The rising popularity of rideshare companies has led to an increase in traffic accidents caused by Uber and Lyft drivers. After sustaining injuries in one of these wrecks, you may be entitled to compensation.
Navigating Uber/Lyft/rideshare accidents in Woodland Hills requires a professional legal approach. An experienced car crash attorney from Valero Law Group can help you determine whether you have a viable claim and if so, help you pursue fair damages.
Proving Negligence in an Uber or Lyft Collision
To prove the right to compensation after a Lyft crash in Woodland Hills, an injured person needs to demonstrate the at-fault party acted negligently. This includes:
- Identifying duty of care – all drivers, whether they work for rideshare companies or not, have a legal duty of care to operate their vehicles safely and prevent causing harm to other people on the road
- Demonstrating the breach of duty of care – for example, when the driver ran a stop sign, they breached the duty of care to other traffic participants
- Proving injuries – prove the injuries were a result of the driver’s breach of legal duty of care
- Showcasing damages –injuries sustained in the accident led to economic and non-economic damages such as medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering
To prove negligence, our team can conduct an investigation, gather evidence, and build a strong argument to convince the insurance company or the court.
Who Is Liable for Rideshare Accidents?
Before a person in Woodland Hills can file a claim against the at-fault party in a rideshare collision, you need to identify whose insurance company is liable for the damages. When it comes to Uber and Lyft drivers, this liability can differ depending on the phase of the trip.
Situation #1: The Driver’s Uber or Lyft App is Off
When the accident occurs when the driver’s rideshare app is not on, their personal insurance company should cover the damages.
For California drivers, minimum liability insurance requirements are $15,000 for injury or death for one person, $30,000 for injury or death of two or more people, and $5,000 for property damage.
Situation #2: The Driver’s Uber or Lyft App Is One but There Is No Ride Request
As soon as the driver turns the app on, Uber or Lyft’s insurance policy kicks in. Before there is an accepted request, it covers $50,000 for injury or death for one person, $100,000 for injury or death of two or more people, and $25,000 for property damage.
Situation #3: The Driver Has Picked Up Passengers or Is Going to Pick Them Up After Accepting a Ride Request
Once the driver accepts a ride request, the rideshare company’s insurance covers up to $1,000,000 per accident. It also offers uninsured or underinsured driver liability coverage.
Our lawyers can help an injured person understand which insurance company is involved. When a claim exceeds the driver’s or the company’s insurance policy limits, a person has an opportunity to sue them for the rest of the money directly.
Consult a Woodland Hills Attorney After an Uber/Lyft/Rideshare Accident
Getting the compensation you deserve after sustaining injuries in an Uber/Lyft/rideshare accident in Woodland Hills requires a comprehensive legal approach. The experienced attorneys from Valero Law Group Injury Lawyers have already helped many people in situations much like yours. For a free case review, call us now.
