San Francisco Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer

Rideshare services, such as Uber and Lyft offer so much convenience to those that want to travel without having to use public transportation or their own vehicles. These services allow people to remove stress and the responsibility of driving to help them relax or have an eventful night out. As these benefits continue to attract thousands of people to use Uber and Lyft, it has resulted in an increase in popularity across California, but more particularly in the bay area.

However, with the release of safety reports provided by Uber and Lyft, some people have become more hesitant to use their services. Both rideshare companies have received submissions by drivers and passengers indicating that they were involved in car accidents, physical assaults, or sexual assaults during their trips. This information has made people reconsider relying on these rideshare services to travel as they fear that they could be the next victim.

If you were injured during a trip with Uber or Lyft, our San Francisco rideshare attorneys will help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our team of rideshare accident attorneys are experienced in handling rideshare accident cases and we are prepared for any possible development that may arise in your situation. With over 20 years of legal experience, our Uber and Lyft lawyers are confident that they can get you the financial compensation you deserve for your damages.

We have recovered over $1.6 billion in financial compensation for our clients and we will continue to do our duty to fight for you. As there are a number of confusing liability issues in a rideshare accident, we will be there every step to address them all and answer any question or concerns you may have about your case.

We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay no fees until you win. To schedule a FREE consultation, you can get in touch with our 24/7 legal team by calling us at (213) 927-3700 or by filling out our quick online contact form.

Types of Rideshare Accidents That Could Happen

Rideshare accidents are caused by many things, but car accidents and sexual assaults are some of the most common due to the amount of people who drive and use ridesharing apps. Many passengers have to put their trust in a stranger to take them to their destination safely without incident and drivers have to have faith that the people they are picking up won’t do anything rash or drastic. So if you are involved in an Uber and Lyft accident, it is important to understand these incidents so you can appropriately file your personal injury claim.

Car Accident

Traffic accidents are one of the most common types of rideshare accidents that can occur to passengers and drivers, because they are just like any other vehicular accident that happens on the road. While Uber and Lyft’s safety reports declare that there is a less than 1% chance of getting into a car accident during a trip, this doesn’t mean that all rideshare trips are immune to traffic accidents. According to a California Traffic Safety Quick Stats sheet, traffic fatalities have increased 7.6% from 2020 to 2021, increasing from 3,980 to 4,285.

In an adjacent road traffic injury report conducted by the World Health Organization, speeding, drunk driving, and distracted driving are some of the leading causes of traffic accidents. So if you have been injured during a rideshare trip, either due the negligence of your Uber or Lyft driver or another driver, then it is imperative that you record and document all details about the accident to send over to the insurance company that will handle the investigation.

However, determining liability in Uber or Lyft accident claims can take a significant amount of time due to the amount of insurance information and investigation is involved. That is why it is important to gather evidence that is not open to interpretation such as a police report, witness statements, and bills for medical treatments.

Sexual Assaults/Harassment

Sexual assault and harassment is a common occurrence in rideshare services due the sheer volume of people who utilize the apps. According to a sexual violence statistic report from Helping Survivors, it has been revealed that there were 5,981 sexual assault allegations among Uber trips in 2017 and 2018.

While rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have stated that the chances of encountering sexual assault and harassment is less than 1% in their safety reports, there are still quite a number of unreported incidents and have many riders cautious every time they use a rideshare service.

However, according to an investigative 2019 article, it has been revealed that about 42% of reported sexual assault cases were derived from Uber drivers. As rideshare drivers have to pick up a variety of passengers, there aren’t that many protective measures for drivers to utilize should they ever pick up a passenger who is continually making unwanted advances towards them.

So whether you are a passenger or a driver in the San Francisco bay area, if somebody is making unwanted advances towards you, it is recommended to try to deescalate the situation to the best of your ability. Should something unfortunate happens, it is best to pursue legal counsel to receive justice and compensation for your damages.

Safety Tips for Rideshare Trips

Whether you are a passenger or a driver, the idea of interacting with strangers to get to a particular destination can be an unsettling experience. With that being said, we have created a list of safety tips for rideshare drivers and passengers. Our objective is to ensure that both parties incorporate safety practices that will allow them to feel comfortable and at ease during trips.

For Uber and Lyft Drivers

• Use a phone mount- By using a phone mount, you can view your phone without the need of taking your hands off the wheel. In addition, you will also be able to notice passenger requests much quicker and be able to look at your GPS at all times when picking up or dropping off a passenger.
• Pay attention to any warning signs given by the passenger- Observe your passenger as they are approaching or entering your vehicle. If you notice anything alarming that may affect your safety, you may refuse to offer the passenger your services.
• Have an emergency kit ready- If an issue occurs where you need to help yourself, or the passenger, having a safety kit in your vehicle can make all the difference. Ideal items to place in this safety kit can include items such as water bottles, flashlights, duct tape, an extra phone charger, and first aid supplies.
• Have personal auto insurance coverage- No matter how safe and cautious you are behind the wheel, a motor vehicle accident can still happen due to the negligence of other drivers. While Uber and Lyft do offer insurance policies for those that are involved in an accident while on the job. However, these policies only apply if you meet certain criteria, so if you get into an accident that falls outside of that you would be forced to pay all damages out of pocket.

For Uber and Lyft Passengers

• Make sure you know the vehicle- Once you see the vehicle approaching, check to verify if it is the same model and license plate number as stated in your rideshare app. It is important to authenticate your driver as there have been several instances where someone was murdered or kidnapped by a “rideshare driver” claiming to be working under Uber or Lyft.
• Share your location with friends or family- To feel safe and secure, you can share your location with a friend or family member through your phone. Not only will you have your location shared, but you can also send over your driver’s information, such as their name and license plate number, to ensure that people will have valuable information that will help in a tragic incident.
• Protect yourself- Do not be afraid to ask the rideshare driver to stop the vehicle if you no longer want to use their services. If you sense that the rideshare driver is acting suspicious, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or with an unknown person, you should cut your ride short and find another driver to get you home.

What Damages are Available to Uber/Lyft Accident Victims?

Under California law, car accident victims can seek monetary compensation for all of their sustained damages in their personal injury claims. From what is typically seen in an San Francisco Uber/Lyft accident, economic and non-economic damages such as property damage, lost wages, potential earnings, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment can be compensated.

However, it is important to note that some of these damages will be dependent on the severity and scale. In addition, the responsible party’s insurance company may try to undervalue any personal injury claims depending on their insurance coverage. So it is important to hire an experienced attorney who can negotiate with insurance handlers.

What Is the Average Compensation for an Uber Accident Claim in San Francisco?

The value of a San Francisco Uber/Lyft accident claim cannot be simply estimated to a universal amount, because every case is different and the awarded compensation is going to vary widely. In most cases, if an Uber driver or passenger was harmed in the incident and is suffering injuries that prevent them from working, then they could be compensated anywhere between the five to six figure range. As an Uber/Lyft accident case is notorious for being tricky to determine liability and compensation, if you are unsure about the total value of your personal injury claim then it is recommended to consult with an Uber/Lyft accident attorney for more details.

West Coast Trial Lawyers Is Always Here to Help

If you were involved in an Uber or Lyft accident due to someone’s negligence, you may be eligible to sue for damages. Whether you are a passenger using ridesharing services or a driver around the bay area, getting involved in a car accident can potentially leave you with serious physical injuries and costly medical treatments. Which is why it is important to hire an experienced rideshare accident lawyer to represent you and your interests.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we are a personal injury law firm with over 20 years of legal experience and we are ready to fight for you and serve as your trusted legal counsel from beginning to end. Our team of Uber and Lyft accident lawyers are well versed in California law and are confident in their ability to get you the financial compensation you deserve for your losses.

We have recovered over $1.6 billion in compensation for our clients and we handle every case we get with the integrity and respect it deserves. Whether you need assistance in filing a claim to the responsible party or need help negotiating with a tricky insurance company that doesn’t want to pay any damages, we will be right by your side to fight for you.

We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay no fees until you win. To schedule a FREE consultation today, we welcome you to reach out to our 24/7 legal team by calling us at (213) 927-3700 or by completing our easy online contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions About An Uber or Lyft Accident In San Francisco

How Much Does A San Francisco Rideshare Accident Lawyer Cost?

A San Francisco Uber and Lyft accident lawyer will generally charge contingency fees like most personal injury attorneys. Accident attorneys who operate under this model will not get paid unless they win a case or receive a settlement offer for their client. The contingency fee can range anywhere between 25%-40%, but most attorneys tend to average around a competitive rate of 33%.

What Is the Average Settlement for a Rideshare Accident Case?

The average settlement for a rideshare accident claim can be settled anywhere between five to six figure range. However, it is important to note that the amount will be heavily dependent on the nature of the accident, the severity of the sustained injuries, and any outstanding medical bills that were incurred from this accident.

For example, if a rideshare passenger has gotten into a serious accident and has sustained a traumatic brain injury and requires extensive surgeries and physical therapy, then they can be eligible for compensation around the six figure range to cover those costs and any non-economic damages that may be derived on top of that.

What Should You Do After Being Involved In an Uber And Lyft Accident?

If you have been involved in an Uber and Lyft accident in the bay area, it is important to call 911 if anybody is severely injured or has caused a severe accident. If no one requires immediate medical attention, then it is recommended to record and document the incident by taking photos and filing claims to Uber/Lyft or to your personal injury attorney so they can process it and determine who is liable in the accident.