Rideshare apps have revolutionized the way we get around San Pedro. They are a convenient option when you want to go out at night and don’t want to deal with parking. A rideshare also makes airport pickups and drop-offs stress-free. It’s nice to be a passenger every now and then.
Of course, being a passenger in a rideshare like Uber or Lyft does not guarantee you won’t get into an accident.
Rideshare drivers are at the same risk of getting into car accidents as any other driver. In fact, given the nature of this work and their dependence on smartphones, they might be at a higher risk than the average driver. If you are the victim of an accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver, there are potentially added complications to adding those companies to your claim.
That’s why you need support from an experienced San Pedro car accident attorney like you’ll find at the Frost Law Firm, PC.
We’ve helped many clients recover their financial losses after being involved in an Uber or Lyft accident.
Before moving forward with a claim, we need to conduct a thorough investigation to determine who is liable for the accident and what role the rideshare companies might have in accepting some of that responsibility.
Who Is Responsible for Uber or Lyft Accidents in San Pedro?
Determining who is responsible in an Uber or Lyft accident in San Pedro begins with establishing the driver’s work status. An Uber or Lyft driver has three different levels of potential liability. Each of those levels has limitations. When you look at what happened in your accident, which of the following conditions would apply?
Level 1: Passenger in a vehicle or on the way to pick up a passenger
At this level, the Uber or Lyft driver would be considered working. Uber and Lyft provide a minimum of $1 million in commercial liability for their driver and $1 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance.
If you’re involved in an accident caused by an Uber or Lyft driver, their commercial liability insurance would be applicable. If an uninsured motorist caused the accident, you would make a claim against that policy.
Level 2: Driver is logged into the app and waiting for a passenger order
When an Uber or Lyft driver is logged into their account, they are technically “on the clock,” meaning they are working for their respective companies. If they are at fault for an accident at that time, Uber and Lyft provide coverage for third-party injuries with the following limits:
- $50,000 for injury/death to one person
- $100,000 for injury/death to more than one person
- $30,000 for property damage
Level 3: Driving on own time
When an Uber or Lyft driver is on their own time, they are treated like any other motorist. That means they must be carrying the minimum auto insurance required by California state law.
Those requirements are:
- $30,000 for injury/death to one person
- $60,000 for injury/death to more than one person
- $15,000 for property damage
If you get into an accident with a rideshare driver who is not signed into an app, then Uber or Lyft would have no responsibility for providing compensation.
What Are the Difficulties in Filing a Rideshare Accident Claim?
Because of the addition of a company’s responsibility, a rideshare accident claim can be complex.
That’s why you need the help of an experienced attorney to unpack what your options might be. The first step is to identify the difficulties you’re experiencing with your claim. Consider the following:
Delays
Insurance companies are in the business to make money. That is why they will do whatever is possible to delay making a payout. Even though they are entitled to investigate an accident, it doesn’t mean they can take an unreasonable amount of time to complete their review.
Policy Disputes
Because of the involvement of the various liability levels, there could be a dispute about whether the company’s insurance policies are applicable to that accident. When there is a dispute about who is responsible, it can slow down the approval process.
Low Settlement Offer
An insurance company might acknowledge that there is liability under its policyholder’s policy and want to close out the claim as quickly as possible. That could lead to them making a low settlement offer that won’t come close to providing you with the reimbursement you’re entitled to.
We will always strive to secure the maximum compensation for our clients.
Complex Legal Regulations
An accident involving a rideshare can be subject to state regulations and company policies.
Many insurance laws also come into play. All of those rules and regulations can impact who’s assigned liability.
Get the Legal Support You Need for a Rideshare Accident
Because of these challenges, you might encounter with a rideshare accident claim, you must have the correct legal advice on what to do next. The attorneys at the Frost Law Firm, PC, can provide the guidance you need to understand what your options are and what limitations you might face when making a claim with a rideshare company.
We will only take on a case if we feel confident in the outcome. The only way to get there is to review the preliminary evidence and hear what happened from you.
Don’t let time run out before you get what you’re due.
