In a recent survey, it was noted that over one million rideshare drivers are active in the United States. Uber and Lyft have become household names, which most of us rely on for travel. However, when you have been injured as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft or struck by a driver of an Uber or Lyft, it can be difficult to obtain financial compensation for your injuries. These juggernaut corporations make millions and still either fail to or make it difficult to compensate those injured by their services. It is imperative to have the right lawyers aggressively advocate for you if you have been injured in an Uber or Lyft.
LA Century Law represents individuals who have been injured by a rideshare company such as Uber or Lyft. Our Century City Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can aggressively represent you and get every dollar you are entitled to. We will not settle for anything less than full compensation for your injuries and harm. We pride ourselves on obtaining justice for those harmed especially by large corporations.
Who May Receive Uber/Lyft Accident Compensation?
If you have been injured as any of the following parties, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries:
- Customer in a rideshare vehicle
- Passenger in another vehicle
- Driver of another vehicle
- Driver of the rideshare vehicle
- Pedestrian crossing the road or on the sidewalk
The above is not an exhaustive list. We have a team of investigators that will thoroughly review your case and determine whether or not you are entitled to compensation.
Uber/Lyft accident compensation is not limited to just the customer. Anyone who is injured may claim compensation. The Uber/Lyft $1 million insurance coverage may be available if the rideshare driver is at fault as well as in situations where the at-fault driver is uninsured/underinsured.
Examples of Fault in an Uber/Lyft Accident
An Uber/Lyft accident can happen for a variety of reasons. The reason may not specifically have to do with the rideshare service. Some examples of fault in an Uber/Lyft accident are:
- Stopping to embark/disembark in an unsafe area
- Other vehicles not leaving room for passengers to enter/leave the vehicle safely
- Departing before passengers are secured in the vehicle
- Speeding, unsafe lane changes, failure to leave sufficient stopping distance
- Stop sign and traffic light violations
- Failing to provide working seatbelts
- Drunk driving and drugged driving
- The rideshare company allowing an unqualified driver to operate, or allowing a driver to use an unsafe vehicle
Fault in an accident may be with the driver of the rideshare vehicle, but other drivers may be at fault, too.
How is fault determined for an Uber/Lyft accident?
California is an at-fault state for car accident fault. Rideshare vehicles are no exception. In fact, Uber and Lyft drivers are driving for a commercial purpose – so they have a high duty of care. Fault is determined by what party or parties did not use sufficient care and caution for that situation. Multiple parties may be at fault.
Does insurance apply to an Uber/Lyft accident claim?
Rideshare drivers must have insurance coverage. In addition, both Uber and Lyft provide supplemental insurance while the person is active in the app. If you’re in an accident involving an Uber/Lyft vehicle, there’s a good chance that there is insurance you can access to pay damages.
What insurance applies to Uber/Lyft accidents?
The insurance coverage available for an Uber/Lyft accident depends on what’s happening at the time of the accident:
- The app is off: The driver’s personal insurance applies. They must have minimum coverage required by California law
- The app is on: When the app is on, but a ride hasn’t been accepted. Elevated insurance coverage applies of $50,000 per person injury, $100,000 per accident injury and $30,000 property damage
- A ride has been accepted: Uber/Lyft coverage up to $1 million in accident liability and uninsured/underinsured coverage
- During a ride: Uber/Lyft coverage up to $1 million in accident liability and underinsured/underinsured coverage
If the rideshare driver is at fault, their insurance pays first. When another driver or party is at fault, they pay first. The rideshare insurance steps in if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. Remember that fault may be shared. Our lawyers can assist you with determining who pays, what you should receive for your damages and how to go about claiming your compensation.
What type of compensation am I entitled to when involved in an Uber/Lyft accident?
What type of compensation am I entitled to when involved in an Uber/Lyft accident?
In California, you are entitled to two categories of damages: “Economic” and “Non-Economic” damages. Both Economic and Non-Economic Damages provide compensation for past and future harm.
Economic Damages: Economic damages or “Special Damages” are those that can be quantified. Meaning, it is easy to place a monetary value on them. Economic damages include but are not limited to:
- Cost of repairing or replacing damage to your car or other belongings.
- Loss of use of your vehicle.
- Reimbursement for car rental.
- Loss of earnings or income resulting from the accident.
- Medical costs and expenses (past and future).
- Other out-of-pocket costs and expenses.
Non-Economic Damages: Non-Economic Damages or “General Damages” are damages where no exact monetary value can be calculated. Non-Economic damages are awarded both for past and future harm, and include but are not limited to:
- Mental anguish which includes anxiety, fear, shock, and humiliation.
- Pain and suffering.
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
- Loss of love, affection, companionship, sexual relations, and emotional support from your spouse.
In some cases, you can be entitled to “punitive damages”. This form of damages is intended to punish the conduct of a driver or negligent individual when their conduct is malicious, oppressive, or fraudulent.
How to Claim Compensation for an Uber/Lyft Crash?
To claim compensation for an Uber/Lyft crash, follow these steps:
- Seek medical attention immediately after the accident. If you are a driver in either vehicle, and there are physical injuries, you must report the accident to police.
- If you are able, gather information for all the drivers involved and witnesses. Get the driver’s rideshare identification number, license information and vehicle registration.
- Report the accident to the rideshare company
- Make an initial report to any other insurance carriers. A lawyer can help you determine which insurance companies and how to report
- Continue your medical care and treatment. Document your treatment and save records of expenses
- Value all your losses. California law allows compensation for lost income, pain and suffering and more, with no minimum injury threshold
- Investigate and determine fault. To make a rideshare accident claim, you need to determine who is at fault for the accident. Traditional fault rules apply (negligence). Anyone who contributed to the accident occurring may be responsible to pay a claim
- Submit more details of your losses to insurance. The information you submit at this stage is extremely important. If your injuries and damages are moderate or severe, you should work with a lawyer for Uber/Lyft accidents
- Review the response from the insurer. The rideshare company or third-party insurer may deny the claim, offer a settlement or ask for more information. A lawyer can help you determine if the settlement is fair and represents your rights under the law
- You may accept the settlement, continue to negotiate or file a formal legal claim
You have only two years to file a legal claim, in most situations. If the government is involved, you have six months. Don’t be stalled by delay tactics! The rideshare company wants your business, but they also want to pay as little as possible for accident claims. The sooner you involve our Century City Uber/Lyft accident lawyers, the sooner you have a level playing field.
Does my wife or husband have a claim?
Yes. In California, a spouse of an injured party may make a claim for what is referred to legally as “Loss of Consortium” when their partner is injured by an Uber or Lyft driver.
California Civil Jury Instruction No. 3920 states that when a spouse is harmed, their wife/husband may make a claim for the loss of their “companionship and services”, which includes “loss of love, companionship, comfort, care, assistance, protection, affection, society, moral support, sexual relations, and/or the ability to have children.”
How a Century City Uber/Lyft Accident Lawyer Can Help
Receiving fair compensation for an Uber/Lyft accident isn’t easy. Rideshare companies make a profit when people give rides – not when they’re honoring accident claims by paying fair compensation. It can be hard to know where to even start to receive compensation. While you’re recovering from your injuries, a lawyer can handle the steps to make your claim.
Lawyers for Uber and Lyft Accidents Near Century City
The LA Century Law firm specializes in claims impacting individuals and families including Uber and Lyft claims. We are experienced lawyers handling a variety of car accident claims. We have collected millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients.
When you need compensation, we can evaluate legal fault and the damages you deserve. We gather the proof of your claim. Then, we file your claim and negotiate with the insurance companies. If necessary, we take your claim to court and fight aggressively for justice. Our Century City team is prepared to help you with all the steps for you to receive compensation for an Uber/Lyft accident.
Receiving the compensation that you deserve after an accident is so important – but it isn’t easy. At LA Century Law, you can depend on our 100% no-fee guarantee. You don’t pay for services unless you receive compensation for your case. We have a 99% success rate.
Taking New Cases – Consultations
Contact our Century City Uber/Lyft accident lawyers for a consultation about your case. Time is limited, and we can begin working on your case today. Call or send us a message to connect with our team.
