Stockton Uber/Lyft Accident Lawyer

Over the past several years, rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft have dramatically changed how people take short trips across town and get home after late nights out. However, while summoning a ride from an app on your phone is convenient, the drivers who work for these services do not always use as much caution as they should. Some end up getting into or causing car accidents with severe repercussions.

You may have several options for financial compensation following a crash involving an Uber or Lyft driver. A knowledgeable auto collision attorney could help you understand your rights to file a lawsuit or pursue a settlement with the at-fault party. If you have grounds for a valid case, an experienced Stockton Uber/Lyft accident lawyer could help you obtain compensation while preserving your legal rights and best interests.

Establishing Liability for an Uber or Lyft Accident in Stockton

The first step to recovering compensation after a motor vehicle accident is determining who is at fault for the wreck. Fault in car crash claims centers around “negligence,” a legal term that refers to a careless or reckless act that directly causes an accident and results in injury.

The negligent act or failure to act must have violated the “duty of care” that all drivers owe to others on the road. Failing to comply with traffic laws, driving aggressively, or driving while distracted can all be considered a breach of the duty of care. There are many complex laws governing liability, so it is crucial that you work with a rideshare accident attorney who understands how these statutes can affect your case.

When Is Rideshare Insurance Coverage Available?

Even if an Uber or Lyft driver is 100 percent to blame for a traffic accident, the amount of compensation available to you may vary depending on the rideshare driver’s status when the incident occurred. If the at-fault Uber or Lyft driver was not logged into their respective rideshare app when the crash occurred, injured parties can only seek recovery from their own car insurance coverage, the at-fault driver’s personal car insurance, or a third-party lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver.

If the driver had not accepted a ride yet but was logged into their respective app, the company they work for will provide up to $50,000 of third-party liability coverage for a single person’s injuries, $100,000 for all injuries, and $25,000 for total property damage.

Finally, if the driver had accepted a ride and was either traveling to pick up a rider or actively transporting one, up to $1 million of third-party liability coverage may be available. A local attorney familiar with Uber and Lyft accident cases could clarify these options further and establish what sources of compensation may be available in your particular situation.

Speak with a Stockton Uber/Lyft Accident Attorney About Legal Options

If you were injured while riding in an Uber or Lyft or in a collision involving a rideshare driver, you could potentially seek compensation from the rideshare company. However, you may have trouble navigating the complicated commercial insurance policies without guidance from a legal professional with prior experience handling similar cases.

A Stockton Uber/Lyft accident lawyer could provide the help you need to achieve the best possible resolution to your case. Call our firm today to learn more.