What Happens If You Are Injured in an Accident While Using Uber, Lyft, or a Rideshare Service?
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have changed the way we get around San Diego. They are convenient, cost-effective, and easy to use.
These days, we’ve come to rely upon Uber and Lyft as a common form of transportation. Injured in an accident? Learn more about Jassim Law a San Diego rideshare accident lawyer.
But what happens if your ride takes a wrong turn, and you end up injured in an accident? Whether you are a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver involved in a crash with a rideshare vehicle, it’s important to understand your rights and how to protect them.
This is where an experienced personal injury attorney like Jassim Law a rideshare accident lawyer can make all the difference. Being injured in an accident involving Uber or Lyft comes with many different rules, insurance coverages, and options than a typical traffic collision. If your attorney does not have experience dealing with Uber and Lyft litigation, it will be much harder for you to get full and fair compensation for your harms.
Understanding Liability in Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents are different from traditional car accidents because multiple insurance policies, coverages, and limitations may come into play.
Further, if you are a passenger in a rideshare vehicle involved in a collision, you may have a claim against the rideshare company, the driver, or another motorist that may have caused the collision – or all of them!
These factors will determine whether you prosecute your claim in a civil court in front of a jury, or in a private arbitration before a paid judge without a jury.
Unlike taxi services, Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, not employees. This adds a layer of complexity to who is responsible for your injuries and damages.
Although companies like Uber, Lyft (and many other app based companies) take the position that their drivers are contractors, California law and vicarious liability principles weigh heavily in favor of such drivers actually being classified as “employees”. Therefore, a skilled and experienced attorney may be able to hold Uber or Lyft liable for the harm you’ve suffered. The reason this is important is Uber and Lyft carry more insurance than they usually claim is available.
If you or a loved one is catastrophically injured or wrongfully killed, it will be critical for your attorney to establish that Uber or Lyft is liable for the negligence of their drivers in order for you to obtain a fair settlement, jury verdict, or arbitration award.
Even if the driver is determined to be a “contractor” rideshare companies are now mandated by law to provide basic insurance coverage, which in most cases of minor or moderate injuries could be sufficient.
Here is how liability typically works depending on the rideshare driver’s status at the time of the accident:
- Driver is offline: If the rideshare app is off, the driver’s personal auto insurance is responsible.
- Driver is online, waiting for a ride request: Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage (usually up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident). The driver’s personal auto coverage typically does not provide coverage if the driver has the rideshare app on and waiting for passengers to accept.
- Driver has accepted a ride or has a passenger in the car: The highest level of coverage kicks in—usually up to $1 million in liability coverage, as well as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Navigating these different scenarios and determining whose insurance is liable can be challenging without an attorney that knows how to establish liability against Uber or Lyft, and if your injury is serious to establish that Uber and Lyft could be responsible beyond the insurance limits they claim are available..
What to Do If You’re Injured in a Rideshare Accident
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, it’s important to act quickly to protect your rights:
1. Seek Medical Attention: Your health should always be your first priority. Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor. If they are serious, go to the emergency or trauma department by ambulance or as soon as possible.
2. Report the Accident: Notify local authorities and file a police report. Be sure to report the incident to Uber or Lyft through their apps. However, DO NOT give recorded statements or communicate further with the rideshare company except to report that an accident occurred.
3. Gather Evidence: Take photos, get witness contact information, and save screenshots of your ride details.
4. Avoid Giving Recorded Statements: Do not talk to insurance companies without legal representation.
5. Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer: Before accepting any settlement, consult with an experienced attorney.
How Jassim Law Can Help if You are Injured
At Jassim Law, we understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with the aftermath of a rideshare accident. We are experienced and have handled numerous injury cases against Uber and Lyft. We have represented passengers, rideshare drivers, and other motorists that have been injured by an Uber or Lyft driver.
Our experienced team focuses exclusively on personal injury cases and has a deep understanding of the complexities involved in rideshare liability.
Here is how we can help:
- Investigating the Accident: Jassim Law will gather all necessary evidence, including ride history, app data, and driver logs, to build a strong case.
- Dealing with Insurance Companies: Our legal team handles all communication and negotiation with Uber or Lyft’s insurers to ensure you are not taken advantage of.
- Fighting for Maximum Compensation: Whether you are dealing with medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering, Jassim Law will aggressively pursue the compensation you deserve.
- No Upfront Fees: We work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Your Rights Matter – Act Now! Let Jassim Law Fight for You | Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Being injured in an Uber or Lyft accident can be a confusing and frustrating experience. With multiple parties involved and complicated insurance issues, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. At Jassim Law, we provide compassionate, knowledgeable, and aggressive legal representation to help you navigate the process and get the justice you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a rideshare accident in San Diego, don’t wait. Contact Jassim Law today for a free consultation and let us help you get back on the road to recovery.
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Jassim Law—Your Trusted Personal Injury | Rideshare Accident Lawyer in San Diego
Contact us today at (858) 524-6140 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation. Let us be your advocates in securing the compensation you need to move forward with your life.
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