In Sacramento and throughout California, rideshare services like Lyft and Uber have become popular and convenient modes of transportation.
The combination of convenience, technology, and affordability has made ridesharing popular for people looking to get to work, school, social events, and other destinations. The fact that people who want to participate in the “gig economy” and work either part-time or full-time as drivers also contribute to the number of rideshare vehicles on our roads.
Like all other drivers in California, rideshare drivers have a duty of care not to cause injuries to other motorists and passengers, as well as pedestrians, cyclists and others. Unfortunately, Uber and Lyft auto accidents can and do happen. When rideshare drivers are at fault for accidents, the rideshare driver and the rideshare company can be held liable.
Depending on the circumstances of the crash, it may be possible for injured victims to access rideshare insurance coverage with limits much higher than most California drivers carry. Uber and Lyft insurance could cover up to $1 million in losses in some situations.
Demas Law Group, a personal injury law firm serving the greater Sacramento area, has the resources and skills needed to help rideshare accident victims. If you were injured in an accident with a Lyft or Uber driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Our experienced Sacramento auto accident lawyers understand the complex insurance rules that apply to rideshare companies. We will work hard to protect your rights and seek the maximum compensation that you deserve.
To discuss your rideshare accident case, contact us to schedule a free and confidential consultation.
Understanding Rideshare Accident Liability Insurance Coverage in Sacramento
After a rideshare accident, liability does not automatically fall on the rideshare company. Potential liability depends on whether the Uber or Lyft driver was logged into the rideshare app at the time of the accident, and whether the driver was transporting a passenger, on the way to pick up a passenger, or simply available.
The levels of insurance coverage rideshare companies provide include coverage in different circumstances, such as:
- The rideshare driver is not logged into the rideshare company’s app. When a driver is involved in a collision while they are not logged into the app, the rideshare company does not provide any coverage. The driver’s auto insurance policy should cover damages and compensation if they were responsible for the crash.
- The driver is logged into the app and waiting for someone to hail a ride. The rideshare company will accept partial liability if the accident happened while the rideshare driver was logged into the app but still waiting for a fare. Uber and Lyft both have policies of $50,000 for injuries and $25,000 for property damage. The companies will only pay the amount that the rideshare driver’s personal car insurance does not cover.
- The driver is logged in and with a passenger or en route to pick one up. When an accident happens while the driver is giving someone a ride or is on the way to pick them up, the rideshare company’s insurance provides primary coverage if the rideshare driver was at fault. Uber and Lyft both provide $1 million in liability coverage and $1 million in uninsured motorist coverage.
An experienced California rideshare auto accident lawyer who has a thorough understanding of the complex ridesharing laws and insurance rules will be able to assist you in determining who should be held liable for your accident and who you could seek compensation from. This is why it is critical that you secure legal representation from a Lyft and Uber accident lawyer as soon as possible after an accident.
What to Do If You’re Involved in a Sacramento Rideshare Accident
If you have been involved in a rideshare accident, your No. 1 concern should be your health and safety. Rideshare accidents, like other auto accidents, can cause severe injuries such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and broken bones, among many others.
If you were injured in the crash, it’s critical that you get medical attention immediately. Keep in mind that some injuries don’t always show symptoms right away, so even if you feel OK right after the accident, still see a doctor for an examination. The treatment you receive could catch a potentially serious condition. It will also generate a medical record that can later prove to be valuable evidence for an injury claim if you need to file one.
If you can, take photos of the accident scene and damage. Get the contact and insurance information of all parties involved and any potential witnesses. Try to limit what you say to insurance companies. Never admit fault and never provide a recorded statement, which is a common tactic of insurance companies where they attempt to get you to say things that undermine your claim and limit their driver’s liability.
Insurance companies may make you a quick, lowball settlement offer that does not come close to the compensation you need and deserve. Don’t accept it without advice from an attorney. Before you talk to an insurance company, seek the help of a skilled and experienced California rideshare attorney. A lawyer can effectively negotiate with the insurers and give you a much better chance at a favorable settlement.
When to Contact a Sacramento Lawyer After an Uber or Lyft Accident
If you’ve been in an accident involving a rideshare driver, you need to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Hiring a Sacramento rideshare accident lawyer to handle your case can take a heavy burden off your shoulders. You can focus on healing while your attorney handles all of the legal matters.
The attorneys at Demas Law Group have a deep understanding of rideshare laws, regulations, and insurance requirements. If you’ve been hurt, we’ll seek the maximum amount of compensation possible to ensure that you have the time and resources you need to recover from your injuries and move on with your life.
How Can Demas Law Group Help Me After a Rideshare Accident in Sacramento
Rideshare accidents can be particularly challenging, especially if there are questions about which insurance policies will be in play after the crash. Don’t try to handle the insurance paperwork, negotiations, settlement offers, and everything else involved with an accident claim alone.
At Demas Law Group, our compassionate and experienced rideshare accident lawyers in Sacramento understand what you are going through during this traumatic time. We have helped thousands of people recover the compensation they deserve after accidents, and we are prepared to help you, too.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
