While rideshare apps have become a popular and convenient way for many people to get around Beverly Hills, taking an Uber or Lyft still involves the same hazards all motor vehicle passengers must contend with. You could get a poor driver, a third party could collide with the vehicle you’re in, or other external factors could contribute to an accident.
If you suffered injuries from a rideshare accident in Beverly Hills, call Dordick Law Corporation at (310) 736-2866 or contact us online for a free consultation with one of our skilled car accident lawyers in Beverly Hills. We can help you seek the compensation you need by investigating the accident, negotiating with auto insurance companies, and representing you in court if necessary.
Rideshare Accident Cases We Handle in Beverly Hills
Our Beverly Hills injury lawyers handle various types of rideshare accidents that result in catastrophic injuries to passengers and pedestrians alike. Some of the most common types of rideshare accidents we see in Beverly Hills include:
- Head-On Collisions: These accidents occur when one vehicle crosses the center line dividing opposing lanes of traffic and often result in severe or fatal injuries.
- Rear-End Collisions: When drivers aren’t paying attention, they can easily slam into the back of a slowed or stopped vehicle ahead of them, causing whiplash and other musculoskeletal injuries.
- Sideswipe Accidents: A sideswipe occurs when two vehicles collide side-to-side. It often results from one vehicle drifting into another lane or a driver failing to check their blind spots before merging into an occupied lane.
- T-Bone Collisions: These collisions occur when one vehicle crashes into the side of another perpendicularly. They are most common in intersections and parking lots where vehicles travel in various directions, and drivers may fail to yield the right-of-way.
- Pedestrian Accidents: Sometimes, rideshare vehicles collide with pedestrians, causing significant injuries. Pedestrians can file the same kinds of auto insurance claims as rideshare passengers injured in accidents.
Rideshare Accident Statistics
According to Uber’s most recent U.S. Safety Report, the actions of drivers using their app were the primary cause of 18 percent of fatal crashes when the app was in use. An additional 25 percent of these crashes were caused by the actions of more than one party, including the Uber driver. And roughly 58 percent of fatal crashes were caused by third parties, not Uber drivers.
As with any other driver, rideshare drivers can make errors that lead to crashes. However, even if you get in the back of a rideshare vehicle with a driver who has an exemplary driving record, you could still be the victim of an accident caused by another party’s actions.
Rideshare Accident Case Example
In one rideshare accident case, our lawyers secured a $1.5 million settlement for our client, who was injured in a rear-end accident as a passenger in a rideshare vehicle.
The vehicle our client was in was traveling southbound on an LA freeway when it crashed into the back of a slow car ahead. Despite clear signs that traffic was slowing down, including brake lights, the rideshare driver was distracted and failed to stop. Additionally, the driver was speeding, increasing the force of the impact and worsening our client’s injuries.
As a result of the accident, our client suffered lasting physical and emotional injuries. And our car accident lawyers helped obtain the favorable settlement our client needed to begin moving forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, you’ll find our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about rideshare accidents in Beverly Hills. Whether your injuries result from an Uber or Lyft driver’s negligence, poor road or vehicle maintenance, or another motorist’s actions, understanding the answers to these questions can be vital for maximizing your compensation.
Who is liable for my Beverly Hills rideshare accident injuries?
Various parties could be liable for your injuries, including the rideshare driver, the rideshare company, a vehicle manufacturer or maintenance provider, or a government entity. In many cases, the rideshare company’s liability coverage auto insurance will cover your damages.
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, both Uber and Lyft provide the following coverage:
- No coverage when the driver is offline and not using the app
- $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury if the driver is online and available for a trip
- $1 million in combined liability coverage per accident if the driver is en route or on a trip
An experienced rideshare accident lawyer can identify the liable parties and file claims against them to maximize your compensation.
What compensation can I recover after a Beverly Hills rideshare accident?
The compensation you can recover after a Beverly Hills rideshare accident includes compensation for your economic and non-economic losses. Economic losses are those with tangible value, including medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning potential, and property damage. Non-economic losses are those with intangible value, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the impact your injuries have on your daily life.
Calculating the value of economic losses involves adding up medical bills and determining the extent of lost wages. However, calculating the value of non-economic losses can be much harder due to their subjective nature. To seek fair compensation, you must work with a compassionate lawyer who understands your struggles and can accurately assess the long-term impact of your injuries.
What steps should I take after being in a Beverly Hills rideshare accident?
After being in a Beverly Hills rideshare accident, you should take these steps to protect your rights and strengthen your case:
- Report the accident to the police and obtain a copy of the police report.
- Seek ongoing medical treatment until you have fully recovered or will not recover further.
- Write down everything you remember about the accident and photograph your visible injuries throughout your recovery.
- Avoid providing recorded statements to insurance companies so they can’t use your words against you.
- Consult a skilled car accident attorney and let them handle your case from start to finish.
What if my Beverly Hills rideshare accident claim is denied?
If the rideshare company’s insurance denies your claim, that doesn’t necessarily mean your case is over. There are several options available to continue pursuing the compensation you need.
One option is identifying other at-fault parties and attempting to hold them liable through insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits. The insurance company may have denied your claim because a different party, such as a vehicle manufacturer, actually caused the collision if defective brakes caused the crash.
Another option is to file an appeal with the insurer, presenting additional evidence that demonstrates why the claim should be accepted and your damages should be covered. If this appeal fails, your lawyer may be able to file a lawsuit against the insurer for bad faith practices.
Do I need a lawyer for a Beverly Hills rideshare accident case?
It’s always in your best interest to hire an attorney if you are injured in a car accident. And when a rideshare vehicle is involved, it’s even more important to work with an attorney because of the commercial insurance policies involved.
A lawyer can handle every step of your case, from the initial investigation through settlement negotiations or trial. They know the tactics insurance companies use to devalue claims and can present the evidence necessary for maximizing your recovery.
Contact Our Beverly Hills Rideshare Accident Lawyers
Were you injured in a rideshare accident in Beverly Hills? Contact Dordick Law Corporation at (310) 736-2866 for a free consultation with an experienced and knowledgeable rideshare accident lawyer. We’ll review the accident details and identify the at-fault parties. We’ll explain your options for holding them financially liable for your injuries, and we’ll fight for the money you deserve.
