Orange County Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Orange County Rideshare Accident Attorney

When you get into an Uber or Lyft rideshare vehicle, you’re trusting the driver to exercise a reasonable duty of care, drive responsibly, and avoid accidents. Unfortunately, some accidents are unavoidable. No matter who was at fault, you may be eligible to receive compensation with the help of an Orange County rideshare accident lawyer. We can help you determine who was at fault and evaluate your legal options for moving forward.

Trust the Legal Team at Corrales Law Group, Inc.

The team at Corrales Law Group, Inc. can help you understand your options for taking legal action after a rideshare accident. In most cases, Uber or Lyft’s insurance policy will pay to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages, but you can benefit from the help of a good attorney to negotiate a fair settlement. We have successfully represented many accident clients and are well-versed in rideshare accident laws. Let our knowledge and experience help you with your personal injury case.

Why Hire a Rideshare Accident Lawyer?

There were around 6.1 million traffic accidents reported by police in 2023, 40,901 of which ended in death. Ridesharing is expected to grow more than 40% from 2023 to 2028, and some of these vehicles will inevitably be involved in an accident. More people are needing to hire a rideshare accident lawyer than ever before.

Rideshare accident lawyers provide valuable services to accident victims. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in an Uber or Lyft crash, a lawyer can help you file your claim and negotiate with insurance companies, improving your chances of receiving a fair settlement offer. Without an attorney, you’ll be at the mercy of insurance companies and their lawyers. You need to have a legal team on your side, as well, to even the playing field.

Uber and Lyft accident claims are more complicated than a typical car accident claim. Even if you would generally file your claim and deal with the insurance company yourself, it’s worth hiring a rideshare lawyer to answer questions about coverage and liability and evaluate the strength of your case if you think Uber or Lyft is responsible for your injuries.

Who Is Liable for Rideshare Accidents?

Both Uber and Lyft require their drivers to carry personal insurance policies. They also provide coverage for drivers logged onto their apps, though the amount of coverage varies depending on whether there is a passenger in the vehicle. Despite those facts, you shouldn’t just assume that your driver’s insurance policy will cover your damages, because that is not always the case. What you can expect based on who was at fault is as follows:

• Your rideshare driver caused the accident. If your rideshare driver causes an accident while you are a passenger in their car, Uber or Lyft will provide up to $1 million in liability coverage. That doesn’t mean you will automatically get a $1 million settlement, but it does increase the chances that you will be compensated fairly for your damages.
• Another rideshare driver caused the accident. If a rideshare driver causes an accident without a passenger in their car but while they are on the app, Uber or Lyft will still cover the damages, but their insurance caps are lower. They will pay for up to $100,000 in bodily injuries, with a maximum of $50,000 per person, and $25,000 for property damage.
• Another driver caused the accident. If another driver causes an accident while you are in a rideshare vehicle, the at-fault driver is typically liable for paying for your accident-related damages. The same is the case for other Uber and Lyft drivers who are not signed into the app at the time. Only their personal car insurance applies.

You may also want to file a claim with your own car insurance company, especially if you have personal injury protection or MedPay coverage. Your insurer will then seek reimbursement from the insurance company of the person found to be at fault for the crash.

Understanding Binding Arbitration Agreements

Uber and Lyft’s terms of service require most riders in legal disagreements with these rideshare companies to resolve their issues through binding arbitration, which prevents you from filing a claim against the company directly. There are some exceptions to the rule, as would be the case with a claim filed against the company for sexual harassment, but you’ll have to use binding arbitration to resolve any rideshare accident claims.

What to Do Immediately After a Rideshare Accident

Taking the correct steps following a rideshare accident can both protect your health and improve your chances of receiving a fair settlement. The steps that you should take in the aftermath of the crash in Orange County are as follows:

1. Seek medical attention. Your top priority should always be your health and safety. If you are able to move to a safer location without causing further injury, do that before calling 911 to report the crash and request medical help. Having documentation of the immediate medical evaluation of your injuries can help with your claim.
2. Get a police report. Police reports are critical pieces of evidence in rideshare accident cases. Make sure you get the report number before leaving the scene if possible.
3. Document everything. If you can safely do so, try to take photos and videos of your injuries, the damage to the vehicle, and the accident scene.
4. Take a screenshot. Immediately following the accident, open your app and take a screenshot of your trip page. This will provide critical proof of your ride status and offer essential information like the driver’s name and the time of the accident.
5. Exchange information. If you can, get contact information from all the drivers involved and any witnesses to the crash.
6. Report the accident. Use the app to file an official report of the crash to your rideshare company.
7. Consult a lawyer. Once you have filed the appropriate paperwork and gotten medical attention for any injuries, it is time to consult a rideshare accident lawyer regarding your next steps.

Statute of Limitations for Filing Claims

The statute of limitations for filing a rideshare accident claim in California is two years. However, there is no reason to wait until the last minute to take action. Improve your chances of a successful outcome by contacting a lawyer and filing your claim as soon as possible after the accident occurs.

There are some circumstances, such as crashes with government vehicles, that shorten the statute of limitations in the OC to as little as six months. It’s not worth missing out on available compensation due to a technicality when you are able to seek legal assistance with filing your claim as soon as you have addressed your injuries.

FAQs About Orange County, CA Rideshare Accident Laws

How Much Is a Lyft Accident Settlement in California?

How much a Lyft accident settlement is in California varies depending on the specifics of the case. More severe injuries, greater medical expenses, more significant lost wages, and the presence of property damage can all increase the amount of your settlement. If your Lyft driver was using the app, the company’s $1 million capped liability policy should apply.

Can I File a Claim Against Uber if I Get Into an Accident?

You can file a claim against Uber if you get into an accident while riding as a passenger in one of their drivers’ vehicles. The easiest way to file a claim is to reach out to a rideshare accident lawyer. An Orange County rideshare accident attorney can help you with everything from filling out paperwork to gathering evidence and making your case while you focus on what’s important: healing from your injuries.

How Long Does an Uber Accident Settlement Take?

How long an Uber accident settlement takes varies based on the particulars of the case. If you have a complex rideshare accident claim, it will take longer than a simple claim. If you have to go to trial, it can significantly extend the amount of time you spend waiting on your settlement compared to coming to an agreement during the settlement negotiations phase.

How Much Does a Rideshare Accident Lawyer Cost in California?

How much a rideshare accident lawyer costs in California varies based on factors such as the complexity of your case and whether it goes to trial. However, most rideshare accident lawyers work on contingency fees, meaning that they only get paid when you get your settlement, receiving a percentage of the compensation instead of requiring upfront costs. You’ll only need to pay a lawyer working on a contingency fee if the claim is successful.

Your Orange County Rideshare Accident Lawyer

If you have sustained injuries in an Uber or Lyft accident on Laguna Canyon Road, at the intersection of Beach Boulevard and McFadden Avenue, or elsewhere in Orange County, your next step is simple. Hire an Orange County rideshare accident lawyer. Corrales Law Group, Inc. has been practicing personal injury law for years. During that time, we have handled many rideshare accident claims. Let us support your interests as a rideshare accident victim. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.