Uber/Lyft Lawsuit Compensation in California
Have you been hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident in California? You may deserve financial compensation. LA Century Law legal team represents people injured in accidents, including accidents from ride sharing apps such as Uber and Lyft. Our Uber and Lyft lawyers can represent you to get the monetary compensation that you deserve.
It is important to understand that when an Uber or Lyft driver is involved in an accident with you or if you are a passenger in the vehicle of an Uber or Lyft driver, you are not seeking damages or compensation from the driver directly.
Uber and Lyft provide insurance for when an incident occurs. It is the insurance carrier, not the driver that has the financial responsibility to make you whole following a crash.
If you are the victim of an Uber/Lyft accident, contact LA Century Law today for your free consultation.
Lawyers who represent Uber/Lyft passengers and drivers
Our lawyers handle cases involving the following:
- Passengers
- Drivers
- Individuals in other vehicles
- Pedestrians, bicyclists
Navigating the arena of a ride share application car crash is difficult. The insurance companies for Uber and Lyft are notorious for downplaying an individuals’ harm and otherwise creating obstacles to obtain financial compensation for their injuries. It is important to contact the lawyers at LA Century Law to protect your rights. We will guide you through the claims process and deal with the insurance company so that you can focus on your health and recovery. We will also make sure to maximize your recovery for your injuries and harms.
How our Uber/Lyft accident lawyers can help
Our law firm can assist with the following:
- Determining what party is at fault
- Identifying existing insurance policies; determining the status of the driver at the time of the accident
- Calculating the approximate value of the claim
- Making claims to the insurance companies and Uber/Lyft
- Negotiating a fair settlement
- Filing a formal legal claim, if necessary
- Proving everything necessary to win your case
The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list.
Our lawyers help rideshare accident victims recover fair compensation. Contact us today for your free case review and consultation.
How do I receive compensation for an Uber/Lyft accident?
California is an at-fault state for Uber and Lyft accidents. All drivers should have minimum amounts of insurance to cover an accident. But for rideshare drivers, these amounts are enhanced. Furthermore, liability is generally not at issue for passengers in an Uber or Lyft. This is because individuals that use Uber and Lyft are considered “innocent passengers”.
Receiving compensation for an Uber/Lyft accident requires evaluating who is involved, who is at fault, and what insurance policies apply – keeping in mind that the rideshare companies have generous insurance that may pay damages. This, of course, is subject to change, which is another reason why the right representation is so important. Generally, both Uber and Lyft offer supplemental insurance up to $1 million. In addition, the rideshare company may cover a situation where another driver is uninsured or underinsured.
What insurance covers an Uber/Lyft accident in California?
The following is a generalization of insurance coverage for Uber and Lyft. It is always subject to change and should not be relied on without consulting with an attorney.
Insurance coverage for an Uber/Lyft accident in California depends on the status of the driver at the time of the accident.
When the app is off: The driver’s personal insurance applies. The case is evaluated and processed like any other accident under California’s at-fault accident laws. Under California Insurance Code § 11580.1b, all drivers must have a minimum coverage of $15,000 in personal injury, $30,000 in total injury, and $5,000 for property damage.
While waiting for a request: Once a driver has turned their app on to wait for a ride, they must have more extensive insurance policies in place. While the app is on but before the driver has accepted a ride, they must have $50,000 in bodily injury insurance, $100,000 in total bodily injury per accident, and $30,000 for property damage. The driver must also have a $200,000 excess policy for very severe accidents.
En route and during a ride: From the time the driver has accepted a request until they drop the passenger off, Uber and Lyft both provide a $1 million third-party liability guarantee, including uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
The status of the Uber/Lyft driver at the time of the crash is critical. There are situations where Uber or Lyft may misled (whether it be negligently or otherwise) an unrepresented party in the hopes of achieving a low settlement. Do not gamble with your future and call our lawyers now for a free consultation! Our lawyers can help you investigate the facts and what insurance policies may be available to pay a claim.
Who pays for an Uber/Lyft accident in California?
Generally, the individual or entity at fault, whether they caused or contributed to the crash are responsible to compensate those harmed in an Uber or Lyft accident in California.
Uber Eats Accident Compensation
If you are in an accident involving an Uber Eats driver, you may receive financial compensation. Drivers must comply with insurance requirements, and Uber steps in with its supplemental coverage of up to $1 million.
Only personal insurance applies when the app is turned off. The supplemental policy is available if the accident occurs while the driver is active with Uber Eats.
This is subject to change and should not be relied on without consulting with an attorney at LA Century Law.
Our lawyers can help you claim financial compensation if you are in an accident involving an Uber Eats driver. Again, this is subject to change and can vary from time to time. Call our office now for a free consultation.
Lyft Deliveries
Lyft offers a delivery service for a variety of items like prescriptions, food, and retail items. Drivers have the option to sign up to participate in Lyft Deliveries. Coverage may be provided for accidents while waiting for a delivery request or while making a delivery.
California Uber Accident FAQs
How long do I have to sue for an Uber/Lyft accident in California?
You should report the accident to the rideshare service as soon as possible. California law gives you two years to sue for an Uber accident. If your claim is for property damages only, you have up to three years. (Cal. Code of Civ. Proc. § 335.1; § 338). This is subject to exceptions for minors.
What happens if I’m the driver of the other vehicle?
In California, drivers for ride sharing apps such as Uber or Lyft have a heightened duty to their passengers. As stated in California Civil Code § 2100: “a carrier of persons for reward [such as an Uber or Lyft driver] must use the utmost care and diligence for their safe carriage, must provide everything necessary for that purpose, and must exercise to that end a reasonable degree of skill.”
Uber and Lyft drivers also have a heightened duty as follows:
- Uber or Lyft drivers must not speed and cannot deviate from the proper route. California Civil Code states “a carrier of persons for reward [such as an Uber or Lyft driver] must travel at a reasonable rate of speed, and without any unreasonable delay, or deviation from his proper route.”2. Uber or Lyft drivers cannot “kick out” or “eject” their passengers from their vehicle subject to certain limitations. “Common Carrier that ejects a passenger at a place other than the designated destination, and in doing so subjects the passenger to reasonably foreseeable injury, violates a common carrier’s affirmative duty to prevent harm to its passengers.” Ingham v. Luxor Cab Co. 93 Cal.App.4th 1045.3. Uber or Lyft vehicle must be safe for the purpose of transportation. California Civil Code § 2101 states that “a carrier of persons for reward is bound to provide vehicles safe and fit for the purposes to which they are put, and is not excused for default in this respect by any degree of care.”
If any of the sections mentioned above have been violated, Uber or Lyft may be what is referred to as “negligence per se” or automatically liable under the laws of California.
If the rideshare company refuses to pay a claim citing you at fault for the crash, there are steps to challenge the decision.
What should I do if my Uber/Lyft is in an accident?
If your Uber/Lyft is in an accident, you should:
- Call 911
- Seek medical attention
- Report the accident to Uber or Report the accident to Lyft
- Record driver information, license plates, and insurance policies
- Take names and contact details for witnesses
- Photograph the accident scene and injuries
- Contact a lawyer for Uber and Lyft accidents
California Vehicle Code § 20001 requires drivers to stop at the scene of a car accident. Leaving the scene may be a misdemeanor or a felony offense. The law to stop the vehicle applies to rideshare drivers and all other drivers on the road.
What is an Uber/Lyft accident settlement?
An Uber/Lyft accident settlement is compensation paid to the victim of an accident. A settlement is paid by agreement – the parties investigate and evaluate the evidence to determine the approximate value of the case. A settlement is legally enforceable. If the parties do not reach a settlement, a victim may take their case to trial.
You have the right to have a lawyer represent you in the settlement process. Contact LA Century Law for a free case evaluation.
Uber/Lyft Accident Lawyers in California
If you’re looking for an Uber or Lyft accident lawyer in California, we invite you to come get to know LA Century Law. We’re a premier personal injury and accident law firm in Los Angeles with multiple locations in California. Our firm highlights include:
- A law firm dedicated to an array of practice areas aimed at helping individuals
- Millions recovered in settlements and trial verdicts
- Experience in the courtroom conducting trials – we’ll fight for you as long as it takes
- Recognition from peers and legal experts, including Super Lawyers, the American Academy of Attorneys (Top 40 Under 40), Lawyers of Distinction, and more
- Our founder and President, Ryan J. Daneshrad, Esq., founded LA Century Law to be an aggressive advocate for clients. We are proud of our track record of success
- Contingency fees – no bill for services unless you win
- Free consultations and case reviews
Our goal is to make you feel comfortable, educate you in the law, and help you chart the best possible course to get the compensation you deserve.
Free Consultation – Taking New Cases
Our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers are taking new cases. Contact us for your free consultation.
