In the past decade, rideshare options like Lyft and Uber have revolutionized transportation and allowed individuals fast travel without relying on their own vehicles. Uber states that every day 14 million trips are completed each day. While the rideshare options provide significant benefits, it also means more cars are on the road during high-traffic times. Beyond that, Uber and Lyft allow people to essentially become “professional drivers” transporting people for money. There are strict laws and regulations concerning transporting passengers for compensation, and the responsibilities that follow.
If you are in a serious accident with, or in a rideshare vehicle when an accident occurs, it is critically important to speak with a lawyer who has experience handling cases against Uber and Lyft, due to the unique laws, regulations, and agreements pertaining to these companies. You may be able to recover compensation for your losses, but Uber and Lyft (and other rideshare and app based companies) are skilled at avoiding and minimizing claims. Their contracts which you click to “agree” are often full of fine print that negatively affects your rights, and protects the companies. Jassim Law has the experience and knowledge to protect you. We’ve successfully handled claims, and litigation against the largest rideshare companies, so we know how to protect you.
Who Is Liable for an Lyft or Uber Accident?
There are often multiple people involved in Lyft or Uber accidents, which makes determining liability more challenging than the average car accident. First and foremost the company, i.e., Lyft or Uber may be liable. These companies work hard to insulate themselves from liability, but the law is not in their favor – especially if an experienced and skilled attorney is protecting you. Additionally, the Uber or Lyft driver may be liable. However, in reality the driver often is not insured, is not adequately insured, and does not have assets to compensate an injured person. This is why California law requires Uber and Lyft to maintain a minimum amount of insurance, and requires these companies to cover such losses. Beyond that, another driver, or government entity may be liable. Regardless of who they are, if they cause you to suffer serious injuries, you have the recourse to hold them accountable.
When your accident involves the negligence of the rideshare company, they may offer you a small amount of compensation to cover up their behavior, and to get rid of the case before you contact an attorney. It’s important to understand that the monetary compensation they offer you is most likely not comparable to what you deserve. Before accepting their offer, speak with Jassim Law about your legal options and what you may recover in a rideshare injury claim.
What Causes an Uber or Lyft Accident?
To determine and prove another party’s liability, you will first need to understand what caused the accident. There are various ways for someone to inflict harm on another person due to negligence, including the following:
- Distracted driving: While the past few decades have increased the rate of distracted driving due to cell phone usage, there are other ways for a person to become distracted while driving. Changing the radio station, grabbing something from the passenger seat, and reading a billboard may all lead to a distracted driving accident.
- Drugs and alcohol: Inhibitors like drugs and alcohol in the blood distort the driver’s senses and cause them to make poor judgments and react improperly to their surroundings.
- Speeding: Various studies show that speeding increases the likelihood of a serious, fatal car accident. If a rideshare driver is speeding, they may inflict life-threatening harm on everyone involved.
- Ignoring traffic laws: Illegal turns, running red lights, and crossing lanes with double solid lines are all examples of traffic violations that could lead to serious accidents.
- Driving while drowsy: Fatigue is a very common cause of rideshare accidents. Drivers working on the road for long hours may easily become tired and suffer eye strain. However, it’s their duty to take breaks and stop driving if they become unable to operate their vehicle in a safe manner.
It’s one thing to know what caused your accident and another to prove negligence. When you partner with Jassim Law, you will have a legal representative working on your behalf and gathering evidence.
Injured in a Rideshare Accident? Contact Attorney Jassim Today
Choosing an experienced and highly-qualified injury lawyer is essential for your injury claim. Our team at Jassim Law offers responsive and 100% attentive legal services to California residents. Recognized and respected throughout the legal community, Attorney Pajman Jassim has over 20 years of experience protecting and recovering millions for clients. We take pride in handling every aspect of each claim and never leave clients questioning their rights’ safety. Call (858) 524-6140 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation with Attorney Jassim today.