Millions of us hit the road daily in California, whether behind the wheel or as passengers. The convenience of hiring an Uber or Lyft driver to take you from place to place is growing exponentially. But what happens when your Uber or Lyft ride takes a turn for the worse and you’re involved in an accident? These situations can be confusing, especially when figuring out who’s on the hook for damages. Buckle up because today, we’re diving into the world of Uber and Lyft accidents in California. We’ll untangle the complexities of liability and insurance issues and help you understand how to get the compensation you deserve.
Who Pays When the Ride Goes Wrong?
After an unexpected collision as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft, who is responsible for the medical bills, car repairs, and other damages? Your Uber and Lyft accident lawyer in San Luis Obispo knows the key to getting compensation hinges on a critical factor: the Uber and Lyft driver’s classification.
In California, these companies classify their drivers as independent contractors, not employees. This distinction significantly impacts liability and a victim’s potential for compensation after a car accident. Traditionally, employers are liable for their employee’s negligence under the theory of respondeat superior. However, since Uber and Lyft drivers are technically independent contractors, these companies may attempt to distance themselves from the accident. This may significantly impact your path to compensation as Uber and Lyft are billion-dollar companies, while a driver’s personal car insurance policy may not cover your damages and losses.
California law recognizes Uber and Lyft as transportation network companies (TNCs). This classification means these ridesharing companies must carry specific insurance policies depending on the driver’s status in the app when the collision occurs.
- Driver’s app is off—if the app is off when the crash happens, the driver’s insurance would be the source of compensation;
- Waiting for a ride request—if the driver is waiting for a ride request when the crash occurs, the company’s contingent liability insurance kicks in, typically with a lower coverage amount; or
- On a trip with a passenger—if driving a passenger when the crash happens, the Uber and Lyft primary liability insurance coverage of up to $1 million per accident for bodily injury and property damage comes into play.
Your lawyer understands the importance of the app’s status at the time of the crash, and they can do the legwork needed to ensure you receive the payout your case deserves.
Independent Contractor or Not? The Classification Game and How it Affects Your Claim
While Uber and Lyft have liability insurance, they may still attempt to shift blame to the driver by claiming the driver is an independent contractor.
California courts are constantly evaluating the legal gray area surrounding the classification of rideshare drivers. While the independent contractor label is the current norm, some argue that drivers function more like employees under the control of Uber or Lyft during a ride. This ongoing debate could hold these companies more accountable for driver negligence in the future. In this rapidly changing legal environment, it’s vital to have experienced Uber and Lyft accident lawyers in San Luis Obispo working in your best interest.
What Can You Recover After an Uber or Lyft Accident?
If you have been injured in a rideshare accident, you might be entitled to compensation for various damages, including:
- Medical expenses—these losses cover past, present, and future medical bills related to your injuries;
- Lost wages—you may be entitled to recover compensation for lost income and future loss of earnings if you cannot work or have to switch jobs due to your injuries;
- Pain and suffering—pain and suffering cover the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident; and
- Property damage—any damage to your belongings, like a damaged phone or ruined clothes, can also be included in your compensation claim.
Calculating the value of these losses—especially the intangible losses related to the emotional and psychological impact of the accident—is challenging without the help of qualified Uber and Lyft accident attorneys in San Luis Obispo.
The Roadblocks to Compensation: Challenges in Uber and Lyft Accident Cases
While California law offers some protections, navigating a rideshare accident claim can be tricky. Here are some challenges you might face.
- Multiple parties are involved. Depending on the accident, multiple parties could be involved, like the other driver, their insurance company, and the Uber or Lyft driver. This can make things complex, especially when determining who’s primarily at fault.
- Gathering evidence. Securing evidence like police reports, witness statements, and medical records is crucial for a strong case. Rideshare companies might be less forthcoming with information compared to traditional employers.
- Proving the extent of damages. Demonstrating the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life is essential for maximizing compensation. Detailed medical documentation and expert testimony can bolster your claim.
Since rideshare accidents often include multiple parties and have far more complex liability issues, having a lawyer protecting your interests is more important than ever. Rideshare companies have lawyers on their side who will try to lessen your compensation. Fight back by getting your own Uber and Lyft accident attorney in San Luis Obispo from the Frederick Law Firm. We will protect your rights.
Contact an Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer in San Luis Obispo
For the past 40 years, the legal team at the Frederick Law Firm has advocated for accident victims. We treat our clients like family during the most difficult time in their lives. We are the solution you need when seeking dedicated attorneys skilled in various legal fields such as real estate, criminal law, wrongful death, and agricultural law.
Our legal team helps ensure that insurance companies or adversarial interests do not take unfair advantage of you during a perplexing legal process. Our extensive experience and stellar reputation in the community give all our clients the upper hand in achieving the best possible outcome in their case. The Frederick Law firm is the solution you need for your legal situation.
No case is too complex or too simple. We are here to help and provide personalized legal services that put your concerns and worries to rest as you focus on healing and recovery.
Contact us today by phone or email to discuss your case with our legal team. We offer convenient locations in both Nipomo and San Luis Obispo to make it easy for our clients to get the help they need.