If you live in San Diego, chances are you’ve used popular rideshare services like Uber or Lyft. These convenient transportation options have transformed how we get around town. However, rideshare vehicles can still be involved in serious auto accidents just like any other car on the road.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries as a rideshare passenger, you need an experienced San Diego rideshare accident attorney fighting for your rights. Read on to understand the key legal considerations and why hiring the right lawyer is critical.
Did You Suffer An Injury While Riding In A Lyft Or Uber?
After a rideshare crash, there are several important questions to ask yourself:
How did you get hurt?
Rideshare accidents can happen in various ways – rear-end collisions, sideswipes, head-on crashes, rollovers, and more. These violent impacts can cause severe injuries like whiplash, broken bones, head trauma, spinal cord damage, and others. No matter the specific cause, any accident injury warrants legal action.
Was the accident your fault?
In virtually all cases, the injured rideshare passenger has no liability for causing the accident. The negligence typically lies with the rideshare driver, another motorist on the road, or external factors like poor weather or road conditions.
When did the accident happen?
In California, you generally have two years from the date of a rideshare accident to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit. While this may seem like plenty of time, it’s crucial to take legal action as soon as possible after your injuring for the best chance of maximum compensation.
Were you or a loved one physically hurt?
Even if you think your injuries are minor after a crash, it’s vital to get yourself checked out by a medical professional right away. Many serious internal injuries can be difficult to initially detect without proper medical evaluation.
Did You See a Doctor?
Seeking prompt medical care serves two important purposes:
- Treating and documenting your rideshare accident injuries
- Creating official medical records that will support your injury claim
Never delay an evaluation, as the rideshare company will try to argue your injuries are unrelated to the accident or exaggerated.
Is an attorney helping you with your claim?
While you can try handling a rideshare accident claim yourself, you’ll be at a major disadvantage against Uber’s and Lyft’s legal teams without professional representation. That’s where a skilled San Diego rideshare accident lawyer becomes invaluable in securing the compensation you deserve.
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Lyft And Uber Insurance Policies
Both Uber and Lyft provide auto insurance coverage for their drivers, but the specific policies in place depend on the driver’s working status at the time of the accident:
Awaiting Ride Request:
- Low contingency liability coverage in this default “app on” phase
En Route to Pickup:
- $1 million liability coverage
- Contingent collision and comprehensive coverage
Passenger Onboard:
- $1 million liability coverage
- $1 million uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Contingent comprehensive & collision up to cash value of vehicle
As you can see, properly navigating these insurance complexities requires legal expertise that only an experienced rideshare accident attorney can provide.
Rideshare Accident Lawyer
When choosing a San Diego lawyer to represent your rideshare accident case, look for a firm with:
✔️ Specific experience handling Uber and Lyft accident claims
✔️ Proven track record of maximizing settlements/verdicts ✔️ Respected reputation among insurance companies ✔️ Aggressive courtroom representation if litigation is required ✔️ In-house investigators and accident reconstruction experts
With so much at stake, you want to ensure your attorney specializes in this unique area of personal injury law.
How Can a Rideshare Accident Attorney Help Me?
An accomplished rideshare accident lawyer’s role includes:
- Investigation: Securing evidence, video footage, witness statements
- Dealing With Insurers: Handling all communications and negotiations
- Calculating Damages: Documenting your damages and future costs
- Representing Your Interests: Ensuring you aren’t taken advantage of
- Maximizing Compensation: Fighting for the highest payout possible
- Filing Lawsuit: Pursuing litigation if insurers won’t settle fairly
Having skilled legal representation levels the playing field against Uber’s and Lyft’s legal teams who will work tirelessly to minimize your compensation.
A Rideshare Accident Attorney Knows Which Insurance Policy Applies
As outlined earlier, rideshare insurance coverage depends on the driver’s app status when the accident occurred. An experienced attorney will:
- Investigate Thoroughly to determine that status
- Notify All Insurers of the legitimate claim
- Navigate Correctly to the applicable policy
- Prove Negligence caused your injuries/damages
- Obtain Fair Compensation from all available coverages
Failing to handle this process properly could leave you footing medical bills and other damages out of your own pocket. A rideshare accident lawyer protects your rights.
What Should I Do if I am Involved in an Accident While in a Rideshare?
If you’re ever injured in a rideshare vehicle, take the following steps:
- Remain at the Scene and call the police immediately
- Gather Evidence like photos, videos, witness contacts
- Seek Medical Attention ASAP to document your injuries
- Report the Accident through the Uber or Lyft app
- Avoid Discussions about potential liability or damages
- Contact a Lawyer experienced in rideshare accident claims
Properly handling the accident scene and its aftermath lays the groundwork for your legal team to build a successful case.
What Steps Will My Rideshare Accident Attorney Take After an Accident?
Once retained, your attorney and their team will:
👉 Investigate Thoroughly the accident’s cause and all contributing factors
👉 Handle All Communications with Uber/Lyft and insurance companies
👉 Determine All Liable Parties and applicable insurance coverages 👉 Calculate Your Damages including current/future medical costs, lost wages, etc.
👉 Negotiate Aggressively for the highest possible settlement amount 👉 Litigate the Case if insurers refuse to pay a fair settlement
Having an attorney manage the entire legal process ensures your rights remain protected.
Work With A Firm You Can Rely On
When considering a rideshare accident law firm in San Diego, look for:
✨ Well-Established reputation and track record ✨ Specialized Focus on rideshare accident cases ✨ Proven Results maximizing compensation for clients ✨ Contingency Fees so you owe nothing unless you win ✨ Responsive Service with attentive client communication
Finding a firm you can rely on – that truly has your best interests in mind – is crucial for protecting your family’s future after a serious accident.
The CEO Lawyer is the Rideshare Accident Attorney You Need
At The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury and Accident Lawyers, we’ve established ourselves as San Diego’s premier legal team for all rideshare accident cases against Uber and Lyft. Our accomplished attorneys have extensive experience:
- Investigating accidents involving rideshare vehicles
- Determining liability between drivers, passengers, and companies
- Navigating insurance complexities to maximize your compensation
- Aggressively negotiating for the highest possible settlement
- Litigating cases in court if insurance companies refuse to pay fairly
“They really cared about me and getting me the money I deserved after my Uber accident. I couldn’t have gotten that settlement without their expertise.” – Former Client
Our unwavering focus is on ensuring rideshare accident victims like yourself receive the full compensation you’re owed. We never settle for less.
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Conclusion
Being injured in a rideshare vehicle accident can derail your life physically, emotionally, and financially. You need the best San Diego rideshare accident attorney on your side from the very start to level the playing field against Uber’s and Lyft’s legal teams.
Don’t let the complexities of dealing with these multi-billion dollar companies overwhelm you. Our team at The CEO Lawyer will protect your rights and fight tirelessly to maximize the compensation your family receives.
People Also Ask (FAQ’s)
What is the role of an accident lawyer?
An accident lawyer helps clients navigate legal processes to obtain compensation for injuries and damages from accidents.
How can a car accident lawyer help me?
A car accident lawyer can assist with legal claims, negotiate settlements, and represent you in court if necessary.
Who is liable in an Uber or Lyft accident?
Liability in an Uber or Lyft accident can depend on who was at fault, including the rideshare driver, another driver, or the rideshare company.
How does Uber deal with liability?
Uber provides insurance coverage that may apply depending on the driver’s status and fault in the accident.
How do I communicate with Lyft support?
You can communicate with Lyft support through the app’s Help section, via email, or by calling their support hotline.
