Uber Accident Lawyer Los Angeles
It can be hard to know what to do after an auto accident. If you have been involved in an Uber car accident, the situation may feel even more complicated. However, with the help of an Uber accident lawyer in Los Angeles, you will be able to protect your legal rights. Insurance companies will attempt to settle your case for as little as possible, but a seasoned lawyer will ensure you get the full financial compensation you are entitled to and will need to recover. Let our Lyft and Uber crash lawyers at the Leiva Law Firm handle your claim so you can recover as quickly and easily as possible.
Ride-sharing services were first legalized in the state of California back in 2013. A new class of “Transportation Network Companies” was created by the California Public Utilities Commission. These services operate under a separate set of rules from regulated taxi services.
This legislation formed a new legal issue for consumers: who is legally responsible for collisions that involve ride-share vehicles? Our skilled Uber accident lawyers have been along for the ride as these types of cases have come about, and we can help preserve your legal right toward compensation following any rideshare crash.
Common Los Angeles Uber and Lyft Accident Injuries
An article written about the safety of rideshare services from science.org says that after rideshare services are launched in any city, fatal accidents rise, as well as gas consumption, time spent in traffic, and miles driven.
Los Angeles Lyft and Uber car accidents often result in several different types of injuries. These injuries can force victims into the hospital straight from the accident scene. While there, they may need to undergo medical care that is expensive, invasive, and overwhelming. Those victimized in rideshare accidents often suffer injuries such as:
- Broken bones
- Abrasions
- Cuts
- Scrapes
- Brain injuries
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Concussions
- Burns
- Scarring
- Lacerations
- Whiplash
- Soft tissue injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Loss of limbs
- Internal injuries
- Emotional trauma
- PTSD
How Does Uber Address Rideshare Accidents?
- If the rideshare driver is at fault: If the Uber or Lyft driver is currently on the clock when the crash happens, then his insurance coverage from the rideshare insurance company must pay out the costs related to the crash and the injuries that followed. In California, these policies may be as much as $1 million.
- If the rideshare driver is not at fault: If you were a passenger inside a rideshare vehicle who was involved in a crash that was not caused by the rideshare driver, you will need to file a claim against the other at-fault driver. If the driver who caused the crash does not have enough insurance to cover the damages, you may need to file an uninsured or underinsured claim against the rideshare company’s insurance. The rideshare driver’s personal insurance company does not come into play in either scenario.
An Uber accident attorney can help you file a personal injury claim for financial compensation if you were hurt as a passenger in a rideshare accident, regardless of who caused it. Uber accident attorneys regularly work on contingency, meaning they do not collect payment unless you can gather financial compensation for your losses and damages.
Top Causes of Uber Accidents in Los Angeles
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a major reason rideshare accidents occur. Lyft and Uber drivers are more distracted than your average driver. These drivers must pay attention to the rideshare app, which tells them the pick-up point, passenger information, and drop-off point. Rideshare drivers are also paying attention to the map displayed on their GPS.
Lastly, a rideshare driver and their customers often engage in conversation. Any distraction can draw a driver’s attention from the road. Multiple distractions may increase the probability of a traffic accident.
Navigating Unfamiliar Roads
An Uber driver may be unfamiliar with the route they are traveling when transporting customers. The driver’s unacquaintedness increases the chance of unsure driving, causing unexpected stops, slow driving, and sudden turns. These abrupt maneuvers can easily cause a rideshare accident.
Rideshare Driver Fatigue
Driver fatigue is an ever-present risk when catching a ride from Uber or Lyft. Many of these apps’ drivers are working excessively long hours to make as much money as possible. Driver fatigue can be a result of these long work hours. According to a AAA study, fatigued driving may be as hazardous as driving while intoxicated.
Unsafe Parking & Pickup Locations
When a Lyft or Uber picks up their passengers, the pick-up is expected to be quick, so the driver usually doesn’t utilize an actual parking spot. Pick-up areas chosen by rideshare drivers may be unsafe in high-traffic locations, such as partially blocking roadways or obstructing intersections. Improvised parking may be dangerous to other drivers or pedestrians in the area, which is another cause of accidents.
Speeding
Whether intentional or unintentional, Uber and Lyft drivers often speed. A rideshare driver may not notice the speed at which they are traveling, may be totally unaware of the speed limit, or may be in a rush to pick up as many passengers as possible. Unfortunately, the prospect of making as much money as they can in a short period of time may take precedence over the safety of themselves and their passengers, which can likely increase the chance of crashes occurring.
Rideshare Vehicle Maintenance
While Lyft and Uber require initial vehicle maintenance standards in order to begin driving for their companies, there is no actual guarantee that the same standard of maintenance will continue throughout their career. Vehicle malfunctions and maintenance issues are common causes of rideshare crashes. Some of these include tire problems, brake malfunctions, and engine issues.
What Compensation Can I Receive for an Uber Accident?
When you file a personal injury claim after you were injured in an Uber accident, an Uber accident lawyer in Los Angeles can help you prove how the accident occurred so you can collect financial compensation from the responsible driver’s insurance company. At the Leiva Law Firm, our rideshare accident attorneys can help you get the funds you require after a car accident. You may be able to recover compensation for the following damages that may have resulted from your recent Los Angeles Uber or Lyft accident:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Vehicle repairs (if your vehicle was struck by a rideshare driver)
- Vehicle replacement (if you were in a motor vehicle accident involving a rideshare driver)
- property damage
- Pain
- Suffering
- Emotional turmoil
- Punitive damages
We always offer a free consultation with no obligation, so you can learn about your legal rights and options without worrying about money.
How Long Do I Have to File My Uber Accident Claim?
In California, you have two years from the date of your accident in which to file a personal injury lawsuit for compensation. When you work with a Lyft or Uber accident attorney in Los Angeles from the Leiva law firm, we will make sure you file all the necessary paperwork and meet every deadline in a timely manner.
Contact the Leiva Law Firm to File Your Personal Injury Claim
Contact our Los Angeles personal injury law firm as soon as you can to learn about how we can help you recover the maximum compensation available for your losses and damages after you were hurt in a rideshare crash. We can offer you prime legal representation at no cost to you unless you are able to financially recover with our help.