Ridesharing apps like Lyft and Uber are extremely popular in Los Angeles and all of Southern California, as they provide quick, convenient rides at reasonable prices. However, as convenient as they may be, getting involved in a car accident with a rideshare vehicle can quickly become complicated. Whether you are a passenger of a rideshare or in another vehicle, pursuing compensation for any subsequent injuries can be difficult to discern.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, please contact a Los Angeles Uber & Lyft accident lawyer at The Ryan Law Group today to discuss your case. With our extensive experience in personal injury law, we can help you secure the compensation you need to make a full recovery.
Why Choose The Ryan Law Group for Your Uber or Lyft Accident Case?
The Ryan Law Group is committed to providing exceptional representation to all injured accident victims in Los Angeles County:
- We are a full-service personal injury law firm that takes care of any and all legal matters regarding personal injury claims.
- We’ve got proven records of success, securing several multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements throughout the region.
- We always prepare a case as if it is going to trial, so that we have all the necessary information available to devise the best case strategy possible for every circumstance.
- We represent a client on a contingency fee basis. We charge no initial legal costs; your initial consultation is free. We forward all expenses to the conclusion of the case, and you only pay if we win on your behalf.
For a free legal consultation with a rideshare Lawyer serving Los Angeles, call 310-321-4800
Los Angeles Rideshare Lawyer Near Me 310-321-4800
How Can a Los Angeles Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer Help?
If you or a loved one is involved in a rideshare accident, it is always recommended to consult a Los Angeles personal injury attorney experienced in rideshare accidents before proceeding with any claims. Any claims in a rideshare accident will likely be filed through Uber or Lyft and their insurance providers. Despite the seemingly expansive amount of coverage for Uber and Lyft drivers, their insurance providers will often do anything in their power to minimize payments for claims. They may commonly offer a quick settlement in any accident claims, but these payments are often far lower than what you may be entitled to.
A Los Angeles Uber & Lyft accident attorney is able to negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure that they are not taking advantage of your situation. Sometimes, all it takes is a lawyer on the other line to prevent low-ball offers.
Additionally, if your accident was particularly severe and you are considering filing a lawsuit against Uber or Lyft, a lawyer is highly recommended. Due to the relationship between Uber and Lyft and its drivers, holding the rideshare companies liable can be incredibly difficult. However, if Uber or Lyft’s negligence contributed to the accident, then it may be possible.
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Rideshare Companies & Car Insurance in California
Drivers for Uber and Lyft are in unique situations that can make accident claims incredibly complicated. In California, Uber and Lyft still recognize their drivers as independent contractors and so when they are involved in an accident, the drivers themselves are liable for the damages. However, this puts the drivers in a position where they may not be able to use their personal policy for claims, because most personal policies come with the understanding that the vehicle will be used strictly for personal purposes, not for any sort of business.
As a result, Uber and Lyft provide liability insurance to their drivers, but coverage varies based on the phase that they are in. The policy is designated as follows:
- Period 0 – the Uber/Lyft driver is not logged onto the app: Uber and Lyft provide no coverage.
- Period 1 – the driver is logged onto the app but has not accepted a ride request yet: $25,000 property damage liability, $100,000 total injury liability per accident, and up to $50,000 per person injured per accident.
- Period 2 – the driver has accepted a trip and is on the way to pick up the passenger: liability coverage is increased to $1 million.
- Period 3 – the period in which the passenger is in the vehicle, to the point of drop-off: liability coverage up to $1 million, plus limited damage coverage for the driver’s vehicle, and uninsured motorist coverage.
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What To Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident
If you get injured in a Lyft or Uber accident in Los Angeles, there are certain steps you need to take to protect your rights and physical well-being. Do your best to complete these steps, starting while you are still at the scene of the rideshare accident:
- Tell the driver to pull over. If the driver attempts to leave the scene without stopping, demand that he or she pull the vehicle over.
- Check for injuries. Check yourself and anyone else involved in the rideshare accident for injuries. If someone is injured, call the police.
- Make sure someone calls 911. Although this is the driver’s responsibility, if he or she does not call and the crash has caused injuries or more than $1,000 in property damage, make the call yourself.
- Document the accident. Take photographs while still at the accident and write down as much information as possible, including the name of your rideshare driver.
- Go to the hospital without delay. Follow your doctor’s orders and request copies of your medical records to use during your injury claim.
- Report the accident to Lyft or Uber. Start the insurance claims process as soon as possible.
- Consult with an attorney. Gather information about your rideshare accident and bring it to a Los Angeles Uber & Lyft accident lawyer for a free consultation.
If you cannot complete all of these steps because you are too badly injured or the scene of your rideshare accident has already been cleaned up, contact an attorney. A skilled Uber & Lyft accident attorney in Los Angeles can pick up your case from its current point and help you maximize your recovery.
How To Report an Uber or Lyft Accident in Los Angeles, CA
You should report your Uber or Lyft accident to four different parties: the police, the rideshare company, your auto insurance company, and a Los Angeles Uber & Lyft accident attorney. First, report the accident to the police while still at the scene by calling 911. If someone else has already called, you do not have to do so. Give your side of the story to the police when they arrive.
Report the accident to the rideshare company through the app or by calling the company’s customer service number. Both Uber and Lyft have ways to report accidents through the app. Call your own auto insurance provider to report the accident if it involved your vehicle, such as if an Uber driver crashed into you while you were driving your own car. Then, report the accident to a ridesharing accident lawyer to learn more about your rights and legal options.
Compensation for Uber & Lyft Accidents in California
In personal injury law, the word damages refers to the monetary compensation awarded to a plaintiff in a successful case to make him or her whole again. Damages are what the at-fault party or defendant will have to pay if found liable for the plaintiff’s losses. If your Uber & Lyft accident lawyer succeeds in proving your case, you could receive damages for the following losses:
- Hospital bills
- Property repairs
- Lost earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Loss of consortium
- Punitive damages
The exact damages available and the value of your Uber or Lyft accident claim will depend on its unique factors. If you suffered a serious or catastrophic injury in a ridesharing accident, for example, you may be eligible for compensation for significant past and future losses. A skilled Los Angeles Uber & Lyft accident attorney can accurately evaluate your case to help you fight for fair damages.
Statute of Limitations on Uber & Lyft Accidents in California
There is a time limit on your right to bring an Uber or Lyft accident claim in California. A law called a statute of limitations gives you no more than two years from the date of the collision to bring a cause of action. With only a few exceptions to this rule, if you do not file within two years of your rideshare accident, you will be barred from financial recovery, even if someone else caused the crash.
Free Consultation With an Uber & Lyft Accident Attorney in Los Angeles
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a rideshare accident, please contact us today for assistance. We can help you secure the compensation you need to make a full recovery, and, if applicable, hold any rideshare companies responsible for any negligent actions that contributed to your accident.
Call or text 310-321-4800 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
