Heavy traffic has become a way of life in San Francisco, and ridesharing offers many residents and tourists a convenient means of getting around the city. Uber and Lyft both match commuters and travelers with drivers via their apps. What if there’s an accident? How do you recover compensation for your injuries? It can be difficult to determine who is at fault: the driver of the car you’re riding in, the operator of another vehicle, Uber or Lyft themselves, or some other party.
You need someone on your side that understands the liability involved in San Francisco ridesharing services as well as California auto accident law. The San Francisco personal injury attorneys of OnderLaw have handled many difficult rideshare cases, and we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve so that you can move forward with your life.
An accident in an Uber or Lyft vehicle can be a painful experience. Besides the injuries that result from any car accident, there are likely several parties involved, and determining who is at fault can be a complicated process. Uber and Lyft, the two largest rideshare companies, are massive corporations with a strong interest in reducing their liability. These businesses have millions of drivers nationwide, and every accident has the potential to cost them a fortune in insurance payouts. Further, recently enacted state law attempts to protect these drivers as employees and may affect who can be found liable in your case.
When you’ve been injured in a car accident, your primary focus needs to be on your health and your recovery. Accident liability law is complex and daunting, and you need a team of seasoned advocates who will investigate the crash and build a strong case against the party responsible for your injuries.
Your pursuit of compensation and the success of your case will depend on the circumstances of the Uber or Lyft crash. One important factor is whether you were a passenger in a car operated by a Lyft or Uber driver, or you were driving your own car and got into an accident with one of these drivers.
California’s comparative negligence laws mean that the amount of your compensation may be reduced by the percentage you are found to be at fault for the accident. If you were one of the drivers in the crash, other parties may attempt to argue that you contributed to the accident in order to protect their own financial interests. A knowledgeable accident lawyer can provide an essential defense against this tactic.
Rideshare drivers sometimes attempt dangerous maneuvers when they try to pick up passengers or arrive at a destination quickly. Accidents may occur for several reasons:
A lawyer with experience litigating Uber and Lyft accidents can perform a thorough investigation of the crash to determine whether the driver was at fault and if the rideshare company can be held liable.
An accident in an Uber or Lyft, as with any car accident, may lead to a variety of injuries, from minor to severe or even life-threatening. Cuts, scrapes, and bruises are very common, as are more serious injuries such as broken bones and head trauma. Some of the injuries possible in a Lyft or Uber accident include:
No matter how minor your injuries may seem, you need to seek medical attention right away after any car accident. Some problems don’t manifest until hours or days after the crash but may cause permanent damage if not treated immediately. Also, it’s important to have a diagnosis and treatment plan from a doctor, which can help build a strong case for compensation.
The amount and type of compensation available in a rideshare accident will depend largely on who is determined to be at fault. The negligent party may be the driver of the car in which you are a passenger, the driver of another car, the rideshare company, or a combination of these. Compensation for a car accident can be used to defray medical costs and get your life as “back to normal” as possible. Some compensation you may be eligible for includes:
Your attorney can help you determine the type and amount of compensation you may qualify for depending on the circumstances of your case.
It’s important to note that Uber and Lyft have special insurance policies in the event of an accident involving one of their drivers. The level of coverage will vary depending on the status of the driver at the time of the accident.
If you’ve just been in an accident involving a ridesharing service, there are a number of steps you should take to make sure that your case is as strong as possible.
Call OnderLaw right away to ensure your case is as solid as possible.
The rideshare accident attorneys at OnderLaw have many years of experience handling the toughest cases for our clients. Our firm has been recognized by legal associations such as Super Lawyers, the Million Dollar Advocate Forum, and the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers, among others. Our proudest recognition, however, comes from the people we represent every day, facing difficult situations just like yours. We work hard to make sure our clients get the top-quality legal representation they deserve.
Living with the aftermath of a car accident is painful and hard to endure. You have injuries, medical treatment, and bills on top of your legal worries. But you don’t have to face these things alone. OnderLaw is here to help. Reach out to us immediately so we can get started on your case. Fill out our contact form or call us to set up a free consultation.
