How an Uber or Lyft Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Rideshare accidents involving Uber and Lyft present unique legal challenges due to the multiple parties involved, including drivers, passengers, pedestrians, insurance companies, and the rideshare companies themselves. An experienced Uber and Lyft accident attorney can help you navigate this complex process, ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Insurance companies aim to minimize payouts and will employ legal teams to protect their interests. Without legal representation, you may not receive the settlement you deserve. An attorney will thoroughly investigate the accident, gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and represent you in court if necessary.
Recovering Compensation in a Rideshare Accident
Victims of rideshare accidents can seek economic and non-economic damages:
Economic Damages: These are financial losses that can be proven with documents like medical bills or car repair receipts. They include:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Ongoing medical expenses
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Property damage and car repairs
- Lost wages and future earning potential
Non-Economic Damages: These are personal, non-financial losses that don’t come with receipts or bills, and are harder to measure. They include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Mental distress
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents
Many rideshare accidents are caused by driver negligence, often exacerbated by the pressure to complete trips quickly and efficiently. Common causes include:
- Speeding: Rideshare drivers may exceed speed limits to meet deadlines or increase earnings.
- Distracted Driving: Drivers often rely on apps for navigation and ride coordination, which can divert their attention from the road.
- Failure to Obey Traffic Signals: Running red lights or stop signs increases accident risks, especially at intersections.
- Drowsy Driving: Many rideshare drivers work long hours without sufficient rest, leading to impaired reaction times.
- Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol or drug impairment significantly reduces judgment and response time, contributing to serious accidents.
Uber and Lyft Insurance Coverage
- Both Uber and Lyft provide liability coverage, but the amount depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident and is typically broken down into Periods 0, 1, 2, and 3.
Coverage Periods:
PERIOD 0: APP OFF
The driver’s personal auto insurance applies when the app is off. In California, the new minimum required coverage is:
- $30,000 per person for bodily injury
- $60,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 for property damage
PERIOD 1: APP ON, NO RIDE ACCEPTED
The driver is logged into the app but has not accepted a ride request. Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage of:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 for property damage
PERIOD 2: RIDE ACCEPTED, EN ROUTE TO PICK UP PASSENGER
Once a ride request is accepted and is en route to pick up the passenger, Uber and Lyft provide commercial insurance, up to $1 million in liability coverage, including uninsured and underinsured motorist protection.
PERIOD 3: PASSENGER IN VEHICLE (ACTIVE TRIP)
Once a ride request is accepted and passenger is in the vehicle, Uber and Lyft provide full commercial coverage up to $1 million in liability coverage, including uninsured and underinsured motorist protection.
Liability in Rideshare Accidents
Uber and Lyft drivers are classified as independent contractors, which limits the companies’ direct liability for their drivers’ negligence. However, California follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning that multiple parties can share fault, and damages are distributed based on each party’s percentage of responsibility.
If both the rideshare driver and another motorist contribute to an accident, each can be held proportionally liable for damages. An experienced attorney can help determine liability and hold the responsible parties accountable.
When Uber and Lyft Insurance May Not Cover You
Although Uber and Lyft provide coverage in many situations, there are instances where a victim may not be eligible for compensation under their policies, such as:
- The ride was ended prematurely by the driver
- The accident occurred before entering the vehicle
- The accident involved a pedestrian or bicyclist
- The driver’s insurance was invalid or expired
Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident
If you are involved in a rideshare accident, take the following steps to protect your rights:
- First, ensure safety by moving to a secure location and checking for injuries. Call 911 to report the accident and remain at the scene until police arrives.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident, including vehicle damage, license plates, and any visible injuries.
- Obtain Contact Information: Gather the names, phone numbers, and insurance details of all parties involved.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, get medical help immediately. Delaying treatment can weaken your claim.
- Report the Accident to the Rideshare company: This will initiate the insurance claims process. Once you report the accident, the Rideshare company’s insurance will contact you for a statement. It is important you do not provide any details or admit any fault before consulting a rideshare accident attorney. Rideshare companies and their insurance may try to undercompensate you if you are unrepresented after the accident.
- Consult a Rideshare Accident Attorney: Protect your rights and to receive the full compensation that you deserve.
Speak with an Uber and Lyft Accident Attorney Today
Rideshare accidents often involve multiple insurers, making the claims process complex. An experienced attorney can help evaluate your case, file the necessary claims, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Freeway Lawyers today to discuss your legal options and protect your rights.
Research & Analysis
Detailed Case Evaluation
We thoroughly review the facts and evidence to identify liability and damages.
Insurance Policy Review
Ensuring all possible coverage options are maximized for your benefit.
Legal Precedent Analysis
Using case law to strengthen your claim and improve outcomes.
Key Benifits
Ensure safety first by moving to a secure location and checking for injuries. Call 911 to report the accident and seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor. Gather information from all involved parties, including contact details, insurance information, and vehicle descriptions. Document the scene with photos and collect contact information from any witnesses. Report and notify the rideshare company through their app or support line to start the insurance claims process. Do not negotiate or admit fault and consult with an experienced rideshare accident attorney promptly to understand your legal rights and options. More than not, rideshare companies and their insurance may try to undercompensate you if you are unrepresented.
Liability depends on various factors, such as who was at fault and the driver's status at the time of the accident. If the rideshare driver was at fault and actively engaged in a ride or en route to pick up a passenger, the rideshare company's insurance may cover the damages. If the driver was not logged into the app, their personal insurance would typically apply. Determining liability can be complex; consulting with a knowledgeable attorney can help clarify responsibility.
Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and other related costs. The specific compensation available depends on the circumstances of the accident and the extent of the injuries sustained. An experienced attorney can evaluate your case to determine the potential compensation.
- Offline: The driver's personal auto insurance applies.
- Available or waiting for a ride request: Limited liability coverage from the rideshare company may apply.
- En route to pick up passengers or during trips: The rideshare company's full liability coverage is typically in effect.
While it's possible to handle a claim independently, rideshare accidents involve unique legal complexities, including multiple insurance policies and parties. An experienced rideshare accident attorney can navigate these challenges, protect your rights, and pursue the maximum compensation on your behalf.
Rideshare companies generally provide uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage for accidents that occur while the driver is engaged in a ride. This coverage can help compensate for damages if the at-fault party lacks sufficient insurance. An attorney can assist in identifying all available coverage options to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. This arrangement allows you to access legal representation without upfront costs. Discussing fee structures during your initial consultation ensures transparency.
Avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be used against you later. Refrain from discussing the accident on social media. Do not accept settlements or sign any documents from insurance companies without consulting an attorney, as this may limit your ability to recover full compensation.
If you've been involved in a rideshare accident, consulting with an experienced attorney can provide clarity and guidance tailored to your situation.