Getting into a crash while taking an Uber or Lyft can leave you with a lot of questions. Liability in rideshare accidents isn’t always straightforward, as there are multiple different parties that could be liable as well as different insurance policies that might come into play. While your focus should be on your health, insurance companies may already be looking to minimize what they owe.
Our firm helps rideshare accident victims understand their options and obtain the compensation they truly deserve. If you were hurt as a passenger or by a rideshare vehicle, reach out to an Orange County personal injury attorney today so we can guide you through the next steps.
Contact Avant Law Corporation to schedule a free consultation with an Orange County Uber & Lyft accident attorney.
Why Work With Avant Law Corporation After an Orange County Uber & Lyft Accident?
Choosing the right lawyer after a rideshare accident makes all the difference when fighting for fair compensation. The team at Avant Law Corporation understands the challenges Uber & Lyft victims face every day.
- Our attorneys apply over 202 years of combined legal experience to rideshare accident cases.
- You never have to wait long; we reach out within 24 hours to let you know if you have a viable claim.
- Can’t make it to our office? We’ll gladly meet you at your home or hospital and are always available for free remote consultations using secure technology.
When you’re ready to get started with a case, reach out to our team to schedule your free consultation.
How an Orange County Uber & Lyft Accident Attorney Can Help With Your Case
Getting hurt by an Uber or Lyft driver brings challenges you won’t face in typical accidents. An Orange County accident lawyer can help make sure you take the right steps. Here’s what they can do:
- A rideshare attorney will quickly identify who may be held responsible, even if fault is unclear at first.
- Lawyers handle the pushback from both corporate and driver insurance companies to fight for fair treatment for their clients.
- They review accident reports and driving records to make sure nothing is missed.
With a lawyer on your side, you have a stronger voice and far less risk of being overwhelmed by large companies or complex policies.
Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents
Uber and Lyft accidents can happen for many reasons, and certain patterns show up again and again in these cases. Some of the most common causes include:
- Driver Distraction: Using GPS and responding to riders the app while driving are both incredibly common and can pull the driver’s attention away from the road.
- Fatigue: Many rideshare drivers work long or late hours, increasing the risk of mistakes due to tiredness.
- Unsafe or Illegal Stops: Picking up or dropping off passengers in busy traffic, double parking, or stopping abruptly can lead to collisions.
- Unfamiliar Routes: Sometimes drivers rely heavily on navigation and aren’t familiar with local streets, leading to sudden turns or unexpected stops.
- Speeding or Aggressive Driving: Rushing to complete more rides can cause drivers to take unnecessary risks.
- Other Drivers’ Negligence: Not all accidents are the rideshare driver’s fault – other motorists making poor decisions can also be to blame.
Identifying the true cause of the accident is the first step in building a strong case for compensation after an Uber or Lyft crash.
How Does Insurance Coverage Work in an Uber or Lyft Accident?
After a crash with an Uber or Lyft vehicle, determining whose insurance covers your costs can feel confusing. Rideshare insurance works in stages, and knowing when the accident happened is essential to figuring out your options.
Stage 0: App is Off
When the rideshare app is off and the driver is not trying to find a rider, their own insurance coverage applies. Even if your damages go beyond their maximum limits, you won’t be able to collect anything from Uber or Lyft’s insurance policy in this case.
Stage 1: Driver Is Available, No Ride Assigned
When the app is active but the driver hasn’t matched with a passenger, only limited backup insurance from the company applies – most of the time it’s the driver’s own insurance that is responsible first. Some additional funds may be available if damages go beyond what the driver’s personal policy will pay.
Stage 2: En Route to Pick Up Rider
If the driver has accepted a ride and is driving to pick up a passenger, Uber and Lyft automatically provide greater liability protection – up to $1 million. This coverage is there whether the person hurt is a pedestrian, another driver, or the passenger themselves.
Stage 3: Passenger in Car
During the actual ride, coverage is at its highest, including $1 million in liability and extra protection for drivers and passengers if another motorist causes a crash and doesn’t have enough insurance.
Because your rights after a rideshare accident hinge on these specifics, it helps to talk to an attorney who can sort out the insurance policies and explain the best way to get what you’re owed.
Contact Avant Law Corporation To Schedule a Free Consultation With an Orange County Uber & Lyft Accident Attorney
Trying to manage your recovery while dealing with the inherent challenges of a rideshare accident isn’t something you should have to do alone. Our firm stands up for those involved in Uber and Lyft accident claims from start to finish.
Protecting your well-being and your rights is our top priority. Contact Avant Law Corporation to schedule a free consultation with an Orange County Uber & Lyft accident attorney.