Rideshare apps, such as Uber and Lyft, offer flexible transportation options. These services are growing in popularity and often provide safe, reliable rides. However, there is always the risk of getting into an accident while you’re in a rideshare. If that happens to you, you could face serious injuries that affect your quality of life or interfere with your income. A rideshare accident attorney helps you navigate the claims process to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Types of Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents can happen at any time and may result from distracted driving, poor weather conditions, or negligence. They may involve just the rideshare vehicle or impact other vehicles and pedestrians. Some types of rideshare accidents include:
- Rear-end collisions
- Side-impact collisions, commonly occurring at intersections when one car fails to yield properly
- Head-on collisions, often due to lane changes or driving in the wrong direction
- Pedestrian or bike accidents
Common Rideshare Accident Injuries
Injuries resulting from a rideshare accident can vary significantly depending on the circumstances. Slow-speed accidents in town might cause less severe injuries than high-speed accidents on the interstate. Some examples of common injuries include:
- Whiplash or neck injuries
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Bone fractures
- Spinal cord and back injuries
- Soft-tissue injuries, such as strains or sprains
- Cuts or lacerations
Not all injuries are apparent immediately. For example, you might not feel the effects of whiplash or a concussion until hours later. Even if you know you have an injury initially, you might not realize how severe it is. Receiving a medical evaluation, even if you think you’re okay, can help uncover these issues.
What Makes Rideshare Accidents More Complex Than Normal Car Accidents?
Accidents involving ridesharing services are often more complex because of the number of parties involved. This complicates how to determine liability and who should be responsible for covering the damages. At a minimum, the situation involves the driver and the passenger. There could also be drivers and passengers in other vehicles and pedestrians or bike riders. The rideshare company could also be a party in the claim.
Another issue is that different insurance companies could be responsible for paying. The rideshare driver’s personal insurance may not cover accidents while the person is working. That’s when insurance from Lyft or Uber could kick in. When another person is at fault, their insurance may cover the costs.
Who Can Be Held Liable in Rideshare Accidents?
It may take more time to determine who is at fault for a rideshare accident because of how many people are involved. While the rideshare driver is often the person at fault, there could be other parties who are responsible.
- Rideshare driver. This is a common situation when the rideshare driver causes the accident by hitting another vehicle, a pedestrian, or a structure.
- Rideshare company. It’s also possible for the rideshare company to be held liable if they were negligent in some way and that led to the accident. This could happen if the company fails to establish safety protocols or if it knowingly hires a negligent or unsafe driver.
- Other drivers. When another driver causes the accident, they could be held responsible for the injuries you receive.
Establishing liability isn’t always easy. When you hire a rideshare accident lawyer, you get expert advice and help in determining who is to blame.
Uber and Lyft Insurance Requirements in California
California’s minimum liability insurance for rideshare drivers is $50,000 for injuries to a single person, $100,000 for injuries to multiple people and $30,000 for property damage. The state also requires the rideshare company to provide $1 million in liability coverage that starts as soon as a driver accepts a passenger and goes until the passenger leaves the vehicle.
Damages and Compensation You Can Receive in Rideshare Accidents
Your rideshare accident lawyer will help you determine the type of compensation you are eligible to receive. This may include:
- Medical expenses. You can receive reimbursement for the medical bills that result from your injuries, including immediate treatment and any ongoing therapies and treatments you need. An Uber or Lyft accident lawyer can help you estimate future medical expenses.
- Loss of income. Severe injuries may keep you out of work for an extended period. You can receive compensation for the wages you missed because of that recovery time. If the injury affects your ability to continue your job, you may receive compensation for loss of earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering. Many victims experience pain and suffering related to the accident. Physical pain often interferes with your normal activities. You might also experience mental suffering because of the changes to your quality of life. It’s not always easy to quantify those damages, but your rideshare attorney can help you calculate a fair amount.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident
You can protect yourself based on how you respond after an accident happens. Here are some tips on what to do in the immediate aftermath:
- Do a quick check. Evaluate yourself for injuries to see if you need emergency assistance.
- Move to safety. If you’re able to move, get to a safer area, if necessary.
- Report the accident. Call 911 or the non-emergency police line, depending on the severity of the accident. Wait until police arrive so they can fill out a report.
- Gather evidence. If you’re able to, take photos and gather other evidence at the scene, such as contact information for witnesses. This information will be helpful when you file a claim.
- Report the accident to Uber or Lyft. Because the accident involves a rideshare driver, it’s important to report it to the platform that you used.
- Consult with a lawyer. Regardless of the severity of the accident, calling an attorney could protect you legally. BD&J’s rideshare accident attorneys can evaluate the situation to see if you have a case. Our expertise could increase the success of your claim.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
We’re here to fight for you if you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident. Having an experienced California rideshare accident attorney on your side helps you get what you’re owed. From gathering evidence to presenting your case in court, our highly skilled attorneys support you throughout the process and improve your outcomes. Contact us today to get started.
