Uber and Rideshare Accidents in California
Los Angeles Uber accident attorneys helping injured accident victims
Uber drivers provide people across the United States with about three million rides per day. This figure does not even take into account other competing rideshare companies, such as Lyft. With millions of individuals seeking rides from strangers on a regular basis, accidents involving Uber and other rideshare vehicles should be a concern for everyone.
When an Uber driver is involved in a collision—no matter what caused the crash—the resulting insurance process can be complex for everyone involved, including Uber passengers, the Uber driver, and the injured occupants of other vehicles. It is important to seek help from a legal professional who understands the complicated issues that can arise in this situation, so they can best protect your rights.
At Blair & Ramirez LLP, we handle Uber and rideshare accident claims and know how to seek full financial recovery for accident victims. Contact our team to learn how a Los Angeles rideshare accident lawyer can assist you following your accident and injuries.
Rideshare risks
There is no doubt that Uber is a convenient transportation option for people in Los Angeles. Rideshare drivers help people get around when they are visiting. They allow people to avoid having to find parking or driving under the influence. However, any time you are on the road , you are at risk of being involved in a traffic accident. This does not change when you are riding in an Uber. Following an accident, you want to immediately consult with an experienced Uber accident lawyer in Los Angeles. Unlike bus drivers or other commercial drivers, Uber drivers do not undergo any special examinations or training to be approved to offer rides. They are drivers just like anyone else, and they are not held to higher safety standards than any other driver on the road. Uber drivers will make mistakes. Our Uber accident lawyers know there are risks particular to rideshare drivers, such as:
- Distracted driving due to checking the Uber app often while driving
- Fatigued driving from long hours behind the wheel. Many drivers will work for multiple rideshare companies to get around imposed hour restrictions.
- Impaired driving, as Uber drivers might use drugs or alcohol.
- Unfamiliarity with certain areas of the city, which can lead to missed turns and other errors.
Your Uber accident attorney in Los Angeles will review what happened and determine whether your Uber driver is to blame for the crash. Others can also be responsible, as other drivers can be negligent and crash into an Uber vehicle. Our team will evaluate all of the possible causes of your crash so we can determine which party or parties should be held liable for your losses.
What happens if you get in an accident with Uber?
Even though car accidents are common, they often happen when you least expect them. You can be involved in a crash as a driver or passenger, and—in either situation—you might suffer serious injuries. After the trauma of a crash, it is normal to be unsure of what to do. If you are in an accident with Uber, first get the medical treatment you need, and then contact an Uber car accident attorney in Los Angeles for assistance. Following an accident, your lawyer can guide you through the steps of your individual claim based on your specific circumstances. While each claim is different, the following process often applies:
- You need to obtain a medical diagnosis for your injuries and start your treatment.
- If you believe someone else was to blame for the accident, consult with a lawyer right away.
- Your lawyer will assess which parties should be liable for your losses.
- Your lawyer will file the necessary insurance claims against all responsible parties and negotiate settlements with each insurer to cover your losses.
- If an insurance claim is unsuccessful, your lawyer can file a lawsuit against the liable parties.
Who is liable if your Uber driver gets in a car accident?
If your Uber driver is in an accident, the cause of the crash determines which parties are liable. For instance:
- If your Uber driver caused the accident, they should be liable for injuries that result.
- When a driver is involved in an active ride, Uber will also share liability for the accident caused by the driver.
- If another driver caused the accident, that driver should be liable.
In many cases, drivers might share liability, or both the Uber driver and Uber can both be liable.
Can a passenger sue an Uber driver?
If you are an Uber passenger and your driver causes an accident and you sustain injuries, the first step of the legal process is generally to file an insurance claim against the driver’s auto insurance policy. However, in many cases, the insurance company will not offer adequate compensation to cover your losses, or will challenge their liability for the accident entirely. In this situation, injured passengers can file a lawsuit against the Uber driver.
Can you sue Uber if their driver causes an accident?
If an Uber driver has accepted a fare and is either on the way to pick up a passenger or actively transporting a passenger, Uber’s coverage applies to accidents caused by the Uber driver. If you need to file a lawsuit to obtain the full compensation you deserve, you can file a lawsuit against Uber in this situation. This is true whether you were an Uber passenger or in another vehicle hit by an Uber driver.
What damages can you recover in an Uber accident?
Uber accidents can result in serious injuries and losses to Uber passengers and others on the road. You want to make sure that you recover fully for your losses, so you should always speak with an attorney who knows how to calculate what damages you should seek. Your damages can include:
- Medical bills you already received
- Estimated costs of future treatment you will need
- Past and future lost earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent injuries, disabilities, or disfigurement
Do you need to tell your insurance company if you drive for Uber?
California requires Uber drivers to have special rideshare insurance policies, so it is necessary for Uber drivers to discuss the coverage they need with their insurance companies. When an Uber driver is not active, their personal coverage applies. The rideshare coverage kicks in when an Uber driver becomes active on the app and available for pickups, which means coverage amounts increase. The coverage increases further when a driver is paired with a passenger or has a passenger in the vehicle, as this means Uber’s coverage will also apply.