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Uber Accident Injury Lawyers
Our experienced rideshare attorneys help you get the compensation you deserve.
Unity Law Group
Uber Accident Injury Lawyers in Los Angeles
◇ Many people now use Uber and Lyft to reach their destinations instead of traditional taxis, especially in large cities like Los Angeles. Downloading the app and requesting a ride almost anywhere, anytime has made ridesharing popular since these services launched several years ago. However, ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft do not follow the same safety rules or government requirements as taxi services, which increases the chances of experiencing an Uber or Lyft accident.
◇ If an Uber or Lyft driver recently caused your crash, an experienced Los Angeles Uber and Lyft accident lawyer at Unity Law Group can assist you. We provide free case evaluations to explore your options and legal rights. Our team knows how to handle these claims and will work to protect your interests. You may even be entitled to monetary damages from Uber or Lyft.
◇ Millions of people rely on Uber and Lyft for transportation. These services cost less and feel cleaner than regular taxis. But what should you do if you get hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident?
◇ We will defend your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. You do not need to stress about paying for a Lyft or Uber accident lawyer. Other than an affordable initial fee, you owe nothing unless we recover money for you. There is minimal risk and plenty to gain, so contact our skilled Uber accident attorneys today.
◇ Uber and Lyft frequently make headlines. New regulations about rideshare driver employment status in California and Lyft’s improved background screenings can make it hard to stay informed. Unity Law Group’s Lyft and Uber accident attorneys stay current on all rideshare laws and company policies to better support you. If a Lyft or Uber crash injures you, our team is ready to assist you with a free consultation.
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What to Do After an Uber or Lyft Rideshare Accident in 4 Steps
◇ All motor vehicle accidents cause significant distress, shaking up the drivers and vehicle occupants at the very moment they need to keep their wits about them. The feeling of helplessness and confusion can be even worse for rideshare accident victims because of the trust they place in a stranger to transport them. If you suffer an Uber or Lyft accident, here are four steps you should take immediately after the incident.
❖ Step One: Prioritize Safety
Your driver needs to move the car to a secure spot away from passing vehicles; do not hesitate to remind them. Ensure they pull over to the shoulder and out of active traffic lanes. Immediately check yourself and others for any injuries, but only if it is safe and you feel able to do so.
❖ Step two: Notify the Authorities
As with any traffic collision, call 911 right away. If someone suffers serious injuries at the accident scene, ask for an ambulance. Even if you do not see obvious injuries, seek medical attention immediately. You might still be in shock and not realize you are hurt. Also, make sure a police report gets filed. This report will be vital if you decide to take legal action.
❖ Step three: Collect Proof
Get your Uber driver’s name, license plate number, and insurance details, along with information from any other people or witnesses involved in the Uber crash. If you can, take photos of any visible injuries and all damaged vehicles. Record the exact location and time of the Uber accident.
❖ Step four: Speak With an Attorney
Consult a car accident lawyer immediately. If the collision injured you, contact an Uber accident attorney at Unity Law Group without delay. We can explain your legal options and guide you through the next steps should you choose us as your legal representation.
◇ By following these four steps, you protect your legal rights as your case moves forward.
Uber/Lyft Accident lawyer
Why Hire
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Why Hire Unity Law Group as Your Uber/Lyft Accident Lawyer
◇ At Unity Law Group, we recognize the challenges involved in rideshare accident claims. Our team has significant experience managing car accident cases, including those with rideshare vehicles, and can assist you too. Here are a few reasons to reach out to our rideshare accident lawyers:
- Our team has a strong track record of winning cases. We put in relentless effort to secure the compensation our clients need and deserve after severe accidents. We have a history of achieving positive results in personal injury and accident claims. We have obtained millions of dollars for our clients.
- We excel at dealing with insurance companies. Our personal injury lawyers are experienced and assertive negotiators. We know the strategies insurers use to reduce or reject claims. Our team has a long history of successfully negotiating with insurance companies to obtain the highest possible settlements for our clients.
- We are accomplished trial lawyers. Our experienced rideshare accident attorneys have extensive courtroom experience. If we cannot secure a fair settlement for you, we are fully prepared to defend your right to compensation in court.
- We operate on a contingency fee basis. You take minimal financial risk by filing an Uber or Lyft accident claim since we charge only a small upfront fee. We cover all case expenses, and we only receive additional payment if we win your case or negotiate a settlement.
- We dedicate our careers to standing up for injured individuals in Los Angeles against major companies like Uber and Lyft.
- We are committed to pursuing the highest compensation possible to meet your needs, no matter how severe or life-altering your injuries may be.
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Can We File an Uber/Lyft Accident Claim Directly Against the Company?
◇ Uber accident victims have tried to file lawsuits directly against the rideshare company, especially when drivers acted carelessly behind the wheel. However, Uber consistently argued that its drivers were independent contractors rather than employees. The company maintained that each driver operated as an independent business and was fully liable for any incidents in their vehicles.
◇ However, when California Assembly Bill 5 passed in September 2019, it changed the rideshare industry and pushed drivers, accident victims, and Uber into unfamiliar legal territory. Since this law is still new, the smartest step is to speak with an Uber accident attorney at Unity Law Group. We continually track these shifting legal developments and how they impact injury victims.
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Who Is Liable for Uber/Lyft Car Accidents?
◇ Determining who must cover costs after a rideshare accident depends on several factors, including the details of the crash, insurance coverage, and applicable laws. Three different parties may be responsible for compensating you:
- The ride-hailing service is liable for covering your expenses if their affiliated driver was at fault for the crash and was logged into the app at the time of the collision.
- The rideshare motorist is liable for covering your costs if they were to blame for the incident and were not active on the platform when it took place.
- Any other motorist involved in the wreck is obligated to cover your expenses if they were responsible for the crash. However, your uninsured or underinsured motorists coverage may come into effect if that individual lacks insurance or carries insufficient coverage to pay for your medical treatment.
Insurance Policy
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Insurance Policy Payout Limits for an Uber/Lyft Accident
◇ An Uber/Lyft driver’s insurance limits vary based on whether they are offline or in Periods 1, 2, or 3.
❖ Offline
If the driver is entirely offline and not signed into the Uber/Lyft app during an accident, then only the Uber or Lyft driver’s personal auto insurance would apply to the crash.
❖ Period 1
If the driver logs into the Uber or Lyft app but has not accepted a ride, they fall into Period 1.
If an Uber/Lyft driver gets into a crash during Period 1, these insurance limits apply:
- $50,000 for bodily injury liability coverage per injured person
- $100,000 total bodily injury liability coverage per accident
- $30,000 for property damage liability coverage per accident
Uber also offers $200,000 in extra liability coverage during Period 1.
❖ Periods 2 and 3
After the Uber or Lyft driver accepts a ride request, they enter Period 2. When the driver collects a passenger, they enter Period 3.
During both Periods 2 and 3, Uber and Lyft supply their drivers with:
- $1 million in commercial auto insurance
- $1 million in uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage
Although these coverage amounts may seem substantial, Uber and Lyft have a history of denying responsibility or trying to reduce payouts to accident victims. This stark reality makes it crucial to consult a Los Angeles Uber accident lawyer at Unity Law Group as soon as possible.
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Compensation for an Uber/Lyft Accident
◇ California law entitles accident victims to seek compensatory damages for their injuries. In unusual cases, they may also claim punitive damages if the defendant acted intentionally or showed severe negligence. Working with a skilled Uber accident attorney at Unity Law Group can help you recover the highest possible compensation.
◇ In a personal injury case, a victim can receive two kinds of financial compensation: economic and non-economic damages.
❖ Economic Damages
Economic damages reimburse Uber/Lyft accident victims for direct expenses caused by their injuries. These amounts are usually straightforward to calculate, and compensation may cover:
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Reduced ability to earn an income
- Vehicle or property repairs
❖ Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages cover losses that are harder to measure, such as subjective personal harm. These damages may include:
- Challenges from lasting disfigurement
- Decreased quality of life
- Difficulties from disability or physical limitations
- Emotional anguish or psychological trauma, like post-traumatic stress disorder
- Physical pain and suffering
Unlike many other states, California does not limit the compensation a victim can receive in a personal injury lawsuit. A jury decides the award based on the presented evidence and the victim’s estimated damages, granting whatever amount they find fair.
Remember that California follows comparative fault rules. If a jury finds you partly responsible for your rideshare accident, they will reduce your compensation by the percentage of fault they assign to you. However, sharing responsibility for the crash does not prevent you from pursuing a personal injury claim.
Uber/Lyft Accident
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Common Causes of Lyft/Uber Accidents
◇ Many different factors can cause Uber and Lyft accidents. However, driver negligence remains one of the main reasons. Due to their job pressures and expectations, Uber and Lyft drivers often engage in risky, unsafe driving behaviors. Some of the common causes of Lyft/Uber accidents include:
- Driver distraction — Uber and Lyft drivers often operate their vehicles while using phone apps. This part of the job directs additional attention to their smartphones and electronic devices. They constantly check the app for ride requests, follow GPS directions, and communicate with riders. After picking up passengers, drivers may also get caught up in conversations and lose focus on the road.
- Drowsy drivers — Many Uber and Lyft operators take up ridesharing as a side job, not their main source of income. Some drivers have already finished a full shift elsewhere before they start driving, leading to fatigued driving. Since most rideshare trips occur at night, tired drivers often end up on the road after dark.
- Intoxicated or impaired drivers — Some Uber and Lyft operators may use alcohol or drugs to cope with their work and make it through their shifts.
◇ Other frequent causes of Uber and Lyft accidents in Los Angeles include:
- Aggressive driving or road rage
- Careless hiring practices
- Construction zones
- Excessive speeding
- Hazardous road conditions
- Neglecting to watch for pedestrians and cyclists
- Not yielding the right of way
- Poor vehicle upkeep
- Reduced visibility
- Stopping illegally and blocking traffic
◇ Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate every factor that contributed to your Uber or Lyft accident in Los Angeles. The more we understand about what caused your crash, the better equipped we are to pursue compensation from all liable parties.
Lyft/Uber Accidents
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What Distinguishes Lyft/Uber Accidents From Regular Car Accidents?
◇ Rideshare companies provide a different service than traditional taxi and limo services. The way rideshare companies run sets them apart from standard transportation providers. While rideshare crashes and regular auto accidents share similarities, they differ significantly from a legal standpoint. These distinctions can make it harder to understand your rights as an injured rider.
◇ Several factors set Uber and Lyft accidents apart from standard car crashes, such as:
- Autonomous vehicles — If a rideshare accident in a self-driving Uber happens because of a technology glitch or software failure, the company may be financially liable for the crash and any resulting injuries.
- Involvement of a third party — Rideshare accidents indirectly involve the rideshare company, which can alter your legal case. You may need to file an insurance claim with Uber or Lyft instead of going after the at-fault driver’s insurance.
- Rideshare company’s carelessness — A rideshare company may be held responsible for a crash if it played a role by hiring, training, or retaining drivers improperly, or by violating safety inspection requirements.
◇ Keep in mind that courts usually do not apply vicarious liability to Uber and Lyft accidents. Vicarious liability means an employer is responsible for the actions of its employees while they are working. Instead, rideshare companies label their drivers as independent contractors rather than employees.
◇ This difference shields Uber and Lyft from vicarious liability when their drivers cause accidents. However, you may still have grounds for a legal claim against the rideshare company, depending on your situation. Rideshare accident cases demand more careful attention than standard car crashes. Determining fault is more complicated. An experienced Uber and Lyft accident attorney in Los Angeles can investigate your case for you.
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Common Lyft/Uber Accident Injuries
◇ The injuries you sustain in a rideshare accident in Los Angeles can last a lifetime. You might experience permanent harm, like brain injuries or paralysis. You could also deal with emotional distress after surviving such a traumatic event. A personal injury attorney can help you get the right medical treatment, record your injuries, and pursue the compensation you need for a complete recovery. Typical injuries from rideshare accidents include:
- Amputations
- Chest trauma and broken ribs
- Fatalities
- Internal organ damage
- Leg and knee injuries
- Major bruising
- Minor scrapes, deep cuts, or serious lacerations
- Neck injuries, including whiplash
- Psychological injuries
- Skull fractures and brain trauma
- Soft tissue injuries
- Spinal cord and back damage
◇ A severe injury can lead to millions of dollars in medical expenses, including regular doctor visits, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. Even minor injuries can result in high medical bills and considerable pain and suffering. If you or someone close to you suffers an injury after an Uber or Lyft crash, reach out to a personal injury attorney in Los Angeles for guidance on what to do next.
Uber/Lyft Accident
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Statute of Limitations to File a Case With a Rideshare Accident Lawyer
◇ The deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit is called the statute of limitations. In California, you have two years from the date of your rideshare accident to submit your claim against private entities.
◇ If a federal, state, or city-owned vehicle bears responsibility for your Uber accident, you must file a personal injury claim within six months of the incident. The statute of limitations for accidents involving government vehicles is just six months. If this applies to you, contact Unity Law Group’s experienced Uber accident lawyers immediately. Six months pass quickly, and after that deadline, you lose your right to pursue legal action against the government, regardless of how severe your accident or injuries are.
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Why Should I Hire a Rideshare Accident Attorney?
◇ What led to your rideshare accident? Is the rideshare driver responsible, or does someone else share the blame? Can a company like Uber or Lyft be held liable for your injuries? What if someone accuses you of causing the crash?
◇ You must address these questions if you seek compensation through an insurance claim or lawsuit after your Lyft or Uber crash. You will likely encounter obstacles throughout the process. The smartest move is to hire a skilled Los Angeles car accident attorney to manage your case on your behalf.
◇ At Unity Law Group, we have spent years challenging insurance companies and powerful corporations like Uber and Lyft. We know these organizations have the advantage of deep pockets and powerful lawyers. Having us on your side can help level the playing field.
◇ Take the time you need to heal and regain your strength. Our Los Angeles car accident lawyers will manage every aspect of your personal injury claim for compensation, including:
- Carrying out a complete and independent investigation of your rideshare accident
- Collecting key evidence, such as rideshare app records, photographs, videos, witness accounts, vehicle service records, and driver backgrounds
- Consulting with trusted experts to examine, strengthen, and assess the value of your claim
- Negotiating directlywith responsible parties and insurance providers
- Protecting you from tactics that try to shift blame and reduce your compensation
- Refusing inadequate settlement offers and take your case to trial if negotiations do not deliver the best outcome
◇ Contact our personal injury attorneys to find out more about our legal services and see why you want us advocating for you after your Uber or Lyft rideshare accident occurred.
Unity Law Group
Unity Law Group | Your Uber and Lyft Accident Attorneyser
◇ At Unity Law Group, we have spent over 15 years refining our personal injury legal practice. We understand how to manage these claims effectively for our clients. Since ridesharing services began, we have kept up with all developments in Uber and Lyft accident laws to protect the clients we represent.
◇ We work to influence the rideshare industry and push insurance companies to handle claims fairly through assertive legal action. If you or someone you care about was recently involved in an Uber or Lyft accident in Los Angeles, our local rideshare accident lawyers are ready to assist. Fill out our free consultation form or call Unity Law Group at (844) 864-8939 today.
