Why Choose West Accident Law Group for Your Case?
There are many great car accident law firms in Orange County. However, victims who were involved in an Uber and Lyft accident need legal representation from lawyers who specialize in rideshare cases.
At West Accident Law Group, our team of attorneys has years of experience helping injured victims recover the compensation that is owed to them. In order to get the desired outcome and maximum payout for an Uber or Lyft accident, the case will require dedicated commitment, ample resources, and exceptional knowledge of the industry from car accident lawyers. Our personal injury law firm continuously delivers again and again in these areas, and we don’t settle for less.
In addition to specializing in rideshare accidents, our Uber and Lyft accident attorneys also offer:
- 24/7 Availability
- 100% Free Consultation
- MILLIONS Recovered for Clients
- Assist with Property Damage
- Absolutely NO Upfront Fees
- No Win, No Pay Guarantee
- Help with the Best Medical Treatment in the OC
Liability in a Rideshare Accident
Just like any car crash in Orange County, there could be multiple people involved in a traffic accident involving Uber and Lyft drivers, including motorists, passengers in the rideshare, pedestrians, bicyclists, or other individuals.
California law follows at-fault state policies, meaning that each liable party that is found liable for causing a Lyft or Uber accident will be held financially accountable. This is referred to as
comparative negligence.
If a rideshare driver causes a Lyft/Uber accident, then the driver can be held liable. Therefore, that driver’s insurance company may have to cover the damages. However, there are stipulations to this policy.
Insurance Coverage for an Uber or Lyft Driver
While rideshare companies do carry auto coverage, their drivers must also possess personal car insurance, as well. If a Lyft or Uber accident takes place, the insurance company of the rideshare company, individual driver, or both parties will be utilized. This depends on the “period” of when the crash took place. The time periods are broken down into the following.
No Period
An Uber and Lyft driver is only considered to be working when logged into the rideshare application. Therefore, if an accident occurs during this period, the driver’s personal insurance will be utilized.
Period 1
If a driver is logged on while waiting to accept a ride and a Lyft/Uber accident occurs, the rideshare company’s insurance will cover a limited amount in damages.
Period 2
After a driver accepts a fair and is on the way to pick up a passenger then an accident occurs, the rideshare company’s insurance can provide up to $1 million in liability coverage.
Period 3
Similar to Period 2, Uber/Lyft offers $1 million in coverage. However, the driver must be logged into the app and have a passenger in the car.
Depending on the scenario, both the driver’s insurance and the rideshare’s insurance can be used to cover damages. For clarification, consult with our attorneys at West Accident Law Group. We will fight to hold all liable parties accountable.
What to Do After an Uber Accident/Lyft Accident
To maintain safety and prevent Uber or Lyft from not paying out due to compensation, there are steps victims should take after an accident with an Uber or Lyft vehicle.
First, ensure you are safe. If you can, exit the Uber or Lyft and get out of traffic. Then, call 911. While waiting, take pictures/videos of the crash and get witness statements. Whether you are a rideshare passenger or driver of another vehicle, make sure to get contact numbers and insurance information from all parties involved. After the police arrive and document the accident scene, get a copy of the police report.
Once you have been permitted to leave, immediately see a doctor and check for injuries. It’s important to not skip this step and seek medical attention. If you do not see a doctor, injuries can worsen and turn into life-threatening injuries. Also, an insurance adjuster can devalue compensation, arguing that you were not injured badly enough to get medical treatment. Keep all medical bills, as well as a journal to detail treatment and how recovery is going.
Then, consult with an attorney. The accident will need to be reported to the rideshare company, but it’s best to communicate with them when legal counsel is present in order to avoid any legal missteps. Additionally, it’s important to meet the deadline to file a personal injury claim, which is two years in California, per the statute of limitations.
A qualified lawyer in Westminster can assist victims in finding a fair legal resolution. West Accident Law Group possesses the knowledge and experience to help with an Uber or Lyft accident claim.
How Much Will the Insurance Company Pay After an Accident?
Similar to other auto collisions, the party who is found liable is responsible for paying back damages. Compensation will vary for every case, ultimately affecting its value. Factors taken into account for how much money a victim can be awarded include determination of liability, the seriousness of injuries, treatment for injuries to heal, and other areas. When broken down further, compensation can include reimbursement for medical bills, loss of wages, loss of future earnings, pain and suffering, as well as mental anguish.
When it comes to how compensation will be paid back and from who, varying circumstances will also decide this. First, the “period” of when the Uber or Lyft accident occurred must be established. Typically, the rideshare driver’s personal auto insurance coverage will be utilized. However, if the claim against the driver exceeds the policy limit or if the rideshare is found solely liable, Uber or Lyft may be obligated to cover the remaining expenses. Both rideshare companies can compensate up to the following amounts:
- $50,000 per person for physical injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 per accident in property damage
- $1,000,000 liability insurance policy within the applicable period
- $1,000,000 uninsured or underinsured motorist
Injuries That Can Be Compensated in an Uber or Lyft Accident
Our lawyers at West Accident Law Group have represented clients who sustained injuries such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), broken bones/fractures, paralysis, disfigurement, amputation, and injuries to the neck, back, shoulders, legs, or knees.
Injuries that are not catastrophic can still be compensated. Ultimately, the goal of filing a claim is to recover back to a healthy living situation, both financially and physically.
Under tragic circumstances, victims of Uber accidents and Lyft accidents may suffer fatal complications from their injuries. If a wrongful death causes a wrongful death, surviving family members may seek damages to compensate for funeral expenses, burial costs, loss of income, and other areas.
Common Causes of Car Accidents with Rideshares
Similar to other traffic accidents, rideshare collisions are typically attributed to negligence on behalf of a single party or multiple parties. Common forms of negligent behavior behind thewheel include distracted driving, drowsy driving, intoxicated driving, aggressive driving, inexperience, and speeding.
Other factors, like bad weather and uneven roads, can also contribute to a rideshare accident. However, these types of accidents do not occur as frequently in Uber accidents and Lyft accidents.
Oftentimes, rideshare drivers are traveling in cities and neighborhoods that they are not familiar with. Because of this, they are more susceptible to accidents. Also, while looking for passengers or drop-off points on these unfamiliar roads, the drivers are usually steering their vehicles with their eyes off the road. In doing so, the Uber or Lyft driver could very easily collide with another vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian. Unfortunately, the nature of the ridesharing business forces its drivers to multitask in very congested areas like airports and city metropolitans, often at night when it’s more difficult to see clearly.
However, distractions are a major problem amongst all motorists, not just Uber/Lyft drivers. Using cell phones while driving has become a major threat. From talking and texting to using music platforms like Apple Music and Spotify to popular social media applications of Instagram and Twitter, the distractions can be endless. And sometimes, it’s another reckless driver who is responsible for colliding with a rideshare vehicle.
Benefits of Hiring a Uber/Lyft Accident Lawyer
Traffic accidents are certainly not uncommon in Orange County, and after being injured in a car accident, your health and wellbeing need to come first. Attempting to battle the insurance companies and law firms who represent Uber and Lyft without your own legal representation will stifle your own recovery. In addition, it will become very costly as the odds of recovering a settlement that fairly compensates for all current and future losses will be significantly lower than what you deserve.
When you hire an experienced Uber/Lyft attorney, you will be protected from the manipulation tactics of insurance adjusters. Because your lawyer will be the main contact for discussions with the other party, negotiations will be handled fairly. Aggressive representation on your behalf will prevent you from settling too soon, as a knowledgeable attorney can differentiate between a fair and unfair offer.
In addition, the process of undergoing a rideshare accident case is very complex. Uber and Lyft are considered “Transportation Network Companies” (TNCs) and are subject to vastly different laws and regulations than a standard car accident.
However, the attorneys at West Accident Law Group have helped past clients recover maximum compensation from TNCs and other liable parties. In order to get the most out of our Uber/Lyft accident case, contact our law firm in Westminster today. We offer free consultations and are available to assist 24/7.
Contact West Accident Law Group
Our attorneys empathize with injured victims of car accidents. We understand how traumatic undergoing such an event can be, as well as how scary it can be not knowing how you’re going to financially recover from the accident.
At West Accident Law Group, we are prepared to help you get the compensation you are rightfully owed. Our stellar reputation and 99% success rate is why people choose our firm for their Uber/Lyft accident cases. We are also proud to serve the neighboring cities in Newport Beach, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, and the other surrounding cities in Orange County.
To learn more about our services and how we can help you with your case, schedule your free consultation.