Southern California Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer

Southern California Uber and Lyft Accident Attorney

Roughly one-third of rideshare drivers reported being involved in an auto accident while working. If you have been hurt in a Lyft or Uber accident, a skilled Southern California Uber and Lyft accident lawyer can help you navigate the complicated claims process. Uber and Lyft have become dominant modes of transportation in Southern California due to the convenience of travel and, in some places, the lack of other public transportation options.

Unfortunately, with the rise of rideshare use, accidents involving rideshare companies have increased as well.

Why Choose Duque & Price?

The dedicated legal team at Duque & Price has years of combined experience helping rideshare accident victims navigate complex rideshare accidents, negotiating and litigating fiercely against corporations’ and insurance companies’ interests. We can help determine liability in your case, navigate multiple insurance claims and rideshare laws and regulations, and cut through the red tape to help you secure the compensation you’re entitled to.

At a Glance: Must-Know Information About Rideshare Injury Claims

Anyone injured in a rideshare crash, whether a passenger, rideshare driver, or pedestrian, may be eligible to file a claim under state law. Liability depends on who caused the collision and whether the rideshare driver was logged into the app at the time.

When drivers are “on duty,” Uber or Lyft’s commercial insurance typically provides up to $1 million in coverage. If the driver was off the clock, their personal auto insurance applies instead. Injury victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.

Severe cases may also involve future care costs or diminished earning capacity. Determining which policy applies and calculating full damages often requires guidance from an experienced personal injury attorney.

Understanding Rideshare Accident Liability

Determining rideshare accident liability can be complex, as such accidents involve multiple potential liable parties, including the driver, the rideshare company, and other third parties. Determining whether Uber or Lyft may be liable to pay for your accident is typically dependent on whether the app was on or off during the time your accident happened, and if you were in the vehicle when the accident occurred.

If the driver caused the accident but did not have the rideshare application on, you may be able to file a claim through their personal auto insurance plan. If the app was on, but you were not located in the car, you may have access to some limited liability coverage from the rideshare company. On the other hand, however, if you were in the car and the app was on, you may have access to more comprehensive coverage from the rideshare company’s insurance.

Since determining rideshare accident liability can be a highly complex process involving private contracts with insurance companies, corporate rules and regulations, and state and federal traffic and liability laws, it’s crucial to work with an experienced attorney who has helped clients win these types of cases. A skilled Southern California Uber and Lyft accident lawyer from Duque & Price can help determine the various avenues for compensation potentially available to you.

Must-Know Rideshare Collision Statistics

Research from UC Davis and the National Bureau of Economic Research found that Uber and Lyft vehicles account for up to 13% of total vehicle miles traveled in major California cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco.

While these services have expanded mobility, they have also increased congestion and crash exposure in high-traffic zones like Wilshire Boulevard, Sunset Boulevard, and Harbor Boulevard. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), there were 224,592 motor-vehicle injury crashes statewide in 2021, many involving rideshare vehicles in dense metropolitan areas.

In serious cases, victims are transported to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, located at 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, one of Southern California’s leading trauma hospitals.

A Step-by-Step Look at the Claims Process

Following a rideshare collision in Southern California, the process of securing compensation will likely follow these steps.

• Establish liability. Your injury attorney can gather evidence to support your injury claim. This often involves requesting copies of medical records, the police report tied to the crash, witness statements, photographs, and dashcam footage. Depending on the outcome of that investigation, your lawyer may pursue compensation from the driver or the rideshare company.
• Once liability and fault are established, your lawyer can reach out to the at-fault party or their representative seeking compensation. The amount they ask for will be based on the value of your claim. Serious injuries and substantial time missed from work can lead to sizable settlements.
• If the at-fault party or their insurer fails to offer you the compensation you are owed, the civil courts can provide you with the proper venue for pursuing accountability and justice.

A civil claim allows your lawyer to use the discovery process to gather further evidence that can position you for a favorable outcome in your case. Civil claims are resolved either through a negotiated settlement or a court verdict, which may include punitive damages.

Why You Should Hire a Southern California Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer

Because navigating rideshare accident claims can be highly complex due to corporate policies and the involvement of multiple insurance companies, it can be beneficial to work with a skilled attorney in Southern California. They can look into what happened before, during, and after your accident to determine who was liable, gathering evidence such as dash-cam footage and app usage records to further strengthen your case.

They can also identify the appropriate insurance companies to file claims with and negotiate with them to secure your access to adjust and a fair settlement. If the case does end up needing to go to trial, they can present strong legal arguments with robust supporting evidence in front of a judge or jury to prove liability and show the extent of your damages.

The decision to hire an Uber or Lyft accident lawyer provides you with the support of a Southern California Uber and Lyft accident attorney who understands Uber and Lyft accident laws, so your Uber and Lyft accident case leads to maximum compensation.

FAQs About Southern California Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer

What Should I Do if I’m Involved in an Uber or Lyft Accident in Southern California?

If you have been involved in an Uber or Lyft accident in Southern California, it is crucial to immediately ensure your safety by pulling aside and getting out of the way of oncoming traffic and any other hazards. Be sure, however, not to flee the scene of the crime, as this can lead to criminal charges. Be sure to report your crash to law enforcement, exchange critical information with all parties involved, and collect evidence at the crash scene.

After seeking medical attention, contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible.

Who Can Be Held Liable in an Uber or Lyft Accident in CA?

Parties that may be held liable in an Uber or Lyft accident in California could include multiple individuals or entities, such as other involved drivers, the rideshare driver, or the rideshare company. A skilled Uber and Lyft accident attorney can look into the details of your crash, determining potentially liable parties and collecting robust evidence to prove their liability. They can help you navigate California’s complex personal injury liability laws.

Does Uber or Lyft Provide Insurance Coverage for Accidents in Southern California?

Yes, rideshare companies like Uber or Lyft do provide insurance coverage for car accidents that happen in Southern California. The level of insurance coverage can vary widely depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. If the accident occurred while a ride was in progress or the app was on, the rideshare company may be able to provide insurance coverage for any subsequent damages or injuries resulting from the crash.

Can Passengers File a Claim After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Southern California?

Yes, passengers can file a claim after a Lyft or Uber accident in California if they have been injured or suffered damages due to another party’s neglect or wrongdoing. Depending on their situation, it may be ideal to file a claim against the rideshare driver’s personal insurance company, the company’s insurance policy, or other motorists. A skilled California Uber and Lyft accident attorney can help you understand your available legal options to pursue compensation.

What Compensation Can I Recover After an Uber or Lyft Accident in California?

Compensation you may be entitled to after an Uber or Lyft accident in California includes coverage for both economic and non-economic damages. You may be entitled to damages for medical expenses, lost income and benefits, lost earning potential, and property damage. Non-economic damages you may be entitled to recover for include emotional distress, pain, and suffering. A skilled attorney can help you understand the compensation you may be entitled to.

Champion the Claims Process After Your Rideshare Accident With Our Skilled Southern California Lawyer

Just because multiple potentially liable entities were involved in your rideshare accident in Southern California does not mean no one should be held accountable.

A skilled Uber and Lyft accident lawyer from Duque & Price can scrutinize the details of your case, collect robust evidence, and help you understand who is liable for your crash. They can help you cut through complex legal processes to get the compensation you need. Contact us today and begin planning your legal strategy.

Meet Our Southern California Uber and Lyft Accident Attorneys

Brent A. Duque Attorney, Founder & President

Matthew R. Price Attorney Partner

Jordan Harris Davidoff Attorney

Real Client Reviews – Uber & Lyft Accident Cases