Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Sacramento

Helping You Pursue Fair Compensation

Rideshare options like Uber and Lyft have become increasingly popular in the modern age. Rideshare apps are a great way to get from point A to point B when you don’t have a car, are intoxicated, or cannot drive yourself. But as these rideshare services rise in popularity, the chance of getting in a rideshare car accident increases as well.

Car accident cases like these can become complicated very quickly since there are typically multiple insurance claims and policies involved. Hiring a rideshare accident lawyer is the best way to receive the compensation you deserve with the least amount of hassle involved. With an experienced attorney on your side, you can focus on resting and recovering from your injuries while the legal side is taken care of.

At The Weinberger Law Firm, we are dedicated to meeting the needs of our clients and holding negligible parties accountable. For a free consultation, call today at 916-520-0476.

What Are the Main Causes of Rideshare Car Accidents?

Uber and Lyft accidents are becoming unfortunately common. Since a rideshare company is under no obligation to hire professional drivers and most are independent contractors, the leading causes of rideshare accidents are similar to other automobile accidents on the road.

These causes include:

Distracted driving. This could include texting, using a navigation system, talking on the phone, or chatting with a passenger.
Inexperienced driving. Younger drivers with less experience are more likely to make judgment errors or break the rules of the road unknowingly, which can lead to a collision.
Driving under the influence. Any substance that impairs driving ability, like drugs or alcohol, makes a driver more likely to crash.
Drowsy driving. Drivers who are tired and have not rested adequately are more likely to get into an accident. This car accident is common since a rideshare driver can choose their hours and how long they work.
Poor road conditions. Bad weather, potholes, or other obstacles in the road can cause a driver to crash. However, drivers are expected to maintain control of their vehicles, even in poor road or weather conditions.
Reckless driving or negligence. Rideshare drivers are usually under strict time limits to get to their destination. This may cause them to engage in dangerous or careless driving more often, increasing the chances of getting into an auto accident.

How Do I Get Compensation After a Rideshare Auto Accident?

If you have been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, you can get compensation for damages in a few ways.

These methods include:

Filing a Claim Against the Rideshare Insurance

If the driver was at fault and on duty at the time of the accident, you may be entitled to compensation via the ridesharing company itself. In this context, “on duty” means that the driver was actively transporting passengers, en route to pick up passengers, or available to pick up passengers.

The payout from an insurance company can differ depending on what the driver was doing at the time of the accident. If the driver was not actively transporting passengers, then most insurance coverage will offer limited benefits for bodily injuries and property damage.

The insurance policy would typically offer full liability coverage for bodily injuries and property damage if the driver were actively transporting passengers. This coverage depends on the insurance policy and your location during the accident.

If you were a passenger of an on-duty rideshare driver, these insurance policies usually cover your own bodily injury or property damage as well.

Filing a Claim Against the Rideshare Driver

If the driver was at fault but not on duty at the time, then filing a claim against the rideshare company itself won’t be possible. This means that while the driver may be a rideshare driver, they were not actively transporting passengers, on their way to pick up passengers, or available to pick up passengers. Instead, you can file a claim against the Lyft or Uber driver, similar to how you would file a claim in a typical car accident.

The payout you receive will depend on the driver’s insurance policy. Typically, standard insurance policies cover bodily injury and property damage, although the amount for each can vary.

Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit

An at-fault driver or rideshare company may try to minimize your payout or deny your claims. If that’s the case, you have the legal right to file a personal injury claim in court by hiring a car accident attorney. During a lawsuit, you can request compensation for any damages to your person or your property, as well as compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

At The Weinberg Law Firm, we’d be happy to assist you in filing a lawsuit to get the settlement you deserve.

What Kind of Compensation Can I Recieve After a Rideshare Accident?

The amount and type of compensation you may be eligible for varies depending on the nature of the accident and who is responsible. However, you can seek some common damages with a personal injury lawyer’s help.

These damages include:

Medical expenses
Disability-related costs
Legal fees
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Property damage
Punitive damages

These damages can be sought through an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit in court.

What Should I Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident?

After a rideshare vehicle accident, there are a few essential things you can do to protect your rights and begin seeking compensation.

If you’ve been in a ridesharing accident, be sure to:

Seek medical care for your injuries, and keep a record of any medical expenses. These records will help you make a claim for expenses in the future, and can also help you claim lost wages.
Exchange contact information with anyone involved in the accident. Not only is this required by law, but it will help you seek compensation from the correct parties in the future. Ensure you get the driver’s name, license plate number, and insurance information.
Keep track of any expenses you accrue from the accident, including property damage, lost wages, financial losses, and medical bills.
Take photos and videos of the accident, and get contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident happen. Keep any clothing or property that was damaged in the accident.
Verify the status of the rideshare driver. Knowing whether or not a driver was on duty at the time of the accident can affect your claim. Take photos or screenshots of the driver’s status to use as evidence later on.
Avoid making statements to any insurance companies or talking to other parties involved in the accident without an Uber or Lyft accident attorney present.
Record any significant pain and suffering you have in the days and weeks that follow the accident, including physical pain and emotional distress.

Is There a Statue of Limitations for Rideshare Accidents?

After an accident, Uber and Lyft accident victims need to work quickly. In most states (including California), the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is two years. If it’s been more than two years since the accident, you can no longer file a lawsuit against the opposing party, even if the other driver is deemed to be at fault.

Hiring a personal injury lawyer right after an accident is the best way to recoup your losses and get the compensation that you deserve.

How Can a Rideshare Accident Lawyer Help Me?

After a car accident, most people assume that the best way to get compensation is through an insurance company. However, this could lead to dealing with denied claims or small payouts. Having a Lyft or Uber accident attorney on your side is the most efficient way to settle a lawsuit quickly and get your damages compensated for. Plus, with an experienced attorney working for you, you can focus on recovering after your accident instead of chasing down insurance companies.

If you are having trouble with an insurance claim or would like to file a lawsuit, don’t suffer through this difficult time alone. Call The Weinberger Law Firm today for a free consultation at 916-520-0476.