Were you injured due to a Negligent Rideshare Driver?
Rideshare driver negligence claims are our specialty. Receive a Free Consultation Today! Over the years, Uber, Lyft, and other ridesharing companies have witnessed a boom in the number of users, especially in Los Angeles. With the ridesharing market size expected to grow by 60% this year, these companies have provided residents with the opportunity to avail themselves of comfortable transportation without the need to own a vehicle.
But what happens when you get into an accident in one of these cars? Or if you’re a pedestrian crossing the road and get hit by an Uber? Learn about rideshare accident claims in California, including Uber and Lyft similarities and differences. World-class Uber accident lawyer Michael Ehline stands ready to take your important call to get you maximum compensation for your injuries or a death in your family.
Have You Been in an Uber or Lyft Accident in Los Angeles?
Recently, these companies have received considerable news coverage for either employment status issues or incomplete background checks, putting riders and drivers at risk. If you got into a ridesharing accident, contact Ehline Law and our Lyft accident or Uber accident attorneys for a free consultation. You may be eligible for compensation from rideshare companies like Lyft.
What Should You Do If You’re in an Uber Accident as a Passenger?
If you get into an accident, shock, and panic might kick in, but make sure to stay calm and request that the driver park the vehicle somewhere safe to avoid a collision with traffic.
- Contact local authorities: The first thing you should do after an accident is to report it to the authorities and request help. When the local authorities visit the accident site, they will take notes and provide an officer’s opinion on the accident in their police report. This is an important piece of documentation required when filing claims.
- Gather evidence: The easiest way to gather substantial evidence is by taking pictures of the accident scene and the motor vehicles involved. The pictures are for the insurance company to decide the extent of the damage and who is at fault since California is a fault-based state. You should also note the license number, vehicle registration number, and the driver’s personal insurance company information.
- Get to a medical center: Head to a hospital for a quick medical examination, even if you’re feeling okay. Internal injuries manifest over time, and prolonging medical treatment can lead to complications. Delaying medical treatment will also be detrimental to your personal injury claim, so make sure you get your medical examination done after getting into a rideshare accident.
- Talk to a lawyer: Personal injury claims against ridesharing companies can often be challenging due to the complexities involved in the law. However, our personal injury attorneys have helped Lyft and Uber accident victims get the compensation they deserve to move on.
What Should You Do If You Get Hit by an Uber or Lyft Driver?
If you got hit by an Uber or Lyft driver as a pedestrian or another driver, you have the same rights as an Uber passenger during an Uber or Lyft accident. The steps that you should follow when you get into an accident are to contact the local authorities, gather evidence, head to a medical center, and talk to a lawyer.
What Should You Do If You Get into an Accident as an Uber Driver?
The legal waters for Uber drivers are much murkier after California Assembly Bill 5, which extends employment status to incorporated “gig workers,” now regarding them as company employees. However, in 2020, California voters and ridesharing companies approved Proposition 22, which overrode Assembly Bill 5, legally designating drivers as independent contractors. There is also a grey area when it comes to certain “engaged time” protections for independent contractors.
News in 2021 broke that the Almeda County Superior Court judge called Proposition 22 against the Constitution and that the measures were unenforceable. Ridesharing companies responded by stating that they would appeal any official decision regarding this, and since then, as the court battle continues, Proposition 22 still remains in effect.
With so much uncertainty about the law and rights of Uber drivers, getting compensation for an accident that was not your fault can be challenging. If you’re a driver for Uber or Lyft and got into an accident due to someone else’s negligence, contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney for legal representation.
Uber’s Insurance Policy Limits for Uber Drivers
Uber’s driver insurance policy is just as complicated as the rules regarding ridesharing companies. If you’re a driver, the insurance policy limits depend on the status of the Uber app at the time of an accident, and there are four different statuses.
Offline
If the driver is completely offline and not even logged into the Uber app during the time of the accident, the driver’s personal auto insurance must cover the damages.
Period 1
If a driver logs into the Uber app but has not accepted any rides during the time of the accident, the following insurance policy limits will apply:
- $50,000 – Bodily injury coverage per person
- $100,000 – Bodily injury coverage per accident
- $30,000 – Property damage coverage per accident.
Bodily injury coverage covers the medical bills from a car accident that injured the victim. The company also has additional liability coverage of up to $200,000.
Period 2 and Period 3
Period 2 refers to the stage when the driver logs into the app and accepts a ride, while period 3 is when the Uber driver picks up a passenger.
The insurance policy limits for these two periods are the same and include the following:
- $1 million commercial auto insurance
- $1 million in underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage.
Although these coverages may seem quite generous, remember that you have to deal with the insurance company providing Uber with such coverage. Dealing with insurers can be stressful for a car accident victim. Speaking to our personal injury attorneys can help you explore your legal options when moving forward.
Claims Affect Insurance Companies’ Bottom Line
Processing claims hurt insurance companies’ profits, which affects their investors. This is why you may have heard about insurers conducting “bad faith” practices. These could include delaying the claims by requiring unnecessary documents or simply rejecting a claim without proper reason. Ehline Law has vast experience in dealing with insurers on behalf of injured victims and recovering compensation for their losses. According to California law, the statute of limitations allows car accident victims to file personal injury claims two years after the accident, so don’t wait and speak to our legal experts today!
If you got into a rideshare accident due to someone else’s fault, contact us at (213) 596-9642 for a free consultation with our Los Angeles rideshare accident attorney. Filing a claim or personal injury lawsuit against Uber or any other ridesharing company can pose legal challenges due to a lot of legal ambiguity.
However, our Los Angeles Uber accident attorney knows the current ridesharing laws and can help you with your personal injury case. Our rideshare accident lawyer can help gather evidence, file claims, and negotiate with the insurance adjusters to get you the compensation you deserve for your losses. Contact us now for more information.
