Best Lyft & Uber Accident Lawyer — Los Angeles, CA

If you sustained injuries in an Uber or Lyft accident, you may be able to pursue compensation for your losses. It’s best to seek medical attention and consult with a Los Angeles Lyft & Uber accident lawyer. The Law Offices of Daniel Kim is an award-winning personal injury law firm that specializes in auto accident cases.

One of California’s top Los Angeles personal injury attorneys, Daniel Kim, has dedicated his career to helping injured victims recover fair compensation.

He maintains a 99% success rate and has recovered over $250 million in compensation for his clients. Our California law firm is available 24/7 by phone, email, or live chat. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.

No Win. No Fee. Guaranteed.

The Law Offices of Daniel Kim operates on a contingency fee basis. This means that if we don’t win your case, you pay us nothing. This allows our clients to focus on their recovery without having to pay any upfront legal fees. Our personal injury law firm also offers all clients a free case evaluation to learn more about their legal options.

Were You Injured in a Lyft or Uber Accident in Los Angeles?

The Law Offices of Daniel Kim possesses the experience and expertise to take on any opponent, including billion-dollar rideshare companies. We know how to deal with big insurance companies and recover the financial compensation that our clients deserve. Our compassionate and attentive legal team provides personalized service throughout the entire rideshare accident claim.

Uber and Lyft accident lawyer, Daniel Kim, has been recognized by distinguished legal organizations including The National Trial Lawyers, The National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys, and The Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers Association. Additionally, Daniel served in the US Army as a paralegal and has experience working internationally as an attorney with a diverse clientele.

If you sustained injuries or lost a loved one in a Los Angeles Uber or Lyft accident, don’t hesitate to consult The Law Offices of Daniel Kim. We do not charge for our legal services until we win your personal injury lawsuit and you are compensated.

How Can a Lyft or Uber Accident Lawyer Help Me?

Ridesharing services, including Uber and Lyft, are very popular in Los Angeles County and throughout California. However, because Uber and Lyft drivers are independent contractors who do not receive formal training, there is always a risk of being involved in an Uber or Lyft accident. In addition, rideshare drivers are not usually screened with the same diligence as most drivers of commercial vehicles like taxi drivers. The rideshare industry is not regulated to the same degree as other industries. Consequently, ridesharing companies may employ drivers who are underqualified.

There are many factors that make Lyft and Uber accident claims more complex than other motor vehicle accident claims. These types of claims include involvement from multiple parties such as the rideshare driver, the rideshare driver’s insurer, the rideshare company, and the rideshare company’s insurer.

Uber and Lyft are billion-dollar companies that fight to protect their reputation and bottom line. Ridesharing companies have lawyers on retainer who will fight to offer a low settlement or deny a claim entirely. This is why it is crucial to hire an experienced Lyft/Uber accident attorney who has the expertise needed to take on powerful companies. At the Law Offices of Daniel Kim, we are prepared to go to court, if necessary, to help accident victims obtain the compensation they deserve. Our Uber accident lawyers will fight tirelessly to resolve your personal injury case in a timely manner and recover a fair settlement.

The statute of limitations is an allotted amount of time one party is given to pursue legal action against another party. In California for personal injury claims, the statute is 2 years from the date the injury occurred. If the injury was not discovered until some time later, the statute of limitations is 1 year from the date of discovery. To ensure that you are within the timeframe to file a personal injury claim, it’s essential to consult a Los Angeles rideshare accident lawyer.

Common Injuries Sustained in Rideshare Accidents

Some common injuries suffered in Lyft and Uber accidents include the following:

• Broken bones – The impact of a ridesharing accident can cause bone fractures, bone breaks, and other serious injuries.
• Back and spinal injuries – Uber accidents can cause spinal discs to shift and compress nerves which can result in a herniated disc. Other common back injuries include sprains and strains, pinched nerves, and sciatica.
• Neck injuries – Neck injuries are often caused by muscle damage, and torn ligaments and tendons. Common neck injuries suffered in Uber accidents include whiplash, neck sprain, pinched nerve, neck fracture, herniated disc, and fractured cervical spine.
• Traumatic brain injuries – Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries. These types of injuries occur when the impact of a car accident causes a blow or jolt to the head.
• Whiplash – This type of injury occurs when there is a sudden, vigorous back-and-forth movement of the head. Whiplash is very common in rear-end accidents and can cause pain and discomfort for several months or years following an accident.
• Wrongful death – Uber and Lyft accidents are very dangerous and can lead to fatal injuries. If you lose a loved one in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver, it’s best to consult an experienced personal injury attorney.
• Facial injuries – Facial injuries sustained in rideshare accidents can include bruises, damage to the orbital sockets, fractured jawbone, missing teeth, and nasal fractures.
• Burns – Burns can be caused in rideshare accidents from motor vehicle fires, exposure to hot metal, steam, or liquids, explosions, and contact with dangerous chemicals.
• Amputation – A traumatic amputation can occur when limbs become severed, crushed, or pinned in an Uber accident. When a limb is damaged beyond repair or becomes severely infected, a limb amputation may be necessary.

Can I Recover Compensation for a Rideshare Accident?

Uber accident victims can obtain financial compensation for economic damages and non-economic damages. The value of Uber accident claims is determined on a case-by-case basis and depends on factors like the extent of the injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Economic damages hold a specific monetary value and can include the following:

• Medical expenses
• Future medical bills
• Lost income
• Car repair costs
• Physical therapy costs
• Property damage (this includes personal property such as laptops and cell phones)

Non-economic damages are more complicated to calculate and prove due to their subjective nature. These types of damages can include the following:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Mental distress
• Loss of consortium
• Disfigurement and limb loss

An experienced Lyft/Uber accident attorney will assist you in calculating the value of your car accident case. At The Law Offices of Daniel Kim, we will help you gather the evidence needed and build a strong case to prove the true extent of your losses. Call today to schedule a free consultation.

What Are Common Types of Rideshare Accidents?

Auto accidents are not an uncommon occurrence in the Los Angeles area. In 2019, there were 88,814 total fatalities and injuries in Los Angeles County car accidents. All motor vehicle drivers have a care of duty to operate their automobiles in a safe manner. When drivers are negligent and don’t follow traffic signs and signals, motor vehicle accidents can occur. The following are some common causes of Lyft and Uber accidents:

Speeding

Speeding is a leading cause of car accidents across the United States. In 2020, approximately 28% of fatal crashes and 13% of injury crashes were speeding-related. Fatalities caused by speeding-related accidents increased by 13% from 2011 to 2020. In 2019, there were 4,194 total Los Angeles fatal and injury crashes related to speeding. Rideshare drivers may be tempted to speed to receive a higher rating or to make a certain pick-up or drop-off time.

Reckless Driving

When Lyft/Uber drivers and other motorists drive recklessly it can lead to potentially fatal car accidents. Reckless driving can include tailgating, illegally passing other vehicles, swerving across lanes, and making illegal maneuvers.

Driving Under the Influence

When motorists drive while under the influence, they put others around them at great risk. Each day, about 32 people are killed in drunk driving accidents in the US. Essentially, one person dies every 45 minutes in alcohol-related crashes. In 2019, there were 4,881 DUI arrests and 2,913 total victims killed and injured in alcohol-related accidents in Los Angeles. According to Uber’s US Safety Report, 23% of the traffic fatalities connected to the Uber platform involved third-party drivers who were under the influence of alcohol.

Fatigued Driving

Driving while drowsy is very dangerous and significantly lowers cognitive functions and quick decision-making. Whether an individual is working long hours, driving all day for work, or taking a road trip, the risks of driving while fatigued are substantial. About 633 people died in 2020 in drowsy driving-related crashes. Fatigue can significantly impact Uber drivers’ ability to operate their vehicles in a safe manner. Uber’s fatigue management policy will take a ridesharing driver offline for 8 consecutive hours if the driver has been active on the app for 12 cumulative hours without a consecutive 8-hour break.

Failure to Obey Traffic Signs and Signals

When motor vehicle drivers fail to obey traffic signs and signals, it puts other motorists at risk. According to the United States Department of Transportation, more than 50% of fatal and injury accidents happen at or near intersections. For example, an Uber/Lyft driver may run a red light to attempt to arrive at the rider’s destination faster.

Distracted Driving

Driving while distracted involves engaging in any non-driving activity while on the road. This can include texting, talking to someone on the phone, eating, using the GPS, or conversing with a passenger. In 2020, distracted driving crashes caused 3,142 fatalities. Uber drivers rely on their app for accepting rides and could get distracted by their phones during commutes. If a negligent uber driver caused the rideshare accident, it’s best to consult a Los Angeles uber accident lawyer.

Does Lyft or Uber Compensate for Accidents?

Lyft and Uber drivers are independent contractors and are required to carry their own personal auto insurance. When an Uber or Lyft accident takes place, the driver’s personal insurance may be utilized solely or jointly with Uber/Lyft’s insurance coverage. Uber and Lyft both provide $1 million dollar insurance policies to protect Lyft/Uber drivers, riders, and third parties involved in Uber/Lyft accidents.

There are different periods that determine if the rideshare driver’s auto insurance coverage and/or Uber/Lyft’s $1 million dollar insurance policy will be utilized. The periods include the following:

Period 0

During period 0, the rideshare driver’s Lyft/Uber app is off. In the case of an accident, a rideshare passenger or a third party would file an insurance claim with the rideshare driver’s insurer.

California law requires each driver to carry this auto insurance minimum:

• $15,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per person injured in a collision
• $30,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per collision
• $5,000 liability insurance for property damage per collision

Period 1

The Lyft/Uber app is active, and the driver is available to give rides but hasn’t accepted a ride request yet. During period 1, Uber and Lyft provide coverage for their drivers, rideshare passengers, and third parties in the following amounts:

• $50,000 per person
• $100,000 per accident
• $25,000 property damage

Periods 2 and 3

During period 2 the Lyft/Uber driver accepted a ride request and is en route to pick up the individual. During period 3 the rider is in the vehicle. Both periods 2 and 3 trigger Uber/Lyft’s $1 million dollar insurance policy. This policy covers the Lyft/Uber driver, the rider, and third parties. It also includes uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage.

Is Lyft or Uber Liable for Their Drivers’ Negligence?

California is an at-fault state, which means that each party involved will need to file an insurance claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. The at-fault party is responsible for paying other people’s damages resulting from the accident. The damages can include losses like property damage, car repair bills, and medical bills.

In addition, California recognizes pure comparative negligence in personal injury claims. This principle of tort law means that at-fault parties are liable to compensate for damages according to their percentage of fault. For example, a rideshare driver could be found 75% responsible for causing an accident and the employer could be found 25% responsible. Therefore, both parties would be held accountable.

Typically, injured victims must file an insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer. However, in an Uber or Lyft accident, liability can also depend on if the Lyft/Uber app was on or off at the time of the accident.

Uber App Is Off

If the Uber/Lyft driver is at fault for an accident, and the rideshare app was “off,” accident victims can pursue damages with the rideshare driver’s personal insurance company.

Uber App Is On

If the rideshare app was “on,” accident victims can file a claim with the rideshare driver’s auto insurance company and the rideshare company. The $1 million liability insurance is active if the driver is en route to pick up a passenger or has picked up a passenger and is driving to the passenger’s destination.

What Should I Do As a Passenger in a Rideshare Accident?

After a Lyft/Uber accident, it’s essential to take proactive measures to preserve evidence and strengthen your claim. Uber and Lyft accident victims can take the following steps after an accident:

1. Get to Safety

Your Uber driver should pull over to a well-lit area. Everyone in the vehicle should check for injuries and ensure they are out of harm’s way.

2. Call the Police

Call 911 and wait for authorities to arrive at the rideshare accident scene. It’s crucial that you receive a police report. A police report may not be admissible in court. However, it is considered an unbiased report of the accident and can be used as evidence to negotiate with the insurance company.

3. Seek Medical Attention 

Even if you do not believe you are injured, it’s vital to pursue medical care after an Uber or Lyft accident. Get a medical exam and collect your medical records pertaining to the rideshare accident. If you don’t seek out medical assistance immediately, the insurance company can question the seriousness of your injuries.

4. Exchange Information with Everyone Involved

Gather information about the persons involved in the accident, including the following:

• Full names
• Addresses
• Phone numbers
• Insurance policy numbers and insurers
• Driver’s licenses and license plates

5. Take Photos and Videos

Take pictures and videos at the scene of the Lyft or Uber accident. If you can’t, ask someone else to do so. Ensure you take pictures from different angles of any injuries, damage to personal property, debris, broken glass, and car parts.

6. Talk to Eyewitnesses

If there are witnesses, it’s important to get their contact information and ask if they are willing to give their statement of how the accident occurred.

7. Report the Accident to Uber or Lyft

Notify Uber or Lyft about the accident immediately. Especially if you have been injured, it is crucial to notify the rideshare company as soon as possible. If anyone is injured or the vehicle damage exceeds $750, it’s also necessary to report the incident to the Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days.

8. Consult with a Los Angeles Uber/Lyft Accident Attorney

An Uber/Lyft accident lawyer will protect your rights and know the true value of your claim. A rideshare accident attorney will help you calculate and prove your damages and hold the liable parties accountable.

Lyft and Uber Rideshare Accident Statistics

Auto accidents are a common occurrence in Los Angeles. In 2019, there were 35,549 fatal and injury accidents. Regardless, if you are driving your own car or using a rideshare service, the risk of being in a car accident is not improbable. A recent study determined that the arrival of ridesharing contributed to a 2% to 3% increase in the number of passenger vehicle occupants and pedestrians killed between 2011 and 2016.

According to Uber’s US Safety Report, the motor vehicle fatality rate linked to Uber-related accidents is about half the national average. Between 2019 and 2020, there were 101 auto accident fatalities that occurred across 91 fatal Uber-related accidents.

Uber claims that 94% of these accidents were a result of the actions of third-party drivers. Whether an Uber driver or a third party causes a car crash, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately and consult with an experienced Los Angeles rideshare accident attorney. Los Angeles Uber accident attorneys can help you file a personal injury claim to pursue the financial compensation you deserve. An auto accident attorney will protect your rights and facilitate communication with the rideshare company and the insurance companies on your behalf.

Dangerous Roads and Intersections

Dangerous roads and intersections in Los Angeles, California include the following: 

• Reseda Boulevard at Devonshire Street
• Balboa Boulevard at Nordhoff Street
• Imperial Highway at Vista Del Mar
• Roscoe Boulevard at Lindley Avenue
• Lakewood Boulevard at Firestone Boulevard
• Union Drive at Sixth Street
• Alvarado Street at Seventh Street
• Spring Street at Fifth Street

Contact Our Lyft and Uber Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles

If you were injured in an accident by a negligent driver, don’t hesitate to contact a Los Angeles Uber and Lyft accident attorney. At The Law Offices of Daniel Kim, we pride ourselves on our client-focused approach and exclusively focus on personal injury cases pertaining to auto accidents. Our Los Angeles rideshare accident lawyer is dedicated to helping injured victims obtain maximum compensation. We maintain a 99% win rate and have recovered over $250 million in verdicts and settlements for our clients.

The Law Offices of Daniel Kim highly values responsiveness and is available 24/7 by phone, email, and live chat. We will work to protect your best interests and guide you throughout the claims process. Call us today to learn more about your legal options.

Other Practice Areas We Specialize In

The Law Offices of Daniel Kim is proud to serve nearby neighborhoods and cities in Los Angeles and throughout Los Angeles County including: Agoura Hills, Alhambra, Bell, Bell Gardens, Beverly Hills, Bradbury, Brentwood, Burbank, Calabasas, Cerritos, Commerce, Cudahy, Culver City, El Segundo, Encino, Glendale, Hawthorne, Hidden Hills, Huntington Park, Inglewood, La Cañada Flintridge, Ladera Heights, Long Beach, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Marina Del Rey, Maywood, Monrovia, Montebello, Monterey Park, Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, Rosemead, San Fernando, San Gabriel, San Marino, Santa Clarita, Santa Monica, Sherman Oaks, Sierra Madre, South Gate, South Pasadena, Temple City, Torrance, Van Nuys, Vernon, West Hollywood, Westlake Village, Westwood, and Whittier.

Directions to Our Los Angeles Office

Car Accident Lawyer Daniel Kim — Los Angeles, CA
Address: 617 S Olive St #507, Los Angeles, CA 90017
Phone: (310) 295-1087