If a rideshare driver caused your injuries in an accident, call the San Bernardino personal injury lawyers of OnderLaw today. We might be able to help you hold the negligent driver liable and seek the compensation you need to pay for your medical treatment and other costs. If your actions didn’t contribute to the accident in any way, you should not be forced to pay these expenses out of pocket.

Accidents involving motor vehicles often lead to debilitating injuries. Sometimes, life-threatening injuries and death occur. Although rideshare services are convenient for passengers, they also pose a significant risk. If the driver makes an error at the wheel, they place their passenger and the occupants of other cars or nearby pedestrians in danger. You may end up needing ongoing medical treatment and face financial struggles trying to afford those bills.

At OnderLaw, our San Bernardino rideshare accident lawyers know the physical, emotional, and financial toll a traumatic experience like this can take on your life. We are ready to fight for you to recover the maximum compensation possible. For a free consultation to learn more about how we can help, call us now.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer?

Cases involving rideshare drivers are often complicated to handle. This is a huge undertaking that you should not attempt yourself. When you file a claim without the help of a lawyer, the insurance company could try to take advantage of you. Their goal is to save money, and they will likely look for any reason to deny your claim. If they offer a low settlement, you might feel tempted to accept because you don’t know your rights or how much money you actually deserve.

An experienced legal team can complete every step to compensation on your behalf. You can depend on OnderLaw to take on the responsibility, from investigating the accident and collecting evidence to filing the claim and negotiating with the insurance company. We also have experience litigating cases and aren’t afraid to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party and take them to court.

Types of Rideshare Accidents

You could suffer injuries in an accident with a rideshare driver in various scenarios. It’s possible to be involved in this type of crash even if you’re not a passenger in the rideshare driver’s car.

The most common types of rideshare accidents are when you’re:

  • The occupant of another vehicle – If you’re driving or you’re a passenger in a different car, you could cross paths with a rideshare driver. An accident can result if they exceed the speed limit, tailgate your car, or otherwise behave recklessly.
  • A passenger – The rideshare driver is responsible for your safety when you’re a passenger in their vehicle. They should focus on the task of driving and avoid distractions or breaking traffic laws. You could hold them liable if they cause an accident and your injuries.
  • A pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorcyclist – Even if you’re not in a car, you could sustain an injury in a collision with a rideshare driver. They might run a red light, fail to yield the right of way, or swerve into your lane.

A range of factors could contribute to a rideshare accident. Most commonly, it’s the driver’s actions that lead to a crash. The most common causes of rideshare accidents include:

  • Tailgating
  • Driving under the influence
  • Disobeying traffic lights and signs
  • Failing to yield the right of way
  • Speeding
  • Driver fatigue
  • Unsafe lane changes
  • Distracted driving

OnderLaw is familiar with cases involving rideshare services. There is a lot at stake here, and you should not move forward with a claim or lawsuit without our help. We know what it takes to prove fault for a rideshare accident and secure the compensation you need to heal your injuries.

Common Injuries Suffered in Rideshare Accidents

Injuries are expected in car accidents. Even if you’re in a fender bender, you can suffer whiplash or muscle strain. Any injury could require medical treatment. That costs money, and if you can’t afford to pay your medical bills, you could face significant debt.

A range of injuries can result from a rideshare accident, such as:

  • Spinal cord damage and back injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Internal bleeding
  • Cuts and scars
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Paralysis
  • Neck injuries
  • Whiplash
  • Emotional trauma
  • Burns

The San Bernardino rideshare accident lawyers of OnderLaw know how devastating it is to become the victim of another person’s misconduct. No matter what type of injury you sustained in the accident, it could interfere with your life. You need to take time off from work to attend doctor’s appointments and don’t have the physical ability to take care of yourself or your family. It disrupts a person’s routine and reduces their quality of life.

What Compensation Is Available?

A car accident causes not only bodily harm but also affects a victim financially and emotionally. The at-fault party should compensate you for your past and future losses. You can file a claim with the rideshare driver’s insurance company for compensation to cover losses, such as:

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

Personal car insurance covers the occupants of other vehicles when a motorist causes an accident. Standard liability policies have minimum limits of $15,000 for bodily injury and $5,000 for property damage. However, if you were in an accident with a rideshare driver, different coverage could apply depending on the circumstances.

Uber and Lyft provide liability insurance for their drivers. For example, Lyft coverage includes:

  • $1 million liability during rides and when the driver is picking up a passenger
  • $50,000 for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage when the driver’s app is on, and they are waiting for a request from a passenger

If the rideshare driver’s app were off at the time of an accident, their personal liability insurance would apply.

If the insurance company doesn’t offer an adequate settlement amount or denies your claim, you could proceed with a lawsuit. However, there is a strict timeframe you must follow if you want to sue the rideshare driver. California has a two-year statute of limitations, meaning you have to file your lawsuit within two years of the accident date to seek compensation.

You could pursue exemplary damages when you file a lawsuit. Unlike an insurance claim, this financial award does not compensate you for your losses. Instead, it punishes the at-fault party for their actions. You must provide the jury with clear and convincing evidence of the defendant’s malice, fraud, or oppression.

What to Do After a Rideshare Accident

The immediate aftermath of any car crash can be confusing. If you were injured, you want to seek treatment as soon as possible. It’s critical to go to the hospital after leaving the scene so a doctor can evaluate your condition. If they recommend follow-up care, listen to their orders. Their recommendations are for your benefit, so your injuries heal. If you choose to try at-home remedies, it could ruin your recovery and negatively affect your case.

The records associated with your treatment could improve your chance of receiving compensation. The insurance company will want proof that your injury resulted from the accident. Keep a copy of every document, such as doctor bills, hospitalization records, rehabilitation notes, surgical reports, and imaging tests.

You should also hire an attorney after the accident. Facing the insurance company alone can be intimidating. If you’re unfamiliar with the process, you might submit incomplete medical records or say something that allows them to place liability on you instead of their policyholder. An experienced lawyer can handle all communication for you to prevent common pitfalls claimants make and aggressively pursue the full and fair settlement available.

Why Choose OnderLaw?

Since 2002, OnderLaw has recovered over $3.5 billion in settlements for accident victims. Our proven track record of success shows the commitment and effort we put into every case we take. We believe in advocating for those in need and fighting for their rights.

Many organizations have given us awards for the level of care we provide to our clients and the results we have achieved. Super Lawyers, the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and The National Trial Lawyers are just a few of the prestigious groups that have recognized us for our hard work. We also hold an AV® rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest distinction given to the top lawyers in the country.

The San Bernardino rideshare accident lawyers of OnderLaw want our clients to receive the quality representation they deserve without being burdened by additional expenses. That is why we take cases on contingency. There are no upfront fees or costs when you hire us. We won’t expect payment of our legal fees unless we secure compensation for you.

Contact Us

OnderLaw aims to provide dependable customer service to every client. We are available 24/7 to take your call whenever you need us. You will be our top priority and receive ongoing communication and guidance throughout your entire case.

If you were involved in an accident with a rideshare driver, call OnderLaw today. We can discuss your case during a free consultation and advise you about the available options to hold them liable and pursue the compensation you deserve. Call right now.