Were you involved in a collision with a rideshare vehicle? No matter if you were a passenger, a pedestrian, or another driver on the road at the time, these incidents can be very complicated due to factors like the involvement of app-based companies and commercial insurance policies.
It’s not uncommon for the aftermath of a rideshare-related incident to leave victims like you feeling overwhelmed, but you’re not alone. Instead, let a rideshare accident lawyer in Irvine guide you. As your Irvine personal injury lawyer, we’ll stick by your side every step of the way.
At Vaziri Law Group, our attorneys have recovered over $1 billion in compensation for clients. We know how to advocate for people just like you, offering exceptional, personalized service. With us by your side, you can focus on healing while we focus on pursuing justice for you.
California’s Fault System and Comparative Negligence
California adheres to a pure comparative negligence system. In practice, that means that fault can be divided among multiple parties, including rideshare drivers, other motorists, or even pedestrians. Compensation is then awarded proportionally.
For instance, a passenger found 20% at fault may still recover 80% of their damages. The concept of duty of care extends to every road user, and breaches include speeding, distracted driving, and failure to yield. Such violations kick off the comparative negligence analysis.
In rideshare cases, multiple entities can share fault. The rideshare driver and the rideshare company might both be liable, but non-rideshare motorists or public agencies can also bear responsibility depending on location, road conditions, or signage issues.
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Injuries and Damages Common in Rideshare Collisions
Rideshare accidents often involve soft-tissue injuries like sprains and strains due to sudden deceleration. These may initially seem minor, but they can develop into long-term conditions, such as herniated discs, nerve impingement, and chronic pain.
Medical attention should not be delayed. Not only is it better for your health to seek care promptly, but the completion of a full diagnostic workup can also help establish causation in your case. Plus, more severe crashes can lead to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), fractures, organ damage, or spinal injuries.
A rideshare accident lawyer near me in Irvine can help connect you with medical professionals who know how to properly document these injuries and support a comprehensive claim for compensation.
Non-Economic Damages
These refer to pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. All of these are often involved in many rideshare crash cases.
California places a limit on non-economic damages under certain liability categories, such as medical malpractice. That said, rideshare accident claims generally face no limit. California state laws allow full recovery for these intangible injuries.
A rideshare accident attorney in Irvine can help articulate and substantiate your non-economic damages to ensure they are fully considered as part of your claim.
Economic Damages
These include medical costs, lost income, the loss of earning capacity, and out-of-pocket expenses such as transportation to appointments and home care. For rideshare drivers and other motorists, property damage is also recoverable.
Irvine’s premium urban market may reflect higher vehicle values or repair costs, affecting valuations in settlement discussions. Experienced rideshare accident attorneys in Irvine understand how to account for these regional economic factors when negotiating fair compensation on behalf of their clients.
Rideshare Driver Status and Liability Exposure
Legal scrutiny often centers on a rideshare driver’s status at the time of an accident. This is typically tied to their app activity and trip phase:
- App off: The driver’s personal auto insurance covers injury and damage per their policy limits. Many personal policies exclude rideshare business activity, risking claim denials.
- App on, awaiting a request: The rideshare company’s contingent liability policy will typically go into effect. If the driver is at fault, coverage is triggered. If another party is responsible, their insurance may be applied first.
- App on, en route, or with a passenger: Under these circumstances, the $1 million commercial policy applies. Notably, this coverage is third-party liability only, meaning it covers others injured and their property. The driver’s medical coverage and uninsured motorist (UM) benefits become important for their own protection.
Determining the correct phase often hinges on rideshare platform data, including GPS logs and timestamped trip initiation, which can shift liability and policy applicability significantly.
Rideshare accident lawyers in Irvine are familiar with interpreting this platform data to establish driver status and pursue the maximum available coverage for injured parties.
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Contact Our Irvine Rideshare Accident Lawyers Today for More Information About What We Can Do for You
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident involving a rideshare vehicle, you don’t have to face the legal and financial challenges on your own. These cases can be confusing and stressful, but help is available when you turn to Vaziri Law Group.
Our Irvine rideshare accident attorneys understand the ins and outs of cases involving rideshare-related collisions. No matter if you crashed with an Uber or a Lyft-related vehicle, we know how to fight for the compensation you need to move forward.
Don’t wait to get the support you need. The sooner you contact our rideshare accident law firm in Irvine, the sooner we can start building your case and holding the responsible parties accountable. Call today to schedule your 100% free consultation with our team.