Ridesharing is very common today. In fact, it is a major form of transportation, especially for younger populations where it is a preferred form of transportation. But accidents still happen. Whether it is an Uber driver, Lyft driver, or taxi driver, you may be owed compensation for any injury you suffer. The rules, however, may be a little more complex because it could involve the ridesharing company––it all depends on the facts and circumstances, and those can be debatable. That's why you can get the help of a personal injury attorney for rideshare accidents.
At The Law Office of Shawn Golshani | Shawn Gol Law, P.C., our auto accident lawyer can take on rideshare cases and auto insurance adjusters. We want you to get the compensation you deserve. Contact use at (310) 900-0809 to schedule a Free Case Evaluation to discuss your case.
Understanding California Rideshare Accidents
Ridesharing has become one of the more popular ways to get around. Ridesharing provides a convenient way to find a ride in cities where having a car is impractical or in situations where someone isn't able to drive themselves (or don't want to drive themselves).
Ridesharing is still all about driving vehicles, and so it still poses the risk of being involved in a car accident. Ridesharing companies may perform certain background check requirements, but there is the risk that you can be injured in a ridesharing accident.
If you are in a ridesharing accident, you may be dealing with one of two companies: Uber or Lyft. As large companies, they have a lot of financial resources behind them and can be challenging to deal with.
Unique Challenges of California Rideshare Accidents for Injured Parties
Car accidents between two passenger vehicles, while not simple, follow a fairly straightforward path. The only people who will typically be involved will be the injured party, the other driver, and their insurance companies. However, accidents involving ridesharing companies introduce a whole new layer of complications.
Some other accidents don't involve drivers who are working. The fact that Uber and Lyft drivers are on the clock while on the road means that these companies are now involved when an accident happens. Rideshare drivers exist in a sort of insurance gray area because some do not carry commercial insurance since most insurance policies exclude commercial usage.
Liability for Rideshare Accidents in California
Liability in a car crash can be determined by negligence. Proving negligence generally requires proving four elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages. Showing that the other party owed a duty of care, that they breached that duty, that the breach caused the damages, and that the accident victim did actually suffer damages can be important.
In a rideshare accident, the two main sources of liability can be the driver and the rideshare company itself. A driver may be held liable in an accident for any number of reasons, whether it be driving while under the influence of alcohol, driving while distracted, or simply failing to obey the rules of the road.
Uber and Lyft may also be held liable.
Contact a Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles Today
Rideshare accidents can pose unique challenges. At The Law Office of Shawn Golshani | Shawn Gol Law, P.C., our auto accident lawyer, along with our team, can help. Call us at (310) 900-0809 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a Free Case Evaluation.