Rideshare Accident Lawyers in Encino

Pursuing Compensation for Lyft and Uber Accident Victims

Using Lyft or Uber is often considered a safe, responsible way to travel through Los Angeles, especially if the alternative is driving while tired or under the influence of alcohol. However, sometimes rideshare drivers are involved in or even cause motor vehicle accidents. When a car accident occurs, injured victims have the right to pursue compensation to assist with medical bills, lost income, and other expenses.

Of course, it’s not easy to initiate an Uber accident claim when you’re severely injured, especially when it’s unclear who is liable for your losses. It is essential that you hire an experienced rideshare accident lawyer in Encino, CA, for guidance and support. Contact V&A Law Firm if you need help getting financial compensation after a car accident involving Uber or Lyft.

California Regulations for Rideshare Drivers (PUC § 5430)

The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) enforces regulations under § 5430 to govern rideshare operators in Encino and across California. These rules require specific background checks, vehicle inspections, and insurance minimums to bolster public safety.

Drivers must pass criminal background checks to identify any past felonies or violent offenses, ensuring only qualified individuals join rideshare platforms. Additionally, vehicles must meet mileage or age criteria before drivers can accept passengers. Operators failing to comply may lose their ability to pick up riders, facing fines or suspension by state regulators.

Although PUC § 5430 and related statutes aim to protect riders and drivers, problems still arise when companies do not thoroughly monitor compliance. Some drivers may skip mechanical inspections or conceal relevant background information. If a driver with a problematic record is approved, the rideshare company could bear liability if an accident occurs. Legal claims in these situations usually involve determining whether the rideshare service failed to enforce safety standards and whether that breach contributed to the collision. Attorneys often request company records detailing driver onboarding and screening, searching for lapses that put passengers and others at risk.

What Should You Do After a Rideshare Accident?

Even when you’re not in control of the vehicle that caused the accident, you’re not completely powerless when it comes to your safety. There are steps you can take to get the best possible outcome after a Los Angeles rideshare accident, including the following:

Call 911 to report the rideshare accident.
Check yourself and others for injuries so you can request an ambulance if necessary.
Remain at the accident scene to fill out a police report if asked.
Take pictures of your injuries and the damage to the cars involved.
Get the contact information of the Uber or Lyft driver, witnesses, and any other drivers involved.
Report the rideshare accident to Lyft or Uber through their app or website.
Get medical treatment for your injuries, even if they seem minor.
Report the rideshare accident to your insurance company.
Call an Encino, CA, rideshare accident lawyer for legal advice.

The most important step is to get medical care for your rideshare accident injuries. Once you’re in good condition and can return home, it’s time to consider your legal options as an Uber or Lyft accident victim. When you call V&A Law Firm, you can get a free 15-minute case evaluation from an experienced rideshare accident lawyer who will explain what to expect from your Lyft or Uber accident case. Call our Encino, CA, law offices to learn more.

Who is Liable for an Uber or Lyft Accident in Encino, CA?

An important element of any personal injury lawsuit is determining who is at fault and whose insurance company will pay for the damages. With most vehicle accidents, the at-fault driver’s insurance company pays a settlement to the victim. However, rideshare accidents are more complicated because rideshare companies usually have insurance coverage that pays for the damages when their drivers are at fault while working.

When a driver is logged into the Lyft or Uber app, the rideshare company’s insurance is liable for any accidents caused by the driver. Whether you were a passenger getting a ride from an Uber or Lyft driver or were in another vehicle when an on-duty rideshare driver collided with you, the rideshare company’s $1 million insurance policy will cover your damages.

In some rideshare accidents, the rideshare driver’s auto insurance policy is the only option. If a car accident occurs when the Lyft or Uber driver is logged into the rideshare app but not busy picking up or delivering a customer, victims can bring a claim against the driver’s auto insurance. If the policy doesn’t cover the cost of all damages, the rideshare company’s insurance coverage can be accessed.

When a rideshare driver causes an accident while logged into the Uber or Lyft app, the insurance policy of the rideshare company will pay up to $25,000 for property damage. It will also pay up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury or death, with a maximum of $100,000 per accident for multiple victims.

When a Lyft or Uber driver causes an accident and is not logged into the app, the rideshare company does not offer insurance coverage. Instead, the rideshare driver’s personal car insurance will apply. An experienced Lyft or Uber accident lawyer at our Encino, CA, law firm will tell you whose insurance company is liable, so call today.

Insurance Issues Unique to Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare accident claims in Encino can be complicated by the multi-tiered insurance coverage that applies depending on a driver’s status at the time of an incident.

Below are key considerations for these policies:

App status: A driver waiting for ride requests may have personal auto coverage supplemented by limited rideshare insurance. Coverage generally increases once the driver accepts a ride, providing higher liability limits.
Policy overlaps: Gaps may arise if personal insurers deny a claim, citing commercial activity that violates policy terms. Rideshare insurers may also dispute coverage if the driver was not logged into the app or if other policy exclusions apply.
Uninsured/underinsured drivers: If a rideshare driver or at-fault party lacks adequate coverage, victims can turn to their uninsured motorist protection, though this approach often leads to complex negotiations.
Excess insurance: Rideshare companies typically maintain sizable excess policies designed to cover catastrophic accidents. However, these policies activate under specific conditions and proving eligibility can require careful documentation.

Claimants must often prove the precise moment the driver’s rideshare app was active to access the appropriate coverage tier. Moreover, each rideshare platform has its insurance structure, so investigating coverage details promptly is vital to avoid missing potential compensation.

Evidence Collection in Rideshare Accidents

Establishing liability and damages in a rideshare crash relies on collecting persuasive proof that addresses fault and the severity of injuries. A concise approach to evidence gathering may involve:

Accident scene documentation: Photos and videos of vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and traffic signals can depict how the collision happened. Detailed images of airbags or seat belts may show occupant positions and crash forces.
Driver statements: Interviews with drivers involved in the crash can yield admissions about distractions or app usage. However, statements might change over time, making early collection critical.
Medical records: Prompt medical evaluations confirm injuries stem from the accident rather than pre-existing issues. Detailed notes on treatment plans, recovery estimates, and prognosis form the basis for damages calculations.
Witness accounts: Passengers, bystanders, or other motorists can clarify important events. Their perspectives may establish whether the rideshare driver was speeding, weaving, or using a phone improperly.
Electronic data: App logs showing ride acceptance times and GPS tracks help pinpoint the relevant insurance period. In certain collisions, dashcam footage or black box data might also be available.

Attorneys generally coordinate with accident reconstruction experts to interpret physical evidence. Technical reports on speed, braking, and vehicle angle illuminate how an impact unfolded. This combined information helps confirm who is at fault and supports claims that injuries and losses directly resulted from another party’s negligence.

Investigating Rideshare Driver Qualifications

Rideshare platforms promise thorough driver vetting, but oversights can occur when background check processes fall short. Basic inquiries include driving records, criminal history, and vehicle fitness. In an accident claim, investigating these elements can identify potential failures in screening:

Driving record: Repeated moving violations, DUIs, or license suspensions might suggest a heightened risk profile. If the driver has a recent pattern of reckless driving, the rideshare provider’s monitoring could be an issue.
Criminal background: Some convictions or pending charges may disqualify drivers under PUC guidelines. If the driver’s past should have prevented rideshare employment, a company might share liability for enabling unsafe conduct.
Vehicle inspection compliance: Companies often require annual inspections to verify critical systems, such as brakes and tires, for passenger safety. Lack of consistent oversight might lead to mechanical failures.
Driver training: Rideshare operators often complete short orientation modules, but these might not address safe driving habits or local traffic rules thoroughly. Thorough training can reduce collisions, while minimal instruction can elevate risk.

Establishing a driver who was improperly hired or retained can support broader liability claims against the rideshare platform. Conversely, strong evidence that the driver met all qualification standards may shift focus to other negligent factors.

Liability of Rideshare Companies

Traditional taxi or bus companies generally hold direct liability for their drivers’ conduct under an employer-employee relationship. However, rideshare businesses frequently classify drivers as independent contractors, complicating straightforward vicarious liability. Recent California legal developments, such as Assembly Bill 5 (AB5), aim to clarify the worker classification test. Even so, claims often concern whether the rideshare company maintained enough control over a driver’s duties to be held responsible.

Rideshare platforms also face allegations of failing to maintain safe vehicles, supervise drivers, or respond promptly to known passenger complaints. In some lawsuits, plaintiffs claim the company’s app design encourages dangerous behavior, such as pressuring drivers to accept rides quickly or travel to high-demand zones. Courts and arbitrators may weigh app-based instructions and performance metrics to decide if they incentivize risky driving. Because rideshare technologies are continually evolving, liability arguments likewise adapt to new data about how companies monitor and reward drivers’ activities.

Role of Technological Evidence

App-based services generate a wealth of electronic data that can illuminate crucial details of an accident. Rideshare technologies can document driver actions, route information, and app usage in real-time, helping pinpoint liability. Certain platforms track GPS updates every few seconds, providing a timeline of speed and location changes.

The following items illustrate how technological evidence can benefit injury claims:

Geolocation data: Pinpoints the exact position of a vehicle before, during, and after an impact, clarifying whether a driver deviated unexpectedly from the assigned route.
Ride acceptance logs: Confirm the driver’s active or inactive status on the app, linking coverage to the correct insurance tier.
Trip histories: Displays average speeds, total mileage, and pick-up/drop-off locations, which can highlight excessive travel distances or abrupt shifts in driving patterns.
In-app communications: Messages or notifications might show driver distractions, such as responding to texts or instructions while on the road.
Crash detection: Some rideshare apps can detect collisions based on rapid deceleration, triggering automated notifications or collecting post-accident feedback.

When used effectively, technology data can reinforce a victim’s narrative by supplying objective proof of negligence. Platforms sometimes resist disclosing these records, necessitating legal motions or subpoenas to obtain them. A skilled attorney leverages the potential of app evidence to clarify whether the driver or rideshare company bears responsibility.

Difficulties of Multi-Party Claims

Rideshare collisions often involve multiple parties beyond just the passenger and driver. Determining who is at fault may require apportioning liability among various individuals or entities. For instance, if another motorist were speeding or texting, that driver could share the blame. Passenger injuries might exceed the rideshare company’s coverage, prompting claims against third-party insurers. In situations where a pedestrian is struck by a rideshare vehicle, the legal battle could extend to municipal entities if poorly maintained roadways or traffic signals played a part.

Multi-party claims can lead to complicated settlement negotiations as each insurer or defendant strives to limit its exposure. Disputes might arise over whether the rideshare driver’s coverage should come first or if personal auto policies must contribute. Litigants sometimes face cross-claims, with defendants blaming one another to avoid liability. Evaluating settlement offers requires a detailed assessment of each policy limit and potential out-of-pocket costs for each party. An attorney well-versed in rideshare litigation can orchestrate negotiations effectively, ensuring that no responsible party escapes accountability.

Comparative Fault Issues

California adheres to a pure comparative negligence standard, allowing plaintiffs to recover damages even if they share partial fault. However, any award is reduced by the percentage of the plaintiff’s responsibility. Insurance companies might argue that a rideshare passenger contributed to an accident by distracting the driver. Alternatively, if a plaintiff failed to wear a seatbelt, the defense could claim such failure contributed to the severity of injuries. Each side typically presents evidence about driver conduct, passenger behavior, and environmental conditions to shape the fault apportionment.

Under comparative negligence, it is vital to construct a clear chronology of the accident and gather strong testimony regarding safe driving practices. For example, dashcam footage could show a passenger was entirely passive, undermining a defense claim of distraction. Meanwhile, if cell phone records reveal the driver was texting, that factor significantly strengthens the victim’s position. The final verdict or settlement often hinges on effectively refuting blame-shifting tactics with robust evidence, ensuring that a victim’s rightful compensation is not unduly diminished.

What Compensation Can You Collect after a Rideshare Accident?

If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Los Angeles, you’re likely facing bills for medical care, property repairs, and more. You should not have to pay for these when you didn’t cause the rideshare accident. Instead, the liable party’s insurance company should pay, and an Uber or Lyft accident lawyer can assist.

When you get legal representation from a rideshare accident attorney in Encino, you will get help recovering financial compensation for various damages. Depending on the details of your Lyft or Uber accident, they might include:

Future medical expenses
Lost income
Emotional distress

A knowledgeable Uber or Lyft accident lawyer can tell you the fair compensation to expect as an accident victim in Los Angeles. If you’re ready to initiate a rideshare accident claim to recover compensation, call us for a free consultation with an experienced Uber accident attorney.

Rideshare Accident FAQ

Who covers medical bills in rideshare accidents?

Insurance coverage typically depends on the driver’s app status at the time of the crash. When the rideshare app is active and a ride is in progress, the company’s policy could apply. Otherwise, personal auto insurance might be responsible. If multiple insurers deny liability, an injured passenger may need to pursue litigation or tap into health insurance to avoid treatment delays.

Can passengers sue the rideshare company directly?

Passengers can file a claim against the company if evidence shows it bears liability—for instance, by failing to enforce safety standards or by negligent hiring an unqualified driver. However, rideshare platforms typically contest direct lawsuits, asserting that drivers are independent contractors rather than employees. Skilled legal representation helps evaluate if circumstances warrant direct claims against the company.

Does California law differentiate Uber/Lyft liability?

Rideshare companies are treated similarly after an accident, but each company has varying insurance structures. Both Uber and Lyft must adhere to PUC regulations and either can face legal scrutiny for driver misbehavior or inadequate compliance. Specific contractual details or corporate policies might vary, influencing how claims unfold or how coverage is triggered.

How long do I have to file a rideshare claim?

Claimants usually have two years from the accident date to initiate a personal injury lawsuit in California. Failing to file a claim within the statute of limitations means you forfeit the right to compensation. However, special rules or deadlines may apply if a government entity is involved or if there are uninsured motorist claims. Prompt legal advice ensures compliance with all relevant filing requirements.

What if another driver caused the rideshare accident?

Liability can shift to a third-party motorist if that individual’s negligence triggered the crash. Plaintiffs may pursue claims against the rideshare driver, the other driver, or both, depending on who contributed to the collision. Insurance companies and courts weigh each party’s actions. In multi-car scenarios, victims often rely on thorough investigations to pinpoint fault, ensuring that each responsible party pays a fair portion of the damages.

Are You Ready to Hire A Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Encino, CA?

Uber and Lyft are popular rideshare companies that allow Los Angeles residents to travel with ease, but they’re not always safe, as Uber and Lyft accident victims have unfortunately discovered. Rideshare accidents can result in permanent injuries or death to Uber and Lyft passengers and other drivers just trying to get to their destinations.

If you sustained serious injuries in an accident involving a Lyft or Uber driver, you deserve legal representation from skilled rideshare accident lawyers in Encino, CA. If you’re ready to recover compensation from the at-fault driver, call V&A Law Firm to schedule a free consultation with a caring rideshare accident lawyer.