While rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are undeniably convenient, they also come with significant safety concerns. Rideshare accidents often cause severe injuries, and these companies aggressively fight any claims against them. Your chances of recovering fair compensation without legal assistance are low.
The Los Angeles personal injury lawyers at Dordick Law Corporation aren’t afraid of companies like Uber or Lyft. We’re ready to help you recover fair compensation if you sustained injuries in a rideshare crash. We’ll make the legal process as painless as possible while aggressively defending your rights. You don’t owe us any fees unless you recover compensation.
Let our team shoulder your legal burden while you rest and recover. Call (310) 551-0949 now or complete our contact form for a free consultation with a rideshare accident lawyer in Los Angeles.
Why You Need an Attorney After a Rideshare Accident in Los Angeles
Rideshare accident cases are complicated. You may not know who’s responsible for the crash or which insurance policy applies to your claim. Furthermore, Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors instead of employees, which creates legal obstacles. Your available insurance coverage also changes depending on what the rideshare driver was doing during the crash. Without legal help, you could face delays or a denied claim. There’s also the possibility that the insurance companies will downplay your injuries or pressure you into an unfair settlement.
Dordick Law Corporation knows how to handle rideshare injury claims. We can investigate the accident, gather evidence of your injuries and financial losses, and determine who’s legally responsible. Those parties might include the driver, the rideshare company, or others. We’ll also review all relevant insurance policies to find the maximum coverage available.
Our team will handle your legal case – including collecting records and negotiating with insurance adjusters – so you can focus on healing. That way, you have the best chance of recovering full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If the insurance company refuses to settle fairly, we’re ready to take your case to court.
With Dordick Law Corporation on your side, you don’t have to go through the legal process alone. We’re here to protect your rights and simplify your life.
How Rideshare Accidents Happen
Rideshare accidents can happen due to the rideshare driver’s carelessness or that of others with a duty to minimize crashes. Some common causes of these incidents include:
- Distracted Driving – Rideshare drivers often use their phones to navigate, which takes their eyes off the road and makes accidents more likely.
- Fatigue – Many rideshare drivers work long shifts or drive for multiple apps, increasing their risk of falling asleep or missing dangers nearby.
- Speeding – Some drivers rush to complete their rides, which can lead to speeding and other dangerous maneuvers.
- Illegal Stops or Turns – Picking up or dropping off passengers in unsafe locations can lead to collisions with other cars or pedestrians.
- Inexperience – Some rideshare drivers don’t know local streets or traffic patterns, which can lead them to make poor decisions.
- Failure to Yield – Rideshare drivers may ignore traffic signals or fail to yield when merging, turning, or entering intersections.
- Aggressive Driving – Sudden lane changes, tailgating, and cutting off other drivers often contribute to rideshare crashes.
- Weather Conditions – Rain, fog, or slick roads can increase stopping distances and reduce visibility, especially for unprepared drivers.
Do Uber and Lyft Cover Rideshare Accidents?
Uber and Lyft do have insurance policies that cover accidents their drivers cause. However, the available coverage depends on what the driver was doing when the crash happened.
If the driver is logged off the app when a crash happens, only their personal auto insurance applies. Uber and Lyft provide no coverage during this period.
Both companies offer limited third-party liability coverage if the driver is logged in and waiting for a ride request. This coverage includes up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for injuries, and $25,000 for property damage. This coverage only applies if the driver’s insurance does not cover the crash.
Uber and Lyft provide their highest level of coverage when the driver accepts a ride request and is en route to pick up or transport a passenger. Their policies include up to $1 million in third-party liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and contingent comprehensive and collision coverage for the driver’s vehicle.
You may think that these companies pay up easily, given the extensive insurance coverage they provide. However, it’s crucial to understand that these policies have limits and don’t cover everything. Coverage disputes and delays are common. That’s why working with a lawyer is essential for recovering full compensation.
Can You Sue Uber or Lyft Directly After a Rideshare Accident?
You usually can’t sue Uber or Lyft directly after a rideshare accident. The reason why is that these companies classify their drivers as independent contractors instead of employees. They do this, among other reasons, to shield themselves from liability. However, you shouldn’t give up your case because you can’t sue Uber or Lyft directly. A Los Angeles rideshare accident attorney can help you file an insurance claim and make sure these companies honor your rights.
Who’s Liable for a Rideshare Accident?
There are many ways that rideshare accidents happen, and how the crash happens determines who’s liable. Depending on the crash’s cause, the potentially liable parties include:
- The Rideshare Driver – The rideshare driver may be liable if they caused the crash by speeding, running a light, or driving while distracted.
- Another Driver – Another driver may be responsible if they caused the crash by driving carelessly or violating traffic laws.
- A Commercial Vehicle Company – Companies that employ commercial drivers or own commercial vehicles can be liable for accidents involving their workers or cars.
- A Pedestrian or Bicyclist – Someone crossing against a traffic signal or acting unpredictably may be partially or fully at fault for an accident.
- A Vehicle or Parts Manufacturer – Vehicle and parts manufacturers can be liable if their defective components caused or contributed to a collision.
- A Repair Shop or Mechanic – Improper maintenance or faulty repairs sometimes contribute to a crash, making the repair shop or mechanic liable.
- A Government Agency – Poor road design, broken signals, or unsafe road conditions frequently cause rideshare accidents. In these cases, the city or county responsible for road maintenance could be liable.
- Multiple Parties – There are situations where multiple parties share fault for a rideshare accident. In these situations, each party may owe you compensation depending on their role.
Compensation for Los Angeles Rideshare Accidents
Our Los Angeles rideshare accident attorneys will thoroughly evaluate your losses to maximize your claim’s value. With our help, your claim could include compensation for:
- Current and future medical expenses related to the accident
- Lost income while you heal
- Reduced future earnings due to a long-term disability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Your diminished quality of life
- Damaged personal property (if applicable)
Protecting Your Rights After a Rideshare Accident
You want to avoid doing anything that might hurt your legal case after a rideshare accident. Follow these steps to preserve your right to compensation:
- Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and attend all appointments
- Save all your medical records, bills, and receipts related to your injuries
- Keep a journal of your symptoms, pain levels, and recovery progress
- Avoid posting about the accident or your injuries on social media
- Get a copy of the police report and check it for accuracy
- Collect proof of your lost wages, missed work, and other financial losses
- Save any communication from insurance companies or adjusters
- Do not give recorded statements without legal advice
- Consult a rideshare accident attorney as soon as possible
Contact Our Los Angeles Rideshare Accident Lawyers for Help
You only have two years after a rideshare accident to file a lawsuit, so it’s important to act quickly. Let our team handle the legal details while you rebuild your life. Call Dordick Law Corporation at (310) 551-0949 or complete our contact form to get started with a Los Angeles rideshare accident attorney.
