The ridesharing industry continues to grow daily. More and more people are utilizing these services because of the convenience factor. In a large city, scheduling a ride with Uber or Lyft is also a helpful alternative to taking public transportation in many circumstances.
If you have used Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare companies before, you know why these services are popular in and around California. That said, it’s worth noting that early research indicates that the growth of the ridesharing service industry has correlated with an increase in motor vehicle accident rates throughout the country.
If you have been in a car accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver, you are left with many questions. Do I need to hire a rideshare accident lawyer? Will my insurance still cover me? What injuries can I recover compensation for? Understanding the law regarding rideshare accidents, how they happen, and the most common injuries can help you make an informed decision.
If you or a loved one has suffered a severe injury involving a rideshare driver, you should immediately speak to a rideshare accident lawyer California residents trust. We know how to deal with ridesharing cases and can help you recover compensation for your injuries.
There are different ways that an accident can happen involving a rideshare driver. A rideshare law firm will know the laws regarding these accidents and can help you if you’ve been involved in one. You need to consult a car accident attorney at JSM Injury Firm APC as soon as possible after such an event. Call us at (949) 404-4826, or click here to schedule a free consultation.
First, the most common way is ‘distracted driving.’ Many drivers listen to loud music or are distracted by something else while driving. This can be risky when you operate a vehicle that weighs thousands of pounds.
Another reason a ridesharing accident occurs is poor maintenance. If a car is in poor condition, the Uber or Lyft driver cannot control it properly. This can cause severe injuries for those involved and damage to the vehicle.
Drunk drivers are always a concern when discussing motor vehicle accidents. An intoxicated person should never get behind the wheel of a vehicle. However, too many do, and accidents often result. A Lyft or Uber accident that involves drunk drivers is another common occurrence.
A final way to avoid rideshare accidents is when people are reckless. This happens when someone cuts off an Uber or Lyft driver and causes an accident. This can be a perilous situation because it puts the driver and those in other vehicles at risk of serious injuries.
There is rarely an instance in which any of us is prepared for an accident. That is why we offer a unique and convenient approach to handling the legal process. Our Justice on Demand system won’t require upfront costs to obtain top-notch legal representation and guidance. You will only pay once you get your claim.
When you call us, you can have the best legal representation from a specialized California rideshare accident lawyer. We will fight aggressively until you get full compensation for your rideshare accident.
We offer great value for you by providing support to access proper medical care after your accident. You don’t have to worry about expensive medical bills after a rideshare accident.
With JSM Injury Firm APC, you will get top-notch legal support at zero initial cost. We only accept payments only once you recover compensation from your rideshare accident.
If your insurance company or the guilty party decides to bring your case to court, you will have an California Rideshare Accident Lawyer who has years of litigation experience behind you.
When a person is injured in an accident, they can recover damages from the driver or company responsible for their injuries. This reimbursement should cover expenses such as:
Lyft and Uber accident attorneys know that car accidents cause serious injuries. You can recover from pain and suffering that results from personal injuries in Uber and Lyft accidents. These damages cover emotional trauma that comes from injury, physical pain, disfigurement, and more.
If you must miss work due to the injuries caused by a Lyft and Uber accident, your attorney will help you recover lost wages. This includes missed paychecks and the income you could’ve earned throughout your recovery and into the future.
Medical expenses are the costs associated with treating your injuries. This figure includes hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation therapies, prescriptions, and more. All these expenses come from the accident that caused the injuries, so you are entitled to compensation.
If your injuries inhibit your ability to do activities you enjoy, you can recover damages for those losses. This includes physical, mental, and emotional injuries. These damages cover lost opportunities and have things like important events in your family’s life and even the loss of a potential pregnancy.
An Uber or Lyft accident attorney specializes in cases involving Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies. Being a growing industry, many cases of these types of car accidents exist. An Uber accident lawyer knows how the law works in these situations, so they can provide you with information when you need it most.
After virtually any type of motor vehicle accident resulting from the negligence of another party, it is typically necessary for a victim to gather evidence proving negligence before they can successfully recover compensation. Gathering such evidence may require thoroughly investigating an accident. You might need more resources to investigate an accident. Instead, our California rideshare accident attorney can investigate your accident on your behalf.
Insurance companies are profit-driven businesses. When you file a claim to recover compensation after being involved in an Uber or Lyft accident in California, the insurance company will likely attempt to minimize how much money you settle for. Although we cannot promise that you will be paid a specific amount, we can account for your various compensable losses when negotiating a proper settlement with the liable party’s insurance carrier.
Pursuing compensation after an Uber or Lyft accident in California can be complex. You do not want to burden yourself at this time. In the aftermath of your accident, your goal should be to focus on your recovery. You will have more freedom to do so if an attorney is handling your case.
There are many reasons why having a rideshare accident attorney on your side is the best decision. For one, you are getting professional help to deal with these cases. You will have someone who can answer questions about the case, insurance, and anything related to rideshare accidents. If your case reaches the court, we can provide litigation support to ensure you get just compensation.
Certain things must be done immediately if you have been involved in a rideshare accident. Here are the crucial steps you should take when you are involved in a ridesharing accident in California:
Take photographs of the accident scene, such as the vehicles involved or any road hazards that may have caused the accident. If possible, get the contact information of potential witnesses.
Even if your accident may appear minor, you must seek medical attention immediately. Follow your physician’s advice even if no damage is apparent.
Contact authorities right away to ensure that they are aware of all the necessary details. Contacting the police assures you that you will be protected and that proper on-site investigations and documentation are conducted.
Our California rideshare accident attorney is available to take your call 24/7. Call us immediately after a rideshare accident, so we can help you manage legal requirements and all your other needs.
We have years of experience dealing with rideshare accidents in California and Orange County. Here are five of the most frequently asked questions clients ask us about rideshare accidents:
The statute of limitations for rideshare accident claims in California is two years. This period may be extended if the injured party is a minor or if a delayed injury is discovered. In the case of property damage, the statute of limitation is three years.
If both drivers are at fault in a rideshare accident, both drivers may be required to contribute to the payment of the victim’s losses, such as medical bills. The percentage of fault determines the amount for the accident.
The most common injuries in an Uber and Lyft accident are:
However, intangible damages may be claimed, such as emotional and mental trauma associated with the accident.
When a rideshare driver is responsible for your injuries, they are negligent or reckless in some way. For example, if a person is drinking and driving while operating a car, they shouldn’t have been behind the wheel in the first place, and a Lyft or Uber accident can happen. Even though Uber drivers and Lyft drivers work for large corporations, they can still be held personally liable for your injuries. Holding an Uber driver or a Lyft driver personally responsible for your serious injuries provides an additional avenue for compensation. This is why it’s essential to speak with an Uber accident lawyer as soon as possible after such an incident, as your legal rights could be compromised if you wait too long.
Because California is a pure “comparative negligence state,” you are still entitled to financial compensation. Your financial award may be reduced depending on the amount equivalent to the percentage or degree of your contribution to the fault.