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You’ve probably used Uber or Lyft to get around. It’s quick, easy, and convenient. But with more rideshare cars on the road in Glendale, accidents involving these services are happening more often. If you’ve been in an accident while riding in or driving for a rideshare, knowing what to do next is essential.
A personal injury lawyer can help you sort things out and fight for the money you might be owed, like covering your medical bills, missed work, or even pain and stress from the accident. These cases can get tricky because of all the insurance rules and who’s really responsible. That’s why having someone who knows the ins and outs of Uber and Lyft accident claims can make a big difference.
Who is Liable for an Uber or Lyft Accident?
Uber and Lyft accidents differ from regular car accidents because liability is often disputed. Multiple parties could be responsible, including:
- The Uber or Lyft driver: If the driver was negligent, such as by speeding or driving distracted, they may be personally liable for the accident.
- Another negligent driver: If a different driver caused the collision, they could be liable for damages.
- Uber or Lyft’s corporate insurance policy: Depending on the driver’s status (waiting for a ride, en route to a pickup, or transporting a passenger), the rideshare company’s insurance may cover the accident.
- A third party, such as a vehicle manufacturer or government agency: If a mechanical failure or hazardous road condition contributed to the crash, another party might share liability.
Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, which means they often try to deny liability for accidents. However, California law requires rideshare companies to carry insurance coverage, depending on the driver’s status during the crash.
Uber & Lyft Insurance Coverage Explained
Both Uber and Lyft maintain commercial insurance for their drivers, but the level of coverage depends on the driver’s status within the app. Here’s a breakdown of how coverage applies:
- When the Driver is Offline: The driver’s auto insurance applies during this time. Uber and Lyft are not responsible for accidents or injuries when the app is off.
- When the Driver is Online and Available for Ride Requests (But No Passenger Yet): Uber and Lyft provide limited third-party liability coverage if the driver’s insurance does not apply. This includes up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage.
- When the Driver is En Route to Pick Up a Passenger or During a Trip: Both companies offer $1,000,000 in third-party liability coverage once a ride has been accepted or a passenger is in the car. They also provide contingent comprehensive and collision coverage (up to the vehicle’s actual cash value) if the driver carries these coverages personally, with a $2,500 deductible.
- Additional Coverages: In many states, Uber and Lyft provide uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to protect against accidents caused by drivers with little or no insurance. Some states also require them to offer personal injury protection (PIP), medical payments (MedPay), and occupational accident coverage for added security.
For a free legal consultation with an uber & lyft accident lawyer serving Glendale, call (818) 334-2981
Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents in Glendale
Rideshare drivers are likelier to be involved in accidents due to long shifts, frequent stops, and distractions from the rideshare app, sometimes resulting in a catastrophic accident with devastating consequences. Some of the most common causes of Uber and Lyft accidents include:
- Distracted driving from using GPS navigation or handling ride requests: Rideshare drivers often split their attention between the road and their app, leading to dangerous distractions.
- Speeding to complete more trips and earn higher fares: Some drivers exceed speed limits to maximize earnings, increasing the risk of collisions.
- Failure to yield when merging, making turns, or stopping suddenly: Ignoring right-of-way rules can lead to side-impact and rear-end accidents.
- Driver fatigue due to long hours on the road: Extended driving shifts cause exhaustion, slow reaction times, and impaired judgment.
- Poor road conditions, such as potholes, road construction, or wet roads: can cause rideshare drivers to lose control or collide with other vehicles.
- Drunk or impaired driving by the rideshare driver or another motorist: Alcohol or drug impairment significantly reduces a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
- Reckless driving, including illegal U-turns, aggressive lane changes, and tailgating: Dangerous driving behaviors greatly increase the likelihood of serious accidents.
If you were involved in an Uber or Lyft accident due to another driver’s negligence, our Glendale rideshare accident lawyers can help you prove liability and recover compensation.
Steps to Take After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Glendale
Taking the right steps after an Uber or Lyft accident can protect your health and legal claim.
01
Call 911
Report the accident to law enforcement, even if it seems minor. A police report will serve as essential evidence for your personal injury claim.
02
Seek immediate medical attention
Some injuries do not appear immediately, so getting a medical evaluation strengthens your personal injury claim.
03
Document the accident
Take detailed photos of all vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and surrounding traffic signs. Visual evidence will help support your version of events.
04
Get the rideshare driver’s information
Collect the driver’s insurance details, license number, and app screenshots showing they were logged in as a rideshare driver. This information can establish Uber or Lyft’s potential liability.
05
Speak to witnesses
Obtain contact information from anyone who saw the accident occur. Witness statements can strengthen your case by providing independent accounts of what happened.
06
Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters
Do not give recorded statements or accept early settlement offers without first consulting an attorney. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts to accident victims.
07
Contact an Uber accident lawyer in Glendale
A rideshare accident attorney can investigate the accident, communicate with insurers, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Having an experienced lawyer on your side increases your chances of a successful claim.
Glendale Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer Near Me
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How a Glendale Uber Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Navigating Uber and Lyft insurance claims is challenging. Our Glendale rideshare accident attorneys will:
- Investigate the accident and collect strong evidence to build your case: We gather police reports, witness statements, app data, and other crucial evidence to support your claim.
- Determine liability and negotiate with Uber, Lyft, and third-party insurers: We identify all responsible parties and work to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
- Handle all legal filings and ensure deadlines are met: We manage the entire legal process and make sure your claim complies with all filing requirements and statutes of limitations.
- Fight for maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering: We advocate aggressively to secure the highest possible recovery for your financial and emotional losses.
- We will represent you in court if a fair settlement is not offered: If negotiations fail, we are prepared to take your case to trial and fight for your rights before a judge and jury.
Compensation Available in a Rideshare Accident Claim
Victims of Uber and Lyft accidents may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical expenses for emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, and rehabilitation: Compensation can cover all necessary medical treatments from the accident.
- Lost wages due to time missed from work and potential loss of future earning capacity: Victims can recover income lost during recovery and damages for diminished earning potential.
- Property damage, including repairs or replacement of your vehicle: You may be reimbursed for repairing or replacing your car and any personal property damaged in the crash.
- Pain and suffering for emotional trauma, PTSD, and long-term physical pain: You can claim compensation for the mental anguish and physical discomfort caused by the accident.
- Wrongful death claims for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support for surviving family members: Families who lose a loved one in a rideshare accident may seek damages to ease their emotional and financial burdens.
Uber and Lyft’s insurance companies will try to minimize your payout: A Glendale Uber accident attorney will fight for full and fair compensation.
What to Expect When Filing an Uber or Lyft Accident Claim
When filing a claim, rideshare accident victims often face challenges, including:
- Determining who is responsible for covering damages: Liability can be complicated due to the involvement of multiple drivers and insurance policies.
- Insurance companies delaying or undervaluing claims: Insurers may use tactics to prolong the claims process or offer settlements that don’t reflect the true value of your case.
- Uber and Lyft denying liability or shifting blame to the driver: Rideshare companies often argue that drivers are independent contractors to avoid paying damages.
- Complex legal paperwork and deadlines that must be met: Filing a claim involves extensive documentation and strict adherence to legal timelines.
Working with an experienced Glendale Uber accident lawyer can help you navigate these challenges and strengthen your case. Your attorney will handle all legal processes, allowing you to focus on recovery.
Why Choose Babaians Law Firm for Your Uber or Lyft Accident Case?
When selecting a lawyer for your rideshare accident case, experience, dedication, and client focus are crucial. Babaians Law Firm is committed to providing outstanding legal representation to help you achieve the best possible outcome. Here’s what sets us apart:
Aggressive Legal Representation
We fight aggressively to ensure insurance companies do not undervalue or deny your claim. Our team knows the tactics insurers use to minimize payouts, and we use proven strategies to protect your rights and secure the full compensation you deserve.
A Proven Track Record of Success
Our firm has a history of securing high-value settlements and verdicts for Uber and Lyft accident victims. We understand the complexities of rideshare accident claims and consistently deliver results that help our clients rebuild their lives.
You Only Pay If We Win
At Babaians Law Firm, we believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we successfully recover your compensation.
Personalized Legal Strategies
Every rideshare accident case is unique, so we create customized legal strategies tailored to your specific circumstances. We take the time to understand your needs, investigate your accident thoroughly, and build a compelling case designed to maximize your recovery.
24/7 Availability and Support
We know that accidents and legal questions don’t follow a 9-to-5 schedule. Our team is available 24/7 to answer your questions, update you on your case, and provide the legal support you need throughout every process.
Our attorneys have extensive experience handling Uber and Lyft accident claims and are familiar with rideshare companies and insurers’ tactics to limit their liability. When you work with Babaians Law Firm, you have a dedicated advocate ready to take on these challenges and fight for your full financial recovery.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Contact a Glendale Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Glendale, don’t face the legal battle alone. Key evidence can quickly be lost, and rideshare companies and insurers will work hard to minimize your claim. Babaians Law Firm is committed to protecting your rights and fighting for the full compensation you deserve for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
Call us at (818) 334-2981 or visit our website to schedule your free consultation. We are available 24/7 and ready to help you take the first step toward recovery and justice.
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