Experienced California Uber/Lyft Accident Lawyers

If you or a loved one was involved in an Uber or Lyft accident caused by another party's negligence, you may be able to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. Auto accident victims often deal with serious injuries, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Our award-winning rideshare accident lawyers are here to help personal injury victims obtain justice.

At Alpha Accident Lawyers, we understand the unique challenges associated with rideshare accidents and are committed to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. We will provide you with the support and legal advocacy you need during this challenging time. Call our law office today to schedule a free consultation.

Were You in a California Uber or Lyft Accident?

Unfortunately, Uber accidents are common across California. After an Uber or Lyft accident, victims may wonder about what to do next. It's crucial to consult with a rideshare accident attorney promptly and gather and preserve strong evidence.

At Alpha Accident Lawyers, we specialize in handling Uber and Lyft accident cases and can help you pursue just compensation. Our team of experienced personal injury lawyers is well-versed in handling rideshare accident cases involving Lyft and Uber drivers and rideshare passenger injuries.

How Common are Lyft and Uber Accidents in California?

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become especially common in California. Lyft and Uber trips are highly concentrated in popular urban areas including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego Counties. There are 500 times more trips per square mile in San Francisco than in the rest of the Golden State.

The rapid growth of Uber and Lyft in California has also led to an increase in rideshare accidents. Between 2019 and 2020, there were 101 fatalities caused by Uber-related crashes. According to Uber, 94% of the accidents were caused by the actions of third-party drivers.

Our award-winning rideshare accident lawyers are very experienced in handling Uber and Lyft accident cases and can help you hold the at-fault parties accountable for their negligence. We will thoroughly investigate the incident and help you build a compelling personal injury claim.

An Uber or Lyft Vehicle Hit Me, What Should I Do?

If you've been involved in an accident with an Uber or Lyft vehicle, it's essential to take certain steps to protect your rights and well-being.

Call 911

Check on yourself and others for injuries and call the police. Wait for the authorities to arrive at the accident scene and ensure you get a copy of the police report for your records.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if your injuries seem minor, seek medical attention promptly. An adrenaline rush may temporarily mask pain and injury symptoms. It's best to get a medical evaluation to determine your condition and if you need medical treatment. Ensure you gather your medical records and medical bills related to the accident.

Gather Information

Collect details from the scene from everyone involved, including the following:

• First names
• Phone numbers
• Addresses
• License plate numbers
• Driver's licenses
• Insurance company information

In addition, ensure you obtain contact information from any witnesses. Ask if the witnesses are willing to give their account of how the accident occurred.

Document the Uber/Lyft Accident Scene

Take photos of the accident scene, including damage to the vehicles, broken glass, skid marks, and any relevant road signs or signals. Also, ensure you note weather and road conditions.

Notify the Rideshare Company

Report the accident to Uber or Lyft as soon as possible. If the accident resulted in injuries or fatalities or there is property damage over $1,000, the accident must also be reported to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Consult an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney

Contact an experienced California rideshare accident lawyer and set up a free consultation to discuss your case. At Alpha Accident Lawyers, our personal injury lawyers will fight to protect your rights and ensure the insurance company doesn't try to use misleading tactics to minimize your claim.

• Phone: LA (213) 905-6911 or Sac (916) 926-0036
• Email: [email protected]
• Office Address: 355 South Grand Avenue, Suite 2455, Los Angeles, 90071 or 1201 J Street, Suite 337 Sacramento, CA 95814
• Contact Form

Common Injuries Sustained in Uber and Lyft Accidents

It's essential to seek medical attention immediately after a car accident. Some injury symptoms may not be apparent immediately or may take hours or days to manifest. Common injuries sustained in Uber and Lyft accidents include the following:

• Whiplash - Whiplash is a neck injury that is commonly sustained in car accidents, especially in rear-end collisions. This kind of injury often occurs when there is a forceful, rapid movement of the neck.
• Head Injuries - When a vehicle crashes with another vehicle or object, the impact can cause a blow or jolt to the head. Head injuries can range from minor concussions to more severe traumatic brain injuries.
• Back Injuries - The violent force of an accident may cause sprains, fractures, or injure numerous parts of the body, including the spine.
• Broken Bones - Fractures and breaks can occur due to the impact of the collision. Commonly broken bones in a crash include the arms, wrists, hands, pelvic bones, clavicle, facial bones, and ribs.
• Soft Tissue Injuries - The impact of a car accident can cause damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons, which can result in long-term discomfort.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - Emotional distress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can follow a traumatic car accident. Victims may experience flashbacks, nightmares, depression, and anxiety, and have trouble sleeping.

Who Pays for an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Typically, the at-fault party's insurance can be held responsible for covering the damages. Our Uber accident attorneys are well-versed in assessing liability and pursuing the liable parties for compensation. Determining responsibility for an accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver depends on various factors.

Insurance coverage for Uber and Lyft accidents may involve a combination of the at-fault driver's insurance and the rideshare company's insurance.

The Uber or Lyft Accident Was Caused by the Rideshare Driver

If the accident resulted from the rideshare driver's negligence or misconduct, they can be held responsible for the damages. The rideshare driver's personal insurance may apply, but rideshare companies typically provide additional coverage. Both Uber and Lyft offer bodily injury liability coverage on behalf of their drivers.

The Uber or Lyft Was Caused by Someone Else

Even if the Lyft or Uber driver is not at fault for the accident, the victims may pursue compensation if they are injured in a rideshare accident caused by another party. The at-fault party's insurance should cover damages, including injuries and property damage. If the accident occurred while the rideshare driver was on duty and fulfilling a ride request, the rideshare company's coverage may apply in addition to the at-fault party's insurance.

Can I Sue Uber or Lyft for an Accident?

Determining whether you can sue Uber or Lyft for an accident depends on various factors. Lyft and Uber drivers are classified as independent contractors which makes it more difficult to file a personal injury lawsuit against the rideshare companies. Both Lyft and Uber provide a $1 million dollar liability insurance policy for accidents. However, if the rideshare company was negligent in hiring a driver, you may have a lawsuit against them.

Our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can assess the circumstances of your case and guide you on the most appropriate course of action, whether it involves suing the driver, the rideshare company, or other liable parties.

How is Liability Determined in a Rideshare Accident?

Liability in a rideshare accident can be complex and may involve multiple parties. Lyft and Uber both provide $1 million dollar liability insurance to cover their drivers in the event of an accident. This insurance policy applies during specific circumstances such as if the driver was on duty at the time of the accident.

The Uber or Lyft Driver is Offline (The Rideshare App is Off)

If the Uber or Lyft driver is not actively using the app (offline) during the accident, the driver's personal insurance typically applies. Therefore, if the driver was not on duty, you can bring a claim against the rideshare driver's personal auto insurance company.

The Uber or Lyft Driver is on Standby (The Rideshare App is On)

When the Lyft or Uber driver is on standby, or awaiting a ride request, the driver's insurance policy typically applies first. If the damages exceed the driver's insurance policy limits, Uber/Lyft may cover the remainder of the damages. This policy includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

During this period Uber and Lyft maintain the following insurance coverage on behalf of their drivers:

• $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per person
• $100,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident
• $25,000 in liability insurance per accident for property damage

The Lyft or Uber Driver Has Accepted a Ride Request

Once a rideshare driver has accepted a ride request, different liability considerations come into play. When a driver is in transit to pick up riders or is transporting passengers, Lyft and Uber both offer commercial insurance coverage with higher coverage limits. The rideshare companies offer a $1 million dollar liability insurance. This policy also covers the passengers if the rideshare driver is in an accident with an at-fault driver who doesn't have sufficient insurance.

Understanding the insurance policy limits in an Uber accident is crucial for ensuring you receive fair compensation. Our California Lyft/Uber accident lawyer can analyze the applicable insurance policies and explore avenues for seeking additional compensation if the damages exceed the policy limits.

What Kinds of Compensation Can I Receive for an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Victims of Uber and Lyft accidents may pursue various forms of compensation including economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are quantifiable damages that are typically easy to calculate and prove. These kinds of damages can include the following.

• Medical Expenses - Victims can pursue compensation for medical bills and physical therapy costs related to the accident.
• Property Damage - If your vehicle or personal property was damaged in the accident you can pursue reimbursement for repairs or replacement.
• Lost Wages - Compensation for income lost due to injury and recovery.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are more subjective and are typically more difficult to calculate. These kinds of damages can include:

• Pain and Suffering - These damages involve physical and emotional distress caused by the Lyft or Uber car accident.
• Wrongful Death Damages - In cases of fatal accidents, surviving family members can pursue compensation for losses including medical expenses, burial and funeral costs, and loss of consortium.

An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you determine the value of your case and hold the accountable party accountable for your losses.

What's the Deadline for Filing a Lyft or Uber Accident Claim?

The statute of limitations is the allotted timeframe personal injury victims have to file a claim for their damages. In California, the statute of limitations is 2 years from the date the injury was sustained.

There are some exceptions, such as the discovery rule. If the plaintiff didn't discover their injuries right away the discovery rule may apply. If the discover rule is applicable, the statute of limitations would start to run at the time the injury is found or reasonably should have been discovered. An experienced Lyft and Uber accident attorney will help you determine the timeframe you have to file a claim and work to resolve your case in a timely manner.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a California Uber Accident Lawyer Near Me?

Our personal injury law firm operates on a contingency fee basis which means you only pay lawyer fees if we win your case. If we don't win your Uber/Lyft claim, you won't pay us anything. During a free consultation, we can discuss the specifics of your case and address any questions you have about legal fees.

Contact us to learn more about our contingency fee arrangement and free consultation.

Call an Experienced Rideshare Accident Lawyer Today

If you've been involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, don't hesitate to contact our award-winning law firm. Our experienced rideshare accident lawyers are ready to provide the support and representation you need to navigate the complexities of these cases successfully.

At Alpha Accident Lawyers, we are dedicated to helping auto accident victims obtain justice for their injuries and losses. We maintain a 99% success rate and have helped our clients recover millions of dollars in compensation. We offer confidential legal representation to all California residents and have offices in Southern California and Northern California. Call us today to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.