Los Angeles residents may be one of the biggest markets for ridesharing services. According to Mobility Lab, 44% of Angelenos use rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, compared to 35% of New Yorkers, for example.
In addition to convenience, calling an Uber decreases the likelihood of DUI’s and other dangerous driving. Plus, fewer cars are on the road, which is a bonus in a city as sprawling as Los Angeles.
However, Uber and Lyft drivers are just as likely to experience injury-causing car accidents. And when accidents occur, a knowledgeable and experienced Los Angeles Uber accident lawyer can help navigate the car accident issue. Uber has a $1 million liability policy that covers many accidents involving Uber drivers. Mr. Justice and his Los Angeles Uber accident attorney team can help victims involved in a rideshare accident and who may need to file a personal injury lawsuit. Lawyers for Justice, PC is a personal injury law firm that upholds California law to get our clients what they deserve after a car accident.
What Happens If Your Uber Driver Crashes?
Because Uber does not classify its drivers as employees, they are instead labeled as independent contractors. Typically, when a company has employees, the company would be liable for any negligence caused by their employees. But because an Uber driver is an independent contractor, Uber can take only limited liability for Uber accidents that involve their Uber driver.
In the event of a Lyft or Uber accident, just as with many other car accidents, when another driver is at fault for the automobile accident, an Uber or Lyft passenger can pursue that driver for financial compensation, medical bills, or other damages. In most Uber and Lyft accidents, the same rule applies, and the driver becomes the at fault party instead of the Uber driver.
However, an Uber or Lyft driver could be at fault, or share responsibility for an Uber accident, if the rideshare companies violated any state or federal laws when hiring the rideshare drivers who harmed you. In that case, contacting an Uber or Lyft accident lawyer is the best option so they can walk you through options to recover compensation for the rideshare accident.
Even though Uber is not liable for every rideshare accident involving its drivers, the rideshare company carries insurance to help serious collisions and accident victims. The amount of coverage available for an Uber accident depends on the circumstances of the crash, including the certain injuries of the accident victim and how the accident occurred. Typically, the Uber or Lyft driver must be logged into their mobile application for Uber’s coverage to apply.
If the Uber driver is not logged into the Uber app, then the driver’s personal insurance company is liable for the Uber accident.
If the driver is waiting for a ride request, Uber provides $50,000 per person or $100,000 per incident of bodily injury liability coverage and $30,000 of property damage coverage.
If the driver has received a ride request and is driving to pick up a passenger, or if a passenger is in the vehicle, the car insurance coverage increases to $1 million of commercial insurance coverage. The rideshare company also provides $1 million of uninsured and/or underinsured motorist coverage when passengers are traveling in the Uber vehicle.
Lawyers for Justice, PC’s Los Angeles Uber accident lawyer team will advise each car accident victim how to best submit their rideshare accident claim and what coverage applies based on the circumstances of their unique rideshare accident.
Are Passengers Entitled to Compensation After an Uber Accident?
As with all motor vehicle accidents, an Uber accident is a personal injury case that can leave accident victims with expensive medical bills and serious life-changing injuries. Car accident victims may be entitled to seek compensation in a personal injury claim that was not your fault. Such compensation could include:
- Medical bills, like hospital visits and medical procedures
- Physical and/or occupational therapy
- Mental health therapy
- Personal care costs
- Lost wages from work due to the accident
- Pain and suffering or emotional distress
- Lost quality of life
A Los Angeles Uber or Lyft accident lawyer can explain in more detail about insurance coverage and the details of if personal injury claim is available for rideshare accident victims. Call Lawyers for Justice, PC today for a free consultation so our Uber accident lawyer team can get you what you deserve.
When To Contact A Personal Injury Lawyer – FAQ
can I sue Uber for car accidents?
Uber passengers who were injured in Uber accidents have the right to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party who caused the accident. Under California law, the driver responsible for the accident is liable for any injuries that result from the Uber accident.
is Uber responsible for accidents?
Under California law, companies like Uber and Lyft are considered transportation network companies and passengers who are injured while riding are generally covered by the rideshare company’s commercial liability coverage.
what does Uber cover in an accident?
Depending on the scenario, Uber can provide $50,000 per person or $100,000 per incident of bodily injury liability coverage and $30,000 of property damage coverage.
do I need a personal injury lawyer?
An Uber accident attorney is recommended for an Uber car accident because personal injury attorneys can often retrieve more compensation than a victim who represents themself.
when to contact a personal injury lawyer?
If you were injured in an Uber and Lyft crash, you should call a rideshare accident lawyer as soon as you are healthy and safe enough to do so. They can greatly increase your chances of receiving proper compensation.
what to expect from a personal injury lawyer?
After an Uber or Lyft accident attorney at Lawyers for Justice, PC determines if your case is something they can take on, they will meet with you to get more information about the Uber accident and kindly walk you through the process of how they can help.
how to to talk to a personal injury lawyer?
The most important thing when speaking to a Los Angeles Uber accident attorney is to be honest, straightforward, and explain any medical bills or injuries you suffered from the collision.
how to choose a personal injury lawyer?
Choosing a lawyer is subjective, but Lawyers for Justice, PC has been helping California victims for nearly 15 years. The firm has won numerous prestigious awards and has recovered over $1 million for its clients.
what can a personal injury lawyer do for you?
LFJ’s Los Angeles Uber accident attorneys will always fight for your best interest and will work hard to get you what you are owed.
