San Diego Lyft and Uber Accident Lawyer
Were You Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident?
There are 93 million active Uber users across 10,000 cities in 71 countries, and with the company consuming 68% of the US rideshare market, the tech giant has established itself as the biggest transportation network in the US. Competitor, Lyft, has also gained many users, with an average of 18.7 million riders per quarter.
The national prominence of these companies has quantified the need for more drivers but has consequently resulted in more car accidents involving Lyft and Uber drivers have also gone up. If you have been injured in a rideshare accident, contact top-rated San Diego Uber and Lyft accident lawyer, Daniel Kim.
Our personal injury law firm has recovered over $300 million in verdicts and settlements, and we possess a strong understanding of how rideshare cases work. To discuss your Lyft or Uber accident, schedule a free consultation with our San Diego office today.
No Win. No Fee. Guaranteed.
The Law Offices of Daniel Kim maintains a 99% success rate, which is why we are more than confident in our efforts to deliver optimal results in all of the rideshare cases we take on. However, if we do not produce a case win, you will not be billed for our services. We work on a contingency fee basis, so we never collect payment until maximum compensation has been recovered; this is part of our no-win, no-fee guarantee.
If you’re looking for an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss your options, call us today to request a free, no obligation, case assessment with our team of legal professionals who can help you evaluate the strength and weaknesses of your case as it pertains to your specific accident case.
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Were You Injured in a Car Accident with an Uber or Lyft Driver?
Dealing with car accident cases, in general, is a demanding experience. Dealing with Lyft and Uber accident cases further complicates matters, as these types of cases can involve multiple parties, higher case values, and an extensive set of legal procedures.
While injured victims are entitled to compensation, insurance companies are committed to reducing fair payouts by as much as possible. However, working with experienced Lyft and Uber accident attorneys protects victims from being taken advantage of and improves the chances of maximizing their settlements.
In fact, the average claimant will recover four times the amount of compensation when working with an experienced Uber/Lyft accident attorney than claimants who independently represent themselves in a case.
The Law Offices of Daniel Kim maintains a 99% success rate and has been recognized by the nation’s top legal organizations, such as the National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys (NAOPIA), The National Trial Lawyers, and The American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys. If you were injured in a crash caused by an Uber driver or Lyft driver, our legal team can help you recover the fair compensation you deserve.
START YOUR FREE CONSULTATIONHow Can an Uber or Lyft Accident Lawyer Help Me?
Some Lyft or Uber accident victims may become discouraged when attempting to recover compensation, especially when doing so in a weakened state. At The Law Offices of Daniel Kim, we provide our clients with comprehensive legal assistance to recover maximum compensation for their Uber and Lyft accident cases.
For anyone involved in an accident with Uber and Lyft drivers, either as a passenger or as the driver of another vehicle, legal representation is strongly encouraged.
Rideshares are required by California law to carry $1 million liability insurance policies, and with such a valuable policy, insurance carriers are going to be aggressive in their efforts to pay out as little as possible.
Additionally, Uber and Lyft are backed by legal teams dedicated to reducing the value of personal injury claims involving their brand. Our San Diego personal injury law firm offers the expertise and resources needed to withstand the big rideshare companies.
A strong case against the insurance company will consist of sufficient evidence, police reports, witness statements, and expert witness testimonies–all of which our law firm will obtain. We also thoroughly evaluate cases to estimate their value, ensuring that the insurance company’s offer aligns with our calculations.
Statute of Limitations in California
In addition to securing maximum compensation, an Uber and Lyft accident attorney will also monitor filing periods. The legal system is not forgiving when it comes to deadlines. Under the statute of limitations in California, individuals are given two years from the date of injury to take legal action.
However, under some circumstances, that timeframe can be significantly reduced to just six months, while in other cases, it can be extended an additional year. Again, this is circumstantial. To ensure important dates are not missed, consult with the legal team at The Law Offices of Daniel Kim.
Can I Recover Compensation for a San Diego Uber or Lyft Accident?
Anyone injured in a car accident that was caused by a negligent party is entitled to compensation. However, the other party’s insurance company will attempt to reduce settlements as much as possible, which is why legal representation is so vital.
When working with an experienced San Diego rideshare accident lawyer, compensation is not only attainable, but it is also maximized. When calculating case value, the following factors are included in the equation.
Economic Damages
These types of damages carry a monetary value and are meant to compensate or reimburse victims for any losses suffered from an Uber accident or Lyft accident. Examples include: medical bills, hospital expenses, future medical expenses, lost wages, decreased earning capacity, property damage, and any other out-of-pocket expenses.
Non-Economic Damages
Unlike economic damages, this type of loss does not carry a monetary value, but it is meant to still compensate victims for the effects that the car accident had on their overall well-being. Examples include: pain and suffering, emotional distress, diminished outlook on the quality of life, disfigurement, or loss of consortium (partnership).
What Are the Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents?
Similar to car accidents, Uber accidents and Lyft accidents are often attributed to another person’s negligence. The most common causes of San Diego rideshare accidents are:
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Fatigued drivers
- Inexperienced Lyft or Uber drivers
- Lack of rideshare vehicle maintenance
- Running red lights and stop signs
- Speeding
- Texting while driving
Whatever the cause of your San Diego Uber accident, you will need an experienced injury attorney to help get you the compensation you deserve. Contact The Law Offices of Daniel Kim today.
Who Is Responsible for My Injuries in a Rideshare Accident?
The person or entity who caused the accident that ultimately resulted in serious injuries and losses will be responsible for compensating victims. In a standard car accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance company pays for damages.
However, in an Uber accident or Lyft accident, multiple parties are involved; therefore, multiple insurance providers will be involved, as well. California is an at-fault state, which means that the state abides by comparative negligence laws.
These laws hold every at-fault party accountable for damages, including the rideshare drivers, rideshare companies (Uber, Lyft, etc.), and other involved parties. Each party will owe a percentage of the damages, based on their percentage of fault. In some instances, victims may also be found liable. To avoid absorbing full fault, it is always best to work with a San Diego rideshare accident lawyer.
Is Lyft or Uber Liable for Their Drivers’ Negligence?
Sometimes. There are “four periods” that are considered when determining if Uber or Lyft can be found liable for their drivers’ actions.
- Period 0: The driver was not logged onto the rideshare app when the crash occurred, so Uber/Lyft would not be liable, and the driver’s own insurance policy would be applied.
- Period 1: The driver was logged onto the rideshare service app and was awaiting a ride request when the crash occurred. In this scenario, the rideshare company will cover $50,000 per person/ $100,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage and $30,000 in property damage liability coverage per accident.
- Period 2: The driver was logged onto the rideshare app and had either accepted a ride or is on the way to pick up the passenger when the crash occurred. In this scenario, the accident may qualify for the rideshare’s $1 million policy.
- Period 3: The driver was logged onto the rideshare service app and picked up the passenger when the crash occurred. In this scenario, the accident may qualify for the rideshare’s $1 million policy.
How Does Insurance Coverage Work if the Rideshare Driver Was Not At Fault?
Sometimes, a negligent driver is at-fault for an accident with a Lyft or Uber driver. Whether the victim is a passenger or another driver, the other driver who caused the accident will be liable for damages. If that driver’s insurance policy maxes out, and there is still a remaining balance in damages, the victim may still seek compensation from Uber or Lyft’s insurance.
What Should I Do as a Passenger in a Rideshare Accident?
Victims injured in an Uber or Lyft accident should consult with rideshare attorneys before speaking to the insurance companies. This will preserve their case value and prevent them from being held liable for an accident. Other actions to keep in mind after an Uber or Lyft accident are:
- Report the Uber/Lyft accident. Call 911, then request police assistance to where the accident occurred. Get the responding officer’s name and badge number, so the police report can be obtained once it becomes available.
- Gather evidence. After the accident, preserve available evidence by taking photos of the accident scene, getting the names and contact information of witnesses, and gathering insurance information from the rideshare driver and other involved drivers. Once the accident report becomes available, ensure to obtain a copy.
- See a doctor. Even if injuries do not appear serious, seek medical attention as soon as possible after the Lyft/Uber accident. Medical care documents injuries and provides the proper medical treatment to ensure victims have not suffered a life-threatening injury. Also, retain all medical bills and invoices documenting billing and treatment.
- Contact an Uber/Lyft attorney. An experienced personal injury attorney provides a clear understanding of a victim’s legal rights and options. Additionally, rideshare accident lawyers aggressively negotiate with insurance companies for maximum compensation.
Lyft and Uber Rideshare Accident Statistics
San Diego is one of the most popular locations for Uber and Lyft riders, as popular areas, like The Gaslamp Quarter and Little Italy, draw much attention from local residents and tourists. The San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld San Diego, and Petco Park also reel in many visitors who are either visiting from out of town or do not want to have to worry about scarce parking, increasing the need for rideshare services.
The growing popularity of Uber users and Lyft users have also created an influx in car accidents involving Lyft or Uber drivers throughout the city. In fact, there were nearly 20,000 car accidents in San Diego County that resulted in injury or death in recent years.
Dangerous Roads and Intersections for Rideshare Accidents
Some of the most hazardous intersections in San Diego, CA for Lyft/Uber drivers are located in various parts of the city that experience regular traffic, such as Downtown San Diego and the San Diego International Airport.
- University Ave. & 44th St.
- University Ave. & Fairmount Ave.
- Garnet Ave. & Mission Blvd.
- Broadway & I St.
- Broadway & 3rd Ave.
- 11th St. & Broadway
- North Harbor Dr. & Rosecrans St.
Contact Our San Diego Uber and Lyft Accident Attorney
If you or someone you love has been injured in an Uber accident or Lyft accident in Southern California or San Diego, CA, contact The Law Offices of Daniel Kim. Our experienced car accident attorneys will help you understand your legal options and will fight for the compensation you deserve.
We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay anything unless we win your case. Call us today to schedule a time to meet and discuss your case.
Car Accident Lawyer Daniel Kim
Address: 1111 Sixth Avenue Suite 231, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 639-9063
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