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What Causes Uber and Lyft Accidents?
Although Uber and Lyft swear to a promise of safety for their customer base, their drivers are like any other, and accidents do happen. Rideshare car accidents happen for some of the same reasons that most auto accidents do, except that rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft introduce new variables that can also cause crashes.
According to Uber’s own 29 to 2020 safety report, 101 deaths occurred in 91 fatal Uber car collisions. The majority of these deadly accidents involved speeding, with the second leading cause of accidents being drunk driving. Pedestrians were the most affected group among the fatal Uber car accidents from 2019 to 2020.
Common causes of Lyft and Uber accidents include:
- Aggressive driving.
- Defective vehicles and poor vehicle maintenance.
- Distractions caused by the rideshare app.
- Driver fatigue and drowsy driving.
- Driver negligence.
- Driving over the speed limit.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Negligence on the part of the rideshare company.
- Reckless driving.
- Tailgating.
- Texting or using other handheld devices while driving.
Whatever the cause of the rideshare accident, as a victim you may be able to seek compensation for your losses. This compensation may be economic and non-economic damages, including financial recovery for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and wrongful death. Speak to our law firm for more information.
What Are Common Rideshare Accident Injuries?
Similar to any other motor vehicle accident, Uber and Lyft car accidents can result in several different types of injuries.
Injuries commonly seen in rideshare accidents include:
- Back and neck injuries.
- Broken bones.
- Burns.
- Deep cuts and lacerations.
- Disfigurement of the face.
- Internal damage.
- Loss of limbs.
- Paralysis and other new disabilities.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Severe bruising.
- Spinal cord injuries.
- Soft-tissue damage.
- Traumatic brain injuries.
- Whiplash.
You must seek medical attention immediately following a car accident, regardless of whether a rideshare company was involved. If you fail to seek medical aid for your injuries, you may be unable to seek compensation later.
How is Fault Determined in a Rideshare Accident?
Fault for the car accident is determined similarly to any other motor vehicle accident. The facts are examined, and the fault is later determined. It could be that the Uber driver was the party at fault for the car wreck. Or it could very well prove that the other drivers were the motorists responsible for causing the accident.
The truth of the situation will be determined after the police have examined all the facts, the insurance companies have had their say, and the victims have made their claims.
Who is Liable for Damages Following a Rideshare Car Accident in California?
Car accident claims involving rideshare companies are more complex than most typical car accident claims simply because of the rideshare companies’ involvement and policies. If you are seeking a fair settlement following an Uber or Lyft car crash, it is vital that you consult an attorney with experience in rideshare accidents similar to yours.
Both Uber and Lyft require that their drivers have personal auto insurance coverage. However, the driver’s insurance policy rarely applies when the driver is logged in and on duty as a rideshare driver. When logged in, Uber or Lyft insurance coverage shall cover the vehicle while it is in the process of picking up and delivering riders.
Three different periods are essential to understand when it comes to rideshare accidents and liability.
In Period One, the driver has turned on the rideshare app and awaits their next instructions. This could be considered their on-the-clock waiting period, as they wait for the ride they wish to accept. During Period One, the liability coverage for Lyft and Uber drivers is $50,000 per person, with $100,000 in coverage for any accident resulting in bodily injury and $25,000 for accidents involving property damage.
In Period Two, the driver has accepted a ride and is on their way to pick up the customer. During Period Two, the insurance liability coverage from Uber and Lyft is $1,000,000.
Period Three is when the rideshare driver has picked up their customer and is en route to their designated destination. Uber and Lyft provide a $1,000,000 insurance policy for any accidents involving bodily injury.
The mobile app is central to determining the scope of liability in a rideshare accident case.
If a rideshare driver is in an accident when they are off the clock, then the rideshare company has no part in the legal case that follows.
Suppose an Uber or Lyft driver is in an accident but is not the at-fault party. In that case, the injured victim is limited by the amount of insurance coverage available under the at-fault party’s insurance policy.
Contact Us for a Free Case Evaluation
In order for a rideshare accident victim to recover a settlement for their losses, they must first file an insurance claim. For assistance, we highly advise you to seek legal representation from our law firm. Our lawyers have years of experience representing personal injury victims, and we understand the complexities inherent in rideshare car accidents.
Our law firm offers a free initial consultation to all prospective new clients. To learn more about our legal services, please contact our San Fernando Valley law offices and speak with our knowledgeable legal team. You may contact us at (818) 369-3270.
