Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare platforms have grown significantly in recent years. Now, you may be more likely to take out your phone, open and app, and schedule a car ride than to flag down a taxi on the street. While Lyft and Uber are extremely convenient and affordable, they are not always safe. Our Santa Ana Uber and Lyft accident lawyers have handled many claims involving injured rideshare drivers and passengers, as well as motorists and pedestrians injured by negligent rideshare drivers. If you were involved in a Lyft or Uber accident and are suffering from injuries, or if you are grieving the loss of a relative, do not hesitate to call us at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers. We understand the complexities of Uber and Lyft crash claims, including potential problems during the insurance claim process and litigation. We are here to help you obtain full and fair compensation like we have with thousands of clients before you. We are proud to be able to say we have helped more than 5,000 clients obtain more than $300 million in insurance settlement and court rulings. To discuss your Lyft or Uber accident with us, call 1-800-GO-HARRIS and schedule a free consultation.

Common Causes of Lyft & Uber Crashes

At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, we have helped Uber and Lyft crash victims who were injured due to:

• Distracted driving – Drivers may be distracted by their cell phones, GPS programs, rideshare apps, eating and drinking, reaching for objects, and other tasks.
• Impaired driving – Uber and Lyft drivers have been caught accepting passengers and driving while impaired due to alcohol, drugs, or both. Also, Lyft and Uber vehicles are at risk for being hit by a drunk or drugged driver.
• Speeding – Drivers moving faster than the posted limit or what is appropriate for the circumstances are more likely to hit another vehicle or pedestrian than drivers moving at the speed limit.
• Reckless driving – Drivers who follow too closely, speed, weave among traffic, do not yield to the right of way, and conduct other reckless maneuvers put others on the road at risk.
• Drowsy driving – Many Uber and Lyft drivers, as well as other motorists, get behind the wheel without getting enough sleep. Driving while fatigue significantly increases the risk of a crash.

Is Uber or Lyft Liable for the Accident and Injuries?

When you are injured in a crash with a Lyft or Uber vehicle, you may assume the company is liable for your injuries. You may immediately want to file a lawsuit against Uber or Lyft or pursue an insurance claim. However, whether or not Uber or Lyft is liable depends on the circumstances. You should speak with a Santa Ana Uber and Lyft accident lawyer before you make any assumptions. To begin with, a lawyer from Harris Personal Injury Lawyers will thoroughly investigate the crash. We will gather and analyze evidence to determine what happened and who is directly responsible. When we identify the negligent driver, which may be the Uber or Lyft driver or a driver in another vehicle, then we can direct our legal efforts appropriately.

Uber and Lyft Insurance Coverage

If an Uber or Lyft driver was at fault, then you may need to file a claim against the driver’s personal auto insurance policy, the Uber or Lyft insurance policy, or both. Uber and Lyft’s insurance policies only apply when the driver is signed into their app and working when the accident occurs. When the rideshare driver is signed in but has not accepted a ride request, then the third-party insurance policy limit is $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident. Both companies also offer a $25,000 limit on property damage. The largest insurance policies apply when the Lyft or Uber driver has a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the crash. If you are an injured rideshare passenger or were in another vehicle struck by an on-duty Uber or Lyft, then both rideshare platforms have $1 million third-party injury policies.

How Our Santa Ana Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers Can Help

Uber and Lyft crashes often lead to complicated claims making it important that you speak with an experienced Lyft and Uber accident lawyer in Santa Ana as soon as possible. There is often evidence in a Lyft and Uber accident that personal vehicle crashes don’t have, such as GPS data, dash cameras, and business records. However, this evidence is not readily available. You need to work with a lawyer who will take steps to preserve potential evidence and file a lawsuit as soon as possible. Through discovery, we can obtain copy of this information and use it to prove who is responsible for your injuries. Uber and Lyft offer large insurance policies, but that does not mean an insurer will be likely to settle quickly or for a significant amount. If you have to go up against Lyft or Uber’s insurance carrier, you should have a lawyer on your side who is experienced in negotiating with insurers and obtaining fair settlements.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Harris Personal Injury Lawyers

To talk with an experienced, skilled, and tenacious lawyer about your Uber or Lyft accident injuries, call us at 1-800-GO-HARRIS. We offer free, no-obligation consultations.