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Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized transportation, offering convenience and affordability. However, with the rise in rideshare vehicles on Glendale’s roads, rideshare accidents have become increasingly common. Understanding your legal rights is critical to securing fair compensation if you or a loved one has been injured in a rideshare accident.
At Babaians Law Firm, our rideshare accident attorneys have extensive experience handling rideshare injury claims. Whether you were a rideshare passenger, driver, or another motorist injured by an Uber or Lyft vehicle, we are here to fight for your rights and help you obtain maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain, and suffering.
For a free legal consultation with a lawyer serving Glendale, call (818) 334-2981
Understanding Rideshare Accident Laws in Glendale
Rideshare accidents differ from traditional car accidents because they often involve multiple parties and complex insurance policies. In a rideshare crash, potential parties who could be responsible 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 of the accident. This is especially true if the driver caused the crash through reckless driving or improper behavior.
- Another at-fault motorist: If another driver caused or contributed to the crash, they could be held responsible for their negligence. This includes cases where another driver ran a red light, failed to yield, or engaged in other reckless driving behaviors.
- Uber or Lyft’s insurance providers: Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft provide commercial insurance. However, it only applies under certain conditions related to the driver’s status, such as when they are actively driving for the app. The insurance coverage may differ depending on whether the driver is online, en route to a pick-up, or carrying a passenger.
- Third-party companies responsible for vehicle maintenance: A third-party maintenance company could share liability if a mechanical failure caused the accident due to poor maintenance. This could include situations where defective parts or poor upkeep led to a crash that could have been prevented with proper maintenance.
Since Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, they often attempt to limit their liability. That’s why working with an experienced Glendale rideshare accident lawyer who understands the nuances of rideshare laws and insurance claims is crucial.
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How Liability Works in Glendale Rideshare Accidents
Under California Vehicle Code section 17150, the owner of a motor vehicle is legally liable and responsible for death, injury, or property damage resulting from a negligent or wrongful act or omission during the vehicle’s operation. In rideshare accidents, while the driver is typically considered the operator, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft maintain commercial insurance policies to cover certain periods of driving activity:
When the Driver Is Offline
During this period, the driver is not using the rideshare app, and their auto insurance applies. Neither Uber nor Lyft provides any coverage for incidents occurring while the driver is offline. This means the driver’s insurance is solely responsible for coverage in case of an accident.
When the Driver Is Online and Available for Ride Requests (No Passenger Yet)
When the driver is online and waiting for a ride request, Uber and Lyft provide contingent third-party liability insurance if the driver’s insurance doesn’t apply. This coverage includes $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. It acts as secondary insurance, filling in gaps if the driver’s policy doesn’t cover the damages.
When the Driver Is En Route to Pick Up a Passenger or Has a Passenger in the Vehicle
Once the driver is en route to pick up a passenger or has a passenger in the car, 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, and helps protect both the driver and passengers in case of an accident.
Additional First-Party Coverages (State-Dependent)
Depending on the state, Uber and Lyft may offer additional first-party coverages, such as personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments coverage. These coverages can help pay for medical expenses regardless of fault in the accident. Coverage for injuries caused by uninsured or underinsured motorists may also be available in some states, offering extra protection for drivers and passengers.
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 requires a deep understanding of 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 for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Glendale
Rideshare accidents can occur for many reasons, often due to negligent driving or external hazards. Some of the leading causes include:
- Distracted Driving: Rideshare drivers often use their phones to navigate and accept ride requests while on the road. This divided attention significantly increases the risk of accidents, as drivers may fail to notice traffic changes or hazards.
- Speeding: Many drivers speed to complete more rides and earn additional income, disregarding the posted speed limits. Speeding reduces the driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of any collision.
- Failure to Yield: Rideshare drivers sometimes fail to yield the right-of-way when merging, turning, or entering intersections. This failure to observe traffic laws 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 on the road. Fatigued drivers experience slower reaction times and may make poor decisions, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, road debris, and uneven pavement can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles. These hazards are particularly dangerous for rideshare drivers who may not always be familiar with the roads they travel.
- Reckless Driving: Reckless drivers commonly make illegal U-turns, tailgate, and make aggressive lane changes. These actions can lead to multi-vehicle accidents that cause severe injuries to passengers, drivers, and pedestrians.
- Drunk or Impaired Driving: Whether it’s a rideshare driver or another negligent motorist, intoxication is a major cause of catastrophic accidents, leading to life-altering injuries and even fatalities.
If any of these factors caused your rideshare accident, our Glendale accident lawyers can help you prove liability and secure fair compensation.
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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
It’s essential to stay at the accident scene and call 911 to report the incident, regardless of how minor it may seem. Law enforcement will document the scene, and the police report will become key evidence for your case. Avoid leaving the scene to ensure you don’t risk any legal complications or missed opportunities for compensation.
02
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don’t feel injured immediately, seek medical attention right away, as some injuries, like whiplash, concussions, or traumatic brain injury (TBI), can take hours or even days to manifest. A medical professional examining and documenting your injuries will help strengthen your case. Timely medical attention creates an official record crucial for your compensation claim.
03
Gather Evidence
Take photos of the scene, including vehicle damage, your injuries, road conditions, and traffic signs to create a visual record of the accident. You should also collect the rideshare driver’s information, such as their name, license plate number, and insurance details. Gathering this evidence right away prevents critical details from being lost over time.
04
Get Witness Information
If there were any witnesses to the accident, get their contact information, including names and phone numbers. Their statements can provide an objective account of the events, helping to support your claim. Witnesses can also help counter disputes or contradictions with the rideshare company’s version of events.
05
Notify Your Insurance Company
It’s important to report the accident to your insurance company, but avoid accepting any lowball settlement offers immediately. Do not provide a recorded statement to your insurer without consulting an attorney first. Notifying your insurance opens the door to starting the claims process, but be cautious of making statements that could affect your case.
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 will protect your interests and ensure you don’t settle for less than you deserve. Consulting with an experienced attorney gives you the legal support you need during this challenging time and helps maximize your compensation.
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. 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. This helps establish a clear narrative of what happened and who may be at fault.
- Determine liability and identify all responsible parties: We assess who is at fault, whether the driver, another motorist, or a rideshare company. This is crucial in ensuring the right parties are accountable for the accident.
- Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies: We ensure that insurance companies provide a fair settlement that reflects your damages. Our attorneys are skilled at resisting lowball offers and advocating 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. A lawsuit may be the best option 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. We consider all aspects of your case, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, to fight for the best possible outcome.
Compensation Available After a Rideshare Accident
If you were injured in a rideshare accident, you may be eligible for economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical Expenses: Compensation for hospital bills, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatment required due to the accident. These expenses can add up quickly, and you shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden alone.
- Lost Wages: Payment for the income you lost due to being unable to work after the accident. This ensures that your financial stability is not impacted by your inability to perform your job due to injuries.
- Property Damage: Coverage for repairing or replacing your vehicle if it was damaged in the accident. If your vehicle is totaled or needs extensive repairs, we work to ensure you’re compensated for these costs.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for emotional distress, PTSD, and physical pain that result from the accident. This type of compensation recognizes the mental and physical toll an accident can take 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. This helps you recover financially for the potential income you would have earned had you not been injured.
- Wrongful Death Damages: In severe cases, surviving family members can seek compensation for funeral costs, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering. If the accident resulted in a wrongful death, the family may also pursue damages for the immense loss and hardship they endure.
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.