Using a service like Uber or Lyft can solve many problems and save time, but when an accident occurs, what happens? When you step into a rideshare vehicle, you expect a safe journey, but mistakes happen. Who is responsible?
By working with a West Covina rideshare accident lawyer, you can find out who is to blame for your personal injury, including what steps you can take to obtain compensation that may be owed to you.
Rideshare Accidents in California
Rideshare Drivers United estimates there are at least 300,000 rideshare drivers in the state of California, with a resounding 60,000 working full-time. Considering this – and the thousands of rides these drivers provide each year, the statistics are clear. Accidents can occur, and when they do, it’s critical to know what your legal rights are.
Parties Who Can Be Held Responsible for Your Injury in a Rideshare Accident
If you’ve been in a car accident while using a rideshare service, you may be unsure who is responsible for the losses you’ve incurred. This could be:
- The rideshare driver who is operating the vehicle
- The rideshare company, such as Uber or Lyft
- The other driver that caused the accident
The key here is that most of the time, someone else should be paying for your medical bills, lost time at work, and pain and suffering. Your West Covina rideshare accident attorneys will help you to pinpoint the specifics of your case, but here’s some help to get you on the right page.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident in West Covina
After a rideshare accident, get the medical care you need. File a statement with the police. Then, turn to a rideshare attorney in California for help. Don’t speak to the insurance companies yet. Your attorney will help you determine who is responsible.
For a free legal consultation with a rideshare accidents lawyer serving West Covina, call (310) 896-2723
Liability Insurance
Rideshare companies typically require that drivers carry liability insurance. However, that insurance is often at the state minimum, and many times the losses you incur from such accidents will be much higher. Rideshare companies themselves carry additional liability insurance – they are required to carry at least $200,000 and often more in additional liability insurance.
This extends your reach in terms of covering all of your losses. However, there are specifics involved here.
- If the driver of the vehicle does not have the company’s rideshare app on at the time of the accident for any reason, the rideshare company and the driver’s personal liability insurance are the initial claim starting points. In this case, the rideshare company is expected to have at least $200,000 in additional liability insurance to protect the driver.
- If the app is on during the accident, the rideshare company is expected to have at least $1 million in liability insurance in place. This becomes the primary source for covering any additional losses that may occur.
Situations that Cause Loss
That sounds straightforward, but there are many situations in which you may suffer loss. Here are a few examples.
- If a rideshare driver strikes you while you are standing on the curb waiting for them, the lesser liability coverage applies.
- If you step into the car and the rider turns the app on, and then you are in a car accident, the rideshare company’s extensive coverage kicks in.
Things get more complicated when another motorist causes the accident. Depending on the specifics of the case, that driver’s liability insurance may be responsible for your losses. In this situation, your attorney will help you determine where to file a claim.
West Covina Rideshare Accident Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
What to Do After Contacting Rideshare Lawyers
Knowing who may be responsible doesn’t mean the process is simple. However, once you contact a rideshare accident attorney in West Covina, CA, they will work with you to create a plan. Some of this will include:
Determining Who Is to Blame
It is not uncommon for multiple parties to be a part of a rideshare accident claim. As a result, you’ll want to be sure you understand all parties that could be responsible for your losses.
Determining What Your Losses Are
After an accident like this, you may have a lot of losses that go far beyond medical bills. In a serious accident, you may have costs such as long-term rehabilitation, traumatic brain injury with permanent results, limited mobility, chronic pain, and much more.
Negotiating with the Insurance Provider
Rideshare attorneys then work with the insurance company to find out if they will settle your claim fairly. There is nearly always some back-and-forth negotiation here, but having your attorney handle the process may eliminate some of the mistakes you could make, such as admitting to a preexisting condition. Insurance companies are tricky in how they will work to reduce your claim.
Going to Court
Most often, a settlement can be reached with the help of your attorney. If that’s not the case, you may have to go to trial.
You need a rideshare lawyer that’s willing to fight for you in court to ensure you get the compensation owed to you. These companies have very powerful attorneys and insurance providers who are tasked with lowering the risk of a high payout, even if you clearly deserve it.
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Hiring Our West Covina, CA, Rideshare Attorneys
At Simmrin Law Group, our highly qualified and dedicated professionals are available to help and guide you. After an injury like this, we work hard to find the evidence to prove your losses and to help you navigate the legal processes with ease. We want you to focus on healing and recovery while we focus on insurance companies and legal matters.
Turn to our rideshare accident lawyer in West Covina, CA, to learn more about the steps we can offer you. We provide our clients with a free initial consultation to get a better idea of what their legal options and rights are. Don’t make any decisions, sign any agreements, or talk to the insurance company without an attorney by your side – contact us to get started.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form