Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Every day, rideshare vehicles transport thousands of passengers. With one of the largest rideshare markets in the world, California sees no shortage of rideshare accidents, some of which are fatal. If you or a loved one was involved in a rideshare accident in Orange County, Woodbridge Accident Lawyers can help. Our Irvine Lyft and Uber accident lawyer can win your rideshare accident claim by proving liability for the accident and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve for your damages. We never let our clients leave with less than they deserve. Call our personal injury law firm today for a free consultation at (949) 850-6767.

Types of Rideshare Accidents

While most rideshare accidents involve two vehicles, they may also affect pedestrians or cyclists. At our law firm, we have represented clients involved in the following types of rideshare crashes:

Motorists hit by an Uber or Lyft driver
Pedestrians and cyclists struck by an Uber or Lyft vehicle
Passengers hurt in a rideshare vehicle

Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents

Lyft and Uber drivers typically spend long hours on the road, leading to fatigue and distractions. While every accident is different, these are some of the most common causes of rideshare accidents:

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a major problem on California roads, and Uber and Lyft drivers are no exception. One of the most dangerous types of distractions is texting and driving, which is illegal in California as well as many other states.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Lyft and Uber drivers may hurry to complete one ride and accept another, leading to a speeding accident. The Uber and Lyft apps alert drivers if they exceed the posted speed limit. Rideshare companies may suspend drivers if they are reported speeding when completing rides or using the app.

Impaired Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly increases the risk of a crash, including those with Uber and Lyft vehicles. Both Uber and Lyft have specific policies when it comes to impaired driving. Riders are encouraged to end the drive and immediately dial 911 if they suspect their driver is drug or alcohol-impaired.

Failure to Obey Traffic Laws

Running red lights and stop signs, failing to yield the right-of-way, and disregarding traffic laws are other common causes of motor vehicle accidents. Riders can report these violations, resulting in the driver’s suspension or termination.

Fatigue

Long work hours spent driving can lead to fatigue. Many rideshare trips are early in the morning or late at night, leading to drowsiness behind the wheel. Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Drivers should take frequent breaks and check any medicine for side effects. California does not allow Uber and Lyft drivers to give rides for more than 12 hours straight.

Unfamiliar Roads

Car accidents are more likely to happen on unfamiliar roads. Drivers may be too focused on their GPS to scan the road ahead. Dense urban areas where pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles abound can also increase the risk of an Uber or Lyft accident.

Liability in an Uber or Lyft Accident

Determining liability in a rideshare accident involves establishing who was negligent. Rideshare drivers are typically treated as independent contractors by their companies, not employees. This can affect how liability is assigned. It is best to speak to a personal injury lawyer if you have questions regarding liability.

To establish negligence in a personal injury claim, you must prove the following four elements:

Duty of care: Drivers are legally obligated to drive safely to avoid causing harm.
Breach: The driver failed to fulfill this duty through negligent actions such as speeding or disobeying traffic laws.
Causation: The driver’s breach of duty directly caused the car accident and resulted in rideshare accident injuries.
Damages: The victim suffered actual damages, such as physical injury or property damage, due to the Uber or Lyft accident.

Our Uber car accident lawyers in Irvine can help you prove negligence from the Uber or Lyft driver or the rideshare companies.

Compensation For Rideshare Accident Victims

The extent of coverage for rideshare accident victims depends on the driver’s status at the time of the car accident:

Not Logged Into the App: If the driver is not logged into the Uber or Lyft app at the time of the accident, only their personal auto insurance coverage applies.

Awaiting a Ride Request: If the driver is logged into the app but has not yet accepted a ride request, Lyft and Uber offer the following liability coverage:

$50,000 per person for bodily injury
$100,000 per accident of bodily injury
$25,000 of property damage liability coverage

Ride Accepted/Passenger in Vehicle: Once a ride request is accepted or a passenger is in the vehicle, the coverage increases significantly, with a combined liability coverage of at least $1 million.

Experienced Rideshare Accident Attorneys

Our seasoned Uber and Lyft accident lawyer at Woodbridge Accident Lawyers understands the complexities of rideshare accident claims. We dedicate ourselves to fighting for our client’s rights to ensure they receive the maximum compensation possible.

If you sustained injuries in a rideshare accident, don’t hesitate to ask our Uber and Lyft accident attorney for expert legal assistance. Schedule a free consultation today by calling (949) 850-6767 or filling out our quick online form.