If you have been injured in an accident involving an Uber or a Lyft, you have the right to pursue compensation for damages.
However, Uber and Lyft accidents can get complicated because there are multiple parties and additional elements involved.
As a victim of an Uber and Lyft accident in Calabasas, you are eligible to file a lawsuit against the ride-sharing company, the Uber/Lyft driver, and any third party that may have contributed to your injuries.
Bojat Law Group is committed to ensuring that Uber and Lyft accident victims obtain full compensation for damages suffered.
Find out more about Uber/Lyft accidents, what to do when involved in an Uber and Lyft accident, the categories of Uber and Lyft accidents, damages in an Uber/Lyft accident, and more.
Cases our Uber/Lyft accident lawyers represent
- Uber and Lyft accidents involving pedestrians
- Accidents involving other motorists and Uber/Lyft drivers
- Collisions between Uber/Lyft vehicles and stationary objects
- On transit accidents, in which ride-share passengers suffer injuries
- Assaults by Uber/Lyft drivers
Common Causes of Uber/Lyft accidents
To file a lawsuit, the cause of your accident must be determined.
Here are some common causes of Uber and Lyft accidents.
Negligence— Motorists and Uber/Lyft drivers engage in negligent behaviors such as wrong-way driving, texting or using a cell phone while driving, ignoring traffic signs, and others.
Poor weather conditions— Bad weather conditions such as storms can make driving conditions unsafe.
Product liability— such as defective car parts.
Several factors may have contributed to your accident that may not have been mentioned above. Contact a skilled Calabasas Uber/Lyft accident lawyer to investigate and determine the cause of your accident.
The categories of Uber/Lyft accidents
There are two categories of Uber and Lyft accidents;
— the Uber/Lyft driver caused the accident
In a situation where the Uber/Lyft driver is responsible for the accident, you can file a lawsuit against the driver.
However, in the event that the driver’s personal auto insurance policy is not able to cover the full amount of your damages, the ride-sharing company’s insurance may cover damages. That is if the driver was on the ride-sharing app at the time of the accident.
Personal auto insurance does not apply when a driver is involved in commercial purposes.
— the Uber/Lyft driver did not cause the accident
If the Uber/Lyft driver did not cause the accident, as a ride-share passenger, you can file a lawsuit against the party at fault.
However, if the other motorist at fault does not have insurance, or a hit and run, Uber/Lyft is required to cover the cost of your bodily injuries.
What to do when involved in an Uber/Lyft accident
When involved in an Uber/Lyft accident, you should:
- Call the police and any necessary emergency care to the accident scene immediately.
- If possible, exchange contact information with the drivers involved. Get their names, addresses, insurance information, and any other relevant information.
- Ask for the name of the ride-sharing company the driver works for.
- Collect evidence— make notes about the accident, take photos and videos of the accident scene, injuries you sustained, and when and where the accident occurred.
- Contact an Uber/Lyft accident attorney to help you understand your rights, and begin the process of filing your claim.
You must seek legal advice before speaking to a ride-sharing company representative or agreeing on a settlement.
Even after filing a lawsuit, the ride-sharing company or their insurance company may still reach out to you to pressurize you into accepting a quick settlement. Forward their requests to your Uber/Lyft accident lawyer.
Damages you can claim after an Uber/Lyft accident.
After a ride-share accident, victims may receive compensation for damages resulting from the accident. These damages are;
- Economic damages: Economic damages include— loss of earning capacity, loss of income, cost of medical bills, cost of medical travel expenses, and others.
- Non-economic damages: Non-economic damages include— pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, emotional distress, and others.
- Punitive damages— Serves to punish the at-fault party for grossly negligent behavior.
FAQs in Uber/ Lyft accidents
When should I file a lawsuit?
The sooner you take legal action, the better. California has a two-year statute of limitations. Contact an Uber/Lyft accident attorney immediately to start the process, and investigate your accident. The longer you wait, the easier your claim may be denied.
How can an Uber/Lyft accident attorney help?
Uber/Lyft accident cases are often complicated, due to the number of people involved. An Uber/Lyft accident attorney will help make the process of filing a lawsuit smooth and easy for you.
Here’s how an Uber/Lyft accident attorney can help.
Guide you through the process of filing a lawsuit — your attorney will help protect your rights and guide you through the process of filing your claim.
Build a strong case— your Uber/Lyft accident attorney will help you build a strong case, to ensure you obtain full compensation for damages by investigating your accident, reconstructing your accident, and gathering relevant evidence.
Negotiate on your behalf— your attorney will negotiate with insurance companies, with your best interests in mind.
Represent you in court— where a suitable settlement amount cannot be agreed upon, your Uber/Lyft accident attorney will represent you at a jury trial.
When handling your accident lawsuit on your own, you may not always get a fair settlement. An Uber/Lyft accident attorney will use all the available resources to ensure you obtain maximum compensation.
How do I file an Uber/Lyft accident claim?
Contact a skilled Uber/Lyft accident attorney from Bojat Law Group to get you started on the process.
Conclusion
Our skilled Calabasas Uber/Lyft accident attorneys, Bojat Law Group are compassionate and have a record of fighting for fair settlements on our clients’ behalf. Tell us about your situation, and let us help you.