California Uber and Lyft Accident Attorney

Expert California Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers

Uber and Lyft have revolutionized the way we travel, giving us a more convenient and affordable alternative to traditional taxi services. However, the risk of accidents and injuries remains the same--if not greater due to the distraction of having to read a map--and that's where our expert California Uber and Lyft accident lawyers come in to help. 

As these apps become more popular, accidents involving Uber and Lyft vehicles are becoming more common, leaving passengers, drivers, and other motorists vulnerable to serious injuries.

If you are involved in an accident as a passenger or driver of a rideshare vehicle, it can be a confusing and overwhelming experience. You may be dealing with injuries, medical bills, lost income, and other expenses, all while trying to navigate the complex legal issues surrounding the accident. Our expert California Uber and Lyft accident attorneys can fight for you.

To schedule a free consultation, please contact our 24/7 legal team by calling 213-927-3700 or filling out our quick contact form.

How an Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer can Help You

An Uber and Lyft accident attorney specializes in handling cases related to accidents involving rideshare services. They understand the unique legal issues and complexities involved in these cases. If you are wondering just how important it is to hire a lawyer who specializes in handling these types of cases, here are some ways that Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can actually be of help to you:

• Investigate the accident: An experienced lawyer will investigate the accident to determine who is at fault. They will gather evidence such as witness statements, police reports, and surveillance footage to build a strong case.
• Negotiate with insurance companies: Uber and Lyft have insurance policies that cover accidents involving their drivers. However, dealing with insurance companies can be complicated, and they may try to offer you a low settlement. An uber and lyft accident lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure that you receive a fair settlement.
• Determine liability: Liability in Uber and Lyft accidents can be complex. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, the driver, the rideshare company, or a third party may be liable. An experienced lawyer can help determine who is liable and hold them accountable.
• Determine damages: In addition to medical bills and property damage, you may be entitled to other types of damages such as lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. An uber and lyft accident attorney can help determine the full extent of your damages and ensure that you receive compensation for all your losses.
• Represent you in court: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer can represent you in court. Your accident lawyer will be able to present your case to a judge and jury and fight for your rights.

How Long Can I Sue for Damages?

In California, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit for personal injury is generally two years from the date of the injury. This means that you have two years from the date of the accident or from the date that you discovered your injuries, to file a lawsuit against the responsible party for damages.

If you are injured in an Uber or Lyft accident. It's important to note that the statute of limitations starts running from the date of the accident. 

If you miss the deadline, you may lose your right to file a lawsuit and recover damages. Failing to file a lawsuit within the statute of limitations can result in your case being dismissed, so it's important to take action as soon as possible after an injury.

Common Injuries in an Uber or Lyft Accident

In an Uber or Lyft accident, the severity of your injuries will depend on the circumstances of the accident. Here are some common injuries in auto accidents:

• Whiplash
• Back injuries
• Head injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Bone fractures
• Burn Injuries
• Loss of limb/amputation
• Internal bleeding
• Paralysis

Types of Damages You Can Sue For

If you have gotten hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident, you have the option to recuperate some of your losses and damages such as : 

• Clinical Costs: You can sue for the expense of clinical treatments in connection with your wounds, medicine, trauma visits, medical procedures and checkups. 
• Loss of Income: If you are prevented from showing up to work due to an Uber and Lyft accident, you are entitled to sue for lost wages. 
• Emotional Distress: You are permitted to sue for emotional distress and misery associated with mishaps such as Uber and Lyft accidents. 
• Property Destruction: Assuming your vehicle or other property was damaged in the accident, you are entitled to sue for the cost of fixing or substituting the damaged property. 
• Punitive damages : In some cases you may have the option to sue for punitive damages, which are expected to punish the party responsible for the Uber and Lyft accident. 

The types and amount of damages you may be entitled to depends on the severity of your accident. This also includes the degree of your wounds and the shortcomings of each party involved in the accident. 

Uber and Lyft Insurance Coverage

Uber, Lyft and other transportation network companies (TNC) have insurance policies that cover accidents involving their drivers, but the coverage can be complex and vary depending on the circumstances of the accident.

Liability is determined based on the amount of negligence that was contributed by all parties involved in an accident. TNC drivers are required to provide a duty of care, meaning that they must follow traffic laws to maintain a safe environment for others. When liability isn’t clear Uber and Lyft disputes get created. However, due to Prop 22, rideshare companies have no association with the unlawful actions committed by their contracted delivery drivers, making it difficult to pursue a personal injury claim against them for an accident. 

Prop 22 is a ballot initiative allowing giant ride-hailing and delivery companies to classify their workers as independent contractors rather than employees. This initiative has taken away protections granted by AB 5, a 2019 law requiring gig workers such as rideshare drivers, to be classified as employees with stronger benefits such as a minimum wage, overtime and workers compensation in case of injury.

TNC accident cases can be complicated because of the various types of insurance policies in effect. You will need to acquire legal assistance from an expert California rideshare accident attorney to help you determine who is liable.

Period 0

Uber and Lyft have categories of insurance policies that are divided into four, based on what the driver may have been doing at the time of the accident.

The time period where the driver is not logged into the Uber or Lyft app is classified as Period 0. 

If an accident happens during Period 0 when the driver is offline, the driver’s personal car insurance will cover the cost of the accident.

Period 1

Period 1 begins when an Uber or Lyft driver is using their personal car, while the app is active, but has not yet received a pick-up request.

This means that the driver is online and waiting for a ride request. Uber and Lyft will cover the expenses of the accident if the driver’s personal auto insurance does not. 

When the driver is logged in but hasn’t accepted a ride, standard coverage for the accident includes: 

• $50,000 for bodily injury per person.
• $100,000 for bodily injury per accident.
• $25,000 for property damage per accident.

Period 2

If the Uber or Lyft rideshare app is on and the driver is on their way to pick up the passenger from their designated pickup location, that stage is known as Period 2

If a rideshare driver has accepted a ride and gets into any accidents during period 2, Uber and Lyft will provide liability coverage in the following amounts: 

• $1,000,000 third party liability
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury
• Contingent comprehensive and collision (up to actual cash value of the vehicle with a $2,500 deductible)
• Specific types of vehicles are subject to $1,000 deductible.

Period 3

Period 3 is classified as the time when the passenger is in the vehicle and the ride is in progress. If any accident occurs during this period, Uber provides $1 million in liability coverage, as well as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and contingent collision and comprehensive coverage.

It is important to note that Uber's insurance coverage is contingent on the driver maintaining their own personal auto insurance coverage and only applies to accidents that occur during the course of a ride. 

If the driver is using the app for personal reasons, their personal auto insurance will provide coverage. If the driver's personal auto insurance coverage lapses, Uber's insurance coverage may not apply. Additionally, the coverage amounts and terms may vary depending on the state or country where the accident occurs.

Types of Accidents Covered By an Uber or Lyft Accident Lawyer

An Uber or Lyft accident attorney can help you with a variety of different types of accidents involving ride-hailing services. 

Here are a few examples of the types of accidents that an Uber or Lyft accident lawyer can help with:

• Car Accidents
• Pedestrian Accidents
• Bicycle Accidents
• Multi-car Accidents
• Rollover Accidents
• Drunk driving Accidents

Getting in an Accident Driving for Uber or Lyft

If you are driving for Uber or Lyft and get into an accident, this might be a very distressing experience for you. 

There are some important steps you must take if you have found yourself in such an unfortunate situation, like: 

• Making sure to check for any signs of injuries and calling 911 if there are any.
• Contact the police to ensure an official report of the accident is recorded. 
• Contacting Uber or Lyft to report the accident as well as any other relevant information pertaining to it.
• Document the accident by taking photos, videos, notes or anything that will help paint a clear and vivid image of the accident for future recounting. 
• Contact an experienced Uber and Lyft accident attorney that will help you understand your rights in the case and fight for you. 

Remember, the most important thing after an accident is to make sure that everyone involved is safe and receives any necessary medical attention. 

What Happens if Your Uber or Lyft Driver Gets in an Accident?

If you're a passenger in an Uber or Lyft vehicle and the driver gets into an accident, the first priority is to make sure that everyone is safe and not seriously injured. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately.

There are two main situations to consider in trying to prove liability: 

1. The Uber driver caused the accident
2. The Uber driver is not responsible for causing the accident

These two situations will determine the amount of compensation you may be able to receive. 

Hitting an Uber or Lyft Driver

Hitting a rideshare vehicle can be quite a complicated situation. If you hit an Uber or Lyft driver, the driver may be able to sue and claim damages if they are able to prove that the accident was caused as a result of your negligent behavior. 

Negligent behavior can be classified as any situation where an individual acts carelessly and can include:

• Distracted driving
• Running red lights
• Speeding
• Drunk driving
• Aggressive driving
• Tailgating

If the Uber or Lyft driver was at fault or the cause of the accident, then you may be able to file a claim with their insurance company. Regardless of who is at fault, remember to seek emergency services first, if needed. 

Hitting a Pedestrian As a Rideshare Driver

If you are a rideshare driver and you hit a pedestrian, it's important to stay calm and follow these important steps:

• Seek Help: Make sure that the pedestrian is safe and check for any physical harm or bleeding. If the pedestrian is injured, call for help immediately.
• Report: Report the incident to the authorities so that there can be a record of the event for future purposes
• Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the pedestrian. Make sure to provide your driver's license and insurance information, as well as your contact information.
• Insurance: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. Your insurance company will be able to guide you through the claims process.
• Accident lawyer: If you've hit a pedestrian as a rideshare driver, it's important to contact an experienced Uber and Lyft accident lawyer who can help you navigate the complex and legal issues involved. 

Should I See a Doctor After an Uber or Lyft Accident?

It is always a good idea to see a doctor after an Uber or Lyft accident, even if you don't feel any injuries at the time. Here's why:

• Some injuries may not be immediately apparent: Some injuries, such as whiplash, concussion, or soft tissue injuries, may not show symptoms right away. By seeing a doctor after an accident, you can ensure that any injuries are identified and treated early on.
• Documentation for insurance purposes: If you decide to file an insurance claim or lawsuit, documentation of any injuries can help you get the compensation you deserve. Seeing a doctor creates an official record of your injuries that can be used as evidence in your case.
• Peace of mind: Even if you don't have any visible injuries, seeing a doctor can provide peace of mind that you are okay. This can be especially important if you have any underlying medical conditions that could be exacerbated by the accident.

West Coast Trial Lawyers Recovered over $1.5 Billion for Our Clients

By understanding your legal rights and options and having a skilled Uber and Lyft accident lawyer by your side, you can take steps to protect your interests and get the compensation you deserve after an accident.

Our overqualified California Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at West Coast Trial Lawyers have an extremely high success rate in securing compensation for many victims and have recovered a total of over $1.5 billion in damages. We can help you get the maximum compensation for your injury and losses.

West Coast Trial Lawyers Is Here to Help

If you have sustained injuries as a result of someone’s negligence or deliberate acts of malice, you have the right to hold the guilty party responsible for your losses. Our California Uber and Lyft accident attorneys at West Coast Trial Lawyers can recover compensation for the losses you have suffered.

Contact us today by calling 213-927-3700 or filling out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with our experienced, caring, and compassionate legal team.