What Should You Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident?

While studies show that the vast majority of Uber and Lyft rideshares arrive at their destinations without accidents, the small percentage that results in an accident can result in injuries, loss of life, and complicated insurance debacles.

If you’re ever in a rideshare car accident, you must first determine how badly you are hurt. If you feel okay, check on the injuries to the driver and any other passengers. Then, call 911.

While awaiting the arrival of the police, document the accident and speak to eyewitnesses.

When law enforcement arrives, you will make a police report. If the police do not facilitate the sharing of insurance information between the affected parties, you should offer to share your information in exchange for theirs.

Accept medical treatment when the ambulance and paramedics arrive on the scene. Denying medical aid could limit the chances of recovering compensation at a later date.

Then, as soon as possible, report the rideshare car accident to the rideshare company responsible (Uber, Lyft, Cabify, Ziro, etc). Also, report the accident to your insurance company.

Consider consulting with a car accident attorney at any point in the process. Our law firm has years of experience serving clients in Anaheim, Bakersfield, Baldwin Park, Claremont, and Delano. To learn more about our legal services, please contact our law offices for a free case evaluation.

Do Rideshare Companies Carry Insurance?

Rideshare companies operating in California must carry a certain minimum level of car insurance, according to the law established in California Assembly Bill No. 2293. These car insurance policies are meant to protect the rideshare drivers, their passengers, and others who share the roads with them.

Lyft and Uber must carry at least $1 million in insurance that covers property damage, personal injury, and wrongful death. They must carry an additional $1 million in car insurance for accidents involving uninsured and underinsured drivers.

Uber and Lyft are required to inform their drivers of their insurance coverage and the rights of the passengers in their cars.

What Are Your Rights as a Passenger in an Uber Accident?

California is an at-fault state. If you were injured in a Lyft or Uber automobile accident, you have the right to pursue compensation for your losses from the at-fault party. This settlement may come in the form of economic and non-economic damages, like compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and wrongful death. However, who you file your lawsuit against shall differ depending on the facts of the case.

What if the Uber or Lyft Driver Was At Fault?

If an Uber driver was responsible for the accident, they may be liable. However, full liability depends upon whether the Uber or Lyft driver was on duty at the time of the collision. If they were not on duty, then full liability rests with the driver. However, if the driver was on duty at the time of the motor vehicle accident, then you may sue the rideshare company and seek compensation from their insurance provider.

If, for some reason, the driver was not on duty while you were their passenger, you will not have a claim against Uber or Lyft and their $1 million insurance policy.

What if a Third-Party Was At Fault?

If a third party was at fault for the accident – for example, another driver on the road caused the crash to happen – then you may file a personal injury claim against that driver because they are the liable party in the accident. As with any other car accident case, you will be tasked with establishing fault rests on the shoulders of the third party. Failure to do so may result in your case being dismissed.

What if the Uber Driver and a Third-Party Driver Were At Fault?

California subscribes to a comparative negligence understanding of accident and injury law. If multiple parties were responsible for an accident, their negligence will be compared against each other, and the full percentage of damages will be divided accordingly.

Depending upon the circumstances, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the rideshare company, the rideshare driver, and the third-party driver too. Filing a lawsuit against multiple parties can be complicated and difficult – it should not be attempted without the help of an experienced rideshare accident lawyer.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Experienced Rideshare Accident Attorneys Today

The Paris Firm’s legal team has extensive experience representing clients in car accidents as well as the added complexities of rideshare crashes. A car crash involving a rideshare vehicle and driver is more complicated than a typical auto accident. Even in a normal car collision, you should always proceed under the guidance of an experienced legal professional. So, that is doubly so when you are involved in a car accident involving a rideshare company.

While no there are no guarantees in any court case, we have the legal experience to confidently represent your case in pursuit of justice and financial compensation. Our law firm is based in Chino Hills, but we have served clients all over the Golden State. While we hope that what you’ve read today has been useful, it can be no replacement for sitting down to discuss your unique case with a lawyer. We encourage you to get in touch with our law firm by contacting our law offices for a free case evaluation at 909.325.6185.