San Diego Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Helping Clients Navigate Complex Vehicle Accident Claims

Rideshare services are one of the most popular modes of transportation in the San Diego area. With the increase in rideshare services, there has also been a significant uptick in accident cases. As a result, many rideshare accident victims are often left to deal with lost wages and costly medical bills.

Unlike other motor vehicle accidents, determining liability for a rideshare accident can be overly complex. If you have suffered injuries in a rideshare accident, the first step to protect yourself is to hire a qualified attorney. A knowledgeable rideshare accident attorney will have the experience to handle these complex vehicle accident claims.

Finn Trial Attorneys APC is a San Diego law firm dedicated to helping personal injury victims pursue compensation for damages. Contact our law offices today to schedule a free consultation with an Uber or Lyft accident lawyer who will gladly review your case and determine the available legal options.

Why Do San Diego Rideshare Accidents Occur?

Like other parts of the country, San Diego rideshare accidents can occur for various reasons. In many instances, accident victims suffer severe injuries that can result in lost income and take significant time to heal.

One significant factor in rideshare accidents is speeding. Drivers often speed to and from their destinations to make more money but increase their risk of being involved in a crash. Fatigue is another component that often plays into rideshare accidents, as many drivers try to work long or late at night to increase their earnings.

Other common factors that can contribute to a San Diego rideshare crash include:

• Drivers being distracted by their phones, GPS, or car entertainment systems
• Drivers operating their rideshare vehicles under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Failure to obey traffic laws, including running red lights, stop signs, or engaging in reckless driving
• Other drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians who engage in negligent behavior

Regardless of why the accident occurred, you need an experienced lawyer familiar with the legalities involved in rideshare accident cases. Even if a rideshare driver is cited for an accident, the insurance provider may try to claim that you somehow share blame so they can deny or reduce your compensation.

Our San Diego Uber and Lyft accident attorneys have comprehensive experience handling claims and will work tirelessly to protect your rights.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a California Rideshare Accident?

Determining liability in Uber and Lyft accidents can be challenging because rideshare drivers are considered independent contractors. In most instances, determining whose insurance company will pay for damages depends on the unique facts involved in the case.

Rideshare Driver

If the Uber or Lyft driver is involved in an accident while working for the rideshare company, the company’s insurance will most likely have to pay for damages. For example, just as with any other traffic accident, suppose the Uber or Lyft driver disobeyed traffic laws or was speeding; the injured party would turn to the rideshare insurance company to try and recover damages. 

Rideshare Company

Uber or Lyft accident victims may also be able to hold the rideshare company accountable if it can be proven that they engaged in negligent hiring practices. The company can also be held accountable if it fails to train or supervise drivers in a way that poses a risk to passenger safety.

Other Motorists

If the rideshare accident involves multiple vehicles, the other driver’s insurance companies may also be obligated to pay an accident claim regardless of whether a rideshare vehicle was involved.

Third Parties

On some rare occasions, the facts may demonstrate that third parties should be held liable for damages. For example, if a design defect caused the accident, the vehicle manufacturer could be obligated to pay damages.

When is a Rideshare Driver Considered to Be On Duty?

Determining whose insurance company should pay for damages depends on whether the rideshare driver was “on duty.” Under state law, Uber and Lyft drivers are on duty if logged onto their app, waiting on a fare, or driving to pick up or transport a passenger.

Waiting for a Fare

If a Lyft or Uber driver is logged into their app, waiting for a ride, and is involved in an accident, the rideshare company provides limited insurance coverage of $25,000 for property damage, $50,000 per person, and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury.

En Route or Transporting a Passenger

Once the Lyft or Uber driver is en route or transporting a passenger, the rideshare company provides coverage of up to 1 million dollars. As a reminder, if the driver is not logged onto their app in any capacity and is involved in an accident, their personal insurance company would be the one to turn to for compensation.

Knowing who should pay for damages can be confusing if you have been involved in a collision with a rideshare driver. Rideshare accident victims should also note that if they are involved in a crash and the driver’s insurance limits exceed their damages, they may be able to pursue compensation through Uber or Lyft’s supplemental policies.

What are the Most Commonly Reported Rideshare Accident Injuries?

A rideshare accident is no different from any other car accident regarding injuries. Uber and Lyft victims often report minor injuries such as cuts, scrapes, and abrasions.

However, depending on the severity of the collision, many crash victims report common injuries that include:

• Fractured or broken bones
• Internal injuries
• Soft tissue injuries such as whiplash
• Head, neck, and back injuries
• Psychological trauma
• Post-traumatic stress disorder

Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries are those that are considered life-changing and may result in an accident victim being rendered permanently disabled. Catastrophic injuries may include:

• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Amputations
• Organ loss

If you have been injured in a rideshare accident, you must seek treatment from a trusted medical professional. Some injuries are not always immediately evident and could have life-threatening consequences if left untreated.

Why Should I Allow a Rideshare Accident Attorney to Help Me Recover Compensation for My Medical Bills?

If you have sustained injuries in a rideshare accident, you are probably dealing with a stack of unexpected medical bills and other expenses. California law allows you to seek compensation for medical expenses and other accident-related damages. However, filing an accident claim without legal assistance can be frustrating without the help of an Uber or Lyft accident lawyer.

Your attorney will thoroughly assess your case and determine what damages you may be entitled to recover.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are meant to reimburse accident victims for money they have paid due to injury. Examples of economic damages include compensation for past and future medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Additionally, permanent injuries often include the need for skilled nursing care, which can quickly become cost-prohibitive for families. A skilled attorney can work to negotiate a settlement that will provide adequate compensation to cover the cost of future care.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate rideshare crash victims for intangible losses. Intangible losses are subjective and, if awarded, are based on the unique facts involved in the case. Common examples include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. An accident victim may also receive additional legal compensation if they have suffered permanent disfigurement or scarring.

If you need more information about how you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries and accident-related expenses, contact Finn Trial Attorneys APC today, and we will gladly schedule a free consultation.

Should I Take the Insurance Company’s First Offer?

Insurance carriers often try to offer injured victims quick settlements so they can quickly close out claims. If the insurance provider has already contacted you, they may have offered you a quick settlement that seems tempting, especially if you have not returned to work. While on the surface, it may seem like a fair settlement, it likely does not take into account future medical expenses or non-economic damages.

One key advantage of hiring a San Diego rideshare accident lawyer is that they will negotiate with the insurance company to ensure that you receive full and fair compensation. In many instances, insurance companies will offer claimants more if they know they have a skilled lawyer on their side.

In other cases, an insurer may try to argue that they believe you are partially at fault for the accident, so they can offer you a settlement far less than your claim is worth.

Finn Trial Attorneys APC is a San Diego law firm with in-depth experience dealing with insurance companies and their legal teams. If the insurance company handling your accident claim is unwilling to come to the negotiating table, our attorneys are prepared to sue Uber or Lyft to help you recover compensation.

What Makes Your Uber or Lyft Accident Attorneys the Right Choice for Legal Representation?

Rideshare accident laws are constantly changing and are only further complicated because drivers are considered independent contractors. Finn Trial Attorneys APC passionately assists clients with complex rideshare accident claims.

Our San Diego law firm has the legal and financial resources to hire medical and accident reconstruction experts to build a case that will substantiate your claim. Our attorneys never back down to the powerful insurance companies and will never encourage you to accept a settlement that is not favorable to you.

Contact our San Diego rideshare accident lawyers at 619-375-5105 to schedule your free consultation.