Scheduling a ride to virtually anywhere in the city with just a couple of taps on your smartphone makes rideshare services like Uber and Lyft incredibly convenient for Alameda residents and visitors alike. However, people who use rideshare services face risks every time they get in a driver’s vehicle.
Whether it’s due to other negligent drivers crashing into the vehicles they’re traveling in or their own rideshare drivers themselves engaging in dangerous driving habits, rideshare users can be and sometimes are seriously injured in crashes. People who are injured in rideshare accidents are often unsure of what to do next, and they may not even know who can be held liable.
If you or someone you love was injured in a rideshare accident, our Alameda Uber and Lyft accident lawyers want to help you get the compensation you need for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact us today for a free case review.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents and Injuries
Rideshare accidents involving Uber or Lyft can happen for varying reasons, many of which are preventable. Some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted Driving: Rideshare drivers often rely on apps for navigation and communication, which can lead to distracted driving. Even a brief moment of inattention can result in a serious accident.
- Fatigued Drivers Working Long Hours: Many rideshare drivers work extended hours, sometimes juggling multiple jobs. This can lead to fatigue, which significantly impairs reaction time and judgment.
- Speeding or Reckless Driving: Some drivers speed or engage in other reckless behavior to complete more rides and earn more money. This puts their passengers and others on the road at risk.
- Assault: While less common, there have been instances where rideshare passengers have been assaulted by their drivers. These incidents highlight the need for increased safety measures, driver vetting, and accountability on the part of the rideshare companies.
Our lawyers can investigate your rideshare-related injury to determine exactly what happened. In some cases, multiple factors may play a role in the crash, and only an in-depth investigation can reveal those factors.
Injuries from Uber/Lyft Accidents
Rideshare accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which can have long-term effects. Common injuries include:
- Head and Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions are common in car accidents and can have serious, lasting impacts on your physical health, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- Broken Bones: The impact of a collision can cause fractures, which may require surgery and a lengthy recovery period.
- Organ Damage: Internal injuries from the impact of a car crash, such as damage to the liver, spleen, or lungs, can be life-threatening and often require immediate medical attention.
As with any car accident, rideshare accidents can lead to serious injuries that result in expensive medical bills and weeks or months out of work. We strive to get our clients maximum compensation for their medical bills and lost wages.
Liability in Uber/Lyft Accidents
Determining who is responsible for a rideshare accident can be complex, as there may be multiple parties potentially liable. Factors to consider include:
- Driver Negligence: If the rideshare driver was at fault for the accident due to distracted driving, speeding, or other negligent behavior, they can be held liable.
- Uber/Lyft’s Responsibility: Uber and Lyft provide liability insurance coverage for their drivers, but whether that coverage applies to your injuries depends on whether the driver was on duty, en route to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting a passenger at the time of the accident.
- Third-Party Liability: In some cases, another driver, pedestrian, or vehicle manufacturer could be partially or fully responsible for the accident.
It’s not always obvious who is liable for a rideshare crash. Our goal is to ensure liability is fairly assigned to all responsible parties after accidents, including rideshare crashes.
Compensation for Uber/Lyft Accident Victims
If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical Bills: This includes coverage for hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical expenses related to your injuries.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for your lost income and any future earnings you may miss out on due to your condition.
- Pain and Suffering: This refers to compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries.
Unlike some law firms, we never settle for less money than our clients deserve. We’ll push hard to get you maximum compensation to fully cover your crash-related expenses.
Why Choose Our Alameda Uber/Lyft Accident Lawyers?
If you’re considering filing an injury claim after a rideshare accident, you need an experienced legal team. Here’s why Berg Injury Lawyers is the right choice:
- Extensive Experience with Rideshare Accident Claims: We have successfully handled numerous cases involving Uber and Lyft accidents and understand the unique challenges these claims present.
- In-Depth Knowledge of Insurance Coverage in Rideshare Accidents: Rideshare insurance policies can be complex. We know how to navigate these policies to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
- Strong Negotiation Skills to Maximize Settlements: Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who will fight to secure the best possible settlement for your case, whether through negotiation or litigation.
Contact Our Alameda Uber and Lyft Lawyers Today
Uber and Lyft are global corporations out to make money. That means they make facilitating accident claims a low priority, especially if it means paying victims. Many injured riders are frustrated when their attempts to get help and answers from rideshare company representatives are repeatedly placed on hold or ignored. Some may even give up. But at Berg Injury Lawyers, we know how these services work behind the scenes, and we don’t let our clients’ cases get lost in the shuffle.
Contact our Alameda Uber and Lyft lawyers now if you or a loved one were hurt in a rideshare crash. You deserve compensation for your damages, and we want to help you get it.