San Bernardino Uber and Lyft Attorney
Your Experienced Uber and Lyft Accident Attorney
Ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft have become extremely popular over the last decade. Vehicle accidents, incompetent drivers and acts of violence have become more commonplace as the apps have gained more popularity. Uber is a billion-dollar company that now has thousands of drivers transporting hundreds of thousands of users every year. Uber drivers can get into accidents for negligence, carelessness, recklessness, and unlawful acts just like typical drivers on the road.
There are a few statistics that explain why Uber drivers are at an increased risk of getting involved in accidents. Uber drivers are on the road most at night, and accidents are more likely to happen in the evening. There are over 8 million Uber users worldwide, which explains why so many Uber accidents are consistently reported. In a busy city like Los Angeles, there is a higher chance of accidents due to congested roads. Unlike taxi companies, rideshare companies like Uber are not regulated by the government. Therefore, Uber has its own standards for hiring drivers, training and safety. This can lead to unqualified individuals becoming Uber drivers.
If you get into an accident with an Uber driver, your legal options may be limited due to the company’s liability waiver. In the state of California, Uber drivers are independent contractors. While this may normally protect the company from liability, there have been several lawsuits ending with the courts holding the company responsible for the accidents. This is why it is important to consult with a professional and experienced attorney familiar with Uber, Lyft and other ridesharing company accidents.
In California, Assembly Bill 2293 requires rideshare companies and drivers to carry liability insurance coverage with a minimum of $1 million in liability insurance. This should cover the driver from the time he or she accepts a passenger to the time the passenger exits the ride. However, the law does not require rideshare companies to carry collision or coverage. Uber must also carry $200,000 in excess liability coverage. This means that a driver’s personal auto insurance coverage will not apply while the driver is using the rideshare app-except if the driver has purchased a specific type of coverage that includes ridesharing.
Despite having $1 million in liability insurance, Uber’s company policy has a gray area as to who is liable after an accident. There is a fine print in Uber’s policy terms that users who use the ridesharing platform are passengers at their own risk. This is why after an Uber accident, insurance questions and claims can be complicated. If Uber’s insurance coverage is not enough to cover your damages, a third-party insurer may pay leftover costs. It is worth it to discuss your chances of filing a personal injury claim with a personal injury attorney after an Uber accident. A personal injury claim often results in more compensation than an insurance claim.
Uber also has a history of reported sexual and physical assault by drivers. Some examples of alleged acts committed in California include dragging passengers out of the vehicle, kidnapping passengers, stealing passengers’ phones, sexually assaulting passengers, driving under the influence, threatening passengers and impersonating an Uber driver. Sexual and physical assault cases involving an Uber driver can prompt both criminal and civil charges. You can file a personal injury claim against an offender while also going through a criminal investigation. By filing both types of claims, you can get sufficient compensation and justice for your pain and suffering.
If you have been injured as a passenger in a rideshare accident, you must know how to handle the insurance claim. It is important that you file a police report and gather all of the necessary insurance information of your driver. If you sustain any injuries, please seek the appropriate medical attention. Afterward, you must report your accident in the Uber app. An Uber employee should then reach out to obtain more information about your accident. Finally, Uber will either offer you a settlement through its insurance company or Uber may reject your claim.
If Uber does not compensate you with an amount enough to cover your damages or if Uber rejects your claim, it is best to talk to an attorney. If you or a loved one are a victim of rideshare accident, please contact LAW & PISH- Injury Trial Lawyers. to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. Call (951) 683-8320 for a free consultation today.
We got justice and I have peace now. My family will always be grateful for Ms. Law and that she answered our call.
Victoria Rojo