Home » Riverside Lyft and Uber Accident Lawyer – Sycamore Accident Lawyers

Were You Injured in a Rideshare Accident?

Ridesharing companies like Lyft and Uber have introduced a convenient means of traveling, increasing their popularity. However, a study from the University of Chicago shows that the introduction of Lyft and Uber in some places has caused about a 3% increase in traffic deaths since 2011. A rideshare accident may not always be the fault of a negligent Uber or Lyft driver. An injured pedestrian or passenger of a rideshare vehicle may seek compensation against the party responsible, whether it’s the Uber or Lyft driver or another driver.

Because rideshare accidents may involve multiple parties, navigating a personal injury claim may prove to be a complicated task for an injured victim to handle on their own. If you’re in need of the legal services of an experienced personal injury attorney to help you through the process of an insurance claim for a rideshare accident, speak directly to a qualified Riverside car accident attorney for legal assistance.

 

Sycamore Accident Lawyers are professional Uber and Lyft accident attorneys with years of experience winning a variety of personal injury cases. Our legal team will handle the insurance company so you won’t have to. If you sustained serious injuries from a rideshare accident, schedule your free case evaluation today.

 

Our Law Firm Specializes in Rideshare Car Accidents

 

Were you involved in either a Lyft or Uber accident? Under California law, victims injured in accidents caused by someone else’s negligence have the right to seek compensation for their losses. Hiring the right personal injury lawyer after any motor vehicle accident will give you the best chance at recovering the compensation you need and deserve.

 

At Sycamore Accident Lawyers, you have the Riverside Uber accident attorneys at your service. Our attorneys also handle Lyft accident cases. If you have been injured in either a Lyft or Uber accident and incurred financial expenses for losses from medical bills and vehicle damage, our rideshare accident lawyers will help maximize your compensation. Our law firm is renowned for the exceptional quality of its trial skills.  We have maintained a 99% success rate and have garnered millions in compensation for our clients.

 

We have built the reputation of being the most trusted Lyft and Uber accident lawyers in Riverside, CA and we can help you. Contact us today and schedule a free consultation.

 

Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents

 

Uber and Lyft are gaining popularity in Riverside as a means of transportation. The reasons aren’t far-fetched. They are easy to book, convenient, and more affordable than taxi cabs. Unfortunately, many Uber and Lyft drivers are responsible for causing many accidents. Here are the major causes of Uber and Lyft accidents.

 

  • Speeding: Uber and Lyft drivers usually hurry to transport their passengers to their destination, trying to meet the drop-off time ETA. So, they tend to over speed.
  • Lack of Adequate Training: Most ridesharing companies don’t offer training to drivers, so they are not prepared for certain incidents or scenarios while on the road.
  • Inattentive Driving: Some Uber/Lyft drivers usually check their GPS, send text messages, and speak on the phone during a ride, leading to accidents. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of auto accidents across the US.
  • Intoxication: Inebriated driving impairs motor skills, judgment, and reaction time. This is typically exhibited by other drivers who collide with a rideshare driver’s car.
  • Tiredness: To make more money, many Uber and Lyft drivers work for long hours without taking a break. This is dangerous because fatigued driving is just as bad as drunk driving.

What to Do After an Uber/Lyft Accident

If you were a passenger in a Lyft accident/Uber accident, another motorist who was hit by a rideshare driver, or in a similar scenario, the proceeding steps will vary. However, overall, they will consist of the same following steps.

  1. Request help: Exit the vehicle and move to a safe place away from traffic. Then, immediately call for help by calling 911. Wait for the police to arrive for assistance. The crash should also be reported to Uber/Lyft.
  2. Get detailed information about the other party: Collect their insurance information, contact information, plate numbers, and drivers’ license numbers. Also, obtain eyewitness information. Getting witness testimonies will help to build your case. If there were witnesses, collect their contact information, as well.
  3. Collect evidence:  Take photos and videos of the accident scene. Ask for a copy of the police report from the police officer who arrives at the accident scene. Also, write down your memory of what occurred during and after the collision. These details will pay off.
  4. See a doctor: It’s absolutely mandatory that you see a doctor. The doctor will check for injuries and treat them. The exams will also be documented, so the damage will be evident.
  5. Contact an Uber or Lyft accident lawyer: Contact an expert Lyft or Uber accident attorney as soon as possible to get the best compensation for your claim. They will assist you in filing the claim and fight to get you the compensation you deserve. The other involved party’s insurance will likely contact you, but it’s best not to speak to them until you have consulted with a lawyer for guidance.

Common Injuries from Uber/Lyft Accidents

Uber/Lyft accidents can cause different injuries with varying severity levels. However, here are some of the common injuries that victims can sustain in these types of accidents:

 

  • Broken Bones/Fractures: The forceful impact of rideshare accidents can give rise to several broken bones and cause incapacitation and pain.
  • Brain Injury: A jolt, blow, or bump to the head can cause a traumatic brain injury. These injuries can impair your cognitive abilities and lead to permanent disabilities.
  • Neck, Back, and Spinal Cord Injuries: Uber/Lyft accidents can result in severe neck, back, and spinal cord injuries. This can lead to incapacitation and pain.
  • Amputation: Amputation can result when there is a severe fracture. In this case, the limbs will be cut off. This can lead to physical inability.
  • Lacerations and Cuts: While these injuries may appear small compared to a concussion or a damaged spine, cuts and lacerations can cause deformity or permanent scarring.
Rideshare Accidents

How Much an Uber/Lyft Claim is Worth

 

The value of an Uber/Lyft injury is determined by two significant factors: liability and damages. These are some of the common damages that can influence your rideshare injury claim:

 

  • Medical Bills, like current and future medical expenses for treating accident injuries
  • Economic loss refers to the income lost in the present and future
  • Impact of your injuries
  • Cost of future in-home care/assistance
  • Impairments and disabilities
  • Emotional distress
  • Home modifications due to permanent injuries
  • Property damages

The severity of the accident will be taken into account when determining a case’s value. Ultimately, the most important factor is your well-being. Therefore, the compensation should reflect the amount it cost to treat your sustained injuries, both physical and psychological.

 

Any damage that has long-term or permanent effects will typically have a grander monetary value. All parties who were involved in causing this life-changing outcome will be responsible for paying out these damages.

 

However, because California law honors comparative negligence, the amount of compensation awarded could be decreased if you partially contributed to the accident. For example, if your claim is $800,000 and you were 50% liable for the accident, you would recover $400,000 in damages instead of the full 100%.

 

How to Determine Liability in an Uber/Lyft Accident

To determine liability in an Uber/Lyft accident, you need to consider the accident’s period. Here are the different scenarios:

 

  • The driver was not driving for Uber or Lyft at the time of the accident: If the rideshare driver were not driving for Uber/Lyft during the accident, they would fall back on their car insurance. Therefore, Uber or Lyft will not be liable for the accident.
  • The driver was online and waiting for a ride request: If the driver was online but did not have a passenger present, the accident would be covered by the insurance of the rideshare. The coverage will be $25,000 for property damage ($30,000 for property damage from Lyft), $50,000 per person in regards to physical injury, and $100,000 per accident.
  • Whether the driver was en route to pick riders or was on a trip: If the drivers were en route to pick passengers or had a passenger, then the liability could qualify for the $1 million policy. This also covers uninsured or underinsured motorists. This coverage is not only for passengers–it’s also for drivers.

Contact Us to Schedule Your Free Consultation

If you or a loved one were involved in an Uber and Lyft accident, the consequences might be disastrous. You don't have to go through it alone, though. Establishing an attorney-client relationship means you will be provided the best legal help that our law firm can offer. At Sycamore Car Accident Lawyers, our personal injury attorneys are dedicated to providing you with the highest level of service. Schedule your free consultation today to get started.