Uber and Lyft have replaced taxis for many Pasadenans. All one needs to do is download the rideshare app and hail a ride to get to your destination. Unfortunately, Uber and Lyft drivers often get into accidents. Common injuries in rideshare accidents include head trauma, brain injuries, spine injuries, neck and back injuries, broken bones, and internal injuries. Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of Uber accidents.
Were you recently injured in a rideshare accident? As an experienced Pasadena, CA, Uber accident lawyer, Crown & Stone Law, P.C., may assist you in receiving compensation for your injuries and related losses. Our personal injury lawyer can review your case today for free. Highly rated lead attorney Avi E. Muhtar and Crown & Stone Law, P.C. are ready to fight for financial justice for you by holding the liable party and insurance coverage responsible for your losses.
What An Uber Accident Victim Should Know
Uber and Lyft are worth billions of dollars and are covered by significant insurance policies that may apply to your case. If the rideshare company’s insurance company must pay for your losses, it’s possible to seek higher payment for your medical bills, lost earnings, pain and suffering, etc.
If an Uber driver injured you in Pasadena, a personal injury law firm could help you obtain damages with the appropriate insurance company coverage:
- You are a motorist or rideshare passenger who was injured in a crash caused by an Uber or Lyft driver.
- You are an Uber or Lyft driver who was hurt in a collision with another driver where the other party was at fault.
- You are a rideshare passenger who was hurt in any type of crash.
- You are a pedestrian hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident.
A Pasadena auto accident lawyer can help you receive total and fair compensation in insurance claims for your injuries caused by an Uber driver. Determining liability is one of the crucial tasks of your legal team. You don’t pay for our legal assistance unless we win.
How Uber Accidents Are Different From Regular Crashes
Uber and Lyft accidents are similar to conventional auto accidents because there are at least two vehicles involved. However, there are significant differences that may affect how your case is resolved.
The significant difference from other auto accidents is that rideshare drivers may be considered independent contractors. This means that Uber and Lyft may not have legal responsibility for crashes caused by their drivers. That said, Uber and Lyft have insurance coverage that may pay for at least some of your losses in unavoidable accidents. Who pays depends on the parties who are liable for the crash.
Is Uber Liable For Your Injuries?
It depends on which period the driver was in when the accident happened. Uber and Lyft have commercial insurance policies for $1 million that apply to accidents where the rideshare driver was in transit with a fare in the vehicle.
The three periods for rideshare drivers are:
- Period 1: This is when the driver logs onto the rideshare app and searches for riders, but no passengers are in the vehicle. Uber and Lyft must provide a minimum of $50,000 for bodily injury per individual and $100,000 per accident.
- Period 2: This is when the rideshare driver has accepted a fare and is on their way to pick up the person. During this period, Uber and Lyft must cover damages with their $1 million insurance policy. This coverage is an option only if the injury victim files a personal injury claim with the driver’s auto insurance.
- Period 3: This is when the fare is paid in the rideshare driver’s vehicle. If there is an accident in period 3, Uber or Lyft must cover the damages with their $1 million policy.
- If you were hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident when the rideshare driver wasn’t working, the driver’s auto insurance may be the only option to pay for your losses.
Determining and proving which period applies in the Uber or Lyft accident is tricky, and the rideshare company may dispute your claim. It’s best to have skilled personal injury attorneys at Crown & Stone Law, P.C., to ensure that your rights are respected. Our law offices have extensive experience with rideshare claims and will fight for the highest possible settlement.
Steps To Take After A Pasadena Uber Accident
If an Uber or Lyft driver injured you, there are several steps to take to ensure your health and your future legal rights:
- Contact the police: Tell them that you were in an Uber accident. They should come to the scene and take a police report. Don’t leave the accident scene until the police have arrived. The police report is often a critical piece of evidence for an Uber accident claim. The police will usually not take a report if there are no injuries – it is important to emphasize that you have been injured if that is the case so that you ensure that a police report is provided.
- Gather evidence: Take photos and video of the accident scene and involved vehicles, if possible. Turn this evidence over to your attorney. Photographic and video evidence can help determine who caused the accident.
- Get medical assistance: Always go to your doctor or ER to determine your injuries. You may think you are ‘fine,’ but accident injuries may not be evident for a day or more. Any delay in seeking medical care could negatively affect your Uber crash claim.
- Contact a Lyft accident attorney for legal assistance: A rideshare accident attorney should review your case and determine the best legal options.
How A Pasadena Uber Accident Lawyer Can Help
Going up against a rideshare company without a lawyer is unwise. Uber and Lyft have a reputation for disputing liability and not fairly compensating injury victims. It can be challenging to convince Uber or Lyft to offer a fair settlement for your injuries.
Fortunately, aggressive personal injury lawyers level the playing field and increase the chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, and lost earnings. Rideshare companies often offer higher settlements when they learn that you have hired an attorney. They’re aware that a personal injury attorney has the skill and ability to take them to court if they don’t pay a reasonable settlement.
Compensation For Uber Accidents In California
California law may make you eligible for compensation when an Uber driver injures you in Pasadena or the surrounding area. Seeking the most compensation for your losses is critical; you shouldn’t have to pay for your losses because another party injured you. Compensation in an Uber or Lyft accident case could include:
- Past and future medical costs
- Lost earnings and lost ability to earn a living for a long-term disability
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional anguish
- Loss of quality of life
- Legal fees and other expenses
Uber and Lyft are known to devalue injured parties’ claims. Never accept an Uber or Lyft accident settlement without consulting an attorney. Once you sign the release and receive a settlement, the case is over and cannot be reopened. You should have an Uber accident lawyer review your case to maximize your compensation. It’s in their best interest to get you the most money for your losses.
What Is A Pasadena Uber Accident Claim Worth?
The value of your ridesharing accident claim depends on the case circumstances. Only skilled Uber and Lyft accident attorneys can give you an accurate value range. Car accident claim values depend on many factors, including:
- The severity of your injuries. Someone with a severe spine injury and paralysis will receive more compensation than a person with a broken arm.
- The cost of your medical care. An injury victim requiring hospitalization, surgery, and rehabilitation for a spine injury will have a higher case value than someone with minor injuries that heal after a few weeks.
- The amount of insurance available. Filing a claim on the driver’s policy could lead to less insurance money being available for serious injuries. However, if the rideshare company’s insurance policy applies, there are usually higher limits.
- The skill of your Uber accident attorney. A skilled, experienced personal injury lawyer at Crown & Stone Law, P.C., gives you the best chance to maximize your compensation. On the other hand, attempting to negotiate your settlement with Uber may lead to a lowball settlement that doesn’t adequately compensate you.
California Statute Of Limitations For Personal Injury Cases
You have only two years from the date of the ridesharing accident to file a car accident claim in California. Always contact a car accident lawyer in Pasadena as soon as possible to avoid missing the statute of limitations.
Contact A Pasadena Uber Accident Lawyer Now
After Uber and Lyft accidents, injury victims are often at a loss. You could have severe injuries and be unable to work. Perhaps paying your medical and other bills is impossible. You should contact an experienced Lyft accident lawyer at Crown & Stone Law, P.C., to help you receive maximum compensation for your losses.
Getting a rideshare company to compensate you fairly is complex and requires the assistance of a skilled car accident lawyer and truck accident lawyer. Determining liability will be one of our most critical tasks so you can get fair compensation. Contact us for a free consultation today at (844) 641-0197. You deserve total and fair compensation for your injuries, and our law firm will fight hard for your rights. Our attorneys are paid on a contingency fee basis, so you will not have out-of-pocket legal costs. Injured clients rely on us to obtain the best compensation for their losses.