Sacramento Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer
Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft have become staples in the global transportation industry. With millions of people now using ridesharing services, vehicles being driven for such services will inevitably be involved in car accidents. Despite the popularity of these services, they are still relatively new, so the government has yet to fine-tune many legal issues.
Who Could Be Held Liable for an Uber or Lyft Accident in Sacramento, California?
When it comes to car insurance, California is known as a fault-based state. In fault-based states, the party financially responsible for a car accident will typically also be the same party that caused the collision.
As an Uber or Lyft passenger, the odds are that you were not at fault for your auto accident. Instead, the fault likely lies with your Uber or Lyft driver or the driver of another vehicle. It is possible that a third party (such as a roadway maintenance crew or vehicle parts manufacturer) also shares liability for your damages.
Both Uber and Lyft have $1 million insurance policies in place to pay for rider damages in the event of an accident. You automatically qualify for compensation under these policies the moment you step into the Uber or Lyft vehicle. When the driver logs into the app and has passengers in the vehicle, Uber and Lyft offer the highest levels of insurance coverage to riders, which means that filing an insurance claim with the rideshare company will generally result in full payment for your medical bills and other losses.
How Can a Sacramento Rideshare Accident Lawyer Help You Recover Compensation?
Personal injury cases often result in better recovery of damages for victims than insurance claims. Unfortunately, taking your case further than an insurance claim can be difficult for Uber and Lyft accidents. Various issues can make these types of cases too complex to handle without a practiced attorney on your side. Some issues that could make a rideshare accident case complex are:
- Varying levels of insurance coverage
- Multiple liable parties
- Classification of rideshare drivers in California
These factors, if not tackled properly, can impact your claim severely. Rideshare companies also have a reputation for evading legal responsibility for accidents.
Types of Injuries You Could Suffer in an Uber or Lyft Accident in Sacramento
Uber and Lyft accidents in Sacramento, California, have been known to lead to injuries such as:
- Broken bones
- Severe lacerations
- Whiplash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Burns
- Seat belt injuries
- Paralysis
- Nerve damage
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Herniated discs
- Loss of limb
Some reckless rideshare drivers have even killed passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers. The more severe your car accident injuries, the more important it is to hire a Sacramento Uber and Lyft accident attorney.
How Can a Sacramento Rideshare Accident Attorney Help You?
Just as with any auto accident, an Uber or Lyft accident will require evidence to prove fault in the case. Our Sacramento law firm can help you prove fault and handle your case by:
- Collecting critical evidence
- Taking over legal matters on your behalf
- Conducting an independent investigation into the accident
- Negotiating with every party involved
- Reviewing your damages to determine the actual value of your claim
- Determining the statute of limitations regarding your case
- Satisfying filing requirements
- Bringing your claim to the appropriate court or insurance representative
- Identifying and telling the full story of how your injuries impact the quality of your life
- Achieving the maximum compensation your injuries warrant
Along with helping you through the insurance claims process, an experienced attorney can obtain essential documents, such as the police report, medical records, and phone records to determine if the driver was distracted at the time of the crash.
As a rideshare passenger, you have the right to pursue full recovery as someone who did not cause the crash.
What to Bring to an Uber or Lyft Accident Attorney Consultation in Sacramento
Being involved in any type of auto accident is a traumatic experience. It can be even more frightening when you need to consult legal representation – especially if it is your first time doing so.
Creating a list of information to bring to your consultation can help ease any anxiety you may be feeling. Often,just feeling like you are prepared can calm your nerves. When you arrive for your consultation, you should provide information such as:
- The name of the drivers involved in the wreck
- The insurance companies of the drivers
- Any photos or videos you have of the accident scene or your damages
- Your medical records and bills
- The police report number
- Proof of lost income, such as a paycheck
- Any other information related to the accident
Do not worry if you do not have all of the above documentation. It isn’t necessary during your initial consultation to provide all of these things, but it would certainly be helpful to bring whatever you may have.
Proving fault can be tricky in Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare accident cases in California, but this information could help. Providing this evidence can help us understand the details of your accident and will help your attorney build the strongest case possible for your claim.
Additionally, you should always try to avoid signing any documents you do not understand after an accident. It is better that you do not even speak with the driver or a company representative about the crash. Speak with an Uber or Lyft accident attorney first so that you can prevent saying or doing anything that could work against your case.
