Perris Uber and Lyft Accident Attorneys

In cases involving rideshare vehicles, more nuances and complications apply than in typical car accidents. At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, our attorneys understand the laws relating to rideshare vehicles and can present your case to an insurance claims adjuster on your behalf. Our legal team has 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 rideshare vehicles. Call us at 1-800-GO-HARRIS to set up a free case evaluation today.

Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents in Perris

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

• Distracted driving
• Impaired driving
• Speeding
• Driver fatigue
• Recklessness
• Violation of traffic laws

Who Can I Sue?

While many victims expect us to sue the rideshare companies themselves, it is rare that Uber or Lyft will be the responsible party in a collision. This is because rideshare drivers are typically not employees – they are independent contractors. This means that companies like Uber are generally not responsible for their drivers’ conduct while transporting customers – no matter how egregious. 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 have been involved in an accident with a rideshare service, you should immediately take steps necessary to protect yourself and to preserve critical evidence in your case. At a minimum, we recommend you take the following steps:

• Call the police.
• Request a copy of the accident report.
• Call 911 to seek medical assistance for your injuries.
• Take photos of the accident scene, making sure to capture:
  • Skid marks
  • The vehicles’ positions after the collision
  • The road conditions, including any potential hazards like potholes or icy patches
  • The weather conditions at the time of the accident
  • The victim’s injuries
  • Property damage to the vehicles or other surrounding items
  • Any damage to the vehicle interiors
  • Traffic signs in the immediate vicinity of the accident.
• Take photos of the rideshare driver’s licenses, license plates, and insurance cards.
• Gather eyewitnesses’ names and contact information.

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

Anything you do or say from the moment the accident occurs could impact the outcome of your case. As such, it is in your best interest to engage a professional who can negotiate with insurance carriers and opposing parties on your behalf. When you take this vital step, you can rest assured your case is handled properly. Our legal 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 to our Perris office. Give us a call at 1-800-GO-HARRIS or send us a message online to speak with us today.