Rideshare (Uber, Lyft, Taxi) Attorney California

Millions of individuals use Uber and Lyft to travel. They are significantly cheaper and cleaner than standard taxis. If you have been injured using rideshare such as Uber, Lyft, Taxi, or other, please contact us at 800-816-1529.

California Rideshare Attorney (Uber, Lyft, Taxi, and others)

Millions of individuals use Uber, Lyft and Taxis to travel. They are significantly cheaper and cleaner than standard taxis.

But what happens if you become injured in an Uber accident or Lyft accident? Or if you are crossing the street and a ridesharing vehicle strikes you? If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, call an Uber accident lawyer at The Law Offices of Norman Gregory Fernandez & Associates right away at 800-816-1529for a free and confidential consultation. We will advocate for your rights and the compensation you deserve. You need not worry about the cost of hiring a Lyft or Uber accident lawyer. Our clients incur no upfront fees or hidden expenses. In addition, there is no fee unless we win. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain by contacting our experienced Uber accident attorneys immediately.

Uber and Lyft are frequently mentioned in the news. From recently enacted California laws regarding the employment status of rideshare drivers to Lyft’s enhanced driver background checks, it can be difficult to keep up. A Lyft or Uber accident attorney from The Law Offices of Norman Gregory Fernandez & Associates is knowledgeable about ridesharing companies and the law in order to better serve you. If you are injured in an accident involving Lyft or Uber, we are here to help.

Below are answers from our accident attorneys to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive, as well as general information on Uber and Lyft as it relates to your legal rights.

What Should I Do If I’m Involved in an Accident While Riding in a Lyft?

You should take the same precautions as you would for any other type of automobile accident.

1. Check for your own and others’ injuries. If anyone is injured, dial 911 immediately. Even if you don’t believe you’re injured, you should seek medical attention as a precaution. You may have internal injuries and be unaware of it.
2. Notify the proper authorities Also, call the police. Accident reports are crucial, especially when there are injuries.
3. Collect evidence. Take photographs and collect evidence only when it is safe to do so. Obtain the driver’s name, license number, and insurance information, if applicable. Take photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and accident location. If there are any witnesses, determine if they are willing to assist you.
4. Consult with a lawyer Contact our Lyft accident lawyers immediately for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation. Accidents involving ridesharing services can be complex, so you will need legal representation to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

A Lyft vehicle struck me; what should I do?

When crossing the street, being struck by any vehicle can result in severe injuries. You should seek immediate medical attention as your first step. Then, you should consult with the Lyft accident lawyers at The Law Offices of Norman Gregory Fernandez & Associates. Your accident will undoubtedly result in medical expenses, and you may be unable to work for some time. Our accident attorneys will negotiate with Lyft and their insurance company on your behalf, allowing you to focus on healing.

Should I Still Seek Medical Attention After My Lyft Accident, Despite the Absence of Pain?

Absolutely, yes! Pain and symptoms may not manifest for hours or even days. Moreover, you may have internal injuries of which you are unaware. Even if you do not believe that you are injured, you should seek medical attention as a precaution.

In addition, failure to seek immediate medical attention can weaken your case. In order to weaken your claim, Lyft and their insurance company will question why you delayed seeing a doctor.

What are the limits of the Lyft insurance policy?

Similar to Uber, Lyft divides its insurance into two categories: when the driver has the app activated but is not on their way to pick up a passenger, and when they have a passenger in their vehicle. This is Period 1 When a Lyft driver is in Period 1, the policy limits are as follows:

• Bodily injury liability coverage of $50,000 per person injured in an accident • Bodily injury liability coverage of $100,000 per accident
• $30,000 per accident in property damage liability coverage

For Periods 2 and 3, please note:

Period 2 begins once a Lyft driver has accepted a trip request. When a passenger is picked up, they are in Period 3.

Lyft provides drivers with million in commercial auto insurance and million in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage during both Periods 2 and 3.

If the driver was offline at the time of the accident, their own auto insurance must cover the damages.

Can I File a Lawsuit Against Lyft Following an Accident?

It depends. If you were a passenger in a Lyft vehicle, you are covered under the commercial auto insurance policy of the company. As can be seen in the table above, their drivers carry more than $1 million in insurance coverage. The bad news is that their insurance will frequently attempt to provide injured passengers with inadequate compensation. In such a case, you will need a Lyft accident attorney to obtain a fair amount of compensation.

You may file a claim against the driver who caused your accident while you were a Lyft passenger. Under their uninsured motorist coverage, Lyft will cover any damages up to million if the driver is uninsured.

What Compensation Am I Eligible For Following My Lyft Accident?

The state of California permits accident victims to seek damages (legal jargon for monetary compensation) for their injuries and related expenses. Punitive damages may be awarded if the defendant acted in a particularly reckless or irresponsible manner, but this is uncommon.

There are two types of damages:

• Economic – Economic damages can easily be calculated. All accident-related expenses incurred by the victim are totaled to determine a sum. Among the possible types of economic damages are: o Medical bills
  • Property damage
  • Lost income o Lost ability to earn
• Non-economic – There is no set formula for figuring out non-economic damages. Among these damages are: o Suffering and pain
  • Psychological suffering and trauma
  • Losses attributable to a handicap or physical impairment o Losses attributable to a permanent disfigurement
  • Loss of life’s pleasure

There is no compensation cap for personal injury victims in California. In the event of a trial, the jury is permitted to award the victim any amount they deem reasonable based on the evidence and the victim’s estimated losses.

Should I also file a claim with Lyft following my accident?

Lyft has a reputation for providing poor customer service. The ridesharing company was in the news earlier this year for its inadequate response to victims of both car accidents and sexual harassment. In response, Lyft has implemented stricter background checks for drivers and enhanced customer service.

In spite of this, if you were injured or harassed in a Lyft vehicle, it is in your best interest to contact our experienced Lyft attorneys as opposed to attempting to resolve the issue directly with Lyft. Lyft is a business seeking to protect its own interests. You need an accident attorney who is part of a formidable team and is willing to fight for your rights. You need The Law Offices of Norman Gregory Fernandez & Associates’ attorneys.

How long do I have to file a Lyft accident claim?

In California, you have two years from the date of your accident to file a claim against Lyft. The term for this is statute of limitations. You have only six months to file a claim against a government-owned vehicle (such as a postal truck or a municipal utility truck) if it contributed to the accident.

Regardless of the nature of your accident, you should contact a Lyft accident attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case.

How is Liability Determined in an Accident Involving Lyft?

The determination of liability is identical to that made in a standard auto accident. California is a state of comparative fault. This means that you can still file a claim if you are injured in an accident involving a Lyft car, even if you were partially responsible for the incident.

One reason why a Lyft accident claim may be more complicated is because Lyft drivers use their own vehicles to transport passengers. There may be multiple parties involved, including multiple insurance companies. In addition, Lyft has been criticized for providing inadequate customer service after an accident, even when injuries are involved. If you have been injured in an accident involving a Lyft vehicle, you should contact The Law Offices of Norman Gregory Fernandez & Associates immediately.

Why Should I Retain a Lyft Accident Lawyer?

You should have access to the finest legal counsel, just as Lyft does. Do you intend to confront them all by yourself? A Lyft accident attorney understands the applicable laws and how to negotiate with all parties involved. If you have been injured, you may have medical expenses and be unable to work. During this stressful time, we can take care of everything for you while you focus on feeling better.

What Should I Do If I Am Involved in an Uber Accident as a Passenger?

1. Safety comes first. Your driver should know to move the vehicle to a safe area away from traffic, but don’t hesitate to remind them. Make sure they pull off to the shoulder of the road or otherwise out of the flow of traffic. Check yourself and others for injuries right away, but only if it isn’t dangerous and you feel well enough to do so.
2. Contact the authorities. As with all motor vehicle accidents, you should call 911 immediately. If anyone has been seriously injured, request an ambulance. Even if there are no obvious injuries, you should seek medical attention immediately. You may still be in a state of shock and be unaware of your injuries. Insist on filing a police report as well. A police report will be extremely important if you want to pursue legal action.
3. Collect evidence. Make sure you have accurate information about your Uber driver: name, license number, and insurance information, as well as any other parties or witnesses to the Uber accident. Whenever possible, photograph any visible injuries and vehicle damage. Notate the location and time of the Uber accident.
4. Talk to a lawyer. Consult an accident attorney. If you were injured in the accident, talk to an Uber accident lawyer at The Law Offices of Norman Gregory Fernandez & Associates right away. They will be able to provide guidance regarding your legal options and next steps.

An Uber Hit Me, What Should I Do?

If you’re struck by an Uber car as a pedestrian or while driving your vehicle, you have the same rights as an Uber passenger who’s injured in an accident. Your safety should be your top priority, and you should adhere to the four recommendations outlined in the previous response.

Any pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle, Uber or otherwise, will often suffer serious injuries. Even if you believe the impact was merely a “bummer,” seek immediate medical attention. Then contact an experienced rideshare attorney right away to go over your accident.

What Should I Do If I Was Involved in an Uber Accident While Driving for Uber?

If you were injured in an accident that was not your fault while driving for Uber, contact an Uber accident lawyer who knows the laws surrounding rideshare accidents right away. Uber’s treatment of its drivers has earned it a justifiably poor reputation, and with the passage of California Assembly Bill 5, the legal landscape has become more ambiguous. Uber can no longer avoid financial responsibility for driver injuries caused by accidents by claiming that they are independent contractors and not employees.

Due to the uncertainty surrounding this new law, it is best to contact an Uber accident attorney at The Law Offices of Norman Gregory Fernandez and Associates. We’ll stand up for your rights and make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.

I Experience no Pain. After my Uber Accident, Should I See a Doctor?

Yes! It is extremely common for accident victims to feel no pain or symptoms for hours or even days after an incident, only to experience sudden, severe pain and discomfort. In addition, delaying medical treatment can be detrimental to your case. The most compelling evidence a plaintiff can present is a paper trail of medical care.

What are the limits of my Uber insurance policy if I am involved in an accident?

An Uber driver’s policy limits depend on whether they are offline or in Period 1, 2 or 3.

If the driver is completely offline and not logged into the Uber app when they are involved in an accident, then only their personal auto insurance will apply.

Customers are in Period 1 if they have logged into their Uber app but have not yet accepted a ride.

If an Uber driver is involved in an accident during Period 1, the policy limits are as follows: • Bodily injury liability coverage of $50,000 per injured person

• $100,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage
• $30,000 per accident in property damage liability coverage

Uber also provides $200,000 in additional liability insurance in Period 1.

Period 2: After accepting a trip, the Uber driver enters Period 2.

Period 3: When a passenger is picked up, they are in Period 3.

Uber provides drivers with million in commercial auto insurance and million in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage during both Periods 2 and 3.

Uber has been known to deny liability or attempt to shortchange accident victims in the past, despite the fact that these amounts may appear to be generous. Therefore, it is crucial to contact an Uber accident lawyer at The Law Offices of Norman Gregory Fernandez & Associates immediately.

Can I file a lawsuit against Uber for an accident?

Victims of Uber accidents have attempted to sue the ridesharing company directly, particularly when drivers were driving recklessly. However, Uber always responded that its drivers were independent contractors and not employees. As a result, the company took the stance that drivers operated as independent businesses and were solely liable for any incidents that occurred in their vehicles, not Uber.

The passage of California Assembly Bill 5 in September 2019 altered the entire ridesharing industry and ushered in uncharted legal territory for drivers, accident victims, and Uber itself. The best course of action, given the novelty of this law, is to consult with an Uber accident attorney at The Law Offices of Norman Gregory Fernandez & Associates. We are always monitoring this ever-evolving legal landscape and how it affects injury victims.

What Compensation Am I Entitled to Following an Uber Accident?

Accident victims are entitled to compensation for their injuries under California law. Rarely, they are also entitled to punitive damages if the defendant intentionally caused harm or acted with extreme negligence. Hiring an experienced Uber accident attorney from The Law Offices of Norman Gregory Fernandez & Associates will allow you to receive the maximum amount of compensation.

In a personal injury lawsuit, a victim may receive two types of compensation for damages:

• Economic – Economic damages are intended to compensate a victim for their out-of-pocket medical expenses. Usually quantifiable, compensation may include (but is not limited to) the following:
  • Medical bills
  • Property damage
  • Lost income o Lost ability to earn
• Non-economic – Non-economic damages are subjective losses or injuries that may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Pain and anguish
  • Psychological suffering and trauma
  • Losses attributable to a handicap or physical impairment o Losses attributable to a permanent disfigurement
  • Loss of life’s pleasure

In contrast to other states, California does not limit the amount of compensation a victim can receive in a personal injury lawsuit. Based on the evidence and the victim’s estimated losses, a jury will award the victim whatever amount it deems reasonable.

Remember that California is a state of comparative fault. If a jury determines that you were partially to blame for your ridesharing accident, they will reduce your compensation award by the proportion of fault they attribute to you. However, sharing fault for the accident does not prevent you from filing a claim for personal injury.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim Following an Uber Accident?

The deadline for filing a claim for personal injury is known as the statute of limitations. In California, two years have passed since the date of your rideshare accident.

If a federal, state, or municipal vehicle was also involved in your Uber accident, you have six months from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim against them, regardless of whether you were the passenger, pedestrian, or driver. Six months is the statute of limitations for accidents involving government vehicles. Immediately contact the Uber accident attorneys at The Dominguez if this describes your situation. Six months is a very brief period, and once it has passed, you have no legal recourse, regardless of how severe your accident and injuries were.

How Does Liability in an Uber Accident Get Determined?

As with all car accidents in California, an Uber driver will be held liable for passenger injuries if the accident was their fault. If the other driver was at fault for the collision, they are responsible for your injuries.

Uber is distinct from taxis in that the driver uses their own vehicle to transport passengers. Therefore, Uber requires them to have personal insurance coverage. However, as stated previously, these policies do not cover accidents that occur while the driver is operating an Uber vehicle. This is because they use their vehicles for commercial purposes. If the Uber driver is at fault, the accident should be covered by Uber’s insurance.

After my accident, why should I hire an Uber accident attorney?

Immediately contact the Uber accident attorneys at The Law Offices of Norman Gregory Fernandez & Associates if you have been injured in an Uber car accident. Any ridesharing accident can be difficult to manage. These cases are more intricate and challenging to manage on your own. Multiple parties may be involved, and the law is constantly evolving. And frankly, Uber is not looking out for your best interests. Our attorneys can effectively handle all correspondence with Uber and any other parties or insurance companies.

The Uber accident lawyers at The Law Offices of Norman Gregory Fernandez & Associates have access to information you may not. For instance, Uber’s driver monitoring data. This allows Uber to observe how their drivers behave on the road by monitoring their speed, hard braking, and sharp turns. After an Uber accident, Uber will not readily provide this information to the accident victim, but they will comply if an Uber accident attorney requests it.

At The Law Offices of Norman Gregory Fernandez & Associates, we know that being injured in an accident can be overwhelming both emotionally and financially. When Uber or Lyft is involved in an accident, it can be even more difficult to navigate. The good news is that California is the leader in protecting accident victims’ rights and regulating rideshare companies. We are current on all recent developments. With The Law Offices of Norman Gregory Fernandez & Associates by your side, you can focus on your recovery while we handle your Lyft or Uber accident claim.

And if you believe you cannot afford an Uber accident attorney, reconsider. The Law Offices of Norman Gregory Fernandez & Associates guarantees that you will not be charged unless we prevail. Call 1-800-816-1529 immediately for a free and private consultation.

Get Help Now

The Law offices of Norman Gregory Fernandez & Associates has over 25 years experience handling personal injury cases all over the state of California. We have handled thousands of cases and obtained millions of dollars in settlements and judgments for our clients. Call now for a no pressure free consultation with an actual attorney. 800-816-1529 extension 1. 

You can download our California Accident App for iOS and Android by clicking here and visiting our California Accident App page. This application will allow you to record and transmit all information related to your Uber, Lyft, Taxi Rideshare case to our office.