Choose a Competent Uber or Lyft Accident Lawyer in Glendale

Many people around the world depend on the ride-hailing services of Uber or Lyft. They use rideshares for important errands or when going to work. However, accidents happen, and the rate of rideshare accidents continues to accelerate. If you are a victim and sustained injuries, it’s best to seek legal advice from a competent Uber or Lyft accident lawyer in Glendale.

The ensuing damages and injuries after a rideshare accident claim are typically critical. Worse case scenarios can sometimes include disastrous wrongful death claims. You shouldn’t think twice about hiring a competent Uber or Lyft accident attorney in Glendale when you or a loved one suffered injuries.

Uber or Lyft Accident Lawyer in Glendale

Difference of Uber and Lyft Accident in California

Ridesharing might be somewhat new and law regulations evolved with time. Due to several accidents including Uber or Lyft, many states throughout the United States, have placed particular laws to make sure that victims obtain proper compensation.

Ridesharing accidents are totally different from any other type of accident. One reason is that ridesharing apps aren’t a transportation company. It’s a platform that helps independent drivers (also called contractors) to look for passengers. Therefore, these companies were able to operate without insurance or many stringent regulations in their early days.

However, after numerous accidents and mishaps, several changes have developed. They have now implemented guidelines and mandate their drivers to bear specific forms of insurance.

Accountability in Glendale Uber or Lyft Accident

If you’re not liable for the accident, the accountability may fall on either the ridesharing company or the driver. Different from what you might believe, accountability doesn’t lash out on Uber or Lyft after the accident. Rather, it generally depends if the driver logged into the ridesharing app or when the accident happened.

In this case, the driver is entirely responsible for the accident if not logged into the ridesharing app during the occurrence of the accident. However, if the driver logged in to the app, but has no accepted ride at that moment, the rideshare company will assume a part of the accountability. Lastly, if the driver has already logged into the app and has a passenger or on its way to pick up a passenger, then the ridesharing company has full accountability.

In a case such as this, a competent Uber or Lyft accident lawyer in Glendale can better handle your case because of his familiarity with ridesharing laws in California. His familiarity can help identify the accountable party for your accident and injuries including the ensuing settlement that goes with it.

How Ridesharing Insurance Policy Works

In an accident like this, there are two likely conclusions for liability. First, it could be the Uber or Lyft driver is held responsible. Second, it’s the ride-hailing company that’s accountable.

However, after identifying liability, it’s important to know how the insurance policies of these companies work. Moreover, you have to realize what to expect when seeking a settlement from them.

Ridesharing companies offer independent contractors different three levels of insurance coverage when they become involved in accidents. These are the following:

Level 1 (Not Logged into the Rideshare App)

If the Lyft or Uber driver became involved in an accident without logging into the rideshare app, makes him take full responsibility. The driver’s insurance company should cover damages as well as compensation.

Rideshare drivers in California need to have personal insurance policies along with uninsured motorist coverage. This insurance amounts to at least $50,000 for each person and $100,000 for each accident.

Level 2 (Logged into the Rideshare App But Waits for Passenger Request)

This is a case when the rideshare driver is already logged in to the app but still waits for the passenger. However, when an accident occurred the rideshare company becomes partially liable. The policies of both Uber and Lyft will be $50,000 for injuries and $25,000 for property damage. What the driver’s insurance doesn’t cover is the amount they will only pay.

Level 3 (Logged into the Rideshare App with Passenger or About to Pick One Up)

In this situation, a driver is already logged into the rideshare app with a passenger or about to pick up a passenger. When the accident happened while the driver was on active duty, the company will shoulder the complete responsibility. Both Uber and Lyft offer $1 million in liability coverage. There’s an additional $1 million for uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.

Compensation You May Receive from Uber or Lyft Accident

As an injured victim of a ride-hailing accident, there are specific damages for the compensation you may receive. A competent Uber or Lyft accident lawyer in Glendale is your best option to obtain the best settlement possible.

Lost earning capacity
Loss of consortium
Lost employment opportunities
Lost income
Pain and suffering
Past and future medical bills
Emotional distress