Car accidents involving Uber or Lyft in Oakland can be overwhelming. Even after seeing a doctor, you may face medical bills, missed work, and insurance issues. If you were in a rideshare accident and are unsure of the next steps, call an Oakland Uber and Lyft accident lawyer.
At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand what you are going through. Our Oakland rideshare accident lawyers know how to build a strong case.
We work hard to help you understand your rights and seek the money you need to cover your losses. Call us today at (510) 646-9616 or contact us online for a free talk about your situation.
Why Choose Harris Personal Injury Lawyers for Your Oakland Case?
Choosing the right lawyer after an Oakland Uber or Lyft accident can feel like another difficult decision during a trying time. At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, we want to make that choice easier by showing you how we can help.
California Rideshare Experience
We have experience handling personal injury and car accident cases throughout California, including right here in Oakland and Alameda County. We understand the challenges victims face when dealing with serious injuries and complex insurance claims involving rideshare companies.
Local Roots
Our team knows the local Oakland court system and Alameda County legal procedures. The rideshare accident lawyers in our Oakland branch leverage their local knowledge when navigating your case, whether negotiating a settlement or presenting your case in court.
Client-Focused Approach
We’re dedicated to our clients. We believe in open communication and are here to answer your questions and guide you through the process. We handle the legal stress so you can concentrate on getting better.
Your first step is easy and risk-free. We offer a free, confidential consultation to discuss your Oakland Uber or Lyft accident. You can tell us what happened, ask questions, and learn how we can help you.
Call us today at (510) 646-9616 or contact us online for your free consultation.
What To Do After Getting Medical Help for Your Oakland Rideshare Crash
You're on the right track if you have already sought initial medical attention. Here are the next steps to take to protect your rights and support your potential claim:
- Keep all records: Keep all documentation related to the accident and your injuries, including medical bills, doctor's notes, therapy records, receipts, and insurance communications. Also, keep records of lost wages and missed workdays.
- Follow medical advice: Continue with all recommended medical treatment and therapy. Following your doctor's orders shows you are serious about your recovery and helps document the extent of your injuries. Gaps in treatment can be used by insurance companies to argue that your injuries were not severe.
- Document your experience: Document how your injuries have impacted your daily life, including your pain levels, emotional state, and limitations on your activities and daily tasks.
- Be cautious with insurance adjusters. They may contact you and try to settle quickly for a low amount. Don't give recorded statements or sign anything without a lawyer.
- Contact an Oakland rideshare accident lawyer: The sooner you get legal advice, the better. An attorney can explain your rights, evaluate your case, and start protecting your interests immediately.
How Are Oakland Uber and Lyft Accidents Unique?
Accidents involving rideshare vehicles like Uber and Lyft are not the same as typical car crashes. The main difference involves insurance since several insurance policies could be involved.
The insurance policy that applies often depends on what the driver was doing during the crash:
- If the driver was not logged into the app, their personal car insurance likely applies.
- If the driver was logged in and waiting for a ride request, a limited insurance policy from Uber or Lyft might apply.
- If the driver was on the way to pick up a passenger or was driving a passenger, Uber or Lyft's larger commercial insurance policy usually applies.
An Oakland rideshare lawyer understands these complexities and can work to untangle the facts to file your claim with the right company.
How Harris Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You
When you are hurt in an Oakland Uber or Lyft accident, having a legal team working for you can provide peace of mind and improve your chances of a fair outcome. Here is how Harris Personal Injury Lawyers assists clients:
- Investigate: We start by carefully looking into how the accident happened. This involves gathering evidence like police reports, witness statements, photos or videos of the scene, and vehicle damage information.
- Determine who was at fault: We analyze the evidence to establish fault clearly. It could be the Uber or Lyft driver, another motorist, or even a combination of parties.
- Identify insurance coverage: We determine which insurance policies apply to your situation.
- Handle insurance companies: We take over all communication with insurance adjusters and shield you from their lowball tactics. Adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. We protect you from saying something that could hurt your claim and handle the negotiations for you.
- Calculate damages: We carefully assess how the accident has affected you. This includes your current and future medical bills, lost income and future earning potential, property damage, out-of-pocket expenses, pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
- Negotiate: Armed with evidence and a clear calculation of your damages, we negotiate firmly with the insurance company. We aim to reach a settlement that fully compensates you for everything you have endured because of the rideshare accident.
- Ready for trial: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we’ll file a lawsuit and fight for you before a judge in Alameda County.
Throughout your case, we keep you informed and answer your questions. We handle the legal complexities so you can focus on your health and recovery. Our commitment is to you, the client.
Call Harris Personal Injury Lawyers at (510) 646-9616 for your confidential consultation.
What Kind of Compensation Can You Receive?
If you were injured in an Oakland Uber or Lyft accident caused by someone else's carelessness, California law allows you to seek compensation (damages). You can seek damages for:
- Medical expenses: This compensation is for the costs of doctor visits, hospital stays, therapy, medication, and future care related to your injuries.
- Lost wages: You can seek damages for the lost income because you could not work due to the accident.
- Loss of earning capacity: If your injuries affect your ability to earn money in the future, you may receive compensation.
- Property damage: You can seek compensation for repairing or replacing your vehicle or damaged personal items.
- Other out-of-pocket costs: This compensation is for other expenses you had because of the accident, like transportation to medical appointments.
- Pain and suffering: This payment is for the physical pain and discomfort you experienced.
- Emotional distress: You may seek compensation for anxiety, fear, depression, or sleep loss caused by the accident and injuries.
- Disfigurement: You can be compensated for scarring or physical changes caused by the injuries.
The amount of compensation depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries, the total amount of your financial losses, and the clarity of fault.
Our Harris Personal Injury Lawyers team identifies all your damages and builds a strong case to recover the maximum compensation possible for your Oakland rideshare accident claim.
Who Is Responsible for Your Oakland Rideshare Accident?
Determining who caused the accident is a critical step in any car crash claim, especially with Uber and Lyft involved. Fault, or liability, determines whose insurance company is primarily responsible for paying damages.
In California, the person or entity whose negligence caused the accident is generally liable.
The Rideshare Driver
If the rideshare driver's actions caused the crash, you would likely pursue a claim against their insurance and/or the relevant Uber or Lyft insurance policy.
Another Driver
If a different driver caused the accident, you would typically file a claim against that driver's insurance policy first. If the driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to use Uber or Lyft insurance coverage if you were a passenger or if the rideshare driver had uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Shared Fault
Sometimes, more than one party might share responsibility for the accident. California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, but your compensation amount will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oakland Rideshare Accidents
Here are answers to some common questions people have after being involved in an Uber or Lyft accident in Oakland.
Who Will Pay My Medical Bills After an Oakland Uber or Lyft Accident?
Initially, you might use your own health insurance or medical payments coverage from your auto insurance policy. However, a personal injury claim aims to make the party responsible for the accident pay for these costs.
This could be the Uber or Lyft driver's personal insurance, Uber or Lyft's corporate insurance policy, or another driver's insurance if they caused the crash.
Harris Personal Injury Lawyers can investigate your specific situation to determine which insurance policies should cover your medical expenses and work to recover those costs for you.
Should I Pursue a Claim Against the Uber/Lyft Driver or the Company Itself?
Often, a claim might involve both the driver and the rideshare company. If the driver caused the accident while working (logged into the app and either waiting for, picking up, or transporting a passenger), then Uber or Lyft's commercial insurance policy typically provides significant coverage.
You would likely file a claim under that policy. If the driver was not logged into the app at the time of the crash, their personal car insurance would usually be the primary source of coverage. If another driver caused the accident, you would first pursue a claim against that driver.
How Long Do I Have To File a Lawsuit After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Oakland?
In California, there is a time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations. For most car accidents, including those involving Uber or Lyft, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.
If you miss this deadline, you’ll likely lose your right to seek compensation through the court system forever.
While two years might seem like a long time, building a strong case takes time. Evidence needs to be gathered, witnesses contacted, and negotiations undertaken. To protect your rights, contact a lawyer before the deadline approaches.
There can sometimes be exceptions to the two-year rule, so discuss your case's specifics with an Oakland rideshare attorney as soon as possible.
The Insurance Adjuster for Uber or Lyft Wants To Talk to Me. Should I Speak With Them?
Don’t speak with the insurance adjuster without first talking to your lawyer. Even if they seem friendly, insurance adjusters work for the insurance company. They protect the company's interests, often paying out as little as possible on claims.
Adjusters may ask for a recorded statement, hoping you will say something that could weaken your claim or suggest you were partially at fault. They might also offer a quick, low settlement before you fully understand the extent of your injuries or future medical needs.
Signing anything or accepting an early offer without legal advice could prevent you from getting the full compensation you deserve. It is safer to let your lawyer handle all communications with insurance companies.
Contact Harris Personal Injury Lawyers Today
Dealing with the aftermath of an Uber or Lyft accident in Oakland can be challenging. Navigating the complex insurance rules and legal procedures alone can add to that burden. Harris Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help.
Our team understands the specific issues involved in Oakland rideshare accident claims. We handle the legal fight so you can focus on your recovery.
Protect yourself by getting experienced legal representation on your side. Let our Oakland team review your Uber or Lyft accident case and explain how we can fight for you. Call us now at (510) 646-9616 or contact us online.