Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have dramatically changed the way we get around the Central Valley. Not long ago, a night downtown meant you’d spend much of your time circling for parking near Saroyan Theatre or pacing cramped lots along Fulton Street. Now, Fresno residents and visitors can bypass the stress of the Fashion Fair Mall parking battle or get a safe ride home after a fun night out in the Tower District with just a few taps on a smartphone.
Unfortunately, just as Uber and Lyft have become more common on Fresno streets, so have accidents involving rideshare vehicles. Whether you are a passenger in an Uber or Lyft or your car was hit by a distracted rideshare vehicle, these crashes are not handled like typical crashes. Unlike your standard car accident, rideshare accidents involve multi-tiered insurance policies, big corporate legal teams, and a slew of questions about the status of the app at the moment of impact.
At Berg Injury Lawyers, we understand the nuances of Fresno traffic patterns and the specific legal complexities of rideshare accident claims in Fresno. If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Fresno, contact our team for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Fresno Rideshare Accidents
There are many ways a rideshare accident can happen. From high-speed merges on the 99 to stop-and-go traffic on Blackstone Avenue, rideshare drivers are navigating unique situations. These drivers are often trying to complete a certain number of rides to hit a bonus or chase surges. Sadly, safety can take a back seat when drivers are focused on accumulating rides and surge rates.
Common causes we see in Fresno include:
- Distracted or Fatigued Rideshare Drivers: Uber and Lyft drivers often focus on their apps to manage ride requests, communicate with passengers, and check GPS while navigating busy Fresno roads. Long hours behind the wheel, especially during peak times, can lead to dangerous lapses in attention.
- Reckless Driving: Speeding, driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, rolling through stop signs, failing to yield, or making sudden lane changes can cause a crash, particularly in high-traffic areas like Blackstone Avenue, Shaw Avenue, and Herndon Avenue. Reckless driving is negligence and a strong reason to file a personal injury claim, but these behaviors are also illegal and punishable by law.
- Mechanical Failures or Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Brake issues, worn tires, or steering problems can turn an otherwise routine ride into a serious accident. When maintenance is neglected or a defective part is involved, responsibility may extend beyond the driver.
- Other Negligent Drivers:Heavy-traffic corridors like the intersection of Friant Road and Shepherd Avenue are hotspots for multi-vehicle accidents involving rideshare drivers who are unfamiliar with local lane merges.
Injuries Common in Fresno Rideshare Accidents
Even a minor rideshare accident can have serious consequences. Some injuries aren’t immediately obvious but can be life-threatening, like internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries. At Berg Injury Lawyers, we help Fresno residents document the full physical and emotional toll of the crash.
Here are common injuries we see in crashes:
- Whiplash and Spinal Trauma: Sudden stops or rear-end collisions can cause lasting neck and spine injuries that can lead to chronic pain and paralysis.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) and Concussions: Head impacts, even at low speeds, can lead to long-term cognitive or neurological issues.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: Collisions often result in broken arms, legs, ribs, or other bones requiring surgery or extensive therapy.
- Internal Injuries and Organ Damage: Some crashes cause internal bleeding or organ damage that may not be immediately apparent.
Even if you feel fine, injuries can worsen over time. Early medical evaluation not only protects your health but also provides critical documentation for legal claims. Getting evaluated immediately at a local facility ensures your injuries are linked directly to the accident in your legal claim.
Fresno Hospitals and Trauma Centers
Here are a few Fresno medical facilities where rideshare accident victims can get prompt and quality care for their injuries:
- Community Regional Medical Center (CRMC): This is the only Level 1 Trauma Center in the region, where the most critical rideshare accident victims are taken.
- Saint Agnes Medical Center: Located in North Fresno, they provide essential emergency imaging and surgical care.
- Kaiser Permanente Fresno: This facility is a key provider for many residents requiring post-accident follow-up and primary care.
Understanding Rideshare Insurance Coverage
If you’re involved in a rideshare accident in Fresno, it can be overwhelming to figure out how to pay for your injuries, medical bills, and lost wages. Many victims ask, “Does the driver’s insurance cover this, or will Uber or Lyft?” The answer isn’t always simple, because rideshare insurance works differently than personal auto coverage.
Here’s what Fresno accident victims should know:
- Uber and Lyft Policies: Both companies provide insurance while a driver is logged into the app. This can include liability coverage, collision coverage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
- Personal Auto Insurance Differences: Most personal car insurance policies exclude coverage when a driver is actively providing rides through a rideshare app. This makes understanding the distinction critical after an accident.
- Coverage at Different Trip Stages: Insurance responsibility can change depending on whether the driver was waiting for a ride request, en route to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting a rider.
Our rideshare lawyers know how to handle all insurance claims, collect data from rideshare apps, negotiate with adjusters, and fight for fair compensation. Contacting an experienced law firm like Berg Injury Lawyers as soon as possible is essential to protecting your rights after a rideshare accident.
Liability in Rideshare Accidents
Establishing fault in a rideshare accident is often more complicated than a standard car accident. Evidence collection is key, and you’ll need the following to support your claim:
- Proof of App Status: This is the most critical piece of evidence. We look for timestamps, geolocation data, and ride receipts to determine if the driver was offline. If the driver claims they were “offline” to avoid corporate liability, we can subpoena internal logs from Uber or Lyft to prove otherwise.
- Accident Scene Documentation: Photos of the vehicles, skid marks, traffic signs, and road conditions go a long way in proving liability.
- Dashcam Footage and Witness Statements: Video or eyewitness accounts can clearly show what happened.
- Police Reports: Official reports from the Fresno Police Department or California Highway Patrol (CHP) can support your claim and help identify responsible parties.
- Digital Evidence: We analyze cell phone records and app activity to see if the driver was distracted by a ride request or GPS notification at the time of the collision.
Our lawyers work to gather all necessary evidence and establish negligence, whether it’s the rideshare driver, another motorist, or a third party.
Types of Compensation for Uber & Lyft Accident Damages
Victims of rideshare accidents may be entitled to a wide range of compensation. From the initial emergency room visit to medications for pain, it all adds up.
You may need compensation for the following damages after a rideshare accident:
- Medical Bills: Hospital visits, surgeries, therapy, rehabilitation, and future medical expenses
- Lost Wages: Time off work and reduced earning capacity due to injuries or long-term disability
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement of vehicles and personal belongings
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, and reduced quality of life
Our lawyers review all aspects of your damages and make sure we fight for all of it. We leave no stone unturned, so you aren’t left with surprises down the road.
Contact Our Fresno Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers Today
If you were injured in a rideshare accident in Fresno, don’t attempt to fight a billion-dollar transportation tech company alone. You need our experienced team to guide you through the complex legal process of a rideshare injury claim and stand up to lawyers from big companies like Uber and Lyft.
Berg Injury Lawyers is here to help Fresno rideshare accident victims get the compensation needed to cover all losses associated with their injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us fight for you.
