Rideshare Accident Lawyer Los Angeles, CA

Taking a rideshare has replaced taxis for most people, particularly in metropolitan areas like the city of Los Angeles. All you have to do is download an app and a ride can be sent to you almost anywhere and at any time. Rideshare has become a quick and easy way to travel that is reasonably affordable. However, there is always still the chance that a car accident may happen. There is no way to know if your rideshare driver is going to be safe, that is, until after you are already in the vehicle and in motion. The driver may be distracted, using their phone, speeding, or otherwise being reckless moments before the crash. If you were riding as a passenger in a rideshare when a car crash occurred, then please reach out to the Law Offices of Edward Y. Lee about your case. Our Los Angeles, CA rideshare accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation for your injuries and other damages. 

Uber And Lyft

Going up against a rideshare company, like Uber or Lyft, is no small task for an injured passenger. Unfortunately, rideshare companies have a reputation for disputing liability claims so that they don’t have to pay from their profits. It may be challenging to convince the company that you deserve a monetary settlement for your injuries, even as an innocent passenger who was using the app when the collision happened. But you can rely on our knowledgeable rideshare accident attorney to be relentless when communicating with the rideshare company.

Our attunement to victim’s rights and experience dealing with rideshare companies specifically can help our clients get the payment they deserve. Sometimes, simply having our lawyer represent you can encourage rideshare companies to cooperate and become more willing to offer a higher settlement amount. They understand that our lawyer has the power to take the matter to court if they refuse to treat the case in the way they should. If you have questions about this, please don’t hesitate to contact our team for support. Let us guide you through the claims process and watch out for your best interests. 

Law Offices Of Edward Y. Lee

Being involved in any kind of personal injury accident can be stressful. Rideshare collisions tend to be more complicated since they technically occurred while a service was being provided. This can blur the lines between who is at fault and who should be financially liable. But rest assured that with representation from our personal injury law firm, you can take care of yourself while we deal with the legal side. We can be strategic in yielding the most compensation possible for our clients based on their degree of injury, property damage, and other losses. The next step would be reaching out for a consultation so we can evaluate your situation and give you individualized advice on what to do next. Our team is ready to be there for you. We hope to speak with you today. 

Steps To Take Following A Rideshare Accident

When you get in touch with your Los Angeles rideshare accident attorney, you’re getting a valuable ally who can help you fight for the closure and compensation you deserve. At the Law Offices of Edward Y. Lee, we’ve been helping our clients since 1995. During that time, we’ve specialized in personal injuries, car accidents, wrongful death, and more. Now, we’re ready to use our legal experience to help you. Read on to learn about your next steps after a rideshare collision.

Check For Injuries And Call Emergency Services

The immediate aftermath of any vehicle wreck, including those involving rideshares, should always prioritize the health and safety of all parties involved. Check yourself and others for injuries. Even if injuries seem minor, it’s critical to call emergency services. Police will document the accident, which is essential for insurance and legal processes. A medical evaluation is also vital, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.

Gather Information At The Scene

While waiting for emergency services, gather as much information as possible. Exchange contact and insurance details with the rideshare driver and any other motorists involved. It’s also beneficial to collect contact information from witnesses. Document the scene by taking photos of the vehicles, their positioning, any visible damage, traffic signs, and the overall accident scene. If you’re a passenger, verify that you have the rideshare driver’s name, license plate number, and the rideshare company’s information.

Notify The Rideshare Company

Most rideshare companies have a protocol for reporting accidents directly through their apps. Reporting the accident to the rideshare company can initiate their insurance process and is an important step in confirming that the event is officially recorded. Keep any communications you have with the rideshare company, as they can be important later.

Seek Medical Attention

After an accident, obtaining a thorough medical evaluation is necessary, even if you feel fine. Injuries like whiplash or internal trauma might not show immediate symptoms. A medical record starting from the day of the accident is a powerful piece of evidence if you need to pursue a personal injury claim.

Consult With Legal Professionals

Rideshare accidents can be legally complicated. They often involve dealing with the rideshare company’s insurance, the driver’s personal insurance, or even third-party insurers. Each entity will have its own approach to managing claims, which can be daunting to deal with when you don’t have legal experience yourself. All the more reason to contact our Los Angeles rideshare accident lawyer for assistance.

Continue To Monitor Your Health

After the initial medical check-up, continue to monitor your health. Some injuries can take days or even weeks to manifest fully. Follow all medical advice, including follow-up appointments, and keep records of all visits and treatments related to the accident. Persistent documentation of your health status can be vital in legal and insurance proceedings.

Moving Forward After A Rideshare Accident

At the Law Offices of Edward Y. Lee, we’re prepared to assist you every step of the way. From handling insurance companies to securing the compensation you deserve, our team is dedicated to supporting you through this challenging time. Contact us today, and see how our Los Angeles rideshare accident attorney can help.

Why Rideshare Accident Claims Are More Complicated Than Regular Car Accident Claims

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become integral to urban transportation, providing convenience and flexibility for millions of people. However, as our car accident lawyer can confirm, when collisions occur involving rideshare vehicles, the claims process can become significantly more complicated than traditional car accident claims. Here’s why rideshare injury claims present unique challenges and how our lawyer can help manage them.

1. Multiple Insurance Policies Involved

One of the main reasons rideshare accident claims are more complicated is the involvement of multiple insurance policies. In a typical car wreck, there are usually just two insurance policies to consider: the at-fault driver’s and your own. However, in a rideshare accident, the following insurance policies may come into play:

• The Rideshare Driver’s Personal Insurance: This covers the driver in their personal capacity.

• The Rideshare Company’s Insurance: Uber and Lyft offer coverage for their drivers while they are working, but the extent of this coverage depends on whether the driver is actively picking up or transporting a passenger or simply logged into the app.

• The Insurance of Other Parties Involved: If another vehicle is involved, their insurance policy also needs to be considered.

The complication of coordinating these various insurance policies can make it challenging to determine which coverage applies and to what extent.

2. Determining Liability

Determining liability in rideshare accidents can be more challenging due to the involvement of multiple parties. In a typical car crash, liability is usually straightforward—one driver is at fault. In rideshare accidents, liability might involve:

• The Rideshare Driver: If they were negligent or reckless while driving.

• The Rideshare Company: In certain cases, the company might be held liable for the actions of its drivers, especially if the driver was acting within the scope of their employment.

• Other Drivers: If another vehicle was involved, the liability of the other driver must also be considered.

Proving fault involves detailed investigation and analysis of all parties’ actions and responsibilities, which can complicate the claims process.

3. Handling Different Legal Standards

Rideshare accidents often involve different legal standards compared to standard car accidents. For instance, rideshare companies might argue that their drivers are independent contractors rather than employees, which can affect liability and insurance coverage. Understanding these details requires specialized legal knowledge.

Additionally, rideshare companies may have specific policies and legal defenses they use to limit their liability, such as disclaimers in their user agreements. Handling these legal standards and policies requires knowledge of rideshare law.

4. Evidence Collection Challenges

Collecting evidence in rideshare collisions can be more difficult. Essential evidence might include:

• App Data: Information from the rideshare app, such as trip details and timestamps.

• Driver Logs: Records from the driver’s app showing their status at the time of the accident.

• Witness Statements: Eyewitness accounts can be helpful but may be harder to obtain if there are multiple parties involved.

Securing and analyzing this evidence is critical to building a strong case and proving liability.

Our Accident Lawyer Maximizes Compensation

Rideshare accident claims are inherently more complicated than regular car accident claims due to the involvement of multiple insurance policies, challenging liability issues, varying legal standards, obstacles in evidence collection, and intricate insurance claims processes. If you’ve been involved in a rideshare crash, consulting with our Los Angeles rideshare accident lawyer who specializes in this area can help mitigate these difficulties and make certain that your rights are protected.

Rideshare Accident Lawyer FAQs

With the rise of ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft, accidents involving rideshare vehicles have become more common. Our rideshare personal injury lawyer specializes in handling the unique legal issues that arise when you’re involved in a collision as a passenger, driver, or another motorist. Below are some frequently asked questions about rideshare collision attorneys and how we can help.

What Is A Rideshare Accident Lawyer?

Our rideshare accident lawyer is an attorney who focuses on cases involving accidents that occur while using ridesharing services like Uber or Lyft. Our lawyers have experience in the specific laws and insurance complications that apply to rideshare drivers, passengers, and other parties involved in such accidents. Our goal is to help victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages that may arise from the accident.

When Should I Contact A Rideshare Accident Lawyer?

You should contact our rideshare accident lawyers as soon as possible after the accident. Whether you were a passenger in the rideshare vehicle, a driver of another car, or even the rideshare driver, you may face challenges while handling the claims process, especially with the involvement of multiple insurance companies. Our lawyer can help you understand your rights, gather necessary evidence, and pursue fair compensation for your injuries.

Who Is Liable In A Rideshare Accident?

Liability in a rideshare accident depends on several factors, including the stage of the rideshare ride and the actions of the drivers involved. In general:

• If the rideshare driver is actively transporting a passenger or is en route to pick up a rider, Uber or Lyft’s commercial insurance policy typically covers the accident.

• If the rideshare driver is logged into the app but does not have an active ride, the driver’s personal insurance and a limited company-provided policy may apply.

• If the rideshare driver is not logged into the app, the driver’s personal insurance is usually responsible for covering the accident.

Our rideshare collision attorney will help determine who is liable based on the specifics of the case and assist in filing claims with the appropriate insurance companies.

Who Can File A Claim In A Rideshare Accident?

Anyone involved in a rideshare accident may be eligible to file a claim, including:

• Rideshare passengers: If you were a passenger in a rideshare vehicle and were injured during the ride, you may have a claim against the driver’s insurance or the rideshare company’s insurance.

• Rideshare drivers: If you were driving for a rideshare company and were injured due to another driver’s negligence, you may be able to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver or the rideshare company’s insurance.

• Other drivers or pedestrians: If you were involved in an accident with a rideshare vehicle while driving another car, riding a bike, or walking, you may be able to file a claim against the rideshare driver or company.

What Damages Can I Recover In A Rideshare Accident Case?

The damages you can recover in a rideshare accident case are similar to those in any motor vehicle crash. These may include:

• Medical expenses: Costs for emergency care, hospital visits, surgeries, and ongoing treatment.

• Lost wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to the injuries you sustained in the accident.

• Pain and suffering: Damages for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.

• Property damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle if you were driving another car involved in the accident.

Our rideshare injury lawyer will help calculate the full value of your damages and negotiate with insurance companies so that you receive fair compensation.

Addressing Concerns After a Rideshare Collision

Our Los Angeles rideshare accident lawyer from the Law Offices of Edward Y. Lee is essential for handling the challenging legal and insurance issues that arise after a crash involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle. We can help determine liability, negotiate with insurance companies, and make sure that you receive compensation for your injuries and damages. If you’ve been in a rideshare collision, contacting our lawyer promptly will give you the best chance of a successful outcome.

Los Angeles Rideshare Accident Infographic

Los Angeles Rideshare Accident Statistics

Rideshare accidents are an emerging concern as services like Uber and Lyft grow. Studies indicate rideshare-related crashes contribute to a 2-3% increase in traffic fatalities in cities where they operate. These accidents often involve distracted driving, higher vehicle miles traveled, and congestion. While rideshare drivers undergo background checks, they may lack advanced safety training. Passengers are also at risk during pick-ups and drop-offs, especially in poorly lit or busy areas.

Liability in rideshare crashes can be complicated, often involving multiple parties and insurance coverage tiers, including the company’s commercial policies. Call or visit our office for a free case evaluation if you have been injured.

Rideshare Accident Glossary

If you are searching for a rideshare accident attorney, it is important to understand some key legal terms that may arise during your case. Here, we have explained several common terms to help you better understand the process and your rights when dealing with rideshare injury claims in Los Angeles.

Fault Determination

Fault determination refers to the process of identifying which party is responsible for causing an accident. In rideshare-related cases, this can be particularly difficult, as it often involves multiple factors. Evidence such as driver behavior, road conditions, witness statements, and app records from platforms like Uber or Lyft are analyzed to establish responsibility. For example, if a rideshare driver fails to yield at an intersection or is distracted by their app, they may be deemed at fault. Establishing fault is imperative because it determines who is financially responsible for damages, including medical bills and property repair costs.

Contingent Liability Coverage

Contingent liability coverage is a specific type of insurance protection offered by rideshare companies. This coverage applies when a rideshare driver is logged into the app but not actively transporting a passenger. Essentially, it acts as a backup to the driver’s personal insurance. For instance, if a driver is waiting for a ride request and gets into an accident, contingent liability coverage may step in to cover damages if the personal insurance denies the claim or falls short. This coverage typically includes minimum limits for bodily injury and property damage, but understanding its limitations is important for determining how much compensation may be available in a claim.

Vicarious Liability

Vicarious liability is a legal principle that holds companies accountable for the actions of their employees or agents, even if the company claims they are independent contractors. In the context of rideshare accidents, vicarious liability can be a significant issue. Although companies like Uber and Lyft classify drivers as independent contractors, courts have occasionally held these companies responsible for driver actions when the drivers are operating within the scope of their rideshare duties. For instance, if a driver causes an accident while actively transporting a passenger, the company may share liability depending on the circumstances.

Emotional Distress

Emotional distress refers to the psychological suffering or harm caused by an accident. For victims of rideshare collisions, emotional distress can manifest as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or other forms of trauma. These non-physical damages can be included in a personal injury claim alongside compensation for physical injuries. It’s important to document emotional distress through medical records or mental health evaluations, as this evidence can support your claim for damages. Emotional distress compensation acknowledges the profound impact accidents can have on mental health and quality of life.

Duty Of Care

The duty of care is a legal obligation requiring individuals or entities to act responsibly to prevent harm to others. For rideshare drivers, this means adhering to traffic laws, maintaining safe driving practices, and being vigilant while on the road. A breach of this duty, such as driving under the influence or texting while driving, can result in accidents and liability. When a rideshare driver fails to uphold their duty of care, injured parties may pursue compensation for their losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

At our esteemed personal injury firm, we are committed to helping individuals who have been impacted by rideshare accidents. If you need legal assistance, contact us today to discuss your case. We’re here to answer your questions and guide you through the legal process. Call us now to schedule a free consultation and protect your rights.

Take Action After a Rideshare Injury

If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident, it’s essential to understand your rights and options. Our Los Angeles rideshare accident lawyer, Edward Y. Lee, can help guide you through the challenging elements of insurance coverage, gather evidence, and pursue the compensation you deserve. By seeking legal guidance, you can be assured that your case is handled effectively, allowing you to focus on your recovery.