Helping Clients Navigate the Legal Complexities of Rideshare Accidents

One of our area’s most popular transportation methods involves rideshare services. However, with the increase in rideshare drivers sharing the roadways with other motorists, Roseville and the surrounding areas have also begun to see an escalation in Uber and Lyft accidents.

Understanding the legal complexities of rideshare accidents can be challenging, especially for those seeking compensation for injuries and property damage. Injuries resulting from auto accidents can force victims to deal with lost wages, unforeseen medical expenses, and property damage.

Our Roseville rideshare accident attorney has extensive experience determining liability issues and helping clients recover compensation for their injuries. However, it is important to remember that every rideshare accident is different and is best handled by a knowledgeable car accident lawyer who can evaluate your legal options.

Please contact The Weinberger Law Firm at our Roseville law office today to schedule a free initial consultation to speak with our rideshare accident attorney and learn more about our legal services.

What are the Most Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents?

Uber-Lyft accidents are like other car accidents, which can occur for many reasons. However, rideshare drivers often work long hours to try and make money and may operate their vehicles without the proper amount of rest, leading to accidents.

In other instances, rideshare drivers may speed up to get passengers to their destinations quickly so they can go to their next fare. However, speeding or reckless driving for any reason are some of the leading causes of automobile accidents.

Often, speeding or distracted driving can result in T-bone and rear-end collisions that can leave accident victims with severe injuries.

Other common causes of Uber and Lyft accidents include:

• Driving under the influence
• Distracted driving, especially if the driver is looking at their GPS for directions
• Lack of vehicle maintenance, such as driving on old, worn-out tires
• Adverse weather conditions
• Tailgating
• Failure to obey traffic laws

Regardless of why an accident occurred, individuals who have suffered harm or property damage have the legal right to seek compensation. Contact our law firm to learn more about the causes of rideshare accidents and what legal options are available.

What are Common Injuries Sustained in Rideshare Accidents?

Rideshare accidents can result in various injuries depending on the travel speed of both vehicles, weather and road conditions, and whether individuals are wearing seatbelts. However, just as with any car accident, injuries may vary from minor scrapes and bruises to catastrophic injuries that can leave personal injury victims permanently disabled.

Common rideshare accident injuries include:

• Whiplash, especially common in rear-end collisions
• Head, neck, and back injuries
• Internal injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Fractured or broken bones

Other Roseville rideshare accident attorneys often make promises to clients that they cannot keep, leaving injured victims to try and figure out how they can pay their medical bills and other expenses. Contact our law firm today to learn more about how we can provide you with the quality legal representation you need to win your case.

What Steps Should I Take if I Have Been Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident?

If you or a loved one have been injured in a rideshare accident, there are several steps that you must take to protect your rights and ability to file a car accident or personal injury claim. Regardless of whether you were a passenger or the other driver in an accident, it is essential to follow several steps to protect your well-being. These steps include:

• Make sure both vehicles pull to the side of the road to avoid oncoming traffic if it is safe to do so
• Contact 911 to report the accident. If you or your passengers are injured, be sure to request emergency medical responders
• Collect information such as driver’s license and insurance from rideshare driver and any other motorists who may have been involved in the accident
• Document the accident scene by taking numerous photos and videos of the damage to both vehicles, lighting and weather conditions, skid marks, and any other evidence that may seem relevant
• If you are a pedestrian who a rideshare driver has injured, be sure to take pictures of your injuries
• Be sure to obtain a copy of the police report, which will specify who is the at-fault driver and other information needed to file a claim
• Even if you do not think you have suffered injuries, seek medical attention from a healthcare professional. In some car accident cases, individuals suffer internal injuries that are not always readily apparent but could suffer consequences if left untreated
• Do not post information regarding the accident on social media platforms. Insurance companies often try to use victim’s statements against them to try and deny claims
• Do not speak with the rideshare company’s insurance provider without first obtaining experienced legal representation
• Lastly, contact an experienced attorney who is familiar with the legal technicalities involving rideshare accidents and who will fight to protect your legal interests

The Weinberger Law Firm will work hard to help protect your rights and act as your legal advocate with the insurance company to ensure you receive the fair compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our rideshare accident attorney, who will professionally review your case.

Whose Insurance Company Pays Compensation for an Uber or Lyft Accident?

One of the most challenging aspects of a rideshare accident case is often determining liability issues. Under California law, rideshare drivers are considered independent contractors, which can complicate determining whose insurance coverage should pay for damages when an accident occurs.

Even if it is determined that the rideshare driver is the at-fault party, other factors must be examined to determine which insurance company must pay compensation. These factors include:

• The rideshare driver is operating their vehicle on their own time: The driver’s personal insurance coverage will be responsible for paying compensation. Under state law, drivers must carry a minimum of $15,000 per person or $30,000 of insurance coverage for more than one person and $5,000 for property damage
• Rideshare driver is logged into the app and waiting for a passenger to order a ride: The rideshare company’s insurance coverage pays compensation up to $50,000 for injury or death to one person, $100,000 for more than one person, and $30,000 for property damage
• Passenger is in the vehicle, or the rideshare driver is on the way to pick up a passenger: Again, the insurance coverage provided by the rideshare company would provide financial compensation to accident victims, including 1 million in liability coverage or 1 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance coverage

Even though rideshare companies provide drivers with insurance coverage, their providers often look for ways to deny claims so it will not negatively affect their profitability. As a result, an insurance company may try to blame the other motorist for causing the accident to avoid large payouts.

For these reasons, anyone injured in a rideshare accident must contact a skilled car accident attorney who will review their case. Our highly trained legal team has the skills and experience it takes to help determine the liable party and how to assist you in obtaining the fair compensation you deserve.

Will I Be Able to Recover Financial Compensation That Will Pay For My Medical Bills?

If you have suffered personal injuries or property damage from a rideshare accident, you can seek maximum compensation for damages. Depending on the accident’s severity, you may need extensive medical care for your injuries and compensation for lost income.

Depending on the circumstances involved in the rideshare accident, you may be able to recover compensation through economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are granted to rideshare accident victims to compensate them for out-of-pocket expenses they have amassed due to being involved in a collision. Economic damages may include:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning potential
• Property damages

However, depending on the circumstances involved in the car accident, some accident victims may suffer a permanent disability or require prolonged medical care, which can quickly create a financial crisis for families. Our law firm will work diligently to ensure clients recover compensation for ongoing medical treatment such as physical therapy, rehabilitation, or other extended nursing care.

Non Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are subjective and based on the circumstances involved in the rideshare accident. Non-economic damages are meant to try and provide compensation to accident victims for intangible losses suffered as a result of the accident and may include:

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Emotional trauma
• Permanent disfigurement and scarring

The Weinberger Law Firm has a proven record of being able to recover maximum compensation for rideshare accident victims and knows what it takes to get results. Contact our Roseville rideshare accident attorney so that we may evaluate your personal injury case and determine all appropriate damages for your case.

Why Should I Choose Your Rideshare Accident Lawyer to Help Me File a Personal Injury Claim?

The Weinberger Law Firm of Roseville, CA, is dedicated to helping rideshare accident victims recover fair compensation for their injuries, lost wages, and emotional trauma. Even though car accidents happen frequently in our area, you need a car accident attorney who will stand up to the insurance company to protect your legal rights.

Few other Roseville car accident lawyers can give the personalized service and attention to detail that we provide to clients.

If we agree to take your case, we will conduct an independent investigation to ensure the liable party is held accountable for their actions. If there are multiple liability issues, we will review the insurance policies of all parties involved to ensure you recover the compensation you need to face the future confidently.

We will act as your legal liaison with the insurance company to ensure you are treated fairly and can focus on recovering from your accident. Most car accident cases are resolved out of court without the need to file a rideshare accident lawsuit. However, if the insurance provider is unwilling to offer a fair settlement, our law firm is prepared to file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf.

Contact The Weinberger Law Firm today at 916-619-0955 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our experienced car accident lawyer. Our rideshare accident lawyer will evaluate your case and determine what legal strategies best suit your needs.