Rideshare Accident Attorneys in Los Angeles

Rideshare Accident Attorneys in Los Angeles

Rideshare Accident Attorneys in Los Angeles play a key role when you’re dealing with an unexpected crash involving Uber or Lyft. Rideshare services move people across Los Angeles every day, and with so many cars on the road, accidents happen more often than most riders expect.

If you’re hurt in a rideshare accident, you need clear information fast. You also need to know how liability works, who pays for your losses, and what steps protect your case. This is where an experienced Los Angeles rideshare accident lawyer steps in. A lawyer guides you through insurance issues, helps you document your injuries, and works to recover the money you’re owed for medical bills, income loss, and other damages.

Why Rideshare Accidents Are Different

Rideshare cases involve:

• Multiple insurance policies
• Platform rules from Uber or Lyft
• Questions about whether the driver was “on the app.”
• Added investigation steps

A lawyer helps you sort these details so you don’t get pushed into a low settlement.

What Should You Do After a Rideshare Accident?

Being involved in a rideshare accident can be confusing and stressful, especially if you’re unsure of who’s responsible or how to proceed. If you’ve been injured:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention – Your health should be your top priority. Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Prompt medical evaluation can ensure that your injuries are treated and documented for your legal case.
2. Document the Scene – Take photos of the accident scene, including any damage to vehicles, road conditions, and injuries. Gather information from the drivers involved, witnesses, and get a copy of the rideshare driver’s information and rideshare service details.
3. Contact a Rideshare Accident Attorney – Rideshare accidents involve multiple parties, including the rideshare company, the driver, and insurance companies. An experienced Los Angeles rideshare attorney can help determine liability and navigate complex negotiations with insurance companies.

Who is Liable in a Rideshare Accident?

Rideshare accidents can be legally complex due to the various parties involved. The question of liability often depends on:

• Was the rideshare driver logged into the app?
• Was the driver actively carrying a passenger, or en route to pick one up?

In many cases, the rideshare company’s insurance policy will apply, especially if the driver was actively using the app. Both Uber and Lyft provide liability coverage, but the coverage limits and types can vary based on the accident’s circumstances.

If the driver wasn’t logged into the app, their personal auto insurance might be the primary source of coverage. This is where having a knowledgeable rideshare accident attorney in Los Angeles becomes crucial for navigating the complex legal landscape.

Why You Need a Rideshare Accident Attorney

Rideshare accident cases are different from typical car accident claims. Here’s why:

• Multiple Parties – In a rideshare accident, there may be numerous parties involved, including the driver, the rideshare company, and potentially third-party drivers. An attorney will help you identify all responsible parties.
• Complex Insurance Issues – Rideshare companies have insurance policies that cover accidents, but accessing that coverage can be complicated. Insurance companies often seek to minimize payouts, making it difficult for victims to obtain full compensation for their injuries and losses.
• Negotiating Settlements – Rideshare companies and their insurance carriers may offer lowball settlements that don’t fully cover your expenses. A skilled Los Angeles rideshare lawyer will fight for fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Over the past decade, ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft have become an integral part of commuting and transportation in Los Angeles. These platforms have grown significantly in popularity, rivaling the once-dominant taxi industry as the go-to option for quick, affordable, and convenient travel across the city. Whether it’s for daily commuting to work or simply navigating LA’s bustling streets, ridesharing has transformed how residents and visitors get around.

However, this surge in ridesharing services has driven substantial changes beyond convenience. One primary concern is the rise in traffic accidents involving rideshare drivers. The increased presence of rideshare vehicles on LA’s roads has prompted discussions about road safety and how these platforms are contributing to traffic incidents.

Why Are Rideshare Accidents on the Rise?

Several reasons are contributing to the rise in ride-share-related accidents:

1. Increased Traffic Volume: With more cars on the road due to the rise of Uber and Lyft, traffic congestion has worsened, increasing the likelihood of collisions.
2. Driver Distractions: Rideshare drivers often rely on GPS navigation, which can be distracting, especially when they frequently need to check their devices for new passenger requests or directions.
3. Fatigue: Many drivers work long hours to maximize earnings, which can lead to fatigue and slower reaction times.
4. Unfamiliarity with Routes: Many rideshare drivers operate in unfamiliar areas, which can lead to abrupt lane changes, missed turns, or sudden stops—factors that contribute to accidents.

What Can Be Done to Improve Safety?

As ridesharing continues to grow in popularity, it’s essential to focus on improving road safety for both passengers and drivers. Several steps can be taken to address the rising accident rate:

• Stricter Regulations: Implementing stricter driving regulations and training for rideshare drivers could help reduce accident rates. For example, states could require more comprehensive driver background checks or mandate periodic safety training.
• Better Road Infrastructure: Los Angeles could benefit from improved road infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of vehicles, particularly in high-traffic areas.
• Safety Incentives: Ridesharing companies could offer incentives for drivers to follow safe driving practices, such as limiting distractions and avoiding excessive hours behind the wheel.

Types of Fault In a Ridesharing Accident

There are four main types of injuries that stem from a ridesharing accident:

• You are a passenger riding in a car with a contracted driver.
• You are a driver contracted by a ridesharing company, picking up, carrying, or dropping off passengers.
• You are a pedestrian or driver/passenger in another vehicle that has been hit by a car being driven by a contractor for a ridesharing company while they are in the process of carrying, picking up, or dropping off passengers.
• You are a pedestrian or driver/passenger in another vehicle that has been hit by a car being driven by a contractor for a ridesharing company, while they are not currently in service.

Like in any car accident that happens in Los Angeles, there are three options for fault:

• A single driver is at fault.
• Two or more drivers are partially at fault.
• No one is at fault (in the event of an act of God or other unforeseen circumstances.

Ridesharing Company Liability

Unlike a simple car accident, when the driver of one vehicle is in the service of ridesharing companies like Lyft and Uber, the company may also be liable. The driver’s status determines liability limits at the time of the accident.

For example, Uber splits their liability into four areas:

• If the driver is offline or the Driver app is off, the driver’s third-party insurance coverage will apply.
• Available or waiting for a ride request – If the driver’s insurance does not apply, Uber will offer $50,000 in bodily injury per person, $100,000 in bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 in property damage per accident.
• En route to pick up riders and during trips, Uber will offer $1,000,000 in third-party liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury, and contingent coverage for comprehensive and collision, up to the actual cash value of the car.