Northern California Uber & Lyft Accidents Attorney

Navigating Your Rights and Options After a Rideshare Accident

Rideshare applications have become incredibly popular throughout the country. These services promise users a safe ride in exchange for money and operate similarly to taxi cabs. However, The defining difference is that Uber, Lyft, and rideshare drivers are not considered employees of these companies and are most often classified as independent contractors.

This fact alone can introduce unique issues regarding liability during the personal injury claim process and how coverage will work when injured victims seek financial compensation for their damages, including their medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

At the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley, our rideshare accident attorneys are passionate about protecting the rights of victims who have suffered preventable harm in all auto accidents. Over the past several years, we have seen increasing wrecks involving rideshare services. While these services are popular and serve a valuable purpose, nearly anyone can drive for them, and those drivers may not always exercise the caution and reasonable measures of safety needed to keep passengers and the public safe. Rideshare drivers must also use a smartphone application when transporting customers, which can increase crash risks due to distracted driving.

Why Choose Our Uber Accident Lawyers?

• Proven Record in Car Accident Cases
• Millions of Dollars Recovered for Clients
• Decades of Combined Experience
• No Up-Front Fees and No Fee Unless We Win

Call the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley today at (530) 413-0245 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our rideshare accident attorney in Northern California!

Personal Injury Claims Involving Uber / Lyft Accidents

When Uber or Lyft accidents occur, they demand an experienced and meticulous investigation, as the unique facts at hand can introduce many challenges for victims seeking a full and fair recovery of their damages. The nature of your accident plays the largest role in determining who can be held liable for your damages and how much coverage may be available.

For example, rideshare accidents may occur in one of several ways:

• You are injured as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft.
• You are injured by an Uber or Lyft driver transporting a fare during the collision.
• You are injured by an Uber or Lyft driver who is in between trips but has the phone application on.
• You are injured by an Uber or Lyft driver who is not using the app at the time of the crash.

These situations may all entail different liability and coverage policies. For example, most rideshare services have a $1 million liability policy when passengers are injured during a trip. This includes third-party liability coverage and accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers. This is a substantial commercial liability policy, and it can prove essential to ensuring that victims recover the compensation they need to recover and rebuild their lives.

In other situations, coverage and liability can vary. For instance, in wrecks where a driver is available and has the app turned on, victims may be covered by the driver’s insurance or the contingent liability policy of the rideshare service, which has lower policy limits than if the driver were transporting a fare. In accidents where an Uber or Lyft driver causes a wreck while not working or using the app, victims must pursue compensation through their insurance.

Understanding the Types of Damages in Rideshare Accident Cases

Individuals injured in Uber or Lyft accidents may be eligible for different categories of damages based on the specifics of their situation. These damages can be broadly classified into two main types: economic and non-economic.

Economic damages refer to quantifiable financial losses incurred due to the accident. These can encompass medical bills, vehicle repairs, and lost wages due to time taken off work. These damages are typically straightforward to calculate and backed by invoices, receipts, and payroll records.

Non-economic damages, conversely, pertain to losses that are more subjective and harder to measure. This category includes factors such as physical pain, emotional suffering, loss of companionship, and a reduced quality of life. In some instances, punitive damages might also be applicable, penalizing the negligent party and discouraging future reckless behavior. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the various damages that can be recovered is crucial for securing the compensation necessary for recovery after a rideshare accident.

The Need for Timely Legal Action

Taking prompt action after a rideshare accident is crucial for a successful claim. Gathering evidence, obtaining witness testimonies, and collecting medical documentation should all be initiated as soon as possible. This urgency arises because vital details may become less clear over time.

California imposes strict time limits on filing personal injury claims, typically allowing two years from the accident date to initiate legal proceedings. Failing to act within this timeframe could result in the loss of the right to seek compensation. It’s imperative for victims to consult with a knowledgeable attorney immediately after an accident to ensure all necessary legal measures are undertaken. Swift legal action can significantly impact the final outcome of your case and help secure the compensation you deserve.

Contact Our Northern California Rideshare Accident Attorney Today

Our legal team is committed to working openly with our clients, educating them about their rights, and explaining how we can help them explore all available avenues for compensation. By leveraging our extensive experience, we can help level the playing field between the injured and the massive insurance companies they face.

Insurance companies that want to pay as little as possible by disputing fault and liability. In every case, our Uber accident lawyers devote the time needed to conduct individualized investigations and pursue maximum compensation. This is why we have secured hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients since 1999.

Have questions about your rights or the rights of a loved one following an Uber or Lyft accident? Contact the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley for a FREE consultation. We are available 24/7 to help and offer home, hospital, and weekend appointments.

Contact the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley today to schedule a meeting with our rideshare accident lawyer in Northern California!

Recommended Reading

• Filing a Personal Injury Claim After an Uber Accident