Client-Focused Torrance Uber And Lyft Accident Lawyers

California is well-known for its high volume of traffic. This is especially true for the Los Angeles area. Due to the stress and sheer number of cars on the road, many individuals have begun to opt to have rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft take them to and from their destinations. Their thoughts are that they may save themselves some of the stress and anxiety that can accompany driving in our area.

Uber is the largest of the rideshare companies and, therefore, also has the largest number of drivers and users. However, Lyft is quickly becoming a strong competitor to other well-known companies and is typically cheaper. However, both aren’t without their share of problems and issues. Since the beginning, rideshare companies have had to deal with a multitude of accidents and criminal acts committed by their drivers.

If you have been injured in an accident with an Uber or Lyft vehicle, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. KRA Legal, PC, is a personal injury law firm that is highly qualified to handle all aspects of Uber and Lyft accident cases. Contact our law firm and ask to schedule a free initial consultation.

What Are The Common Causes Of Rideshare Accidents In Los Angeles?

As rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have grown increasingly popular in Los Angeles, accidents involving their drivers have also become more commonplace. Some of the most common causes of rideshare accidents include:

• Distractions: Distracted driving from using the rideshare app or mobile device
• Speeding: Speeding to maximize ride completions and profits
• Overwork: Driver fatigue from working excessive hours
• Inexperience: Unfamiliarity with roads and traffic patterns
• Poorly maintained cars: Poor vehicle maintenance by independent contractors
• Unprofessional behavior: Reckless driving behaviors like running red lights
• Impaired states: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

These causes are often the result of driver or rideshare company negligence and can be grounds for a personal injury lawsuit.

How To Report A Rideshare Accident As An Uber Or Lyft Passenger

If you’re an accident victim injured while riding as a passenger, take these steps immediately after the traffic accident.

• Remain at the scene and call 911 if needed
• Collect the rideshare driver’s info, insurance details, etc.
• Take photos/videos documenting vehicle damage and injuries
• Report the incident through the Uber or Lyft app
• Seek prompt medical evaluation and treatment
• Contact experienced rideshare accident lawyers to protect your rights

An attorney on your side can guide you throughout the injury claim process to protect your legal rights.

Who Can Be Held Liable If You Are Injured In A Rideshare Accident?

Under California law, the driver who is determined to be at fault for the accident is held liable to the other drivers or passengers who were injured or sustained property damage. If you were a rideshare passenger and were injured, you are normally covered by the company’s commercial liability insurance. Nevertheless, if the damages you suffered exceed the driver’s insurance coverage, you may be able to make a claim against Uber or Lyft’s $1 million commercial policy if necessary.

If you have simply been involved in an accident as another driver with an Uber or Lyft vehicle, knowing which insurance company to file a claim against becomes more complicated as certain conditions may apply to your particular case. The law divides a rideshare company’s drivers into several periods depending on whether they are on or off duty. For example, Period 1 is the time when a driver is online and waiting for a fare. If they are involved in an accident, Uber and Lyft provide coverage of $50,000 per person and $100,000 for an accident that involves bodily injury, along with $25,000 for property damage.

Injury victims can file a claim against the rideshare driver and their private insurance company if they were involved in a traffic accident while in their own vehicle. Injury victims may file a claim against both the driver themselves and the rideshare company if they are riding as passengers to or from a destination.

Because of the complicated nature of the various time periods assigned to rideshare drivers, depending on their duty status, it is best to consult with an experienced rideshare accident attorney who can answer all of your questions.

How Can An Uber Or Lyft Driver’s App Status Affect A Rideshare Accident Claim?

The insurance coverage available to Uber drivers and Lyft drivers at the time of a crash depends on their app status and driving phase. There are three distinct “tiers,” or periods:

• Tier 1 – App on, no ride accepted yet: The rideshare company provides limited liability coverage. The driver’s personal auto insurance policy is typically the primary coverage.
  • $50,000 in bodily injury per person
  • $100,000 in bodily injury per accident
  • $30,000 in property damage per accident
• Tier 2 – En route to pick up a passenger: Higher liability limits from Uber/Lyft take effect during this “contingent” period when the driver is awaiting a passenger pickup.
  • $1 million in third-party liability
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury
  • Contingent comprehensive and collision (based on the driver’s personal policy)
• Tier 3 – Passenger in the vehicle: The rideshare app provides its maximum liability coverage from the time a passenger is picked up until they are dropped off.
  • $1 million in third-party liability
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury
  • Contingent comprehensive and collision

Understanding these tiers will give you an idea of how much insurance a rideshare driver would be carrying in the event of an accident.

Can You Recover Damages After A Rideshare Accident?

If you have been injured as a passenger or other motorist in an Uber or Lyft accident, you may be entitled to recover both economic and noneconomic damages for your injuries and/or property damage. Economic damages are meant to compensate you for the money you spent because of the accident. Some of the most common economic damages include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Property damage

Noneconomic damages are unique to your particular case and do not come with a fixed dollar amount. A jury may take into account many factors and other considerations when awarding noneconomic damages. They may include the following:

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Mental anguish
• Disfigurement or scarring

Due to the complex nature of rideshare accident laws, hiring a qualified attorney with experience in such cases is essential to recovering a settlement that is in your best interests.

How Can A Torrance Rideshare Accident Attorney Help You With Your Claim?

As stated previously, the laws that surround rideshare drivers and their potential liability are overly complex and difficult to navigate on your own. In order to save yourself time and frustration, one of the best steps that you can take to protect yourself is to retain the services of an experienced Uber and Lyft accident attorney.

Not all personal injury attorneys in Torrance have the necessary skills to provide you with the aggressive representation that you need. Many personal injury law firms promise their clients positive results but lack the basic knowledge needed to handle the complexities of rideshare accident claims.

Frequently, we have had our clients tell us of how Uber or Lyft’s insurance company’s representatives reached out to them not long after the accident occurred and tried to offer them a settlement. Although a quick injury settlement may seem tempting, it is most likely not in your best interests to take the first amount that they may offer you. This is because an insurance company’s prime concern is to maintain profits, not what is best for you.

Let Us Help You Resolve Your Case After A Ridesharing Vehicle Accident

At KRA Legal, PC, we are passionate attorneys who are committed to obtaining a settlement or verdict for you that is just. We pledge to investigate your case and use all the available resources to provide you with the aggressive representation you deserve.

Contact our law office by calling 310-774-4260 or send an online message to schedule a free consultation.