Passengers Involved in an Uber or Lyft Accident

How an Uber or Lyft Passenger Can File a Successful Insurance Claim

Rideshare apps, such as Uber and Lyft, have become a convenient way for people to travel. Due to its popularity, rideshare services have become widely used by millions of people in the United States. However, multiple parties, such as rideshare drivers, riders, and pedestrians, have been involved in accidents connected to these rideshare companies that have, unfortunately, led to serious injuries and deaths.

Uber released a 2017 to 2018 safety report that covered the total amount of fatal accidents and deaths linked to the rideshare company. Uber claimed that 97 fatal accidents and 107 deaths were reported in the app. Uber drivers (21 percent), Uber riders (21 percent), and pedestrians (30 percent) were involved in these deadly crashes. The remaining others were identified as third parties. A majority of these fatal accidents (90 percent) took place in urban areas. In Lyft’s 2017 to 2019 safety report, the rideshare company stated that a total of 105 people were killed in a fatal accident while using their services.

Those who have been involved in an Uber or Lyft accident or have lost a loved one who was using either rideshare company’s services are entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit against the party at-fault. West Coast Trial Lawyers welcomes rideshare accident victims to reach out to our personal injury attorneys to receive legal assistance.

We are available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have or to schedule a free consultation at our personal injury law firm. Contact us today by calling (213) 652-5649 or filling out our quick contact form.

Steps to Take After an Uber or Lyft Accident

Once an Uber or Lyft driver has a rider enter their vehicle, they are given the duty of care to ensure that the rider is safely taken to the destination they had inputted into the app. Unfortunately, many obstacles can interfere with the rideshare driver’s duty of care, such as other drivers, road hazards, poor weather conditions, or the rideshare driver themself.

It is normal, and very common, for people to appear shaken up after a motor vehicle accident. These emotions can develop quickly and greatly affect a person’s thought process. Although it is completely understandable for a person to react this way, it is important to try and gain focus on the objective of collecting important information that will help the victim acquire compensation to cover for any losses they endured from the accident.

Below, we have constructed a list of essential actions a victim of an Uber or Lyft accident should consider taking to help better their chances of obtaining a fair settlement offer.

• • Check on others. If possible, try to check on those who were involved in the accident. You should also relocate to a safe area nearby to avoid other dangers, such as oncoming vehicles.
  • Call 911. If you notice any damages or injuries that were caused by the accident, you should contact the police immediately. They will arrive at the scene of the accident and create an official police report. Paramedics may also be present to provide immediate medical attention to those who are injured.
  • Exchange contact and insurance information. Speak to the other party involved in the collision. Make sure you obtain their contact information, insurance information, driver’s license details, and license plate number.
  • Acquire witness information. If you notice any witnesses around, you should ask for their consent to have them involved in your case by getting their contact information.
  • Gather evidence. Take photos or video footage of injuries, damages, and the location of where the accident took place. You should also document what happened, before, during, and after the impact in a diary or journal. Do not forget to include the date and time of when the accident took place. Lastly, you should request a copy of the police report.
  • Speak to an attorney before you contact Uber or Lyft. You could accidentally expose information that should not be discussed with either rideshare company as it can be used against you.
  • Reach out to an experienced Uber or Lyft accident attorney.  Don’t allow Uber, Lyft, or any insurance company to handle your claim. They will often try to get you to settle for less than what you deserve. Instead, get in touch with a Uber or Lyft accident lawyer. They will help strengthen your claim and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you get the compensation you deserve for your losses.

Damages You Can Recover in an Uber or Lyft Accident

After an Uber or Lyft accident, you will be given the right to file a lawsuit against the party at-fault in order to acquire compensation for your losses. This will allow you to experience less of a financial burden. To ensure that each of your losses have been recognized, our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers will review your losses in two categories, which are called economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages are identified as out-of-pocket expenses that withhold monetary value, such as medical bills, lost wages, loss of past and future earnings, costs of increased insurance premiums, loss of household services, costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle, loss of employment opportunities, and more.

Non-economic damages refers to non-monetary losses, which include loss of companionship and love, diminished earning capacity, loss of support, emotional distress, skin scarring, pain and suffering, and so on.

A victim who has sustained an injury after an Uber or Lyft accident may wonder whether they may be eligible to receive punitive damages. According to California Civil Code 3294, punitive damages may only be granted if the defendant was intentionally or maliciously trying to harm the injured victim. If the victim is able to show proof of these said actions, then they will be awarded punitive  damages as part of their settlement offer.

West Coast Trial Lawyers Is Here to Help

When someone else’s negligence is the main contributing factor of your Uber or Lyft accident, you will be given the right to file a lawsuit against that party. A skilled Uber and Lyft Accident lawyer at West Coast Trial Lawyers is available 24/7 to provide legal assistance. We will help you recover maximum compensation for your losses.

We proudly offer no-cost, risk-free consultations to Uber and Lyft accident victims. Contact us today by calling (213) 652-5649 or filling out our quick contact form to claim yours today.