Uber and Lyft have provided billions of rides worldwide, and they’re only becoming more popular. The rapid growth of these services has coincided with an increase in serious collisions involving rideshare drivers. If you were injured in such a crash, our Lyft and Uber accident attorneys in Temecula can help you navigate the claims process and fight for a fair settlement. Determining insurance liability after a rideshare crash can be complicated. Our lawyers can answer your questions and help you pursue the compensation you need to cover lost income, medical costs, and other damages. For a free consultation, call our office today at 1-800-GO-HARRIS.

Types of Lyft and Uber Accident Cases We Handle in Temecula:

• Claims Filed by Rideshare Passengers
• Claims Filed by Rideshare Drivers
• Occupants of Other Vehicles Involved in Rideshare Accidents
• Rideshare Accident Claims Filed by Pedestrians
• Rideshare Accident Wrongful Death Claims
• Other Types of Rideshare Accident Claims

Who Is Liable for Damages After an Uber or Lyft Accident?

After being injured or losing a family member in a rideshare crash, many people want to know if they can sue Uber or Lyft directly. Although both of these companies provide their drivers with insurance that includes both liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, the drivers are classified as independent contractors—not as employees. That means Uber and Lyft cannot be held vicariously liable for the negligence of their drivers. There are many factors your Temecula rideshare accident lawyer will consider when determining who might be liable for your damages. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to recover compensation from:

• The Rideshare Company’s Insurance Provider: Both Uber and Lyft provide their drivers with a $1 million insurance policy. The circumstances when this policy is in effect varies by state. In some states, the policy is only active when the rideshare driver is working and transporting a paying passenger. In the state of California, however, the policy may be active as soon as the driver logs into the rideshare app and is waiting for a customer, even if there’s no paying passenger in the vehicle. If you were a paying rideshare passenger and another driver caused the accident but he or she was uninsured or didn’t have sufficient insurance coverage to pay for your damages, you may be able to pursue damages from the rideshare company’s uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) motorist policy.
• The At-Fault Rideshare Driver: If the driver wasn’t working at the time of the crash, your claim would be filed against his or her personal auto insurance rather than the insurance policy of the rideshare company.
• Another Driver: If a motorist other than the rideshare driver caused your accident, your first option for recovering damages would be to file a claim against that motorist. As previously mentioned, if you were a paying passenger and involved in a crash with an uninsured/underinsured motorist, you might be able to recover compensation from the rideshare company’s UM/UIM policy.
• A Government Entity: Under some circumstances, a government entity can be held liable for damages caused in a motor-vehicle collision. You might have grounds for a claim against a government agency if negligent road design or road maintenance contributed to your crash.

Steps to Take After an Uber or Lyft Accident

The steps you should take after a rideshare accident are essentially the same as those you would take after any other collision. While at the scene, it’s important that you record the contact and insurance information of all drivers involved as well as the contact details of eyewitnesses. You should also take photos of property damage, injuries, skid marks, the weather conditions, and the positions of vehicles. Call the police so an officer can create an accident report, and request emergency medical assistance if necessary. After leaving the scene, you should undergo a medical evaluation as soon as possible to receive an official diagnosis. Seeking prompt medical attention is critical for ensuring your personal injury claim has the best possible chance of success. Then, call a Temecula rideshare accident attorney. Don’t speak to the insurance company before you’ve hired a lawyer. Your statements might be used to dispute your claim. One of our Uber and Lyft accident attorneys can take care of this correspondence so you don’t end up saying something that would harm your case. We’ll also compile evidence, talk to eyewitnesses, assess the relevant insurance policies, calculate your damages, and fight for the highest possible settlement. Our trial lawyers have the litigation experience to go to court if the opposing party refuses to settle.

Call 1-800-GO-HARRIS for a Free Consultation with an Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer in Temecula

If you need help navigating the legal system after being injured or losing a family member in a rideshare crash, turn to Harris Personal Injury Lawyers. Schedule a free case assessment by sending us a message or calling 1-800-GO-HARRIS.