Rideshare Accidents – Uber and Lyft have transformed the transportation industry. Standard taxis are increasingly irrelevant as more people turn to these rideshare providers. With Uber or Lyft, anyone can earn some extra money on the side, and passengers have access to fast, convenient and affordable transportation. However, all these conveniences do come with a price when an accident occurs.
The Problem with Rideshare Services
Uber and Lyft drivers are not employed the same way a taxi driver might be. Anyone can register to be a driver for Uber or Lyft with limited restrictions. Drivers use their own private vehicles. This fact leads to complications when it comes to insurance. Who is paying for the coverage when a third party gets into the car? Therein lies the reason why it is so important to have a lawyer after an accident in an Uber or Lyft.
When an Uber Accident Occurs
When an accident occurs, several factors must be taken into consideration in order to determine liability. First, it must be determined if the driver was actively working for the rideshare service at the time of the accident. If the driver was logged into their service application and actively transporting the client for Uber or Lyft, then the parent company does have some responsibility. However, this fact has only been recently defined in a court of law. It has only been in recent years that Uber or Lyft has provided insurance coverage for its drivers and their clients. For example, now Uber has insurance for all its drives. The payout can be up to $1 million.
However, in some cases, the Uber or Lyft is not actively logged into the system. In these cases, Uber or Lyft may be able to avoid liability in personal injury court. If this occurs, not all is lost. All drivers with Uber or Lyft are required to have insurance on their vehicle. This standard auto insurance should cover drivers, passengers and other people in case of an accident in that particular vehicle. It is important to determine the driver’s status with the company when pursuing a lawsuit.
Why Hire A Lawyer Specializing in Uber and Lyft Accidents
With so many factors at play, it is obvious why hiring a personal injury lawyer after your rideshare accident in the Bay Area is essential. After an accident, you may be asked to agree to a settlement from Uber or Lyft. Before signing anything, be sure to have a lawyer examine the document and take a full account of your case. This is the best way to protect yourself and ensure that you get the compensation you absolutely deserve. Compensation can be used to pay for medical bills, ongoing therapy and lost wages. You may even be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering. The only way to know is to talk to a lawyer.
To start recovering after an accident involving an Uber or Lyft, San Jose Personal Injury Attorneys is here for you. Our team of experts is renowned throughout the Bay Area, making us the leading law firm for personal injury cases. Our results speak for themselves. Our clients have received hundreds of thousands of dollars in compensation. We want to make sure you also get what you deserve. To have your case assessed, please contact us. All our initial assessments are free and without obligation.
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