Riverside Uber Accident Attorney: How Do I File a Claim?

What began as UberCab in 2009 in San Francisco has morphed into a multi-billion dollar company employing thousands across the world. Uber and Lyft have transformed the way we get around. Given the amount of Uber and Lyft drivers on the road, it’s no surprise that rideshare accidents happen. Whether your car accident was caused by a negligent Uber driver or another driver, you may be able to recover financial compensation from their insurance company or the rideshare company. To learn more about Uber accident claims, contact our Riverside Uber accident attorney at (909) 703-2420. 

Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents

According to Uber’s latest safety report, 99.9% of Uber trips in 2019 and 2020 ended without any safety incident. Lyft’s safety report indicates the same statistics. While rideshare services are generally considered safe, accidents can still occur. Driver negligence, either on the part of the rideshare driver or another driver, can greatly increase the risk of a collision.

Below are some of the most common causes of rideshare accidents in California: 

Distracted Driving

Rideshare drivers communicate through the Uber or Lyft app, which can divert their attention from the road. Even with hands free devices, distractions are very common among all drivers. Distracted driving is leading to more serious and fatal motor vehicle accidents. A rideshare driver looking at their phone or sending a text may not see a pedestrian entering a crosswalk and cause a crash. 

Driver Fatigue

Rideshare drivers typically work long hours, which makes drowsy driving one of the most common causes of rideshare accidents. Working 10+ hour days or during late-night shifts can lead to fatigue and exhaustion. This can reduce a driver’s reaction time and driving capabilities. 

Reckless Driving and Speeding

The pressure to complete trips quickly may lead to speeding or aggressive driving behaviors. Speeding accounts for nearly a third of all car accident fatalities. The greater the speed, the bigger chance of a more serious injury or death.  

Uber or Lyft may ban a Riverside rideshare driver from using the Driver app if a passenger reports them for dangerous driving.

Unfamiliar Roads

Oftentimes, Uber and Lyft drivers must navigate unfamiliar roads when picking up or dropping off passengers. This can lead to wrong turns, sudden stops, and other erratic behaviors. The Uber or Lyft app may also lead drivers down strange routes. 

Improper Vehicle Maintenance

According to Everlance, rideshare drivers drive 2 to 3 times the annual mileage of a normal driver, which averages to about 30,000 to 60,000 extra miles per year. This puts an enormous wear and tear on a vehicle. Neglecting or delaying vehicle maintenance can lead to an accident. 

Some of the most common instances of poor vehicle maintenance are worn tires and braking issues. 

Unsafe Parking and Pick-Up Locations

Finding a safe place to park and pick up passengers can be difficult for Uber and Lyft drivers. This is one of the most biggest issues in large cities that have large numbers of pedestrians and bicyclists. Quick pick-ups and drop-offs can lead to choosing unsafe areas such as near a crosswalk, increasing the risk of car accidents.

What To Do After a Rideshare Accident

If you are involved in a rideshare accident, you should follow the same steps as you would after a normal car accident. As long as you are able to do so, take these steps to ensure your safety and legal rights:

1. Move out of harm’s way: Make sure all parties involved are safe and away from oncoming traffic.
2. Contact the authorities: Contact the police and paramedics if necessary.
3. Report the accident to Uber or Lyft: Use the Uber or Lyft app to report the crash. They will reach out to confirm everyone’s well-being and gather any required information. 
4. Gather information: Collect details and evidence about the crash, such as photos, witness statements, and personal recollections.
5. Seek medical attention: Visit an urgent care or emergency room if you’ve sustained injuries. 
6. Contact your insurance: If you’re the driver, contact the at-fault driver’s insurance company first, then Uber’s insurance for further instructions.
7. Consult an Uber or Lyft accident lawyer: Before accepting any settlement, it’s advisable to consult with a rideshare accident lawyer who specializes in Riverside Uber and Lyft cases.

Remember, all rides on Uber are insured, and their claims support team will guide you through the process. It’s important to report the incident as soon as possible to ensure a smooth claims process. 

Rideshare Insurance Coverage

If you are involved in an accident with Uber or Lyft as a driver or a passenger, it is important to understand the available insurance coverage. Both rideshare companies follow similar policies when it comes to providing insurance. 

Period 0

Uber and Lyft maintain a policy that does not offer insurance coverage if the driver was logged off of the Driver app. If your accident involved an Uber or Lyft driver who was logged off, you would need to pursue a claim with their personal auto insurance company. 

Period 1

If the rideshare driver is online but has not yet accepted a ride request, the injured driver would be covered by Uber and Lyft insurance as follows:

• $25,000 in property damage per accident
• $50,000 bodily injury per person
• $100,000 in bodily injury per accident

Note that this coverage is secondary to the driver’s personal insurance policy. 

Periods 2 and 3

If the driver is en route to pick up a passenger or has a passenger when the accident happens, Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage. Their coverage also includes uninsured/underinsured bodily injury liability coverage and contingent collision and comprehensive coverage. 

Filing a Claim with Uber or Lyft 

While Uber and Lyft maintain generous liability and insurance coverage, that doesn’t mean filing a rideshare accident claim is straightforward or simple. In fact, it usually takes Riverside Uber accident lawyers many months or even years to successfully obtain a fair settlement on behalf of injured drivers and passengers. 

In California, to seek compensation after a car accident, you generally need to prove that another party was negligent and that their negligence led to the accident. The at-fault party is liable for all damages related to the accident and injuries.

Compensation for injured victims of rideshare accident can include:

Special Damages

Also known as economic damages, special damages are out-of-pocket expenses that the injured victim has incurred as a result of the defendant’s actions. They include medical bills, vehicle repair costs and property damage, and lost wages. 

General Damages 

Also known as non-economic damages, these refer to compensation for intangible losses that are not easily quantifiable. General damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of companionship, and reduced quality of life. They are subjective and vary from case to case. 

Contact an Experienced Attorney in Riverside 

If you sustained injuries in a rideshare accident in Riverside, you may be able to obtain a settlement through the insurance claims process. However, if you suffered serious injuries or lost a loved one, it is highly recommended to consult with experienced Riverside Uber accident attorneys. 

Insurance companies typically offer settlements that are considerably lower than what an injured victim deserves. If you have suffered extensive losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, or a disability, a lowball settlement will not be enough. Sycamore Accident Lawyers can help you recover the maximum compensation that can help you return to normal. Call us to schedule a free consultation by phone or on our website.