and if anyone has any information regarding the collision or Gonzalez’s whereabouts last night we ask that you call Motor Officer Lopez at (831) 758-7378. (source)
Fatal Highway 1 crash in Burnaby involved group in Uber: police
Four young women in Canada were reportedly in an Uber on their way home from an evening of celebration when the crash happened near the Sprott Street exit just before 4 a.m.
Corp. Melissa Jongema with the BC Highway Patrol says a white Tesla operating as an Uber pulled over near the exit so the driver could attend to one of the four passengers.
Jongema says a Chevrolet SUV then hit the Tesla from behind, killing one passenger on the spot and sending the three others to hospital — two in critical condition. The driver was also taken to hospital. One passenger has since been released with non-life-threatening injuries, she adds, though no other details about the passengers were provided.
According to a GoFundMe set up by someone who identifies herself as the mother of one of the passengers, the four women were in their twenties. Jennifer Miller, the mother, says the friends were out to celebrate one of their 21st birthdays and are now having to “learn a new reality.” She says her daughter survived the crash.
“They will all have to live with the fact that one of them didn’t live that night, it will take some serious time and love,” the GoFundMe reads. “Please pray for the safe recovery of the other two that are fighting for their lives.” A spokesperson for Uber says the company is working to get in touch with the driver and the person who ordered the ride.
“The details of this crash are heartbreaking. We offer our deepest sympathies to all those impacted and stand ready to support law enforcement however we can as they investigate,” the spokesperson stated. The company adds it has a public safety team that’s available specifically to assist law enforcement with investigations.
Jongema says the crash is still under investigation but alcohol is not believed to have been a factor. Anyone with information is asked to call the RCMP at 604-526-9744 and quote file #2024-56-52. (source)
Uber driver arrested for a fatal hit and run that killed a woman in Costa Mesa
On Sunday, March 3, 2024, a little after 12:25 a.m., officers responded to a traffic collision involving a pedestrian at the intersection of Newport Boulevard and Harbor Boulevard, according to the Costa Mesa Police Department.
Officers located the adult female pedestrian on Newport Boulevard with a life-threatening head injury. Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue also responded and initiated lifesaving measures and transported the victim to the nearest trauma hospital.
Yesterday, March 5, the 47-year-old woman, with a last known address in Costa Mesa, succumbed to her injuries and died. Her name is being withheld until next of kin is notified.
The Major Accident Investigations Team (MAIT) responded to the scene to begin their investigation. During the course of the MAIT investigation, it was determined the suspect driver was working in the area as a driver for a rideshare service, when he hit the victim pedestrian and then fled the scene.
Investigators spent the next 48 hours contacting witnesses and collecting and analyzing video and physical evidence that ultimately led to the identification of a suspect: Thomas Loranze Henry, 43, Ontario.
CMPD’s Major Accident Investigations Team aksi determined that Henry was working in the area as a driver for the ride-sharing service Uber and he was driving a silver Toyota Prius at the time of the collision, according to CMPD. Yesterday, March 5, Henry was located, arrested, and booked on vehicular manslaughter and felony hit and run. (source)
Driver ID’d in crash that killed 3 Uber riders, including 2 sisters, in South L.A. area
Police on Sunday identified the driver involved in a crash that killed three Uber passengers and left the driver and another passenger hospitalized in the unincorporated Westmont area over the weekend.
The crash occurred around 5:30 a.m. Saturday morning at the intersection of Vermont Avenue and Century Boulevard. Investigators said the suspect’s car ran a red light when it struck the side of the ride-share vehicle.
The suspect was identified as 31-year-old Gregory Black, who police say faces vehicular manslaughter charges. The occupants of the Uber vehicle included the 38-year-old female driver, a male passenger, and three female passengers who died as a result of the crash.
The three victims were identified as Juvelyn Arroyo, 23, Veronica Amezola, 23, and Kimberly Izquierdo, 27. Police said two of the three were sisters. The driver and male passenger were expected to recover at a hospital.
After striking the victim’s vehicle, police say that Black’s car spun out of control and landed on the center median. He was taken to a local hospital in stable condition and arrested. Tragically, police believe the deadly crash could’ve been easily avoided. “It’s frustrating because, if you just drive the speed limit, slow down, follow the laws of the land, this wouldn’t happen,” said LAPD Sgt. Clarence Perkins.
An Uber spokesperson released a statement to KTLA on the crash, saying: “We are heartbroken, and our thoughts are with the families of those involved in this devastating crash. We hope the driver and rider who survived recover swiftly.” A GoFundMe has been set up to help pay for funeral expenses for the two sisters, as well as a separate one for Arroyo. (source)
Call A California Car Accident Lawyer
As we conclude our series on the worst Uber accidents of February 2024, we’re reminded of the unexpected turns life can take and the importance of staying vigilant on the roads. While technology and ridesharing services offer convenience and connectivity, safety remains paramount. Each incident we’ve discussed serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of our daily travels and the critical need for responsible driving practices from all.
If you or someone you know has been affected by any such incidents, it’s crucial to remember that you are not alone. Legal support can be a vital step in navigating the aftermath of a road accident, ensuring that you receive the appropriate care and compensation for your troubles. For those in need, J&Y Law Firm offers experienced and compassionate assistance to guide you through these challenging times. You can reach out to them at (323) 202-2305 for a consultation that could help illuminate your path towards recovery and justice.
As we move forward, let’s carry the lessons learned from these unfortunate events with us. Let them serve as a call to action for all drivers, passengers, and pedestrians to foster a safer environment on our streets. Remember, safety is a shared responsibility, and together, we can make a significant difference.