Chula Vista Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers

When you are involved in a car accident, your top priority should be seeking the medical care you need. But once you’ve attended to your injuries, you should immediately call a personal injury attorney. Our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers in Chula Vista can handle any and all correspondence with the relevant insurance companies and help you pursue compensation for your injuries. In cases involving rideshare vehicles like Uber or Lyft, more nuances and complications apply than in typical car accidents. Our attorneys understand the laws relating to rideshare vehicles and can present your case to an insurance claims adjuster on your behalf. Our team has helped more than 5,000 clients obtain more than a collective $300 million in settlements and verdicts and is here to help you pursue compensation for your accident. Call us at 1-800-GO-HARRIS to set up a free case evaluation today.

Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents in Chula Vista

Our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers have determined that most rideshare collisions involve some combination of the following:

• Distraction
• Speeding
• Fatigue
• Recklessness
• Intoxication and impairment

Who May be Liable for My Injuries?

While many victims may expect us to go after Uber or Lyft themselves, it is rare that the rideshare platforms will be the responsible parties in a collision. Both Uber and Lyft employ drivers as independent contractors – not employees – which means that they are generally not responsible for their drivers’ conduct while transporting customers. If you’re involved in a crash with an Uber or Lyft driver and you believe that your driver is responsible, we recommend contacting a Chula Vista rideshare accident lawyer as soon as possible. We will investigate your accident and determine who is the property party to sue. If the driver was at fault, we will walk through each of the factors that determine which insurance policies will apply to your injuries. For example, if the driver was not on duty at the time of the collision, then his or her personal auto insurance policy will apply to your case, as Uber and Lyft’s policies do not cover drivers when they are “off the clock.” On the other hand, if the driver was working, but had not yet accepted a ride request at the time of the accident, Uber and Lyft provide a third-party liability policy with a $25,000 limit on property damage and a $100,000 limit per accident for bodily injuries. Your lawyer will collect all relevant information about the accident and the involved parties before devising a strategy to pursue compensation from the appropriate insurance policies.

Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident in Chula Vista

Once you’ve been involved in an accident with a rideshare service, you should immediately take steps necessary to 1) protect yourself, and 2) preserve your case. At a minimum, we recommend the following steps.

• Call the police to seek an accident report.
• Call 911 for medical assistance.
• Take photos of the accident scene, making sure to capture:
  • Skid marks,
  • The vehicles’ positions,
  • The weather conditions,
  • The victim’s injuries,
  • Property damage to the vehicles or other surrounding items,
  • The insides of the vehicles, and
  • Traffic signs.
• Take photos of the rideshare driver’s licenses, license plates, and insurance cards.
• Record the driver’s insurance information.
• Gather eyewitnesses’ names and contact information and text them to ensure you have received their correct numbers.
• Seek a full medical exam for the victim.
• Contact a California rideshare accident attorney.

Call 1-800-GO-HARRIS to Speak with a Personal Injury Lawyer in Chula Vista

If you were injured in a crash involving a rideshare vehicle, or if a loved one passed away from a fatal accident in Chula Vista, it’s vital to speak with a knowledgeable, compassionate personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Our team is available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we can come to you if you are unable to travel. Give us a call at 1-800-GO-HARRIS or send us a message online to speak with us today.