Rideshare Accident Lawyers In Oxnard

Many Americans use Uber and Lyft rideshare services. Rideshare companies are usually a convenient and affordable way to travel but accidents happen. If you are hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident, you should retain a personal injury attorney to maximize your compensation for your medical bills and other damages. Rideshare accident claims are often complex because of questions about who is liable and will pay for damages.

Uber accident attorneys at Maho Prentice, LLP, focus on personal injury claims and have obtained impressive settlements and verdicts for many auto accident victims. Speak to one of our car accident advocates today for more information.

What Is A Rideshare Accident? 

A rideshare accident is an auto accident involving an Uber, Lyft, or similar company. You may have been injured as a passenger in a rideshare vehicle, the driver of another car, or even a pedestrian. You may be entitled to compensation if the Uber or Lyft driver was at fault for the accident.

Rideshare accidents involve many factors that can make pinpointing liability and obtaining compensation challenging. Unlike a regular auto accident, a rideshare accident involving Uber or Lyft may involve many parties, such as multiple drivers, the rideshare company, and possibly others.

One key aspect of a rideshare accident is determining liability. Uber and Lyft drivers are independent contractors, which can complicate the process of determining responsibility and compensation. Depending on how the accident occurs, liability may be on the rideshare driver, the rideshare company, or another party or entity.

Rideshare crashes can also involve insurance complexities. Uber and Lyft provide driver insurance, but the coverage depends on the driver’s status when the accident happened.

Specifically, if the driver was carrying a passenger during the accident, the rideshare company’s insurance policy applies to any damages. The company insurance policy also applies if the driver is en route to pick up a passenger and the app is turned on. If the driver’s app was on but they were not en route to pick up a passenger, either the driver’s auto policy or the rideshare company’s policy could be in effect.

However, only the driver’s personal auto policy applies if the driver wasn’t carrying a passenger or using the app when the crash happened. For this reason, it’s critical for your Oxnard Uber accident lawyer to understand the driver’s status at the time of the accident. Rideshare companies carry $1 million or more in liability coverage for accidents. This can be a critical factor when the accident causes severe injuries.

How Do Rideshare Accidents Happen? 

Like any auto accident, rideshare accidents happen for many reasons. The at-fault driver may have engaged in the following: 

• Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of car accidents. It can be a serious problem for Lyft or Uber drivers because they constantly use the driver app on their cell phones at work. It’s easy for the rideshare driver to take their eyes off the road and get into an accident. 
• Drowsy driving: Many rideshare drivers spend eight hours or more behind the wheel. Uber instituted a 12-hour limit per day recently but many drivers are on the road when they are too tired to drive safely. 
• Speeding and reckless driving: Uber and Lyft drivers make more money by ferrying more passengers, so there is an incentive to speed and drive aggressively. 

Tell your car accident attorney about the accident and how you were involved. Many rideshare accident victims are injured because of their drivers’ negligence. Other accident victims could include other drivers and pedestrians. 

What Compensation Is Available For Rideshare Accidents? 

You may be entitled to full and fair compensation for economic and non-economic damages for your rideshare accident injuries. Economic damages have a tangible monetary value, like current and future medical expenses and lost earnings. 

Non-economic damages after a car accident are subjective and include pain and suffering, and mental anguish. It’s vital to have an experienced rideshare crash attorney negotiate for you because the insurance company will try to pay less than you deserve for pain and suffering.

How Can A Lyft Accident Lawyer Help? 

If you were involved in an auto accident involving Uber or Lyft, it’s wise to retain a rideshare attorney promptly. A rideshare accident victim often has to deal with several insurance companies. There could be complex arguments about who was at fault and which insurance policy should pay. The best way to handle these legal complexities is to hire a skilled personal injury attorney. Your attorney will help in the following ways: 

• Investigate the Lyft or Uber accident: You need to prove another party caused the accident that injured you. Our attorneys will gather crucial evidence, including police reports, photo and video evidence, eyewitness statements, and medical records. 
• Determine fault and liability: Knowing if the rideshare driver was working during the accident is critical. Were they using the app at the time of the accident or carrying a passenger? 
• Communicate with the parties: Our attorneys will communicate with all stakeholders. You don’t need to do anything except heal and be with your family. 
• Negotiate the best settlement: We will document your accident injuries and negotiate for the highest settlement. 

A contingency agreement covers your attorney’s services. This means they are paid from your settlement or jury award, so you don’t pay legal fees out of pocket. Your attorneys are not paid unless they obtain compensation for you. 

Speak To A Rideshare Accident Attorney Today 

Were you in an Uber or Lyft accident? Being hurt in a rideshare crash is common and you could receive compensation if someone else caused the accident. Our rideshare accident lawyers in Oxnard at Maho Prentice, LLP, have obtained millions in compensation for many injury victims over the years. We know how to negotiate the best settlement from insurance companies. If the insurance company won’t settle, we will make a convincing argument in court.

Speak to an Uber accident attorney today for a free consultation. Call (805) 774-1295 now. Our personal injury lawyers look forward to standing up for your legal rights and obtaining maximum compensation.