Palo Alto Uber and Lyft Accident Attorneys

At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, our attorneys understand the network of laws relating to rideshare vehicles and can present your case to their insurers. Throughout the years, we have helped more than 5,000 clients obtain more than a collective $300 million in settlements and verdicts, a large portion of which have been in accidents involving Uber and Lyft drivers.   Call us at 1-800-GO-HARRIS to set up a free case evaluation today. If you cannot make it to our office, we will come to you. 

Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents

Our personal injury lawyers have determined that most rideshare collisions generally involve some combination of the following: 

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

Who Is the Liable Party?

In cases involving rideshare companies like Uber or Lyft, nuances and complications apply, making them far more complex than typical car accident cases. Many victims expect us to sue the rideshare companies themselves, but this is not always the approach a personal injury lawyer will take. This is because rideshare drivers are employed as independent contractors rather than employees, so the companies are generally not responsible for their drivers’ conduct while they are on the clock.   If you’re involved in a crash with a rideshare driver and you believe that your driver is at fault, call us 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.

Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident

Once you’ve been involved in an accident with a rideshare service, you should immediately take steps necessary to preserve your case. At a minimum, your lawyer might recommend: 

• Calling the police  
• Securing a copy of the accident report 
• Seeking medical assistance  
• Taking photos of the accident scene, making sure to capture any skid marks, the vehicle positioning, and your injuries 
• Taking photos of the rideshare driver’s licenses, license plates, and insurance cards 
• Gathering eyewitnesses’ names and contact information  

Additionally, until you consult a lawyer, it may be wise to avoid social media and delay speaking with opposing parties – or their insurance carriers – to avoid inadvertently making any statements that may hurt your case down the road. 

Call 1-800-GO-HARRIS to Speak with a Personal Injury Lawyer in Palo Alto

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