Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized getting around in Southern California. While generally safe, rideshare accidents can happen anywhere, anytime. If you were in a rideshare accident as a passenger, navigating a personal injury claim against the rideshare driver or a third-party driver can cause you even more unwanted frustration and stress. A rideshare accident lawyer can be your lifeline during your time of need. Contact Sierra Accident Lawyers for a free consultation with no upfront legal fees. Our Rancho Cucamonga law firm only gets paid if you win.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident
Whether due to speeding, inattention, or running a red light, a rideshare accident happens for the same reasons as any other car accident. All motor vehicle accidents, including rideshare accidents, are shocking and can lead to immense physical and emotional pain. If you can, take the following steps to protect yourself:
1. Seek Medical Attention
If you’re involved in a rideshare accident, report the accident to the police and request emergency medical assistance if you are injured. Even if you are fine, see a doctor as soon as possible. Failure to seek medical treatment can hurt your chances of obtaining compensation.
2. Gather Evidence
Document everything at the accident scene. Take photos of the damaged Uber or Lyft vehicle, the surrounding area, and your injuries. Ensure a police report is filed, capturing all accident details. Obtain the number of the police report for your records.
3. Speak to Any Witnesses
Witnesses can provide valuable perspectives that differ from yours and support your account of the event. If there are any witnesses, obtain their contact information.
4. Notify Uber or Lyft
Call or message the rideshare company through their app’s customer service. This step is critical as it triggers their insurance and accident response protocols.
5. Speak to a Rideshare Accident Attorney
Consulting an experienced Uber accident lawyer attorney specializing in rideshare accidents can help you navigate the complex legal landscape and ensure you receive adequate compensation for damages and injuries.
Understanding Uber and Lyft Insurance
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft offer third-party liability insurance coverage. However, obtaining this coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.
If the Uber or Lyft driver is not logged in at the time of the crash, only their personal auto insurance will cover the damages. If the driver is online and available for a trip, Uber and Lyft offer the following in third-party liability insurance:
- $50,000 per person for injuries
- $100,000 per accident for injuries
- $25,000 in property damage per accident
Rideshare drivers logged into the app who are actively transporting passengers are covered by $1,000,000 in liability coverage if an accident occurs.
Determining Liability in an Uber or Lyft Accident
Liability in a Rancho Cucamonga rideshare accident depends on various factors, including the driver’s status at the time of the accident, the cause of the accident, and the extent of the injuries.
In California, liability for a car accident frequently hinges on proving negligence. This requires demonstrating that the other party failed to meet their duty of care and that this failure directly led to the accident and subsequent harm.
California law follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means that any party found to be partially at fault for the accident will have their compensation award reduced by their percentage of fault.
Compensation for Rideshare Accidents
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident due to negligence from the rideshare driver or a third-party driver, you may be eligible to recover financial compensation from the rideshare company or the driver’s insurance in a Lyft or Uber accident claim.
Your compensation may include your actual financial losses, such as medical bills from your injuries and lost wages, if you missed time from work. It can also include non-economic damages such as loss of enjoyment, fear of driving, and emotional distress.
A Rancho Cucamonga Lyft and Uber accident lawyer can help you determine the types of compensation available and fight for fair compensation on your behalf. It is not wise to settle with the insurance company without consulting a lawyer. The insurance company is notorious for offering quick lowball settlement offers. If you accept their offer, you will not be able to recover more compensation later on.
Speak to an Experienced Rideshare Accident Lawyer
If you sustained serious injuries as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft car, don’t try to handle your personal injury claim alone. An Uber and Lyft accident attorney can increase your chances of success through their years of experience representing these types of claims.
California rideshare accident lawyers have the expertise and resources to handle complex accident claims involving large insurance companies. At our firm, we can help you navigate the legal process, deal with the insurance company, and fight for fair compensation.
Contact Sierra Accident Lawyers today to schedule a free case evaluation.
