With more riders depending on rideshare options to get around, the number of vehicle crashes involving Uber and Lyft has increased.
For this reason, it is essential to know what to do if you are in a Lyft or Uber accident in California.
In this article, the experienced personal injury attorneys at Wells Call Injury Lawyers will go over the ins and outs of ride-share accidents in California.
If you have any questions, please contact us today.
Seek Medical Attention
As with any accident, the first priority is getting medical care for everyone who needs it. Call 911 if anyone experiences significant injuries.
Otherwise, see a doctor right away. Some issues like whiplash or internal bleeding may not be immediately apparent.
And establishing a medical record to document the extent of your injuries is essential to receiving the compensation you deserve.
Collect Information
Even if you are a rideshare passenger, you should still get driver’s license, insurance, and license plate information from the other driver as well as your Uber or Lyft driver.
Then take photos of the vehicles, the scene, street signs, and even your own injuries. Do not assume your driver will handle these tasks and share the information with you.
If you did not call 911, call the police to report the accident. You will need a copy of the police report if you file a lawsuit.
Contact Uber or Lyft
Both Uber and Lyft offer features on their apps that allow you to report if you have been in an accident.
The companies most likely will follow up with you soon after you make the report. Do not let them pressure you into making a recorded statement at this point. You may contact an attorney first.
Call a Personal Injury Attorney
If you suffered injuries in an Uber or Lyft accident, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you figure out how to proceed.
Drivers for rideshare companies are required to carry their own insurance, and Uber and Lyft both offer coverage for bodily injuries and property damage incurred in rideshare accidents.
These policies also apply if an Uber or Lyft driver hit your car or ran into you while walking or biking. An attorney will ensure that insurance pays for your injuries and other damages.
If another driver was at fault for hitting the Uber or Lyft vehicle in which you were riding, that driver typically would be held liable for the damages.
However, California is a comparative fault state. So, if your driver was also somewhat responsible for the crash, then your driver will be liable for their percentage of the damages.
What happens if your driver is responsible? When an employee causes a collision while on the job, the employer typically is accountable for the damages under a legal concept called respondeat superior.
But presently, Uber and Lyft drivers are considered independent contractors, not employees (though a California appellate court is currently reviewing this classification).
Thus, if you sue Uber or Lyft for your injuries, they may argue they are not responsible for their driver’s actions. That is why you need a knowledgeable attorney on your side.
Hire a Personal Injury Attorney to Fight for Your Rightful Compensation
With offices in Napa, Fairfield, Vallejo, Vacaville, Woodland, and Richmond, our personal injury lawyers are here to serve you wherever is most convenient.
Whether you call day or night, we are here to answer. Y también se habla español.
We have recovered over half a billion dollars for our clients, and will work just as hard to maximize your recovery following a Lyft or Uber accident.
California residents can contact the Wells Call Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation.