In recent years, ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have become incredibly popular, replacing taxis for many Los Angeles residents. Rideshare services are easy and affordable, and they are ubiquitous throughout the nation. However, rideshare drivers face many types of distractions and may not always drive safely. If you wish to file a claim for injuries during an accident, our Los Angeles Uber/Lyft car accident attorneys represent both passengers and drivers in rideshare accident claims.
Similarly, accidents while driving for food delivery apps like Doordash, Uber Eats or Postmates can be stressful to deal with. Having an attorney guide you through the process can help you deal the multiple parties involved while protecting your rights.
What to Do If You Were Injured While Driving as a Gig Worker
When you drive for Doordash, Uber or Lyft, you’re not considered an employee. Instead, you’re an independent contractor. However, delivery apps and rideshare companies are still required to provide insurance coverage in the case of an accident. The insurance question can get tricky, though, depending on whether or not you were on the clock when the crash happened.
There are a few different scenarios that could happen when you’re a rideshare driver:
- An accident happened while you were actively transporting a rider
- An accident happened while you were on the way to pick up a rider
- An accident happened after you dropped off a rider but before you picked up another one
Depending on when the accident happened, different insurance may be used for compensation. If you weren’t actively transporting a rider or on the way to pick one up, then you’ll need to rely on your own insurance or the insurance of the other vehicle for compensation. However, if you were “on the clock” with Uber or Lyft, you may be able to use their insurance, which has much higher limits than most personal insurance.
Learn more – Handling Car Accidents as a Rideshare Driver
Learn more – Handling Car Accidents as a Food Delivery Driver
Insurance liability can get extremely complex when it comes to rideshare services, so you should call an LA lawyer at Sepulveda Sanchez Law as soon as you can after your car accident. We can help you to get the maximum compensation possible for your injuries.
What to Do If You Are Injured as a Passenger in a Rideshare Vehicle
If you were injured as a passenger with Uber or Lyft, you will most likely be entitled to compensation. Who you get the compensation from will depend on the circumstances of the accident. There are a few possible scenarios for rideshare passenger accidents:
- You were injured because of an accident caused by your rideshare driver
- You were injured because of an accident caused by another driver
If you were injured because of your Uber or Lyft driver, you may be able to get compensation from the rideshare service’s insurance. If the accident was caused by another driver, then your compensation will first come from that driver’s insurance. If the driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may still be able to get compensation from Uber or Lyft.
Learn more – Handling Car Accidents as a Rideshare Passenger
Rideshare accidents involve a lot of different variables and key players, so it’s vital that you get an injury lawyer who has extensive experience dealing with Uber and Lyft accidents. Here at Sepulveda Sanchez Law, we know the ins and outs of rideshare regulations and can help ensure that you get the maximum compensation possible.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident
After a rideshare accident, you’ll be understandably shaken up. If you are severely injured, you may not be able to do anything and will need to go straight to the hospital. However, if you are able, you should try to do the following:
- Call 911 if it seems like anyone is injured
- Write down everything you can remember about how the accident happened
- Take photos of the accident scene
- Don’t talk to your rideshare driver, the other driver, or any witnesses about what happened
- If you are the rideshare driver, don’t make any statements or admit to fault
- Get a copy of the police report
- Exchange information with everyone involved, making sure to get both insurance information and contact information
- Contact Sepulveda Sanchez Accident Lawyers before talking with your insurance
It’s important not to make any statements or sign anything your insurance company gives you before calling a lawyer. Any statement you make may be taken against you, and if you agree to a settlement, you waive your right to a lawsuit or any further compensation in the future. It’s always better to talk to a rideshare accident attorney to make sure the settlement offer is reasonable before accepting it.
Common Injuries in a Rideshare Accident
Rideshare accidents can lead to catastrophic injury and even death. When you are riding in an Uber or a Lyft, always make sure to wear your seat belt and don’t distract the driver. Wearing your seat belt may be the difference between life and death in the case of an accident.
Common injuries from rideshare accidents can include:
- Severe bruises and cuts
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spine injury
These injuries can impact your ability to provide for yourself and your family, and can leave you deep in medical debt. Medical debt is the leading cause of bankruptcy in America, which is part of the reason why we work so hard to help victims of car accidents get compensation. Our legal team wants to make sure that you can afford your medical treatment and continue to provide for your family after a traumatic Uber or Lyft accident.
Compensation in a Rideshare Accident
If you were injured while driving for Uber or Lyft or while on a trip in a rideshare vehicle, a skilled attorney could help you recover damages such as:
- Medical bills
- Prescription medications
- Rehabilitation
- Loss of future income potential
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
If your loved one was killed in a rideshare accident, you may also be entitled to compensation in a wrongful death lawsuit. Wrongful death lawsuit compensation includes funeral and burial costs in addition to medical bills, lost income, and emotional damages.
Choose a Los Angeles Uber/Lyft Accident Attorney for Your Lawsuit
We are highly experienced in dealing with all the complexities and nuances involved in rideshare accident lawsuits. Rideshare accidents can involve a lot more moving parts than a regular car accident, and require highly specialized knowledge in order to get maximum compensation.
Here at Sepulveda Sanchez Law, we have the experience and know-how required to obtain favorable verdicts and settlements from rideshare companies. You can trust that we will fight aggressively on your behalf against all liable parties, which could include Uber and Lyft themselves.
We are with you every step of the way, communicating updates and treating you with respect and compassion. We’ve seen firsthand the trauma, pain, and suffering that an unexpected accident can cause. We can’t heal your injuries or return your life back to normal, but we can help you to get the compensation you need so that you can focus on recovery instead of stressing out about medical bills. Call a Los Angeles Uber/Lyft accident lawyer today to schedule a free consultation.