Los Angeles Ride Sharing Accident Lawyer

Ridesharing Accident Lawyer: How to Sue Uber and Lyft

Have you been injured in an Uber or Lyft? Since the launch of both ride-hailing companies in 2013, Americans have been drawn to a faster, personalized style of transportation. Now, millions utilize them to get around California instead of depending on public transit or taxi cabs.

Riding in an Uber or Lyft might be more convenient. But the risks of getting into a rideshare accident are higher as you place your safety in the hands of your driver. The biggest legal concern regarding fender benders or collisions is: who's at fault?

When you get injured in an accident there might be more than one person to blame. Uber and Lyft are known for evading their responsibilities and finding ways to get out of payment. At The Law Offices of Oscar H. Gutierrez we know exactly how to hold rideshare drivers and companies accountable. Make sure to schedule a consultation with us to get started with your compensation claim.

How A Rideshare Accident Attorney Can Assist

At Gutierrez Law, our personal injury attorneys are well-versed in the legal process behind rideshare accident cases. When you get hurt the last thing you'd want to do is answer questions or arrange your claim against the defendant alone. Leave that up to us!

Rideshare accident attorneys are of great assistance to individuals who have been harmed due to driver negligence. Additional benefits of working with an attorney include:

  • A personal liaison between insurance companies
  • Understands the benefits of going to trial against Uber or Lyft
  • Direct communication with the rideshare company with your best interests in mind

After a free case evaluation, we will determine how much your case is worth to recover fair and full compensation. There will be time to ask questions about your injury, what to expect when the case goes to trial or legal fees. We'll be there every step of the way to help you with your case.

What is Ridesharing?

Ridesharing is another name for carpooling. When using the Uber or Lyft app, one can request a driver to their desired destination. It minimizes traffic congestion, cuts automobile emissions and the number of trips made by vehicles. In California, Uber and Lyft are the most popularly used ride-hailing companies.

Rideshare Accident Injuries
An average of 1 million days annually is spent by Americans in hospitals to treat injuries because of motor vehicle crashes. Some of the most prevalent injuries related to car accidents include:

  • Broken bones
  • Whiplash
  • Spine injuries
  • Brain injuries
  • Nerve damage
  • Bruises, cuts, road rash
  • Internal injuries and bleeding
  • PTSD, psychological, and emotional trauma

Importance of Having Rideshare and Car Insurance
Do you have car insurance? If not, you're at a higher risk of getting sued should an accident happen. In California, all drivers must carry the minimum:

  • Injury liability coverage: minimum of $15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident
  • Property damage liability coverage: minimum of $5,000
  • Uninsured motorist injury coverage: minimum of $15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident
  • Uninsured motorist property damage coverage: minimum of $3,500

Depending on who you work for, rideshare insurance provides you with extra coverage and support. LA ridesharing accident lawyers would advise drivers to utilize both personal and Lyft or Uber insurance.

Lyft Insurance Plan

  • Up to $1,000,000 for 3rd party accidents
  • First-party coverage, or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
  • Cash value of ($2,500 deductible) for car damages following a collision.

Uber Insurance Plan

  • Up to 1,000,000 for 3rd party accidents
  • Cash value of (1,000) deductible for car damages
  • Up to 100,000 in auto insurance coverage if you get into an accident waiting for a ride request

Uber does not cover damages when the app is off.

Damages After Uber or Lyft Accidents

Rideshare companies and drivers should always exercise a duty of care for their passengers, pedestrians, and other commuters. Where there are risks associated with their driving, the law requires that the company offer adequate warnings and safety.

When companies and drivers fail to fulfill the duty, they become answerable to personal claims that may come up. Victims are entitled to recover money for:

  • Loss of income from taking time off work
  • Medical expenses, surgical costs, medications
  • Pain and suffering that you've endured.

If the victim dies, the family can recover from funeral expenses and the emotional toll of losing a loved one.

Uber Accident Settlement Reached

In 2014, an Uber accident left one child dead and two family members injured. According to the lawsuit, the accident came up due to the driver's use and monitoring of the Uber mobile app.

Although Uber claimed not to have carried a passenger at the time of the accident, the family's claims were forwarded, and the family was awarded an undisclosed amount of money. The ridesharing accident lawyers of Gutierrez Law helped the family recover their entitlement with justice. We've handled unique cases involving Uber. These lawsuits include allegations of fake rider's requests, misclassification of Uber drivers, among others.

Related Articles About Rideshare Accidents

Uber And Lyft Accidents Phases
Accidents with rideshare drivers in Los Angeles are divided up into three different accident phases. The coverage is limited to $100,000 for personal injury expenses and $25,000 for property damage in phase one. That is only provided if the driver is found not at fault for the wreck. In Phases two and three, coverage from the company expands, albeit with a high deductible.

How Much Is My Uber/Lyft Passenger Injury Case Worth?
The best car wreck settlement in LA will encompass all of your physical injuries, property damage, emotional anguish, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and attorney's fees. To get the full amount, rideshare accident victims should work with an attorney to gather thorough documentation of their damages that can be used in court.

Can A Driver Sue Uber?
With the California State Assembly's passage of AB5, rideshare companies must treat their drivers as employees. However, the companies are finding ways to challenge the new law. Uber has allowed drivers to set their fares in certain markets to bolster the argument that their drivers are independent contractors. This makes it difficult to sue the company, so you should hire the best accident attorney in LA.

How Are Uber and Lyft Accidents Different from Other Accidents?
The average accident between two motorists trying to get where they need to go is settled between the motorists, their insurance agencies, and their attorneys if they choose to hire legal help. If someone gets into a traffic collision with a UPS driver or taxi driver, their damages are covered by the company whose vehicle they are driving at the time of the accident. However, Uber and Lyft are a bit different since their drivers have less coverage while on the road.

Frequently Asked Questions About Uber and Lyft

  1. What is the difference between Uber and Lyft?
    The services vary between the two. Uber is a larger corporation with services in more than 50 countries. Whereas Lyft only operates in the U.S.

    Lyft Services

    • Original Lyft – for up to four riders
    • Lyft Plus – for up to six riders
    • Lyft Premier – deluxe for six passengers
    • Lyft Lux – limo or SUV options for up to six riders
    • Lyft Line – option for riders to split the price

    Uber Services

    • UberX – for up to four passengers
    • UberXL – for up to six passengers
    • UberSUV – upgraded service for six passengers
    • UberPOOL – option for passengers to split the price
    • UberWAV – service for riders with folding wheelchairs
    • UberSELECT – deluxe for six passengers
    • UberTaxi – cabs associated with Uber
  2. I'm an Uber Driver. What are my options after an accident?
    • Insurance coverage – were you en route to the next location? Your personal or rideshare insurance protects you if a passenger sues.
    • Not at fault – take photographic evidence of the scene, call the police, and get medical treatment. Uber accident attorneys can help you bring a claim against the negligent driver.
    • At-fault – As an independent contractor, you do not have as many options as an employee. Hire a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles immediately to configure your liability and help you through the legal battle that might ensue.
  3. What happens if I didn't have passengers?
    If you did not have passengers with you when an accident occurred, you'd face complications from insurance companies for your injuries and property damage.As an independent driver, you don't get covered under Uber or Lyft insurance like other passengers would be.Contracted drivers always need to fight harder for compensation, especially if someone else is at fault.
  4. How do rideshare accidents happen?
    We understand that the last thing you want is to get into an accident. Common causes of rideshare accidents include:

  5. Why should I call the police when I'm involved in a rideshare accident?
    Even if both drivers agree to exchange insurance, passengers can still take it upon themselves to call the police. Any accident involving more than one person should get reported to local authorities immediately.They will write an official report and call emergency services to the scene. For a successful injury claim, you must seek medical attention after the collision. A formal police report can significantly support your case.

We Will Hold Rideshare Companies and Drivers Accountable

Ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft connect drivers with people who need a ride, but connecting strangers can lead to tragedy, such as assaults, robberies, and car accident injuries. At Gutierrez Law, we will hold the negligent drivers accountable.

Your attorneys will then launch an investigation into your accident and the events surrounding it to find who is responsible. If someone was negligent and their lack of care led to your injury, then they will build a case to make sure they pay your medical bills.

Don’t leave your medical bills and property damage to chance; instead, hire a law firm that can win you the maximum settlement. Contact our office for a free consultation at 323-999-3500 or email us at contact@gutierrez.legal.