Sacramento Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are becoming a staple among global transportation companies. As people use ridesharing services to avoid car accidents they have become a reliable means of transportation. However, while these services have become popular, the chances of a Uber or Lyft driver getting into an accident have steadily increased.

As Uber and Lyft employ a large number of independent contractors who often work long hours, the chances of rideshare drivers getting into an accident is just as likely as any other driver on the road. In fact, a 2021 study about the impact of transportation companies revealed that ridesharing apps have increased the duration of road congestion by 4.5%, meaning that drivers are more likely to get stuck in traffic for a longer period of time and become more susceptible to get into a car accident.

As such, if you or a loved one has been involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, you may be entitled to compensation for any damages you have suffered. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our dedicated team of personal injury attorneys are ready to take on your case and fight for your rights. With over 20 years of legal experience, our rideshare accident lawyers handle every case with the utmost care and respect that it deserves.

We have recovered over $1.6 billion in financial compensation to our deserving clients and we will continue to do our duty to guide them throughout the legal process. With years of experience handling rideshare accidents under our belts, our team of Uber and Lyft accident attorneys have seen them all and are confident that we will get you the compensation that you deserve for your losses.

We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that you pay no fees until you win. To schedule a FREE initial consultation, you can get in touch with us by calling us at (213) 927-3700 or by filling out our quick online contact form.

Common Causes A Rideshare Accident

Much like auto accidents, there are a variety of different factors that can cause a rideshare accident to occur. From what is commonly seen in Sacramento, distracted driving, drunk driving, and negligent driving are some of the most common causes of Uber and Lyft accidents. While the severity of the accident will be dependent on a case by case basis, it is important to familiarize oneself with the intricacies of each cause so victims can properly inform their attorney so they can file a personal injury lawsuit.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is referred to as the act of driving a vehicle while engaging in another activity such as talking on your phone, texting, eating, drinking, talking to other people in the car, and even adjusting your radio or GPS. While some of these acts may seem harmless and very minor, rideshare drivers have to constantly be on their phone in order to manage their passenger’s pick ups and drop offs and to ensure that they are taking the right directions. As a result, the chances of a rideshare driver getting distracted by their phone and getting into an accident increases significantly and should it happens, they can become the at fault driver and be liable for all damages.

Drunk Driving

Drunk driving is the act of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence. It is considered to be one of the most common causes of car accidents in the country as it can happen anywhere. While most rideshare drivers are responsible and do not engage in drunk driving, they are likely to get hit by a drunk driver on the road. As Uber and Lyft drivers are constantly on the road and picking up passengers in the most popular locations throughout the city, the chances of encountering a drunk driver becomes very likely. Should that become the case, they can file a claim against the drunk driver and recover damages for any injuries and significant property damage.

Negligent Driving

Negligent driving refers to the act of operating a vehicle without any reasonable care and is intentionally violating driving codes. Acts such as speeding, running red lights, merging without using blinkers, aggressive driving, and failing to signal are all instances of negligent driving and should the driver get into an accident because of their negligent actions then they can be held liable for all damages. As such, both rideshare drivers and regular drivers are susceptible to either engaging in negligent driving or becoming a victim to negligent driving and the best course of action to prevent it from occurring is to properly follow all rules and regulations set by the DMV.

Determining Liability in Uber and Lyft Accidents

When it comes to determining liability in a ridesharing accident, many assume that the method is similar to a car accident. However, determining liability in an Uber or Lyft accident is notoriously complex due to the employment classification of independent contractors. With the passing of Proposition 22, California law requires a rideshare company to give their independent contractors benefits and coverage if they drive a certain amount of hours and under certain conditions.

With that in mind, the liability coverage for an Uber or Lyft vehicle will be heavily dependent on the driver, should they be the one who has caused the accident. In most cases, the insurance coverage for a rideshare accident claim will take more time than a standard car accident and when that happens, it is vital that you consult with an Uber or Lyft accident attorney to ensure that all claims are filed and processed at an efficient rate.

How Can a Sacramento Rideshare Accident Attorney Help You?

By hiring a Sacramento rideshare accident lawyer, accident victims are able to increase their chances of recovering compensation for their losses in an accident. A rideshare accident lawyer can help file and process important documents, draft up proposals and motions to opposing counsel, negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company or any representative from rideshare companies, and give you sound legal advice throughout your case. While you can choose to file a personal injury case on your own, your chances of recovering compensation would become significantly lower, because the likelihood of missing an important detail or not negotiating properly can happen more likely than one would think.

Recoverable Damages in Sacramento Rideshare Accident Cases

When it comes to recoverable damages in an accident involving Uber and Lyft drivers, all accident victims are able to recover economic, non-economic, and punitive damages. However, depending on the severity and nature of the accident, some damages may not be applicable, so it is important to understand what kind of damages you can file and calculate for your personal injury settlement.

Economic

Economic damages are defined as calculable expenses that can be recovered based on their initial value and cost. For instance, unexpected costs such as medical expenses, lost income, and property damage are some of the most common expenses that are found in a Uber or Lyft accident. Most importantly, these expenses can all be objectively valued at a certain amount and can be recovered once the victim and their attorney prove that these costs were derived due to the accident in question.

Non-Economic

Non-economic damages are defined as subjective expenses that can be recovered based on the impact it has had on the victim. For example, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress are all subjective and will vary from person-to-person, especially in a rideshare accident case. While the value of non-economic damages will be entirely dependent on the severity of the accident and how it has impacted the victim, their attorney can argue to opposing counsel to include these damages alongside economic damages to ensure that their clients are made whole.

Punitive

Punitive damages are a rare form of damages that is specifically designed to punish the at-fault party for their negligent/reckless actions in extremely severe cases. While punitive damages does not always award any monetary sum to the victims, they can receive a sense of justice and closure for the accident scene. It is important to note that punitive damages may serve as a means to deter any similar incidents from occurring in the future.

West Coast Trial Lawyers is Here To Help

If you or a loved one have suffered injuries in a rideshare accident, you may be eligible for compensation. Whether you were a passenger or a driver, if you have gotten injured due to the negligence of another driver, you have the right to recover damages and justice. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Sacramento rideshare accident attorneys are ready to help and serve as your trusted legal counsel.

We have recovered over $1.6 billion in financial compensation to our deserving clients and we will continue to do our duty to guide you throughout the legal process. With over 20 years of experience, our personal injury lawyers are well versed in California law and will handle your case with the utmost care and respect that it deserves. As a result of their dedication to helping others, they are confident that we will get you the maximum compensation that you deserve for your losses.

We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that you pay no fees until you win. To schedule a FREE consultation, you can get in touch with us by calling us at (213) 927-3700 or by filling out our quick online contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sacramento Rideshare Accidents

What Is the Statute of Limitations in a Rideshare Accident?

The statute of limitations for all personal injury claims must be made within two years of the accident date, as per section 335.1 of California’s code of civil procedure. Should rideshare accident victims fail to file a claim within that time frame, then the statute of limitations takes into effect and they would not be able to recover any damages for the accident. The only exception to the two year rule is unless the victim is a minor, in jail, legally insane, living out-of-state, or disabled.

Can I Get Compensation if I Was Just a Passenger in a Rideshare Accident?

If you were injured during an Uber or Lyft ride as a passenger, you are able to recover compensation for your injuries. The easiest way to recover compensation from an accident such as this is to make and file a report in the respective ridesharing app and accident victims should be awarded with compensation in a timely manner. If there is no response nor action after a significant amount of time, then it is recommended to consult with a Sacramento rideshare accident lawyer.

How Much Do Rideshare Accident Lawyers Charge?

A Sacramento Uber and Lyft accident lawyer will tend to operate under a contingency-based system which means they would not charge their clients until they either win or receive a settlement offer from opposing counsel. Should they manage to achieve either, they would charge a flat fee that can range anywhere between 25% to 40%, however, most tend to average around 33%.

Can I Be Held Liable if My Uber Driver Got Into an Accident?

If your Uber or Lyft driver gets into an accident while you are a passenger you can not be held liable for the accident. In fact, the only exception is unless the passenger had a significant role in causing the accident in question. Other than that, passengers can hold the rideshare driver or the other drivers responsible for their damages.