What makes ridesharing accidents so complicated?
On the surface, accidents involving drivers who work for Uber, Lyft, Carma or other ridesharing services might seem straightforward. They’re simply another driver on the road who caused your crash. Different rules and regulations apply to ridesharing drivers, however, especially when it comes to car accidents.
First and foremost, insurance companies will want to know whether or not the ridesharing driver was on duty at the time of the accident. This will depend on a number of factors, including:
- Was there a passenger in the ridesharing vehicle at the time of the crash?
- Did the ridesharing driver have the app on at the time of the crash?
- Was the ridesharing driver on their way to pick up a passenger?
If the answer is “yes” to any of these questions, the ridesharing driver was on duty. As a result, your car accident will be handled differently because ridesharing drivers have different car insurance to handle accidents when they’re on the job. The ridesharing company may also be partially responsible for compensating you under certain circumstances.
If you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft accident, you know that the driver was on duty. But if you were hit by an Uber or Lyft vehicle as a pedestrian or driver of another vehicle, that may not be so clear. That’s why you need an experienced attorney who can get to the bottom of what happened.
Can you sue Uber or Lyft for an accident?
In most cases, accident victims don’t sue the rideshare company directly. Rather, you can sue the Uber or Lyft driver, and the rideshare company’s insurance pays for the damages if the driver was on duty. However, you may be able to sue Lyft or Uber if the company’s own negligence led to the accident. Only an attorney can tell you what your options may be.
How much is an Uber or Lyft settlement worth?
There is no single average settlement for a rideshare accident; it depends on liability for the crash and the nature and severity of injuries suffered by the victims. The amount of available insurance can also vary widely depending on whether the rideshare driver was on duty at the time of the collision. Again, only an attorney can tell you how much your settlement may be worth.
How did your ridesharing accident happen?
Like many other car accidents, ridesharing accidents often occur due to driver error or negligence.
Some of the most common causes include:
Whatever the cause of your ridesharing accident, it’s important to take strong legal action right away. Otherwise, you could miss out on your opportunity to obtain the financial compensation you need and deserve for your accident-related expenses.
How can a California ridesharing accident lawyer help?
Even if a ridesharing driver clearly caused your accident, that does not mean you will be automatically compensated for your crash. Often, it’s common to encounter problems when dealing with car accidents and ridesharing drivers. Issues you may encounter include:
- Ridesharing driver denies doing anything wrong
- Ridesharing driver blames you for causing the crash
- Ridesharing driver claims ridesharing company is responsible for paying you
- Ridesharing company refuses to cooperate with you
- Ridesharing driver’s insurance company denies your claim
Whatever legal issue you encounter, no matter how complicated or straightforward it might seem, you can count on Clancy & Diaz, LLP to be there for you, defending your rights. We know how to investigate accidents. We know how to analyze accident reports. We frequently consult with experts. We know how to negotiate with insurance companies. If they refuse to cooperate, we’re prepared to take them to court on your behalf.
Put your trust in us after your Uber or Lyft accident. Contact our law firm and schedule your free case evaluation with a Bay Area ridesharing accident attorney who will go the distance for you. We can meet with you over the phone or by videoconference. You can also come to our offices in Walnut Creek, Antioch, Pittsburg, or Benicia, or we can come to you.
