Did you suffer injuries in a car accident? Was it due to the negligent actions of a rideshare driver or someone else? If so, contact OnderLaw. We might be able to help you recover compensation for your injuries.

Car crash victims often suffer severe injuries that require intensive medical care. This can lead to expensive bills that you might be unable to afford. When someone else caused your injuries, this significant stress and even debt shouldn’t be your responsibility alone.

Rideshare services such as Lyft and Uber are popular ways to get to work and head home after a night of drinking. It seems convenient, inexpensive, and safe. Unfortunately, rideshare drivers can make dangerous errors that put you at risk.

Whether you were a passenger in the rideshare driver’s car or another vehicle at the time of the crash, you could file a claim or lawsuit to demand compensation for the losses you suffered. You shouldn’t be financially responsible when someone else was at fault.

At OnderLaw, our team of experienced Long Beach rideshare accident lawyers has been fighting for injured Californians since 2002, and we’ve recovered over $3.5 billion in settlements for them. We have the resources to investigate even the most complicated cases and gather the evidence necessary to prove who should be held liable. To learn more about our services in a free consultation, call today.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer?

Many people don’t realize what it takes to file an insurance claim or lawsuit. You have to follow strict deadlines, prepare legal documents, complete confusing paperwork, and prove your argument with evidence. You will also have to communicate with the insurance company and defense attorneys if you represent yourself in your case. It might not seem that complicated, but if you miss an important deadline or run into an obstacle, you could end up losing your opportunity for financial compensation.

It’s critical to consult a Long Beach rideshare accident lawyer immediately after the crash. Studies have shown that accident victims have a better chance of securing a higher financial award with legal representation than when they choose to initiate a case alone. At OnderLaw, we know what it takes to reach a favorable outcome. You won’t have to do it alone.

Types of Rideshare Accidents

The most common types of rideshare accidents are:

  • As a passenger – It’s reasonable to expect that your Uber or Lyft ride will be safe, which is why you chose it. But both irresponsible rideshare drivers and other reckless drivers sometimes make your ride home dangerous. If you were the passenger in a Long Beach rideshare accident, the driver of your ride or the other driver could be responsible for causing the crash and your injuries.
  • As another driver – Many rideshare drivers are careful when they operate their vehicles, but the companies hire everyday drivers. That means that some are reckless and negligent. If a drunk, drugged, or otherwise reckless rideshare driver caused your crash, they could be liable for the cost of your injuries.
  • As a pedestrian – Ubers and Lyfts often operate in crowded pedestrian zones, which raises the risk of striking a pedestrian. The rideshare drivers might be responsible for any injuries they cause, and if they were logged in to the app, the companies might provide insurance coverage.
  • As a rideshare driver – Even the most responsible driver can’t prevent every crash. Even if you took safety precautions and operated your vehicle responsibly, you could cross paths with a reckless driver. They could be held accountable for their actions through a personal injury claim or lawsuit.

These accidents can happen for many reasons, including human error. Poor road or weather conditions can also contribute to a collision with a rideshare driver. The most common causes of rideshare accidents include:

  • Speeding
  • Reckless driving
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Tailgating
  • Ignoring traffic signs and signals
  • Distracted driving
  • Failing to yield the right of way
  • Unsafe lane changes

If a rideshare driver caused an accident while you were a passenger or in another vehicle, contact OnderLaw to discuss your legal options. We can review the facts of your case and determine who should be held legally responsible for your injuries.

Common Injuries Suffered in Rideshare Accidents

Different injuries varying in severity can happen in rideshare accidents. Some people heal quickly without much medical attention, while others suffer months of painful treatment.

The most common injuries caused by rideshare accidents are:

  • Concussions
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Whiplash
  • Broken bones
  • Internal bleeding
  • Spinal cord damage
  • Neck injuries
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Paralysis
  • Nerve damage
  • Wounds and bruises
  • Crush injuries

Unfortunately, some victims develop disabilities as a result, while others fully recover but struggle with psychological harm long after their visible scars heal. If another person caused your injuries, you have the right to seek full and fair compensation from them and their insurance companies.

What Compensation Is Available?

The compensation available in an insurance claim depends on the rideshare driver’s coverage. California requires all motorists to buy and maintain liability insurance with minimum limits of $15,000 for bodily injury and $5,000 for property damage. The rideshare company might also provide third-party liability coverage under certain circumstances, including when the driver was on the clock.

For example, Uber provides liability coverage under these circumstances:

  • Drivers waiting for a ride request – $50,000 for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage
  • Picking up riders and during trips – $1 million third-party liability

Since California is an at-fault state, you can hold the driver financially responsible for the injuries and losses they caused, whether you were in their car or another car. The compensation available in a claim against an Uber or Lyft driver can include money for:

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

Most claims can be resolved in negotiation, but if the insurers refuse to pay, you might also have the option to file a lawsuit. If you choose to sue the rideshare driver for compensation for your losses, you must initiate legal action before the two-year statute of limitations expires. That means you would have two years from the date of the accident to claim compensation, or you could lose your right to hold them liable.

What to Do After a Rideshare Accident

There are multiple steps you should follow if you get hurt in a rideshare accident. First, you should seek medical treatment at a hospital. If your injury isn’t severe, you could see your regular doctor, but you should do so as soon as possible.

Your physician might recommend follow-up care, such as physical therapy, chiropractic treatment, or surgery. It’s crucial to follow their instructions and continue treatment until your medical providers release you. If your injury caused a disability, you could collect compensation that covers any necessary future medical expenses.

It’s a good idea to hire an attorney to help you build your case. OnderLaw can provide the legal services you need to prove the rideshare driver’s negligent actions caused the accident and your injuries. While you’re focusing on your health, we can complete each step of the legal process on your behalf.

Maintaining adequate records is a vital part of preparing a case. Keep copies of every document you receive, including medical bills, physician notes, written prescriptions, and letters from the insurance company. Forward them to us so we can review them and build a persuasive case for compensation.

The more evidence we can submit to the insurance company, the better. They want to avoid a large settlement payout and look for evidence to disprove your claim. If we can provide sufficient evidence, it would be difficult for them to make a lowball offer or deny your claim altogether.

Why Choose OnderLaw?

At OnderLaw, our Long Beach rideshare accident lawyers believe everyone deserves quality representation no matter their financial standing. You might think you can’t afford a lawyer, but don’t let that deter you from seeking the money you need. We take cases on contingency, which means we charge nothing upfront. We only expect payment from our clients if we secure an insurance settlement or favorable verdict. If we lose your case, we’ll never charge you a dime.

We put forth the same work into every case we take, big or small, and we personalize our services to each client’s needs. You’ll get the one-on-one attention you deserve. You can reach us 24/7 to discuss your case at a time that’s most convenient for you. Don’t delay getting the help you need.

Contact Us

OnderLaw is ready to take on your rideshare accident case and fight for your legal goals. You can depend on our team to seek the maximum compensation possible, so you’re can leave the experience knowing you got what you were owed. With our Long Beach rideshare accident lawyers in your corner, you can feel confident that you have dedicated and skilled representation.

If you suffered injuries in a rideshare accident, call us for a free consultation.