If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident, Legacy Accident Lawyers can help you get the compensation you deserve. Our award-winning team of legal experts is knowledgeable in the rideshare accident laws and possesses a winning record in getting our clients compensated. 

The policies and regulations surrounding rideshare accidents are not so black and white. Here are some of the most important details to know if you were involved in an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver in Tustin, CA.

Do I Need to Hire a Rideshare Accident Lawyer to File a Claim?

No. Individuals involved in an Uber or Lyft accident are not legally required to work with rideshare accident attorneys. However…

It is incredibly advantageous to invest in legal representation. Here is why:

• Simplifies the claims process: Car accident cases, generally, are very complicated to settle–and those types of cases typically just involve the drivers and their insurance companies. However, rideshare accidents involve the rideshare driver, rideshare company, passenger(s), and other parties involved in the crash. That means multiple car insurance companies and more legal teams to deal with.
• Maximizes compensation: Rideshare companies are required to possess high-value insurance coverage to protect victims in the event of a car accident with one of their rideshare drivers. Because these policies are so valuable, the rideshare company will attempt to reduce the final settlement by as much as possible, shortchanging victims of what they are rightfully entitled to.
• Court representation: If a full and fair settlement cannot be agreed upon, then the personal injury claim may go to trial where a final decision will be made by a judge and jury. This is when the case will grow more complicated, as the court proceedings consist of a jury selection, presentation of evidence, counterargument from the defense, cross-examination, and closing arguments. 

An experienced rideshare accident lawyer will discuss the claims process with clients and deal with the insurance company on behalf of their clients.

This prevents unfair offers from being accepted and allows maximum compensation to be recovered. Additionally, an Uber and Lyft accident lawyer can represent clients in court, should the case go to trial.

Working with a personal injury lawyer saves victims from losing money and time when battling large rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft. 

What Makes a Rideshare Accident Different Than a Regular Car Accident?

Rideshare services have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more than 93 million customers now using the Uber platform. 

Although convenient and beneficial in many ways, rideshare services do bear some risks, especially when it comes to car accidents involving an Uber or Lyft driver.

When a rideshare accident occurs, there are a number of potentially liable parties involved, such as the rideshare driver, the rideshare company, and other drivers on the road.

This is a major factor because that means more than one party can be found liable for damages, and therefore, more than one insurance company will be involved in the claims process. This delays reaching a resolution and can grow to be overwhelmingly stressful.

Another concern is that not all accidents will be covered by Uber or Lyft’s insurance coverage, so if the damages are astronomical, victims could be left paying for their own medical expenses and other financial losses.

Ultimately, what makes a rideshare accident different than regular car accident cases is that they are exponentially more complicated.

Then, Who Is Responsible for My Bills After a Rideshare Accident?

Because rideshare drivers are contracted employees, they are not required to possess a commercial driver’s license or purchase commercial auto insurance. This means that when their coverage maxes out, the remaining costs become the victim’s responsibility.

However, rideshare companies may provide liability insurance as long as the Uber or Lyft driver is “on duty.” This means that the rideshare driver was logged into the app when the car accident took place.

Other determining factors depend on whether an Uber or Lyft passenger was in the vehicle or if a request for the ride had been accepted.

How Uber and Lyft’s Insurance Coverage Works

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft offer $1 million in liability insurance to their passengers, but there are some limitations to when and who is covered.

Generally, insurance coverage is dependent on which “period” the accident took place and can be broken down into the following:

• Period 1: The app is on, but the Lyft/Uber driver has not been paired with a passenger. $50,000 in bodily injury per person, $100,000 in bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 in property damage per accident may apply.
• Period 2: A ride has been accepted, and the Lyft/Uber driver is on the way to pick up the passenger. $1 million in liability coverage for third-party injuries and property damage may apply. Additionally, uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage may be available.
• Period 3: The passenger has been picked up. The $1 million liability coverage continues, protecting both the driver and passengers. This coverage extends even if the Lyft/Uber driver is at fault.

Even if the rideshare driver is at fault and on duty at the time of the Uber or Lyft accident, the rideshare company may still try to reduce or deny liability. 

Therefore, if you have been injured in a rideshare accident, it is important to contact an Uber or Lyft accident lawyer to discuss your legal options and help you determine who is liable for your injuries.

What Should I Do After an Uber Accident or Lyft Accident?

Passengers and other drivers injured in a single-vehicle accident involving a rideshare vehicle may be covered by the insurance policy from Uber or Lyft. However, never assume anything. To protect your well-being and your personal injury claim, proceed with the following precautions.

1. Call 911 to report the Uber or Lyft accident. Regardless of how insistent the rideshare driver may be, request to pull off to the side of the road. Then, call the police and request an ambulance if necessary. Filing a police report is pivotal when pursuing legal action and works as one of the strongest pieces of evidence. 
2. Regardless of how rideshare accidents occur, it is important to always report the incident to Lyft or Uber through their app as soon as possible. This ensures that the company is made aware of the situation and initiates the investigation process.
3. Accuracy in reporting the rideshare accident details is vital, so collect evidence while at the accident scene. Photograph the vehicles involved, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Also, obtain a copy of each driver’s insurance and contact information.
4. Then, seek immediate medical treatment, even if it feels like serious injuries were not sustained. Only a doctor can accurately diagnose injuries and confirm their severity. Additionally, keep all medical documents, such as current medical bills, quotes for future medical expenses, medical records, and medical treatment plans.
5. Be wary when communicating with the insurance companies and when discussing the Uber or Lyft accident. To protect the integrity of the rideshare claim, consult with a rideshare accident attorney. The law firm’s legal team can conduct negotiations, advising the best course of legal action during the case proceedings.

What Can Be Compensated From Rideshare Accidents?

Victims injured in an Uber or Lyft accident are entitled to financial compensation to cover any out-of-pocket expenses resulting from the accident, as well as other forms of compensation.

Generally, there are two types of compensation that can be recovered in a successful personal injury claim: economic damages and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

These types of damages are monetary losses that you have incurred as a result of the Uber and Lyft accident. This can include medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and loss of earning potential. These losses can be exhibited in the form of bills and invoices. 

Non-economic Damages

These are considered non-monetary losses that have resulted from the Uber and Lyft accident. These damages are more subjective, as there is no monetary value attached to them, but they can still be compensated. They can include pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, and mental anguish.

Discover How Much Your Rideshare Accident Case Is Worth

At Legacy Accident Lawyers, we understand that being injured in a car accident can be overwhelming, both emotionally and financially. This is especially true if the accident involved rideshare vehicles, as the process of righting the wrongs can take some time to resolve.

However, with the support of our compassionate rideshare accident attorney, you can rest assured that your case is being managed by some of the best legal professionals in the industry. Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis, so we never charge any upfront legal fees and are only compensated if the Uber or Lyft accident claim results in maximum recovery.

For questions regarding your rideshare accident case, please contact us today. We offer a confidential and free consultation to all prospective clients. 

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