Long Beach Uber Accident Lawyer
Rideshare Accident Lawyers
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely popular throughout the world, especially in California. Whether you are enjoying a night out drinking with friends or when there is no parking available in Downtown Long Beach, rideshare services have completely changed the way people travel. Rather than scheduling an expensive cab pick-up or asking a friend for a ride, a passenger can easily open a mobile app, request a ride, and within minutes be connected to a driver who will take them wherever they need to go. Now, thousands of people use rideshare services every day. Unfortunately, the fast-growing popularity of Lyft, Uber, and other rideshare services has created issues for riders.
As convenient as these services are, they also raise legal and safety concerns throughout the city of Long Beach. The rideshare drivers working for these companies are hired as independent contractors, which blurs the line of what is considered commercial driving. This can impact liability in the event of an Uber or Lyft accident. Also, rideshare companies do not closely screen their Uber and Lyft drivers, allowing the possibility of a negligent driver with a poor record to work for them.
Personal injury law has had to quickly adapt with the rise of rideshare services. However, the circumstances surrounding rideshare accident cases have drastically changed, and continue to change every day. This leaves accident victims of these types of Lyft or Uber accidents confused and unsure about their legal rights. No matter the situation, if you suffered injuries in a rideshare accident, you are entitled to fair compensation.
Belmont Accident Lawyers approach these cases with a modern mindset, constantly evolving to match the ever-changing California legal system. After an Uber or Lyft accident, you might not know what to do or what your options are. With our guidance and resources, let our Lyft and Uber accident lawyer fight for your right to proper compensation for your pain and suffering. Schedule a free consultation with our Long Beach offices today.
Who We Represent in an Uber or Lyft Accident
A skilled Long Beach Uber accident attorney from Belmont Accident Lawyers will be able to fully explain your rights and help you through the complicated process. Rideshare passengers who are injured during rides may have a strong case for a personal injury lawsuit.
In addition to rideshare clients, third parties, like other drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians, that are hit by a Lyft or Uber driver may also have rideshare accident claims. Essentially, anyone who was hit by a rideshare driver and suffered damages could potentially collect damages through Uber or Lyft. Lost wages, property damage, or severe injuries, like traumatic brain injuries, can all be compensated with an attorney’s help.
Our Long Beach Uber accident lawyer will be able to contact the rideshare and insurance companies on your behalf. We will walk you through the process of how resolving accidents involving rideshares works. Uber and Lyft have a team of lawyers on their side to fight against personal injury lawsuits like yours.
Having a lawyer on your side will help you get the best possible outcome in your case. Our intent is to get clients appropriately compensated for their injuries and other damages. If we can’t accomplish that, then you will not be billed. Our legal team works on a contingency fee basis, so if we don’t win, clients don’t pay.
How Are Rideshare Accidents Different from Traditional Car Accidents?
Accidents that involve rideshare vehicles are far more complicated than traditional car accidents. With any usual car accident, you generally only deal with the other driver and their insurance adjusters. But with Lyft/Uber accidents, you now have to also deal with a multi-billion dollar company. These companies will look for any reason to avoid being found liable and often offer low settlements in an attempt to close the claim fast. However, these offers are never enough to cover all of your medical bills, loss of income, property damage, and future rehabilitation.
Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies operate differently than taxis, limos, or other car services. Ridesharing companies maintain that each rideshare driver is contracted and is not an actual employee. In addition, the drivers for these rideshare companies do not have commercial auto insurance or a commercial driver’s license. Commercial vehicle insurance typically provides coverage for physical damage and compensation for liability; these are areas that are not usually covered with a personal auto insurance plan.
Certain business usage and vehicle types may be excluded from personal auto policies, blurring the lines of who is liable after an accident involving a rideshare vehicle. Regardless of the type of accident you are involved in with an Uber or Lyft, you must speak with an experienced attorney who can effectively represent your case. A lawyer can dedicate the time necessary to fight for your lawsuit and negotiate the proper compensation for your recovery.
What to Do After a Long Beach Uber/Lyft Accident
Unfortunately, just because you were harmed in a rideshare accident, does not automatically mean Lyft or Uber will cover damages. You have to show evidence and fault for the Lyft/Uber accident. However, similar to insurance companies, rideshare corporations try to avoid paying out claims and attempt to give as little as possible, even if serious injuries were sustained.
Passengers of rideshare vehicles have the expectation that their drivers will operate at a safe capacity, getting them to their destination without any issues. But when a crash happens, accident victims are suddenly put in a situation they had no control over.
After an accident, collect pertinent information about your driver and the other driver(s) involved. Take pictures of any vehicle damage, injuries, the street where the crash took place, and other identifying information.
It is important to get a copy of the rideshare driver’s ID and insurance information. Most importantly, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Injuries must be documented as soon as possible to indicate they were sustained from the crash. Additionally, early medical treatment will prevent injuries from becoming life-altering or fatal.
Reporting a Long Beach Rideshare Accident
Not reporting a crash with an Uber or Lyft vehicle can significantly hurt a claim. In addition, this provides the ridesharing company more opportunity to build a case against you and reduce your settlement. Therefore, report the incident to these four different parties:
Long Beach Law Enforcement
After an accident with any kind of vehicle, you should contact the local police department in Long Beach. Not only can the police help mitigate between all involved parties, but they can also take a detailed police report of the accident. This will make an official statement about the details of the accident, ultimately determining liability and helping provide evidence for your claim.
Your Insurance Company
If you were not a passenger but were involved in collisions with an Uber/Lyft, you must inform your car insurance after an accident. You will have to describe what happened and who was involved, so always write down the contact and insurance information of the at-fault individual(s). Depending on your coverage, you can be provided with a rental car if your vehicle was totaled. Most likely, your insurance will investigate the accident to determine fault, so it is important to provide picture evidence and written reports of what happened.
Also, never talk to the at-fault party’s insurance company. Anything you say could be used against your claim, even if you are not responsible for the accident. Phrases can be used out of context and damage the legitimacy of your case. If the at-fault party does try to contact you, simply refuse to speak with them. Your legal representative should be the only person talking to the at-fault party’s insurance.
The Rideshare Company
Depending on which ridesharing company (Uber or Lyft) was being utilized, the company will need to be notified of the accident. If you were a passenger in the middle of the ride when the accident happened, you can connect with the company through the app. If you are a third party that was injured in a rideshare accident, you will have to locate a customer service number in order to report the accident. Both options can be time-consuming and frustrating since these companies rely on instant messages and emails to correspond with their users.
An Experienced Lawyer
An attorney will advise you to speak with legal counsel before notifying the rideshare company of the accident. A lawyer will prepare you for how your lawsuit will proceed and even communicate with the rideshare and insurance companies on your behalf. They will investigate the accident and collect evidence to strengthen your case and prove liability.
Securing the help of a rideshare accident lawyer can make all the difference in your personal injury lawsuit. Do not let the rideshare companies intimidate you into settling before seeking legal guidance.
How Belmont Accident Lawyers Can Help You
Our team of Long Beach rideshare accident attorneys will work hard to provide you with the best legal representation and get you maximum compensation. After years of helping our clients recover from their accidents, we have built an extensive network of medical professionals and investigators who will help with your recovery.
As our legal team works on your claim, we will provide constant updates and always consider your needs every step of the way. Our law firm believes every accident victim deserves support and for their voice to be heard. Let us help you recover what was taken from you. Call us today for a free consultation at: (562) 685-9740
