If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in Riverside, you need the help of a skilled attorney. Whether you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft vehicle, a driver struck by a rideshare car, or a pedestrian hit by one of these vehicles, the aftermath can be overwhelming and confusing.
At Dordick Law Corporation, we have been fighting for injury victims since 1987. We pride ourselves on our capacity to take on corporate giants and major insurance companies to secure the justice our clients deserve. Our attorneys will work tirelessly to pursue full compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call (310) 341-7176 today for a free consultation with a Riverside rideshare accident attorney.
Types of Rideshare Accident Cases We Handle
Rideshare accidents can occur in numerous situations, and each one presents unique legal challenges and opportunities for compensation. The experienced attorneys at Dordick Law Corporation handle the full spectrum of rideshare-related injury cases throughout Riverside County.
Passenger Injuries
When you’re riding as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft vehicle and the driver causes an accident through speeding, distracted driving, or other negligent behavior, you may be entitled to significant compensation. These cases often involve the rideshare company’s substantial insurance policies, which can provide up to $1 million in coverage when the driver is actively transporting passengers.
Third-Party Vehicle Accidents
If you’re driving your own vehicle and a rideshare driver causes an accident, you can pursue compensation not only from the driver’s personal insurance but potentially from the rideshare company’s policy as well, depending on the driver’s status at the time of the collision.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents
When pedestrians or bicyclists are involved in accidents with rideshare vehicles, catastrophic injuries can turn their lives upside-down. Rideshare drivers may be distracted by their phones while checking for ride requests or following GPS directions, making them more likely to strike pedestrians or cyclists. These accidents often result in severe injuries requiring extensive medical treatment and long-term care.
Rideshare Driver Injuries
Rideshare drivers who sustain injuries while working may have claims against multiple parties. If another driver caused the accident, the rideshare driver can pursue compensation from that party’s insurance. Additionally, depending on their status when the accident occurred, they may be covered under the rideshare company’s insurance policy.
Accidents Involving Vehicle Defects
Some accidents occur when a rideshare vehicle has mechanical problems, faulty brakes, or other defects. In these situations, the vehicle manufacturer or maintenance company may share liability alongside the driver and rideshare company.
Rideshare Accident Statistics
The increasing presence of rideshare services has both changed transportation patterns and contributed to increased accident rates. Understanding these statistics can help you recognize the scope of the problem, as well as the importance of having experienced legal representation if you have suffered an injury.
According to research from the University of Chicago, the introduction of rideshare services has led to a 3 percent increase in traffic fatalities nationwide, translating to approximately 987 additional deaths annually. This increase stems from the additional vehicle miles driven by rideshare cars, which adds 2.6 vehicle miles for every mile of personal driving it replaces.
While Uber claims that 99.9 percent of trips occur without safety incidents, independent analysis has found inconsistencies in their reporting, with some documented incidents allegedly omitted from official records. These discrepancies highlight the importance of thorough legal investigation when rideshare accidents occur.
Understanding Rideshare Insurance Periods
Rideshare insurance operates on a tiered system based on the driver’s activity status, creating different levels of coverage depending on what the driver was doing when an accident occurred. Understanding these periods is crucial for determining available compensation.
Period 0 (Offline)
This period is when the rideshare driver is not logged into the app and is essentially driving for personal reasons. Only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies during this period, and the rideshare company provides no coverage. If the rideshare driver causes an accident while offline, victims must rely on the driver’s personal insurance policy, which may have limited coverage.
Period 1 (Available and Waiting)
This period begins when the driver logs into the rideshare app but has not yet received a ride request. During this period, rideshare companies provide limited coverage, typically $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage. This coverage only applies if the driver’s personal insurance doesn’t cover the claim.
Period 2 (En Route to Pickup)
This starts when the driver accepts a ride request and is traveling to pick up the passenger. During this period, rideshare companies provide their full commercial insurance coverage, typically $1 million in liability coverage. This represents a significant increase in available compensation compared to Period 1.
Period 3 (Passenger on Board)
This period starts when the passenger is in the vehicle and continues until the trip is completed. The same $1 million liability coverage that applies in Period 2 remains in effect throughout the ride. This period typically offers the strongest protection for passengers and the highest potential compensation for accident victims.
Putting It Together
The rideshare company’s insurance also includes uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage during Periods 2 and 3, providing additional protection when other drivers involved in accidents lack adequate insurance. However, comprehensive and collision coverage for the rideshare vehicle itself only applies if the driver maintains these coverages on their personal policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
The aftermath of a rideshare accident can be a confusing time. Here are some of the questions our clients often have regarding their path to justice.
How much is my rideshare accident case worth?
The value of your rideshare accident case depends on multiple factors, including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the available insurance coverage. Recent settlements Dordick Law Corporation has secured include a $1,500,000 settlement for a passenger injured when their rideshare driver crashed into a stopped vehicle on a Los Angeles freeway. Our attorneys will carefully evaluate all aspects of your case to determine its full value and fight for maximum compensation.
Why should I seek compensation after a rideshare accident?
Rideshare accidents can cause considerable financial turmoil for anyone who sustains harm in the crash. Many injuries result in overwhelming medical bills, in addition to preventing the injured person from working during their recovery period. Rideshare companies carry substantial insurance policies that are specifically designed to compensate accident victims. Pursuing compensation also holds negligent drivers and companies accountable, potentially preventing future accidents.
How long do I have to file a rideshare accident claim?
In California, you generally have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, it’s crucial to begin the claims process much sooner to preserve evidence before it disappears and secure witness testimony before memories fade. Early legal intervention also prevents insurance companies from taking advantage of unrepresented accident victims.
Contact Dordick Law Corporation Today
If you’ve sustained injuries in a rideshare accident in Riverside, a skilled attorney can help you get your life back on track. At Dordick Law Corporation, we have the experience and determination to take on these corporate giants and secure the compensation you deserve.
Our Riverside personal injury attorneys will handle every aspect of your case, and we want to reduce your stress levels as much as possible while you are recovering. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Call (310) 341-7176 or contact us online for your free consultation. Your recovery is our priority, and we’ll work tirelessly to help you receive every dollar you’re entitled to under the law.
