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Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are becoming increasingly popular in Fontana, California, and rightly so—they are relatively affordable and convenient. With these services, when you need a ride, instead of calling a cab or attempting to flag one down, you simply use your app to connect with a rideshare driver who will take you anywhere you need to go.
But just like other motorists, rideshare drivers are prone to negligence and human error, which could result in accidents.
If you or your loved one was hurt in an Uber or Lyft or struck by a rideshare driver in Fontana, Attorney Jeff Injury Lawyers can examine your case for free and help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn about our services and see how our experienced personal injury lawyers in Fontana can assist you.
Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents
Uber and Lyft accidents can be caused by a number of reasons, and most are due to a driver’s negligence. The cause of an accident can impact its severity and who ultimately ends up being responsible.
The common causes of Uber and Lyft accidents include:
- Speeding: Driving over the posted limit makes it hard to control the car and could result in an accident.
- Distracted driving: Both drivers and passengers access rideshare services through their phones. If a rideshare driver constantly looks at their phone for upcoming bookings or other notifications while driving, they can easily get distracted and cause an accident.
- Aggressive and reckless driving: If a rideshare driver tailgates, doesn’t use the correct lane, overtakes riskily, or drives at high speeds, they are likely to cause an accident.
- Driving under the influence: Impaired driving is one of the major causes of accidents. That said, one of the reasons people use rideshare services is to avoid driving while intoxicated. Unfortunately, some rideshare drivers drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, and illegal substances.
- Driving while fatigued: Whether it’s due to sleep deprivation or simply because someone’s been on the job for too long, driving while fatigued can result in an accident. About 1 in 5 accidents are caused by driver fatigue.
- Violating traffic rules and regulations: Traffic signs, signals, and rules are meant to keep drivers, passengers, and other road users safe. Violating these regulations increases the chances of causing an accident.
Other causes of Uber and Lyft accidents include lack of vehicle maintenance, driving in bad weather conditions, or unsafe lane changes.
If you or your loved one sustained injuries in an accident in a rideshare, a Fontana Uber and Lyft accident lawyer can help you hold the responsible party liable.
Requirements to Drive for Uber and Lyft
Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft differ from taxi services in a number of ways. For starters, rideshare drivers often use their own vehicles. They also don’t need to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL), which might be required for taxi drivers and other professional drivers.
Generally, the requirements to drive Uber and Lyft include:
- The driver must meet the minimum age requirement (usually 21 years)
- The driver must have a valid U.S driver’s license
- The driver must have at least three years of experience if they are younger than 23 and at least one year of experience if they are 23 and above
- The driver must be able to provide proof of vehicle insurance and registration
- The driver must use an eligible four-wheel vehicle
How Rideshare Accident Insurance Works
When you suffer injuries or damages in a rideshare accident, it is entirely situational whether the Uber or Lyft driver pays using their insurance or the rideshare company’s. Here are some basics.
- If an accident occurs when the driver is on-duty but isn’t matched with a passenger, the driver’s personal rideshare insurance or the company’s policy will cover the accident
- If an accident occurs when the driver is off-duty and doesn’t have their app looking for passengers, the driver’s personal insurance will cover the damages if they are at fault.
- If an accident occurs after a driver has been matched with a passenger, or immediately after the passenger gets into the vehicle, the liability insurance of the rideshare company will cover the damages.
If the at-fault driver is underinsured or uninsured, both Uber and Lyft have uninsured coverage.
Who Is Liable for an Accident in an Uber or Lyft?
In rideshare accident lawsuits, liability depends on fault or wrongdoing. For Lyft or Uber to be liable for your injuries and damages, you need to show that a rideshare driver’s negligence caused you harm.
For instance, if you are a passenger in an Uber or Lyft, and you break your hand in an accident because the driver was distracted by their phone, you can file a claim with the rideshare’s insurance company.
However, if you are a passenger in an Uber or Lyft, and you break your hand when a drunk driver crashes into your car, you will probably file a claim with the drunk driver’s insurance company.
That said, determining the liable party in a rideshare accident can be difficult. If you or your loved one suffered injuries in an Uber or Lyft accident in Fontana, an experienced lawyer can help you identify the at-fault party and hold them responsible.
How Long Do You Have to File an Uber and Lyft Accident?
You will have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. If you fail to file a claim within this duration, you may lose your right to file a personal injury claim, despite how strong it is.
What Does a Rideshare Accident Lawyer Do?
Rideshare accidents are usually complicated to investigate. This is because more parties are involved in the claims process, including the driver’s insurance company and the rideshare company’s insurance provider.
Also, determining the at-fault party can be difficult, especially if more than one vehicle was involved in the accident.
An experienced rideshare accident lawyer can help protect your rights. Among other things, they will:
- Gather evidence to strengthen your claim
- Help you identify the at-fault party or parties
- Deal with the at-fault party’s insurance company to help you get maximum compensation
- Advise you at every stage of the claims process
- If necessary, represent you in court to help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Contact an Experienced Fontana Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer for Help
If you were involved in a rideshare accident, your primary responsibility should be to recover from your injuries. The experienced team at Attorney Jeff Injury Lawyers understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll an accident can take on you and your family.
Our attorneys will work to build a strong case and will fight for you to help obtain maximum compensation for your injuries. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
Uber and Lyft Accident FAQs
What should you do after an Uber or Lyft accident?
Whether you were a rideshare passenger when an accident happened, or an Uber or a Lyft struck you, the measures you take will determine not only your well-being but also whether you will be compensated. Following an Uber or Lyft accident, you should:
- Gather evidence at the scene before it is distorted
- Seek medical care
- Avoid talking to anyone about your case
- Accept any offers or checks from the at-fault party’s insurance company
- Talk to an experienced Uber and Lyft accident lawyer
What are the common injuries suffered in rideshare accidents?
A rideshare accident could result in you sustaining physical injuries that range from minor to life-threatening. The common physical injuries that result from a rideshare accident include bruises, broken bones, burns, internal injuries, torn ligaments, neck and back injuries, spinal cord damage, TBIs, internal bleeding, and concussions.