Oxnard Rideshare Accident Attorneys

Fighting for Uber and Lyft Accident Victims in Ventura County

Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft have become very popular among consumers who want a quick, effortless trip from Point A to Point B. Unfortunately, anyone who enters motor vehicle traffic, whether a driver or passenger, has to anticipate that accidents will happen. So, when an accident happens with an Uber or Lyft car, how does an injured party pursue compensation?

If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, our Oxnard attorneys at Crane Flores, LLP, are here to assist you. We’ve successfully secured millions of dollars for clients throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara counties and helped them on their road to recovery.

Call (805) 628-4967 today to schedule a free consultation with our rideshare accident attorney in Oxnard!

Can You Sue Uber for an Accident?

Uber drivers are technically independent contractors, so the company is not automatically responsible for the negligence of its drivers. However, past accidents and pressure from consumer advocates and state authorities have prompted Uber to adopt an insurance plan that affords three levels of coverage based on the driver’s activity at the time of the accident.

Uber’s Insurance Plan

• First, when the driver is using the car for personal business rather than Uber services, the injured party’s recourse is solely through the driver’s personal insurance.
• Second, if the driver is available for Uber pickups but is not currently carrying an Uber passenger, the primary source for recovery is through the driver’s personal insurance, but Uber maintains contingent liability coverage of $50,000 per injury, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. Uber’s contingent coverage is only available after the claim exhausts the driver’s personal coverage.
• Third, if the accident occurs while the driver is carrying an Uber passenger, Uber’s $1 million insurance coverage is available to satisfy liability claims after the driver’s personal insurance is exhausted.

Getting a settlement out of that $1 million insurance pool is not as easy as summoning a ride. Both Uber and its insurer are in business to make a profit, and your injury claim doesn’t advance that goal. If you need to sue Uber, you’ll be taking on a billion-dollar corporation with assets it’s determined to protect. You’ll need highly professional and experienced legal representation. You can get such assistance at Crane Flores, LLP.

Does Lyft Have Insurance Coverage After a Crash?

When it comes to rideshare accidents, Lyft's insurance policy is very similar to Uber's. When a Lyft driver is using the car for personal business rather than Lyft services, the injured party’s recourse is solely through the driver’s personal insurance. If the driver is available for pickups but not currently carrying a passenger, then primary coverage falls on the driver’s personal insurance with contingent liability coverage of $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage provided by Lyft. Lastly, if an accident occurs while carrying a Lyft passenger, Lyft provides primary coverage for up to $1 million. In order to recover compensation from these policies, you must be able to navigate the complicated policy structure these rideshare companies have set up. This is when experienced representation from an Uber and Lyft accident lawyer can make all the difference.

Common Injuries in Rideshare Accidents

Common injuries include:

• Whiplash: Whiplash often happens when the neck is suddenly jolted back and forth, causing strain on the muscles and ligaments. If not treated promptly, whiplash can lead to chronic pain and decreased mobility.
• Head and Brain Injuries: Passengers in rideshare vehicles may suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) or concussions because of the sudden impact of a crash. These injuries can differ from mild concussions to severe brain damage, affecting cognitive functions, memory, and behavior.
• Broken Bones: The force of a rideshare accident can easily lead to broken bones, specifically in the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbone. These injuries often need extensive medical treatment and can take months to heal.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or full paralysis, affecting a person’s mobility and quality of life.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissue injuries damage muscles, tendons, or ligaments. Although they may not be immediately apparent, they can cause long-term pain and require physical therapy or surgery.
• Cuts and Lacerations: Passengers and drivers can suffer from deep cuts or lacerations caused by broken glass, metal, or other sharp objects during an accident. If not treated properly, these injuries can lead to infection or permanent scarring.
• Emotional Trauma: In addition to physical injuries, rideshare accidents could also result in emotional and psychological trauma. Victims may suffer from anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health problems, which can be just as debilitating as physical injuries.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Rideshare Accident Claim?

These damages could include:

• Medical Expenses: Injuries from these accidents often result in significant medical expenses, which include emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatments. You may be able to recover compensation for all current and forthcoming medical costs that are related to the accident.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries stop you from working, either temporarily or permanently, you may be qualified to compensation for lost wages. This includes not only your current lost income but also future earnings if you cannot return to work at the same capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: Rideshare accident victims often endure substantial physical pain and emotional distress. Pain and suffering damages are intended to compensate you for the physical and emotional toll that the accident has taken on your life. This can include compensation for chronic pain, mental anguish, and loss of pleasure of your life.
• Property Damage: If your vehicle or personal property has been damaged in the rideshare accident, you could be able to recover compensation for repairs or the replacement of your property. This includes damage to your car, electronics, or other valuable items.
• Emotional Distress: In some cases, accident victims may experience severe emotional distress that requires counseling or therapy. Emotional distress damages may be recovered to compensate you for the psychological effect of the accident, like anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
• Loss of Consortium: If the accident has negatively affected your relationship with your spouse or family, you may be able to pursue damages for loss of consortium. This could include compensation for the loss of companionship, affection, or support that was a result of the injuries you sustained in the accident.
• Wrongful Death: If a loved one was killed in a rideshare accident, surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim. This can compensate for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.

How Can Rideshare Lawyers Help After an Uber or Lyft Car Accident?

If you have been injured in an accident involving a rideshare vehicle, such as Uber or Lyft, it is important to seek legal help from experienced attorneys who specialize in these types of cases. Rideshare accident attorneys can provide valuable assistance in helping injured parties recover the compensation they deserve for their injuries and losses. They understand the complexities of dealing with insurance companies and will fight diligently to ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process. With knowledgeable representation on your side, you are far more likely to receive fair and just compensation for your injury-related expenses.

If you have been injured in a car accident, call us anytime, day or night at (805) 628-4967 or contact our offices online to schedule a free consultation with our Oxnard rideshare accident lawyers.