San Diego Rideshare Accident Attorneys

Legal Help After an Uber or Lyft Accident

Rideshare companies, such as Uber and Lyft, have become a standard part of life in most metropolitan areas. They provide a convenient, cost-effective way to get around, an alternative to a taxi or bus. Calling Uber or Lyft is also a smart option for people who have been drinking to avoid the risk of causing an accident and facing DUI charges. But rideshare drivers can be involved in car accidents, the same as any other driver. If you have been injured in such a crash, who is liable for your injuries will depend on several different factors.

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Who Is Liable for Rideshare Accidents?

The popularity of ridesharing brings with it specific legal complications regarding liability. As with any car accident, the party responsible for damages will depend on who caused the accident. When an Uber or Lyft driver causes a crash, the driver may be held liable. However, additional liability insurance coverage through the rideshare company may kick in under certain circumstances. If another driver causes a collision with a rideshare driver, the at-fault driver may be held liable.

The major rideshare companies provide liability coverage that varies according to what the driver is doing at the time an accident occurs, as stated by Lyft and Uber:

• When the driver mode in the app is off, the driver’s personal insurance policy applies.
• When the driver mode is on, but no ride has been accepted, the company provides contingent liability coverage. The policy limits for this coverage are $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident, plus $25,000 for property damage.
• Once a ride has been accepted and until the ride ends, the company’s primary liability insurance applies. It provides $1 million in coverage per accident. Company policies continue in excess of the driver’s policy limits.

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Insurance Issues With Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare drivers are typically only required to carry personal liability insurance, which covers only the policyholder. California has passed legislation that sets minimum liability coverage at all stages, from booking the ride through the ride itself. Drivers are required to carry a minimum of $200,000 when they are driving without passengers and $1 million once the driver accepts a ride request or picks up a passenger.

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Common Injuries in Rideshare Accidents

People involved in rideshare accidents suffer the same types of injuries sustained in other motor vehicle accidents. Rideshare accident injuries may include:

• Neck and back injuries: The back and neck are susceptible to injury from the impact of a car crash. Whiplash is a common neck injury caused by the whip-like motion of the head and neck when a vehicle is struck from behind.
• Traumatic brain injury: TBI is common in all types of car accidents. It can occur when the head strikes a window, dashboard, or other solid surfaces in a crash.
• Fractures and joint damage: The violent impact of a collision can create enough force to fracture bones. A crash can also cause damage to muscles, ligaments, tendons, and soft tissue, injuring joints such as the knees, hips, shoulders, wrists, and ankles.

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Compensation for Rideshare Accident Victims

If you have been injured in a rideshare accident that was someone else’s fault, you are entitled to pursue compensation for your injuries. The damages pursued reflect the degree of bodily injury, as well as mental and emotional harm you experienced. Depending on the circumstances, damages in a personal injury claim after a rideshare accident may include:

• Medical expenses, past, and future
• Lost wages or earnings
• Loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Mental anguish

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Why You Need a Lawyer

Liability issues can be complicated in a rideshare accident claim. Our San Diego car accident attorney at jD LAW has the knowledge, skills, and resources to provide effective representation. We can investigate your accident to determine liability and vigorously pursue the compensation you deserve. We offer a free initial consultation. Contact us today at (760) 630-2000.

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