Michael Saffold Died In Goleta Pedestrian Accident With An Uber on Highway 101 by Fairview Avenue
GOLETA, CALIFORNIA (November 19, 2022) – A 29-year-old pedestrian identified as Michael Saffold died in a Goleta Uber accident on Highway 101 by Fairview Avenue.
Santa Barbara County officials are saying that the accident took place around 1:49 a.m. on November, 11. Michael Saffold was walking when he was hit by an Uber rideshare vehicle.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Despite the best efforts of first responders, Michael Saffold was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Uber driver remained at the scene and cooperated with police. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Goleta Uber Accidents
Uber is the largest rideshare company in the United States and has experience substantial growth over the last decade. According to TechCrutch, “[Uber] crashes generally occurred at lower speeds than the national average, and were more likely by far to occur at night, in lighted areas of cities. That makes sense, since rideshare services are heavily weighted toward urban environments and shorter, lower-speed trips.” There are a number of factors that could contribute to an Uber accident.
- Speeding
- Inclement weather
- Driver fatigue
- Driver distraction
Uber drivers often work long hours and many of them have full time positions in addition to the work they do for Uber. It is relatively common for Uber drivers to be fatigued while driving. Fatigued driving can actually be just as dangerous as drunk driving. The CDC estimates that staying awake for 18 hours reduces a person’s ability to drive safely equal to driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05% or higher.
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care to avoid hitting pedestrians. According to California Vehicle Code 21950, the driver of any vehicle shall reduce their speed and take all action necessary to safeguard the wellbeing of any pedestrian in the roadway. If a driver failed to reduce their speed and hit a pedestrian, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
Uber provides insurance for all of their drivers. But for this insurance to kick in, the Uber driver must have been transporting a passenger or on their way to pick up a passenger. Uber and Lyft both try to distance themselves from liability for crashes by hiring their drivers as “independent contractors.” However, some lawsuits have tried to challenge the status of Uber drivers as independent contractors. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any Uber accident.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any person that is killed in an Uber accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. It is crucial that all evidence is properly preserved after any collision. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Goleta Uber Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Michael Saffold. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of the victim’s family.
Do you need more information about a Goleta Uber accident? Our team of pedestrian safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any collision, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
