Perhaps you know what to do after a regular car accident, but do you know what to do if you’re in an Uber car accident? Rideshare options have made it much easier to get around and avoid the hassle of finding parking, spending a fortune parking at the airport, or enjoying a night out without worrying about how much you’ve had to drink.
Regardless of the reasons you may call a rideshare driver, Los Angeles rideshare accidents can and do occur. If you were in a Los Angeles Uber accident, you may suffer injuries that result in pricey medical bills and other financial losses. A rideshare accident will always be more complicated than an ordinary car accident because there are different rules that come into play with the insurance policies and making an insurance claim.
At Crown & Stone Law, P.C., we provide legal representation to Los Angeles Uber accident victims. We are compassionate and understanding of the tolls that these types of car accidents cause and will fight aggressively for your fair compensation after an Uber accident. Highly rated and with a Google 5-Star Rating, our Uber accident lawyers are ready to protect your best interests.
It is vital that accident victims discuss their car accidents with a personal injury lawyer. For a Los Angeles Uber accident, it is best to let an Uber accident lawyer lead the way through the complexities that arise after Uber accidents.
Schedule a free consultation with our experienced Uber accident lawyers today to learn more about your options for a personal injury lawsuit.
What to Know About Rideshare Companies and California Law
In Los Angeles, there are more Uber drivers than in any other area. Uber and Lyft drivers are in high demand in this city, making it much more likely for you to be involved in a rideshare accident.
In 2013, California was the first state to make ridesharing services legal. Due to this change, the state’s public utilities commission created what is known as Transportation Network Companies, which operate under different rules and regulations than taxi services. However, situations become more confusing when an Uber or Lyft accident occurs, and it can be difficult to determine who is liable for Uber or Lyft accidents.
After an Uber accident or a Lyft accident, you will need the assistance of a personal injury lawyer who has experience representing these types of cases. Choose the Uber accident lawyers at Crown & Stone Law, P.C. to advocate on your behalf.
The Importance of Hiring an Experienced Uber Accident Lawyer
A personal injury lawyer has a deeper understanding of the laws involved in an accident. However, an accident involving Uber or Lyft needs the attention of a rideshare accident lawyer.
As if the accident laws in the state weren’t complicated enough, Uber and Lyft accidents add another layer of complexity. California is an at-fault state, meaning that the person who caused the accident is the at-fault driver. It also follows a pure comparative negligence model, which allows an accident victim to recover compensation even if they were 99% at fault for their injuries.
When you have an Uber accident or a Lyft accident, the rideshare driver may be at fault or there may be other parties who are liable. When you hire a rideshare accident attorney, you will have someone that fully knows about insurance coverage, how to negotiate with the insurance company, and who to hold responsible for the injuries you’ve sustained.
After a Los Angeles Uber accident, it is clear that you will need the Uber accident attorneys at Crown & Stone Law, P.C., to stand up for your legal rights and get you the financial compensation you deserve.
What to Do After Uber Accidents in Los Angeles
What you do after an Uber accident depends on the circumstances of the rideshare accident. Our experienced Uber accident lawyers cover what to do after an accident occurred for an Uber passenger, if you were driving your car, if you were a pedestrian and were hit by an Uber driver, or if you are an Uber driver in an accident caused by someone else.
Uber Accident as a Passenger
If you were in an Uber accident as a passenger, you should make sure that you and the Uber driver are safe. They will likely move their vehicle out of the way and call the police. If your Uber driver does not call 911 because they are injured, take the initiative. Naturally, if Uber drivers refuse to call the police after a rideshare accident, you should call them from your phone.
After the police have been given notice that there has been an accident, take the following steps:
Gather Evidence
In Uber accident cases, it is important to have evidence and information to make your claim. You will need the Uber driver’s name and contact information. You should also get the contact information of the other driver and any witnesses. The police will take photos for their accident report, but if you’re well enough to do so, you should document the accident scene with photos and videos of your own.
Get Medical Care
As an injured passenger, you must receive treatment for your injuries. This is vital if you need to seek a personal injury claim. You may not notice your injuries if they are internal, and while it may be tempting to assume that you are fine, do not skip this step. You may be lucky and have a clean bill of health, or you may suffer a serious injury that could worsen or become life-threatening.
Discuss What Happened with an Uber Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles
Accident victims with injuries should never try to handle an Uber accident case on their own. You may need to take legal action against the Uber driver, or it may be another driver who caused the accident and your injuries. Regardless, the Uber accident attorneys at Crown & Stone Law, P.C., will review your legal options to help you determine the best course of action.
An Uber Accident When The Uber Driver Collides With You
If you were a pedestrian or driving your car when an Uber driver hit you, you will be covered by the same rights as a passenger in the rideshare. When Uber accidents occur, it is important to take steps for your safety by reporting to the police, gathering evidence, getting medical treatment, and consulting an Uber accident lawyer in Los Angeles to help you with your case.
Uber Accident as an Uber Driver Who Was Not At Fault
Some rideshare accidents are caused by another driver on the road. If you suffer rideshare accident injuries as the driver, you need to protect yourself. Rideshare companies like Uber are notorious for treating their drivers badly. Uber drivers may be deemed independent contractors rather than employees and the laws can be very confusing to understand.
Rather than chasing your tail trying to figure out what Uber will cover for accident victims, contact an Uber accident lawyer in Los Angeles.
What to Do After Lyft Accidents in Los Angeles
If you were in a Lyft accident, it is important to take the right steps for your Lyft accident claim. Our Lyft accident attorneys have outlined what you should do after a Lyft accident when you are the passenger, a pedestrian or other motorist, or the Lyft driver.
Lyft Accident as a Passenger
Accidents for Uber and Lyft will require you to take the same steps. This means that you should check yourself and the driver for injuries. You should call the police to report the accident and request emergency medical services if anyone has been hurt in the accident.
In accidents involving Uber or Lyft, gathering evidence is important. It can help prove what happened and strengthen your case. You’ll also want to contact a Lyft accident lawyer as soon as possible to find out what action you can take in this situation.
Lyft Accidents When the Driver Hits You
When it comes to Uber and Lyft drivers, you should know what to do if you get into an accident as a pedestrian or as another motorist on the Los Angeles roads. You should prioritize your medical treatment and make sure you get information from the driver and any witnesses. You can then provide this to your Lyft accident attorney who will help you seek compensation for your injuries.
It’s also important to know that whether you’re in an Uber or Lyft accident as the driver and another vehicle crashed into yours, you need to protect your legal rights. Lyft treats its drivers the same way as Uber, meaning that they may be deemed independent contractors. By contacting a Lyft accident lawyer in Los Angeles, you will have someone who is looking out for you and protecting your rights.
How Uber Accident Lawyers Help You Navigate Insurance Claims
Both Uber and Lyft have insurance policies that victims should know about after they are involved in rideshare accidents. It will depend on the scenario as to what involvement the insurance company that covers Uber will take. Insurance companies refuse claims often, which is why having an Uber accident attorney is necessary to assist you with an Uber accident claim.
Here is what you should know about insurance coverage after an Uber accident:
Offline Drivers
When a driver for Uber is not logged into the Uber app when an Uber accident happens, then the driver’s personal insurance company will need to cover the accident.
Understanding Uber’s 3 Periods
Uber categorizes coverage based on which of the three active periods the driver is engaged in at the time of the Uber accident:
Period 1
A driver is considered to be in Period 1 when they are logged into the Uber app but have not yet accepted a ride request. The insurance requirements for this period cover $50,000 bodily injury liability insurance per person injured in an Uber accident along with $100,000 bodily injury liability insurance per accident, plus $30,000 for property damage liability coverage. Uber also provides $200,000 more in liability coverage during an Uber accident in Period 1.
Periods 2 and 3
Drivers are considered to be in Period 2 once they accept a ride request. They are considered to be in Period 3 when they pick up the passenger. For both of these periods, Uber provides $1 million in primary commercial insurance coverage and $1 million for underinsured motorist coverage and uninsured motorist coverage.
Underinsured motorist coverage is something that every driver in Los Angeles should always have, especially anyone working with a rideshare company. While it may seem generous that Uber provides all of this coverage, accident victims must beware as it can be exceedingly difficult to get them to cover your insurance claim. It is ultimately in your best interest to contact a Los Angeles Uber accident lawyer to help you recover what is fair.
Uber and Lyft both make it a challenge in this regard. Here is what you should know about what Lyft’s policies for insurance cover.
Offline Lyft Driver
If accidents happen with a Lyft driver who is offline and not logged into the Lyft app, their insurance will cover the crash.
Lyft Insurance Coverage Periods
Uber and Lyft both have periods of coverage for insurance. For Lyft drivers in Period 1, they provide $50,000 in bodily injury per injured person per accident, $100,000 of bodily injury per accident, and $30,000 in property damage coverage per accident.
Periods 2 and 3 have the same coverage. Period 2 is defined as when a Lyft driver has accepted a request and Period 3 is when they have picked up the passenger. They provide $1 million in commercial coverage and $1 million in underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage.
Can You Sue After an Uber or Lyft Accident?
You may be able to sue Uber and Lyft after an accident, though it depends on the circumstances. For Uber, victims in Los Angeles finally got a break after years of getting the runaround when the company would tell them that their drivers were independent businesses and that Uber wasn’t responsible.
In 2019, California Assembly Bill 5 passed, which has made some positive changes. However, it is still a struggle to attempt to sue on your own. Our Uber accident attorneys at Crown & Stone Law, P.C., can help you determine what to do in this situation.
For Lyft, the same rules apply, which should cover you under that $1 million policy. However, the insurance that covers Lyft is notorious for offering settlements that are far too low to cover victims’ damages. You’ll want to work with a Lyft accident attorney to ensure you don’t get a low settlement, or worse, be denied your claim completely.
If another driver caused the accident while you were riding as a passenger in a Lyft vehicle, you can file a claim against the at-fault party. Unfortunately, Los Angeles has many uninsured drivers but Lyft’s insurance does cover accidents like these with up to $1 million. Still, the main takeaway here is that it isn’t easy to get the financial compensation you deserve after rideshare accidents. Contact a rideshare accident lawyer to learn more about what you can do.
What Causes Uber and Lyft Accidents in Los Angeles?
Most accidents, whether involving a rideshare or another vehicle on the road, are caused by driver error. Here is a look at the most common reasons vehicle accidents occur:
Speeding
Some drivers working for rideshares will speed in the hopes of getting their passengers to their destinations more quickly. They may do so to pick up and drop off as many fares as they can to earn more money or to get a bigger tip. Speeding is dangerous no matter the reason and any driver that speeds and crashes will cause serious injuries.
Driver Fatigue
When Uber vehicles are driven by tired drivers, their reaction times are as slow as someone who is under the influence of alcohol. Some of these drivers operate with the rideshare as a second source of income; burning the candle at both ends means that they may get into a crash by not being able to react in time or that they fell asleep at the wheel.
Distracted Driving
One of the biggest errors any driver can make is to allow distractions to interfere with the task of driving. Whether they’re texting on their phone, trying to follow the GPS, eating, or focusing on conversations with their passengers, they’re putting everyone who rides in their vehicle and all others on the road in serious danger.
Being Unsure of Their Location
Even those who have lived in this part of California all their lives are prone to becoming confused on the road. All the freeways and side streets can easily throw someone off course. Many people come to this city to start a new life and they may turn to rideshare opportunities as a means of earning their income. When someone is unfamiliar with their surroundings, they are much more likely to get into an accident.
Driving Under the Influence
Any driver who is under the influence is being negligent in their duty of care, whether they are working for a rideshare or not. It stands to reason that someone who is driving for Uber or Lyft should remain sober when they are driving their vehicle at any time, especially when they are carrying passengers.
Often, many people rely on rideshares to take them to nightlife establishments and get them home. If you were in an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver who was drunk or under the influence, you need our Uber accident attorneys to deliver swift justice and fight for your compensation.
Weather Events
When on the road, all drivers should be prepared if the weather turns foul. Rain and fog are common occurrences, and while the weather can be unpredictable sometimes, every driver needs to adjust their driving for the conditions. When a driver for a rideshare is traveling at the speed limit in heavy rain, it may still be too fast for the downpour. If you were in an accident while a passenger in a rideshare and your driver was driving carelessly in bad weather, contact us today to discuss your case.
Failure to Maintain the Vehicle
Both Uber and Lyft have specific requirements about what kinds of vehicles can be used. Uber requires vehicles to be no more than 16 years old while Lyft has requirements for vehicle age that vary by state. Among these requirements, drivers for rideshare programs must keep their vehicles maintained.
When a driver fails to maintain their vehicle, they run the risk of a tire blowing out, experiencing brake failure, and other system malfunctions. An Uber accident attorney from our team will investigate to find out if the vehicle used for the rideshare was not properly maintained and led to the crash.
There are many causes of rideshare accidents and you can have full confidence in our Uber accident attorneys to identify what led to the accident to prove negligence and liability. We offer free consultations and we urge you to schedule one to get legal advice to help you make the best decision for your needs.
Common Injuries in a Personal Injury Case Involving a Rideshare Accident
If you were injured in an Uber accident, you may be facing painful injuries, some of which may impact the rest of your life. In order to file a personal injury lawsuit, one of the components required to prove negligence and liability will be your medical bills detailing your injuries.
These medical expenses can quickly add up, causing a huge strain on your finances. In some cases, victims require ongoing medical care for their injuries. Here are some of the more common injuries that arise in accidents caused by rideshare drivers:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
If you have a mild traumatic brain injury, you may sustain a concussion. However, if it is moderate to severe, it could result in a coma or even death. Traumatic brain injuries may alter your personality and cognitive abilities and make it difficult to communicate as you did before the accident.
Spinal Injuries
Injuries to the spinal cord may cause temporary damage or they could be permanent. Depending on the location of damage to the spine, you could end up partially or completely paralyzed from the accident.
Neck Injuries
Whiplash is a common injury, especially when a driver is rear-ended. For most victims that have whiplash, it will take time to heal and may require them to take time off work, leading to lost wages. However, some people don’t fully heal from this injury and may experience permanent nerve damage.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are common in many accidents, including those involving rideshares. You may suffer a broken arm, foot, wrist, or leg. A clean break can heal well with proper treatment and rest but some fractures are more complicated and may require you to undergo multiple surgeries.
Internal Bleeding
One of the most complicated injuries you can get in any accident is internal bleeding. When you are struck in the chest or abdomen by slamming into the driver’s seat, front passenger seat, or dashboard, it could cause your vital organs to bleed. What makes internal bleeding such a dangerous injury is that it doesn’t always have any initial symptoms. You may think you’re fine, which is why every Uber accident attorney will tell you to always seek medical care.
Left untreated, internal bleeding can worsen. You may notice you don’t feel right a few hours later or even in the following days. By then, it could be a matter of life or death and you don’t want to take that chance.
If you know that you are seriously injured on the scene, make sure you go to the hospital immediately. If your injuries are not life-threatening, make sure you go to an urgent care or see your doctor the same day. A comprehensive medical examination will help pinpoint any hidden issues and allow treatment to begin. Your medical records will be vital when you file your claim. You don’t have to do it alone – contact Crown & Stone Law, P.C. to get the help you need after you’re injured in an accident while in a rideshare.
Compensation for the Injured Party in Rideshare Accidents
When you are injured in an Uber accident, you are allowed to seek compensatory damages under personal injury law. These damages are split into two categories – economic damages and non-economic damages – but in rare cases of egregious behavior on the part of the at-fault party, punitive damages may also be sought.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the monetary expenses you have incurred from the traumatic event. They are easy to quantify through bills and receipts that prove how much money you lost out-of-pocket. These damages tend to include your medical expenses, often shown by medical bills for surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and assistive medical devices.
Additionally, if your injuries caused you to miss work, you can seek lost wages and even the benefits you used, such as your paid time off. If you were driving your car and were hit by a rideshare driver, you could also seek compensation for property damage. Property damage will also apply to any possessions that were destroyed in the crash, such as a laptop or anything else of value in your vehicle.
Non-Economic Damages
While economic damages are easy to quantify, non-economic damages are more subjective in nature. You will require the representation of an Uber accident attorney to help you prove that you are owed compensation for your pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, or other intangible losses.
While California does not put a cap on compensation in these scenarios, in a jury trial, it will be up to the jury members to decide what is reasonable based on the evidence presented. Most cases involving rideshare accidents will settle out of court, but the attorneys at Crown & Stone Law, P.C., will prepare from the start to take your case all the way to trial.
Who Is At Fault in an Uber Accident?
In addition to preparing for trial, we’re also able to handle the law regarding pure comparative fault, which could mean that you are assigned some of the blame for the accident. This is highly unlikely if you were a passenger and more of a concern if you were another driver who was involved in a rideshare accident. However, if you were hit by a rideshare driver, you may be assigned a percentage of fault that could reduce your compensation by this percentage.
For example, if you were driving slightly over the speed limit as you went through an intersection on the green light and the driver of the rideshare ran the light and crashed into you, they’d be assigned the majority of the fault. After an investigation, they may issue you a small percentage of fault for going above the posted speed limit. Let’s say they give the driver of the rideshare 90% of the blame while you are assigned 10% of the fault. If you are awarded $100,000 in compensation, this amount would be reduced by 10%, meaning that you would receive $90,000.
If you were a passenger in a rideshare, it ultimately means that whoever is at fault for the accident will be responsible for paying your damages. If the person is your rideshare driver, Uber’s insurance is supposed to cover it. If it was another driver, their insurance should cover your injuries.
Understanding the Statute of Limitations for Uber Accidents
When you’re in an accident with a rideshare, everything can quickly become a blur. You will need to start by presenting the basic evidence of your injury claim to the insurer of the at-fault party. You may attempt to do this yourself until you get nowhere with these insurers who may deny your claim.
The insurance company may even offer a settlement that is far too low to cover your losses. When it becomes clear that you need to proceed with legal action, you need to do so before the statute of limitations runs out. This time limit is two years from the date of the accident but there are some important exceptions that could mean you need to act more quickly.
When a federal, state, or municipal vehicle was involved and you were a passenger, pedestrian, or driver, you only have six months from the accident date to file your lawsuit. This gives you very little time, which makes it all the more essential to hire legal representation to help you investigate, gather evidence, and file your claim on time.
Choose Crown & Stone Law, P.C. After a Rideshare Accident
After a car accident, it is logical to hire a car accident lawyer, just like after a truck accident, you should hire a truck accident lawyer. When you are involved in a crash with a rideshare driver, it is essential to hire an experienced Uber accident lawyer who thoroughly understands the complexities of rideshare accidents.
Professional legal assistance will be an asset in your case, and our aggressive advocacy for your rights coupled with personalized strategies makes us renowned in the area. Over the years, our law firm has fought tirelessly for our clients, helping them secure substantial settlements to right the wrongs they have suffered.
At Crown & Stone Law, P.C., we are compassionate towards your plight and keep you informed of the progress rather than keep you in the dark. You can rest assured that you will be in our capable hands throughout this entire process.
Do not let the rideshare companies offer you less than you deserve for your debilitating injuries and losses. Let our attorneys stand up for you and negotiate for your best interests. After an Uber or Lyft accident, contact us to schedule a free consultation to learn more about your available legal options.