Dealing with insurance adjusters, complicated legal procedures, and a growing list of expenses after a rideshare accident in Los Angeles can be overwhelming. A Los Angeles car accident lawyer can help you pursue a legal claim against Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare company after a crash.
An experienced Los Angeles rideshare accident lawyer will handle all steps of the legal process while you focus on recovering from your injuries. Whether you were a passenger, a pedestrian, or another involved driver, you may have the right to pursue a legal case and recover the money you need to heal and move on with your life.
A Los Angeles Rideshare Accident Lawyer Can Help You Prove Liability
Determining fault after a rideshare accident isn’t always straightforward. Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have highly paid legal teams and formidable insurance carriers whose primary goal is to limit their financial exposure. That means they often take steps to deny or reduce payouts to injury victims.
One of the main strategies these companies use to limit their financial exposure is classifying their drivers as independent contractors, rather than employees. This legal distinction can create hurdles when trying to hold the company liable for a driver’s negligence.
However, depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident, the company may still be required to provide substantial insurance coverage. Your rideshare accident attorney can help identify all liable parties so you can recover fair compensation.
Beyond the driver and the rideshare company, several other parties could share liability for your injuries, including:
- A third-party driver who caused or contributed to the crash
- The manufacturer of a faulty vehicle or car component
- A government agency responsible for hazardous road conditions
- A commercial business whose employee was involved in the accident
When you hire a car accident lawyer to help with your rideshare accident case, they will conduct a thorough investigation to determine all potentially liable parties. This investigation will help them to build a strong case aimed at securing maximum compensation for your injuries.
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A Rideshare Accident Attorney Can Help Ensure You Meet All Applicable Deadlines
One of the most important factors to consider after a rideshare accident is the statute of limitations. In California, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you fail to file your claim within that time frame, you may lose your right to recover damages entirely.
Keep in mind that exceptions may apply, which could alter the amount of time you have to take legal action.
When you hire a car accident lawyer to help with your rideshare accident case, they can identify whether any exceptions apply to your case and ensure all required paperwork is accurate and submitted on time.
When your lawyer is able to get to work on your case early, they will also be in the best position to collect evidence before it is lost or corrupted and interview eyewitnesses, while their memories are still clear.
Your Lawyer Can Help You Understand the Intricacies of Rideshare Insurance Coverage in California
Rideshare insurance coverage is nuanced and varies depending on the driver’s status at the time of the crash. Under California law and per the rideshare companies’ own policies, different levels of coverage apply during different phases of a ride:
The Driver Is Not Logged Into the Rideshare App
If the rideshare driver is not logged into the app when the accident occurs, the rideshare company is not liable for any resulting damages. In this situation, the driver is considered to be using their vehicle for personal use, which means their personal auto insurance policy is the only coverage that applies.
If the at-fault driver wasn’t working when the crash occurred, you’ll likely need to pursue a claim through their personal insurance. If that coverage is insufficient, filing a lawsuit may be necessary.
The Driver Is Logged Into the Rideshare App But Has Not Accepted a Ride
If the rideshare driver is logged into the app and waiting for a ride request, the insurance policy of the rideshare company is activated. Though it only comes into limited effect, providing contingent liability coverage, which includes:
- Up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- Up to $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- Up to $25,000 for property damage
Before you can file a claim with the rideshare company’s insurer, you are required to file a claim with the driver’s personal insurance provider. If their policy limits do not cover your damages fully, only then can you access the rideshare company’s insurance coverage.
The Driver Has Accepted a Ride or Is Transporting a Passenger
Once a driver accepts a ride request, the rideshare company’s insurance coverage is fully activated. From the moment the driver accepts a ride until the passenger exits the vehicle, up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage is available through the company’s insurer.
In this situation, you’ll still need to file a claim with the driver’s insurer before accessing the company’s coverage. If your damages exceed their coverage limits, you can pursue further compensation through the company’s insurance provider.
An experienced Los Angeles rideshare accident attorney can help you determine which coverage applies and pursue the full compensation you’re entitled to receive.
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Your Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer Can Provide the Personalized Care Your Rideshare Accident Case Requires
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in Los Angeles, Vaziri Law Group is ready to provide the answers and support you need. We limit the number of cases we handle so we can give each client the personalized attention they need. Our multilingual and diverse legal team is dedicated to representing individuals from all backgrounds with compassion and determination.
With over $1 billion recovered for our clients, our results speak volumes. We have a strong record of taking on large defense firms in court and winning.
This reputation has earned us the trust of other attorneys and medical professionals, who frequently refer complicated, litigation-heavy cases to our firm.
We also stay ahead of the curve by integrating cutting-edge legal technology into our practice, using tools many traditional firms hesitate to adopt, to give our clients an edge.
Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how our deep experience, including team members who have worked inside insurance companies and defense firms, can work to your advantage.
