Glendale Rideshare Accident Lawyer
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Trusted Uber & Lyft Accident Attorneys in Glendale, CA
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have changed transportation, offering convenience and affordability. However, rideshare accidents have become more common on Glendale’s roads.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a rideshare accident, speak with a skilled car accident lawyer in Glendale, CA. This is critical to understanding your legal rights and getting fair compensation.
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Our dedicated personal injury attorneys in California are here to help you navigate these difficult times.
With extensive legal experience and a track record of success, we stand by your side to demand accountability from negligent parties and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
Understanding Rideshare Accident Laws in Glendale
Rideshare accidents differ from traditional car accidents. They often involve multiple parties and complex insurance policies. In a rideshare crash, potential responsible parties include:
- The rideshare driver: The driver may be held personally liable if their actions were negligent or if they were off the app at the time. This is especially true if the driver caused the crash through reckless driving.
- Another at-fault motorist: If another driver caused or contributed to the crash, they could be held responsible. This includes running a red light, failing to yield, or engaging in reckless driving.
- Uber or Lyft’s insurance providers: Rideshare companies provide commercial insurance, but it only applies under certain conditions. Coverage depends on whether the driver is online, en route to a pick-up, or carrying a passenger.
- Third-party maintenance companies: A maintenance company could share liability if a mechanical failure caused the accident. This includes situations where defective parts or poor upkeep led to a crash.
Because Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, they often try to limit their liability. That’s why working with an experienced Glendale personal injury attorney is crucial.
How Liability Works in Glendale Rideshare Accidents
Under California Vehicle Code section 17150, the owner of a motor vehicle is legally liable for death, injury, or property damage resulting from negligent operation.
In rideshare accidents, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft maintain commercial insurance policies. Coverage depends on the driver’s activity:
When the Driver Is Offline
The driver is not using the rideshare app. Their personal auto insurance applies. Neither Uber nor Lyft provides coverage while the driver is offline.
When the Driver Is Online and Available for Ride Requests
When the driver is online and waiting for a ride request, Uber and Lyft provide backup liability insurance if the driver’s insurance doesn’t cover the accident.
This coverage includes:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
When the Driver Is En Route or Has a Passenger
Once the driver is picking up or transporting a passenger, Uber and Lyft provide at least $1 million in third-party liability coverage.
This coverage also includes:
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage
- Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage with a $2,500 deductible
Additional Coverages
Depending on the state, Uber and Lyft may offer personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments coverage. These help pay for medical expenses regardless of fault.
Challenges When Filing a Rideshare Insurance Claim
Filing a claim against Uber or Lyft can be difficult. Rideshare companies often try to deny or minimize claims, dispute the driver’s status during the accident, or shift responsibility to the driver’s insurance.
Challenges When Filing a Rideshare Insurance Claim
Fulfilling a claim against Uber or Lyft can be difficult despite the insurance coverage available. Rideshare companies often try to deny or minimize claims, dispute the driver’s status during the accident, or shift responsibility to the driver’s insurance.
Why You Need a Glendale Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Navigating a rideshare accident claim is complex. It requires understanding insurance layers, state regulations, and rideshare company policies.
An experienced attorney can help you gather evidence, prove liability, negotiate with insurers, and maximize your compensation.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents often result from negligent driving or external hazards. Leading causes include:
- Distracted Driving: Rideshare drivers often use their phones to navigate and accept ride requests while driving. This divided attention greatly increases accident risk.
- Speeding: Many drivers speed to complete more rides and earn additional income. Speeding reduces reaction time and increases collision severity.
- Failure to Yield: Rideshare drivers sometimes fail to yield the right-of-way when merging, turning, or entering intersections. This can result in dangerous side-impact or rear-end accidents.
- Driver Fatigue: Many Uber and Lyft drivers work long shifts, leading to exhaustion and decreased focus. Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times and may make poor decisions.
- Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, road debris, and uneven pavement can cause drivers to lose control. These hazards are particularly dangerous for rideshare drivers unfamiliar with certain roads.
- Reckless Driving: Reckless drivers commonly make illegal U-turns, tailgate, and make aggressive lane changes. These actions can lead to multi-vehicle accidents causing severe injuries.
- Drunk or Impaired Driving: Whether it’s a rideshare driver or another motorist, intoxication is a major cause of catastrophic accidents leading to life-altering injuries and fatalities.
If any of these factors caused your rideshare accident, our Glendale accident lawyers can help you prove liability and secure fair compensation.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident in Glendale
Taking the right steps after a rideshare accident can greatly impact your health, legal rights, and compensation claim.
These steps ensure that critical evidence is preserved and your claim is properly documented. Here’s what you should do:
01
Stay at the Scene and Call 911
Stay at the accident scene and call 911 to report the incident, regardless of how minor it seems. Law enforcement will document the scene. The police report becomes key evidence for your case.
02
Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical attention right away, even if you don't feel injured immediately. Some injuries, like whiplash, concussions, or traumatic brain injury, can take hours or days to show up. A medical professional examining your injuries will help strengthen your case.
03
Gather Evidence
Take photos of the scene, including vehicle damage, your injuries, road conditions, and traffic signs. Also collect the rideshare driver's name, license plate number, and insurance details. Gathering this evidence right away prevents critical details from being lost.
04
Get Witness Information
If there were witnesses, get their contact information, including names and phone numbers. Their statements can provide an objective account of events, helping support your claim and counter disputes with the rideshare company.
05
Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company, but avoid accepting lowball settlement offers immediately. Do not provide a recorded statement without consulting an attorney first.
06
Contact a Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Glendale
A Glendale rideshare accident lawyer can assist you in negotiating with insurance companies and filing a lawsuit if necessary. They protect your interests and ensure you don't settle for less than you deserve.
How a Glendale Rideshare Accident Attorney Can Help You
Navigating rideshare insurance claims can be overwhelming, especially when Uber and Lyft attempt to minimize payouts. Working with an experienced Glendale Uber Accident Lawyer makes the process more manageable and increases your chances of securing fair compensation.
Our Glendale accident lawyers can:
- Investigate the accident and gather crucial evidence: We analyze accident reports, collect witness statements, and secure video footage to strengthen your case and establish what happened.
- Determine liability and identify all responsible parties: We assess who is at fault, whether the driver, another motorist, or a rideshare company, ensuring the right parties are held accountable.
- Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies: We ensure insurance companies provide a fair settlement that reflects your damages. Our attorneys resist lowball offers and advocate for your full recovery.
- File a personal injury lawsuit if necessary: If negotiations don’t lead to a satisfactory outcome, we can take legal action on your behalf to ensure you receive compensation.
- Advocate for maximum compensation: Our team fights tirelessly to ensure you receive the full financial recovery you’re entitled to, considering all aspects, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
If you were injured in a rideshare accident, you may be eligible for economic and non-economic damages:
- Medical Expenses: Compensation for hospital bills, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatment. These expenses add up quickly, and you shouldn’t bear the financial burden alone.
- Lost Wages: Payment for income you lost due to being unable to work after the accident. This ensures your financial stability isn’t impacted by your inability to perform your job.
- Property Damage: Coverage for repairing or replacing your vehicle if damaged in the accident. If your vehicle is totaled or needs extensive repairs, we ensure you’re compensated.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for emotional distress, PTSD, and physical pain resulting from the accident. This recognizes the mental and physical toll an accident takes on your well-being.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from working long-term or permanently, you may be entitled to compensation for future lost earnings.
- Wrongful Death Damages: In severe cases, surviving family members can seek compensation for funeral costs, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.
here are some recent settlements won
No Injuries
Previous firm only went after the 3rd party and didn’t know about the Rideshare coverage.
Rideshare Accident
Speak to a Glendale Rideshare Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a rideshare accident in Glendale, don’t wait to get the legal help you deserve. Evidence can fade quickly, and insurance companies often aim to settle for less than you are entitled to.
Babaians Law Firm is committed to protecting your rights and fighting for the maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Call us at (818) 334-2981 or visit our website to schedule your free consultation.
Our team is available 24/7, ready to help you navigate this challenging time with strength, and confidence.