
Merced Uber, Lyft, Rideshare Accident Lawyer
We Handle Ridesharing Accident Claims in Bakersfield and Throughout Kern County
$500,000
Premises Liability
$1.4 Million
Brain Injury
$3.3 Million
Motorcycle Accident
$2.0 Million
Car accident
$1.0 Million
Ride Share Accident
$1.1 Million
Motor Vehicle Accident
$110,000
Truck Accident
$500,000
Trip and Fall Accident
$1.0 Million
Medical Malpractice
$250,000
Airline Accident
$500,000
Premises Liability
$1.4 Million
Brain Injury
$3.3 Million
Motorcycle Accident
$2.0 Million
Car accident
$1.0 Million
Ride Share Accident
$1.1 Million
Motor Vehicle Accident
$110,000
Truck Accident
$500,000
Trip and Fall Accident
$1.0 Million
Medical Malpractice
$250,000
Airline Accident
Case Results
$3.3 Million
Motorcycle Accident
$2.0 Million
Car accident
$1.4 Million
Brain Injury
$1.1 Million
Motor Vehicle Accident
Merced Uber, Lyft,
Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Over the past decade, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have exploded in popularity here in California. It is not difficult to understand why. Anytime you need a ride, all you need to do is pull out your smartphone, tap a couple of controls, and a driver shows up ready to take you to your destination.
Of course, anytime you are riding in a car, there is always the risk of being injured in an accident. And if your accident does involve a rideshare driver, figuring out legal liability can be tricky. Fortunately, an experienced Merced Uber/Lyft/rideshare accident lawyer can help. At Heidari Law Group, P.C., we represent people who have sustained serious injuries in all types of car accidents. We can help you identify who is responsible and work to ensure they pay you appropriate compensation.
How California Law Defines Legal Liability for Rideshare Companies and Drivers
Rideshare companies have long maintained that drivers who use their app and provide rides are “independent contractors” rather than employees. Part of this reason for this is because of liability concerns. An employer is vicariously liable for car accidents caused by their employees in the course of performing their jobs. But a business is typically not vicariously liable for its independent contractors.
The actual legal status of rideshare drivers remains a hotly debated subject in California. But there are certain rules in place to sort out potential accident liability. Uber and Lyft are classified as “transportation network companies” (TNC), which means they must provide a certain amount of commercial liability coverage to protect passengers who are injured while using their services.
Rideshare Driver Status & Liability
Liability under such policies typically depend on the rideshare driver’s status at the time of the accident. The rules basically break down as follows:
- If the driver has not activated their Uber or Lyft app and is not seeking a passenger, then any accident they cause would be covered by their personal auto insurance policy. In California, the minimum amount of personal coverage required is $15,000 per injured person, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage.
- If the driver has turned on the rideshare app and is waiting for a passenger to arrange a ride, the rideshare company’s insurance will generally offer contingent bodily injury coverage of $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $30,000 for property damage. This could apply to a situation like the driver striking a pedestrian.
- If the driver is actually carrying a rideshare passenger, or on their way to pick up a passenger, then the TNC’s commercial liability policy provides accident coverage of up to $1 million.
Of course, these coverage limits only speak to the driver and the TNC’s liability. If an accident is caused by a third party, such as another driver, then an injured passenger can take independent legal action against them as well. This is one reason it is important to engage an attorney as soon as possible following an accident. When multiple drivers are involved, it often requires a significant pre-lawsuit investigation to determine who was actually at-fault. In some cases, both the rideshare driver and another party may be liable.
A TNC may also be separately liable if there is evidence that the company failed to properly screen, train, or supervise a driver. For instance, if Uber or Lyft approved a driver with a suspended license or a history of DWI convictions, an injured passenger might have a cause of action on the ground of negligent hiring.
Nearby Heidari Law Locations
- Orange County Lawyers
- Anaheim Lawyers
- Cypress Lawyers
- Fullerton Lawyers
- La Habra Lawyers
- Santa Ana Lawyers
Heidari Law Group (Buena Park Office)
17901 Von Karman Ave Suite 600
Irvine, CA 92614
tel: (949) 239-1020
fax: (949) 239-1021
Contact Heidari Law Today
As with any accident, a collision involving an Uber or Lyft may cause substantial, life-threatening injuries to a passenger. If you are that injured passenger, you have the right to seek compensation from the negligent party in the form of damages, which can cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
So if you are injured while riding in an Uber or Lyft and need to speak with an experienced Merced rideshare accident lawyer, contact Heidari Law Group, P.C., today to schedule a consultation in English or Spanish.
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Practice Areas
- Car Accident Attorneys in Irvine
- Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers in Irvine
- Ride Share Accident Attorney in Irvine
- Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Irvine
- Irvine OCTA Bus Accident Attorney
- DUI & Drunk Driving Lawyer in Irvine
- Slip and Fall Attorneys in Irvine
- Irvine Bicycle Accident Attorney
- Electric Scooter Accident Attorney in Irvine
- Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Irvine
- Irvine Personal Injury Attorney
- Irvine Age Discrimination Attorneys
- Wrongful Death Attorney in Irvine
- Workers Compensation Attorney in Irvine
- Irvine Whistleblower Retaliation Attorneys
- Disability Attorneys in Irvine
- Irvine Gender Discrimination Attorneys
- Irvine Pregnancy Discrimination Attorneys
- Irvine Racial Discrimination Attorneys
- Persian Lawyer in Irvine
Service Areas
testimonial
Amazing Car Accident Lawyer
“Saman is by far true to his word. He truly was available at all times and always kept me updated. In the end, he settled my case with a great results. He didn’t treat me like a file, he treated me as if he was representing family. If you are looking for open, fast, thorough and a detailed lawyer, look no further. I will definitely recommend him to anyone seeking legal services who wants to feel assured that they are in the best hands.”
Amir
Persistent
“I was injured in a car accident. The lawyer made sure that I went to my chiropractor sessions and that I get the medical attention needed. I also got MRI’s as needed and also got back injections as needed. He was very persistent on contacting me, even when I wasn’t reachable, and making sure that I got treated right and paid a good amount at the end. He is a very respectful person and great lawyer.”
Wendy
An Extraordinary Experience
“Thank you for your unwavering commitment to my case. Words do not adequately describe my feelings, when no one seemed to care about an old vet with an injury you were there. I can remember as clearly as though it were yesterday, your sincerity and desire to help me. For that, I will always be grateful. Your endless commitment of time, financial resources and a personal concern for my physical well being surpassed anything I could have expected or imagined.”
Ron
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Los Angeles Office
3530 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 710 Los Angeles, CA 90010 Tel: 213-884-4881Fax: 213-884-4588
info@HeidariLawGroup.comIrvine Office
17901 Von Karman Ave Suite 600 Irvine, CA 92614 Tel: 949-239-1020Fax: 949-239-1021
info@HeidariLawGroup.comSacramento Office
1215 K Street Sacramento, CA 95814 Tel: 916-461-1818Fax: 916-461-9797
info@HeidariLawGroup.comBakersfield Office
3501 Mall View Rd Suite 105 Bakersfield, CA 93306 Tel: 661-409-0000Fax: 916-461-9797
info@HeidariLawGroup.comLas Vegas Office
611 South 6th Street Las Vegas, NV 89101 Tel: 702-722-1500Fax: 702-722-1600
info@HeidariLawGroup.com