San Diego Rideshare Accident Attorney

Helping Clients Secure Compensation in Uber & Lyft Accident Cases

Car crashes claim tens of thousands of lives across America every single year, and many of these crashes lead to complicated legal fights. The proceedings can become even more complicated when multiple insurance companies are involved, such as when the crash involves a rideshare vehicle.

If you were seriously injured while riding in an Uber or Lyft, you must contact your insurance company, any other drivers involved in the crash, and the insurer for Uber or Lyft. With so many moving parts involved in these cases, hiring an experienced lawyer to represent you is essential.

We expect to arrive at our destination safely when we get in a Lyft, Uber, or ride-sharing vehicle. When this doesn’t happen, and you suffer a severe injury, you deserve the chance to take your case to court to secure the compensation you deserve. At The McClellan Law Firm, our San Diego rideshare accident lawyers have dedicated their careers to fighting for the rights of injured victims.

Injured in a Lyft or Uber accident? Call The McClellan Law Firm today at (619) 215-1488 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our rideshare accident attorney in San Diego!

Understanding Lyft and Uber Insurance Coverage in Rideshare Accidents

If you were injured in a crash that involved a rideshare vehicle, you may be able to seek compensation from not only the at-fault driver’s insurance policy but also the company’s insurance policy and perhaps the Uber or Lyft driver’s insurance policy, as well as any underinsured motorist coverage you may have that exceeds all of the other available insurance.

Lyft and Uber have driver insurance that differs depending on whether they have secured a passenger. Once the driver is “on duty,” so to speak, but doesn’t yet have a passenger, the insurance takes effect, but the insurance amounts are lower. So, if an Uber driver is cruising around waiting for a call, he or she is covered by Uber’s insurance if there should be a crash, but only up to $100,000. Once the driver accepts a ride and is on his way to pick up the passenger, the insurance limit increases to $1 million and stays at that limit until the passenger exits the vehicle. Here are the applicable limits:

Lyft’s Insurance Policy

• Once the Lyft driver is assigned to or accepts a passenger:
  • Up to $1 million for total liability coverage
  • Up to $1 million for crashes caused by uninsured and/or underinsured motorists
  • Property damage for the repair cost of the vehicle or actual cash value, with a $2,500 deductible
• Once the driver is “on duty” but before any passenger is assigned:
  • Up to $50,000 for bodily injuries per person and $100,000 for bodily injuries per accident
  • Up to $25,000 for property damage

Uber’s Insurance Policy

• Once the Uber driver is assigned to or accepts a passenger:
  • Up to $1 million for total liability coverage
  • Up to $1 million for crashes caused by uninsured and/or underinsured motorists
  • Property damage for the repair cost of the vehicle or actual cash value, with a $1,000 deductible
• Once the driver is “on duty” but before any passenger is assigned:
  • Up to $50,000 for bodily injuries per person and $100,000 for bodily injuries per accident
  • Up to $25,000 for property damage

Of course, the insurance limits may only be the starting point depending on the seriousness of the injuries.

Common Injuries in Rideshare Accidents

Injuries from rideshare accidents can vary greatly, depending on the nature and severity of the crash. Some injuries commonly reported in Uber and Lyft accidents include:

• Whiplash and Neck Injuries: The sudden force of a collision can cause whiplash, which may lead to chronic pain and long-term discomfort.
• Back and Spine Injuries: Spinal injuries, including herniated discs and fractures, are common in rear-end and side-impact crashes.
• Head and Brain Injuries: Blunt force trauma to the head can lead to concussions or more severe brain injuries, which can have long-lasting effects on memory, mood, and cognitive abilities.
• Broken Bones: Fractures to the arms, legs, and ribs are frequently seen in collisions, especially if the passenger is thrown forward or to the side.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: The jarring movements during an accident can cause torn ligaments, sprains, and strains.
• Psychological Trauma: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety are also common among rideshare accident victims, affecting mental and emotional well-being long after physical injuries have healed.

Even if injuries don't seem severe at first, it's crucial to get checked by a healthcare professional. Some injuries, like whiplash, might not show symptoms until hours or days later, and medical records are vital when pursuing compensation for your injuries.

The Role of Fault in Rideshare Accident Claims

Determining fault in a rideshare accident is often more complex than a standard car crash due to the involvement of multiple parties. In these cases, the fault may lie with:

• The Rideshare Driver: If the driver was negligent, such as failing to obey traffic laws, speeding, or being distracted while driving, they may be responsible for the accident.
• Other Drivers: In cases where another vehicle is involved, the other driver may be at fault, particularly if they were driving recklessly or were under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Rideshare Companies (Uber or Lyft): Depending on the situation, the company may be partially or fully responsible for the crash, especially if the driver was working under the company’s direction at the time of the accident.
• Defective Vehicles: If the accident resulted from a mechanical failure due to poor vehicle maintenance or a manufacturing defect, the vehicle manufacturer or the rideshare company may be at fault.

Establishing fault is essential to securing fair compensation for your injuries. Our team thoroughly investigates every aspect of the incident, including analyzing the actions of all parties involved, to ensure the correct person or entity is held responsible.

Contact Our San Diego Rideshare Accident Lawyer Today

If you were seriously injured while riding in an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare vehicle, our San Diego car accident attorneys will help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Since The McClellan Law Firm opened its doors, we have secured more than 140 verdicts and settlements over $1 million each.

Don’t let insurance companies make the process more complicated than it needs to be. Contact The McClellan Law Firm today to discuss your case and pursue the compensation you deserve!