If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to compensation. These accidents can cause significant injury and result in costly medical bills and emotional distress. The experienced Fontana personal injury attorneys at OnderLaw can represent your interests and protect your rights so you don’t pay the price for someone else’s mistake.

Rideshare services are a convenient and affordable mode of transportation, but like other motorists on the road, rideshare drivers are equally prone to human error and negligence. This can result in a collision with a car, truck, or pedestrian. When you work with OnderLaw, we diligently seek to ensure the at-fault parties are held accountable.

We understand the devastating effects that a personal injury rideshare accident can have. We will help guide you through the process and answer your questions, so you stay informed. We care deeply for our clients, and our lawyers work hard to seek justice on your behalf.

Whether we reach a settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company or must litigate your case, you can count on OnderLaw to fight hard for fair compensation. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer? Why Choose OnderLaw?

Rideshare accidents can be complicated to investigate. There are more parties involved in the claims process than usual, including the rideshare company’s insurance provider, and the driver’s insurance provider. Since the legal responsibility is often less straightforward than a collision between two private motorists, it is important to have your rights protected by an experienced rideshare accident lawyer.

Many times, the at-fault party’s insurance company will attempt to gather information from you or will offer you a quick settlement. Insurance adjusters are experienced negotiators. Their goal is to protect the insurance company and not your rights. Take care not to speak to an insurance company representative without your Fontana rideshare accident lawyer present. Our attorneys can help ensure that you don’t accidentally say something that will have a negative impact on your case.

A skilled rideshare accident attorney will have the experience and resources to build a strong case on your behalf that will achieve your desired outcome. The legal team at OnderLaw can investigate the crash, interview witnesses, deal with the insurance company, gather evidence, and consult with an accident reconstruction expert to help prove your case.

The team at OnderLaw will advise you and keep you informed at every stage of the claims process. We recognize the physical, emotional, and financial toll that accidents can take on you and your family. Your primary responsibility should be recovering from your injuries. When you engage our experienced team, you’ll be getting expert legal help and a powerful, compassionate, and effective advocate. Contact us today for your free consultation.

Types of Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare services differ from taxi services in a few fundamental ways. Rideshare drivers typically use their own vehicles and do not have commercial driver’s licenses that might be required for taxi drivers or other types of professional drivers. Many of the rideshare services have criteria for their drivers, which can include:

  • The driver must be at least 21.
  • The driver must have at least one year of driving experience in the U.S. if the driver is 23 or older, or at least three years of experience if the driver is younger than 23.
  • The driver must possess a valid U.S. driver’s license.
  • The driver must use an eligible four-door vehicle.
  • The driver must be able to provide proof of registration and vehicle insurance.

You may be involved in a rideshare accident as a passenger of the rideshare, or as the driver of the other vehicle involved in the accident. You may also be the owner of a property damaged by a rideshare accident, or a pedestrian injured by a rideshare driver.

Other vehicles that have been involved in rideshare accidents include golf carts, bicycles, motorcycles, and scooters. You may also be in an accident where two different rideshare drivers are involved. In each case, when the liability falls on a rideshare driver, it can increase the complexity of the claim.

You may also have to deal with two or more insurance companies when making a claim. It can be difficult to determine liability and which insurance company is responsible for compensating you. Some of the more common types of rideshare accidents in Fontana include:

  • Distracted driving accidents
  • Drunk or intoxicated driving accidents
  • Speeding accidents
  • Tailgating accidents
  • Hazardous conditions-related accidents
  • Reckless driving accidents
  • Failing to yield accidents
  • Unsafe lane change accidents

Common Injuries Suffered in Rideshare Accidents

During a car accident, you may experience physical injuries that can range from minor to life-threatening. Some injuries may take a few weeks to heal, and others may require months or result in long-term health issues. The most common physical injuries that result from a rideshare accident include:

  • Broken bones
  • Torn ligaments and tendons
  • Bruises, cuts, and lacerations
  • Burns
  • Internal injuries
  • Spinal cord damage
  • Paralysis
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Crush injuries
  • Neck and back injuries
  • Internal bleeding
  • Concussion

Some injuries are less visible. Psychological and emotional trauma can also result from a rideshare accident. The emotional after-effects of a rideshare accident may start in the days, weeks, or months after the accident. You may not recognize the symptoms at first, since many people repress their trauma.

One of the most significant consequences is anxiety, which can make routine daily tasks difficult to perform. You may also experience mood swings and depression. Some people may also experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can trigger hallucinations and paranoia.

What Compensation Is Available?

Ridesharing companies carry insurance to cover liabilities from a car accident. Rideshare drivers must also carry liability car insurance. Under California law, drivers must be financially responsible for the vehicles they own. If a driver does not have an auto insurance policy, they may be fined, their license may be suspended, and their vehicle may be impounded. The law requires that drivers carry a minimum of $15,000 for death or injury and $30,000 coverage if two or more people are injured.

Most rideshare companies also have insurance requirements for their drivers and carry insurance to cover liability in case of an accident. The source, amount, and form of compensation depend on several factors. These include:

Who caused the accident – After careful evaluation, your attorney will identify the liable party. In some cases, it may simply be the rideshare driver. In other cases, multiple parties may have contributed to an accident.

Rideshare driver’s work status – If the rideshare driver caused the accident, then the source of compensation depends on the driver’s status:

  • If the driver is offline or the driver app is off, then the driver’s personal insurance is liable.
  • If the driver’s rideshare app is on, available, and waiting for a ride request, or if the driver is en route to pick up a passenger, or if the driver is in the middle of a trip, then the rideshare company maintains auto insurance to cover damages resulting from the accident.

California is an at fault state. This means the driver who caused the accident is responsible for injuries and losses resulting from the accident. You may be able to receive compensation for:

  • Lost wages
  • Lost earning capacity
  • Medical bills
  • Pain and suffering
  • Physical impairment or disfigurement
  • Emotional stress
  • Property damage
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Household expenses
  • Lost opportunity

If the rideshare company’s available insurance doesn’t cover compensation for your losses, you can file a lawsuit. However, it’s important to note there is a strict time frame in which the lawsuit must be filed. California has a two-year statute of limitations. This means if it is two years past the accident, you cannot pursue compensation through the court system.

What To Do After a Rideshare Accident

After an accident involving a rideshare driver, there are certain steps you can take to protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation. The steps that help to make the claims process easier include:

  • Contact the police – Many police departments respond to minor accidents and all respond to major collisions. The police can create an accident report and collect the names of witnesses. Note the officer’s name and badge number. You will need to obtain a copy of the accident report later for insurance purposes.
  • Document the scene – If you are able, take pictures of the accident and the surrounding area. Try to get the name and contact information of witnesses if the police do not. Never share your insurance policy information, social security number, or other personal information.
  • Do not discuss responsibility – Do not discuss who may or may not be responsible at the time of the accident. Do not blame the accident on road conditions, distracted driving, or other potential factors.
  • Call your insurance company – Report the accident to your insurance company.
  • See your doctor – Even if you feel fine after the accident, it is important to see your doctor. Some injuries do not become apparent until hours or days afterward. It is necessary for your doctor to document your injuries for an insurance claim.
  • Do not post online – Steer clear of posting information or images online after an accident. Insurance adjusters may use anything you say against you to try and reduce or even deny your claim.

Why Choose OnderLaw?

OnderLaw has been representing rideshare accident victims and protecting their rights for nearly 20 years. Our legal team understands that your situation is unique, and we seek to give you one-on-one attention and protect your rights through the entire process.

Our legal team understands the financial strain that an accident can place on the victim and their family. It can be a struggle to pay for the medical costs of treating injuries and emotional trauma. We will not add to the economic burden you face, which is why we work on a contingency-fee-basis. This means there are no upfront fees or costs, and we only get paid if you get paid.

Contact OnderLaw for Your Free Consultation

The Fontana rideshare accident lawyers at OnderLaw are available to review the details of your accident and answer any questions you have during a free consultation. You can depend on our team to seek the maximum compensation you are owed.

Our track record speaks for itself. We’ve won more than $3 billion in awards and settlements, and we’re ready to apply that diligence and excellence to your case. If we believe there is evidence that favors a positive outcome, we will tell you.

We know that speaking with law firms can be intimidating, but we work to provide you with a warm and welcoming environment. For a free consultation with an experienced California rideshare attorney, contact us today. Our goal is to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about how you would like to move forward.