If you’ve been in an accident with Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare company, you should speak with a Los Angeles rideshare accident lawyer. You may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim.
Rideshare services provide Los Angeles residents and tourists with convenient and affordable transportation. Passengers arrange for a ride directly through a smartphone app, without the hassle of hailing a taxi or waiting for public transportation.
Rideshare services are prevalent and many Southern Californians will hire one at some point. In recent years, Uber has stated that their company provides an astonishing 3.1 million rides daily just in the U.S. While Uber and Lyft have dominated the country’s rideshare industry, it is a growing market with emerging companies.
Table of Contents
INJURED IN A RIDESHARE ACCIDENT IN LOS ANGELES?
At this point in time, it’s impossible to determine exactly how many rideshare accidents occur on Los Angeles roads. The industry as a whole does not release aggregate statistics. Most rideshare trips are, in fact, uneventful. Passengers arrive at their destinations without incident.
But for those who are injured in a rideshare accident, the injuries and resulting medical bills can be devastating. Injured rideshare passengers may be unable to work for weeks or even months while they recover. And to complicate matters, they may be given the run-around by both the driver’s insurance company and the rideshare service.
WHEN SHOULD I CALL A LOS ANGELES RIDESHARE ACCIDENT LAWYER?
In California, there is a time limit on initiating car accident claims. The statute of limitations for personal injuries is two years.
There is no reason to wait to speak with an attorney. You should schedule a free consultation as soon as you can after a rideshare accident. During this brief meeting, you’ll explain the circumstances of your accident and injuries. The attorney will then let you know if you have a legal case.
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR A RIDESHARE ACCIDENT IN LOS ANGELES?
Rideshare accidents have a layer of complexity that other crashes do not. Instead of only negotiating with the driver’s insurance, the rideshare company may play a role, too.
THE RIDESHARE DRIVER
Rideshare drivers are under pressure to complete their rides quickly so they can maximize their pay. Most rideshare companies use apps for booking rides, so drivers are distracted by their smartphones and GPS devices.
Many rideshare drivers are also overworked. They may have more than one job or spend long hours on the road. Both distraction and fatigue can increase the risk of an accident.
THE RIDESHARE COMPANY
California law requires rideshare companies to provide insurance coverage for passengers. In theory, this sounds straightforward. But don’t be surprised if the rideshare company goes to great lengths to find fault with the driver.
THIRD PARTIES
A rideshare driver may be attentive, follow all traffic laws, and still be in an accident. A third party like a bicyclist, another vehicle, or a pedestrian can cause a crash.
TYPES OF INJURIES CAUSED BY RIDESHARE ACCIDENTS
BROKEN BONES
If the impact is strong enough, any bone in the body can be broken in a car accident.
Wrist and arm fractures are common injuries, as passengers will brace themselves for an oncoming collision. Broken bones can lead to surgery and weeks or months in a cast.
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are some of the most devastating car accident injuries. TBIs can cause changes in a person’s personality, memory, and motor function. People with severe brain injuries may need around the clock care.
INTERNAL INJURIES
High-impact crashes, in particular, can cause ruptured organs and internal bleeding. These injuries often require emergency surgery and may be fatal.
SPINAL CORD INJURIES
According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries in people under 65. Spinal cord injuries can lead to paralysis and limited mobility.
Many rideshare accident injuries prevent people from working and caring for their families. If you were injured, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.
FINDING THE BEST LOS ANGELES RIDESHARE ACCIDENT LAWYER FOR YOU
The days following a rideshare accident are a blur. But don’t sign any paperwork or discuss your injuries with anyone other than your doctor. That includes making social media posts or sharing photos and videos. Statements you make to the insurance company or rideshare service could be used against you and even taken out of context.
There are many personal injury law firms in Los Angeles, but not all are equipped to handle rideshare accidents. Having to possibly negotiate with both the rideshare driver’s insurance and the rideshare company is a task that not all attorneys are cut out for.
Our firm represents rideshare accident victims in Los Angeles, and we’re ready to help you.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
