Did you get into a rideshare accident and want to know your legal options?
This article will cover all the information you need to proceed with the car accident claim.
In short, you have two options – sue the rideshare driver or sue the rideshare company.
As San Diego is located in California, which is a fault car insurance state – you have the legal right to sue the other party for negligence.
However, remember that rideshare accident cases are different, so it is advisable to hire an Uber/Lyft accident lawyer in San Diego.
A professional rideshare attorney will offer you legal representation and deal with the insurance company to get the right compensation.
Keep reading if you want to know more about the topic.
Legal Options After a Rideshare Accident
If you’ve been hurt in an accident that involves a rideshare vehicle, there are multiple ways to seek compensation. Consider the following options:
1 – At-Fault Driver’s Insurance
Get compensation from the insurance policy of the driver responsible for the accident.
2 – Rideshare Company’s Insurance
See if there is a possibility of seeking compensation from the rideshare company’s insurance policy, such as Uber or Lyft.
3 – Driver’s Personal Insurance
Check if the Uber or Lyft driver has personal insurance that may provide additional coverage.
4 – Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Use your own underinsured motorist coverage if it surpasses the available insurance from the at-fault driver, rideshare company, or driver.
Seeking compensation may involve a combination of these options, depending on the circumstances of the accident. You can hire a rideshare attorney to help you choose the best option.
Understanding Uber and Lyft Accident Policies
In a rideshare accident, insurance plays a big role, setting it apart from regular car accidents. Uber and Lyft mandate their drivers to have both personal auto and company insurance. The coverage you get depends on the ride stage and the driver’s actions.
Let’s break it down:
Lyft’s Insurance:
1 – Before getting a passenger:
- $50,000 for injuries per person,
- and $100,000 for injuries per accident. Up to $25,000 for property damage.
2 – After accepting a passenger:
- Up to $1 million for total liability coverage.
- Up to $1 million for accidents caused by uninsured or underinsured motorists.
- Property damage coverage for the repair cost of the vehicle or its actual cash value, with a $2,500 deductible.
Uber’s Insurance:
1 – Before picking up a passenger:
- $50,000 for injuries per person, and $100,000 for injuries per accident.
- Up to $25,000 for property damage.
2 – After accepting a passenger:
- Up to $1 million for total liability coverage.
- Up to $1 million for accidents caused by uninsured or underinsured motorists.
- Property damage coverage for the repair cost of the vehicle or its actual cash value, with a $1,000 deductible.
Remember, these are the basic coverage amounts, and depending on the severity of the injuries, the actual insurance compensation may vary.
Can You Sue Uber or Lyft?
If you’ve been in an accident that involves a rideshare automobile, you might be wondering if you can sue Uber or Lyft directly. The thing is, these companies often label their drivers as independent contractors.
While this affects various aspects for the drivers, when it comes to a personal injury claim, it often means you’re more likely to sue the driver rather than the company.
But don’t worry; both Lyft and Uber have insurance that covers their drivers while they’re on the job. So, you can still seek compensation. There’s also a recent decision by the California Supreme Court that could change how these companies classify their contractors. This might open the door to suing the companies directly for their employees’ negligence.
Why Hire a San Diego Rideshare Attorney?
Whether you’re a passenger, driver, or someone in the other vehicle, dealing with an auto accident claim can get tricky when a rideshare vehicle is involved.
This is why it is important to hire an Uber/Lyft accident law firm. Here’s how they can help:
- Investigating the accident thoroughly to identify the cause
- Managing the complex legal aspects of ride share insurance claims
- Negotiating with insurance companies and going to court if necessary
- Keeping you updated on the progress of your case
A rideshare attorney can make the legal process as straightforward as possible for you.
Conclusion
Rideshare accidents have become very common in San Diego, California. If you ever find yourself in this unfortunate situation, choose the right legal option to get a fair settlement. To get professional help and support, it is best to hire an Uber/Lyft accident law firm.
