Uber/Lyft Accident Lawyers

Uber/Lyft

Understanding Rideshare Accidents: Essential Information for Uber and Lyft Users in California

Whether you were an Uber / Lyft driver, passenger, third party driver or a pedestrian who was hit by an Uber / Lyft, Ghazarian Law Office, APC is here to help.

Ghazarian Law Office, APC serves drivers and passengers who have been injured in a rideshare accident. Before speaking with an insurance adjuster, call (818) 468-8386 to learn about your legal rights during the free consultation. Do not give Uber or Lyft the opportunity to DENY you a settlement, instead allow Ghazarian Law Office, APC to fight for you, in order to get you the MAXIMUM compensation that you deserve.

High Risk of Rideshare Accidents in Southern California

In Southern California, it’s common to see Lyft and Uber vehicles on the roads. The prevalence of these services means the likelihood of being involved in a rideshare accident is high. Victims of such accidents often face substantial medical expenses and other damages.

Accidents involving rideshare vehicles can result in severe injuries or even fatal wrongful death claims. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident caused by the negligence of a rideshare driver, understanding your rights and how to seek compensation is crucial. The following guide will provide essential information to help you navigate the complexities of rideshare accident claims.

Unique Aspects of Uber and Lyft Accidents in California

Rideshare accidents differ significantly from regular auto accidents. Ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft are not traditional transportation companies; they connect independent drivers with passengers through an app. This distinction affects how liability and insurance policies are applied.

Initially, rideshare companies operated with minimal regulations and without insurance requirements. However, due to numerous accidents and incidents, reforms have been implemented. Today, these companies mandate specific insurance policies for their drivers.

Determining Liability in a Rideshare Accident

Liability in a rideshare accident depends on whether the driver was logged into the app at the time of the accident. Here’s a breakdown:

Driver not logged into the app: The driver is fully liable, and their personal insurance must cover damages.
Driver logged into the app but not on a ride: The rideshare company assumes partial liability. Both Uber and Lyft provide limited coverage for injuries and property damage in this scenario.
Driver logged into the app and on a ride: The rideshare company assumes full liability, providing substantial coverage for injuries and damages.

Consulting with an experienced rideshare accident attorney in California is essential to determine liability and pursue the appropriate compensation.

Understanding Uber and Lyft Insurance Policies

Uber and Lyft offer three levels of insurance coverage for their drivers:

Not logged into the app: The driver’s personal insurance covers the accident. California law requires rideshare drivers to have personal insurance with at least $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident in liability coverage.
Logged into the app, waiting for a ride request: The rideshare company provides partial coverage, including $50,000 for injuries and $25,000 for property damage. This coverage supplements the driver’s personal insurance.
On a ride or en route to pick up a passenger: The rideshare company provides full liability coverage, including $1 million for liability and $1 million for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Navigating the insurance claims process can be complex, making it crucial to seek legal assistance to ensure you receive fair compensation.

Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident

If you’re involved in a rideshare accident, take the following steps to protect your rights:

Seek medical attention: Your health is the priority. Get medical help immediately, even if injuries seem minor.
Report the accident: Inform the police and obtain a copy of the accident report. Notify the rideshare company through their app.
Gather evidence: Collect information from all parties involved, including the rideshare driver, passengers, and witnesses. Take photos of the accident scene and document any injuries.
Consult an attorney: Contact a rideshare accident lawyer to guide you through the legal process and help secure the compensation you deserve.

Why You Need a Rideshare Accident Attorney

Hiring a knowledgeable attorney who specializes in rideshare accidents in California is crucial. They understand the nuances of rideshare laws and will work to maximize your compensation. An experienced lawyer will:

Investigate the accident thoroughly.
Determine liability.
Handle communications with insurance companies.
Negotiate settlements.
Represent you in court if necessary.

Conclusion

Rideshare accidents involving Uber and Lyft are unique and complex. Understanding your rights and the insurance policies at play is essential to securing fair compensation. If you or a loved one has been injured in a rideshare accident, contact the experienced attorneys at Ghazarian Law Office for a free consultation. They will help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.

Steps

No Period / Offline

This is when the driver is “off the job” and is not logged into the app. During this period, the driver is using the same car he or she typically uses for Uber or Lyft for personal reasons. Any claims arising from an accident during this period will be covered solely by the driver’s personal insurance policy.

The 1st Period

The first period is when the app is on and you are waiting for a ride request. Uber / Lyft provides only liability coverage in this period. You must purchase supplemental rideshare insurance to receive other types of coverage or else you will have a “gap” in your coverage.
Period 1: During this period, Uber / Lyft provides liability insurance with insurance limits of $50K / $100K / $25K and nothing else. This means that the liability limits are $50,000 per person and $100,000 total per accident involving bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. This is contingent coverage in most states, barring a few exceptions, such as California and Maine. Contingent coverage means this coverage is offered only after your personal insurance denies coverage.
Collision and comprehensive: Uber & Lyft policies make these types of coverage nonexistent during period 1. In case of an accident, you will need to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver, or from your own personal insurance policy. Be careful: many insurance companies require you to get separate rideshare insurance for damages that occur while you’re on the job.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: Same with UM / UIM, Uber does not offer these types of coverage during period 1. You will need to use your own personal insurance policy if the at-fault driver has inadequate insurance or none at all.

The 2nd Period

The second period begins when you accept a ride request and are on your way to pick up a passenger.

The 3rd Period

The third period starts the moment a passenger enters your vehicle and ends when you drop them off at their destination.
Liability: The coverage amount is $1 million of total coverage for bodily injury.
Collision and comprehensive: Uber / Lyft makes this type of coverage contingent during periods 2 and 3, which means your personal insurance must deny you these types of coverage before Uber/Lyft steps in and offers them to you.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: Like with liability, Uber / Lyft Provides up to $1 million in UM / UIM coverage for drivers during periods 2 and 3.
Period 3 is also the period where Uber’s $100 Million+ and Lyft’s undisclosed excess policies apply: Which most Uber & Lyft attorneys are unfamiliar with. Collision coverage depends on whether the driver already has collision coverage as well.

Take note: Even if your accident occurs during the second period, which would make you qualified for full coverage, Uber / Lyft may try to take advantage of the fact that there are no witnesses and claim that you did not accept a ride request prior to the accident. Therefore, it is highly advised that you take a screenshot of your app after an accident for the sake of proof.