Ridesharing has made life more convenient for many people. This is especially true in areas like Orange County, where the costs of owning a vehicle can be prohibitively high for many people. However, that convenience comes at a price. Accidents are on the rise across the country, and ridesharing is still a gray area in some states.
What happens if you get hit while you’re taking an Uber or Lyft? How do you get the compensation you’re owed? What happens if you’re hit by an Uber or Lyft driver?
We make it easy to find the attorney you need to answer these questions, and the questions you don’t even know you have yet. Browse our list of local Orange County law firms below to find an Uber or Lyft accident attorney for your claim.
One piece of research that has captured a lot of attention in this area comes out of University of Chicago. By analyzing average accident fatalities over a period of several years, they estimated a 3% jump in car accident deaths since the introduction of Uber. On top of that, there has been an increase in miles traveled, gas usage, hours spent in traffic, and new car registrations.
Insurance coverage for Transportation Network Companies (Uber, Lyft and other rideshare services) depends on when an accident occurs. California is one state that has outlined specific requirements for rideshare drivers, making it easier for accident victims to seek compensation after a collision. When a rideshare driver is not logged into their app, any collision they cause is covered by their own personal insurance policy. After they have logged into the app and they are waiting for a fare, their insurance may still pick up part of the tab. However, they are also covered by Uber and Lyft policies. Both companies offer coverage for $50,000 of bodily injury coverage per person up to $100,000 and up to $25,000 in property damage. After picking up a passenger, the company’s $1 million insurance policy protects the driver, passenger, and anyone injured in an accident they cause.
Whether you are injured as a passenger or as an occupant in other vehicle, you can seek compensation after a collision. This process is largely handled the same as any other personal injury claim. You’ll want to hire an Orange County Uber and Lyft accident attorney, provide evidence you gathered from the collision, and let your lawyer take over from there. Negotiating with commercial insurance providers can be challenging, especially when such large insurance policies are in play. Be wary of talking to the insurance adjuster yourself, as they may use your statements against you when it comes to offering a settlement.
No matter what, make sure you go through the proper channels when reporting the accident. Uber or Lyft drivers may want to avoid going through insurance because they know that an accident could put their driver status in jeopardy. However, you have to do what is right for you. Reporting the accident to the police and going through insurance protects your right to seek compensation. If you try to settle the issue without insurance, you have little to no chance of getting what you deserve.
Uber & Lyft are ride-sharing companies which operate in many cities around the US. As with any transportation service, there have been reports of accidents involving Uber vehicles. However, the overall frequency of accidents involving Uber and Lyft vehicles is not publicly available information.
It is important to note that Uber and Lyft, like other transportation companies, is required to carry commercial insurance to cover accidents and injuries that occur while using their service. Additionally, both Uber and Lyft’s safety measures, such as in-app emergency assistance and background checks for drivers, have been implemented to help reduce the risk of accidents and dangerous incidents.
The rideshare accident lawyers listed on this page serve clients in Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, Orange, Fullerton, Costa Mesa, Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Newport Beach, Buena Park, Tustin, Yorba Linda, Laguna Niguel, San Clemente, La Habra, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Brea, Ladera Ranch and all courts throughout Orange County and Southern California. If you or a family member was injured in an Uber or Lyft accident and need to talk to a lawyer and get your questions answered, call an attorney listed here today.
If you’ve been in an Uber or Lyft accident and you’re worried about the medical bills coming your way, turn to one of the Orange County Uber & Lyft accident attorneys listed here. They’re ready to help you through this challenging time.