Uber/Lyft Accident Attorneys in Long Beach, CA
Ridesharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are extremely popular transportation options, especially in Southern California. More rideshare vehicles on the road mean a higher risk of potential accidents. Accidents involving rideshare vehicles can happen in a myriad of ways. You could be a passenger in an Uber or Lyft during a collision or driving your own vehicle and be struck by a rideshare driver.
If you or someone you love suffered injuries in a rideshare vehicle accident, it’s time to speak with an Uber and Lyft car accident attorney in Long Beach. Hiring an Uber and Lyft accident lawyer in Long Beach is crucial because an experienced attorney can protect your legal rights. The legal team at Beliz Law Firm is here to help you after a rideshare accident. We have years of experience assisting injured clients recover compensation following a rideshare accident.
Case Spotlight
$90,000.00 Settlement amountCase type: REAR END CAR ACCIDENT
The Beliz Law Firm obtained a $90,000 settlement on behalf of a 67-year old grandmother. The client was stopped in her vehicle at the intersection of Muller Street and Lincoln Avenue in the Anaheim. While the client waited for the signal light to turn from red to green, a driver of a sedan was traveling at a speed of 60 miles per hour in an attempt to make a dentist appointment. The driver realized too late that there were stopped vehicles ahead and was unable to slow down the sedan in time. The sedan rear-ended the client’s vehicle and pushed it into the car ahead. The client’s vehicle was totaled.
The client was taken by ambulance to the University of California, Irvine hospital. The client was diagnosed with a non-surgical fracture to the sternum. The client stayed under the care of medical personal for a few days. Afterward, the client presented to her primary care physician for follow-up visits once a month for three months for the aches in her chest but no physical therapy was needed.
The Beliz Law signed the grandmother and filed a lawsuit against the negligent driver. After getting useful information about the driver through discovery and the defense of the client’s deposition, the case went to mediation and settled for $90,000.00.
Requirements for Lyft and Uber Drivers in California
Background checks of potential rideshare drivers are not very rigorous. That means you might not get a ride from the safest driver. Lyft has vehicle, driver, and document requirements. However, the only driver requirements for Lyft are the following:
- A valid California driver’s license, but active duty military applicants and dependents can have a license from another state;
- Must be 25 years or older;
- At least one year of driving experience;
- Pass a driver screening which means a review of the person’s criminal background and driving history; and
- Have a smartphone that is capable of downloading and running the Lyft Driver app.
Uber has similar requirements to become a driver. However, there’s one notable difference. Uber applicants can be under 25 years old, provided they have at least three years of driving experience. That means you could have a younger and more easily distracted driver when taking an Uber. If an Uber driver caused your accident, a Long Beach Uber accident attorney at Beliz Law Firm can help you understand your legal options.
While companies check for recent convictions for violent crimes and felonies, drivers are not vetted for their overall driving skills. Rideshare drivers have been arrested for all sorts of violations, from reckless driving to criminal acts, including sexual assault. With these issues in mind, it’s not hard to believe that some rideshare drivers are not following traffic regulations and prioritizing passenger safety. If a Lyft driver caused you harm in an accident, speak with one of our Long Beach Lyft accident attorneys for help with your claim.
Insurance Coverage Through Lyft and Uber
Insurance coverage for Uber and Lyft drivers depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the accident.
Driver Is Offline, or the App Is Turned Off
When a driver is offline or has the app turned off, the driver’s personal insurance is the primary insurance. There is no coverage through Uber or Lyft during this period.
Driver Is Available or Waiting for a Ride Request
If there is a covered accident, the driver’s insurance should still be the primary insurance. If there is no applicable coverage, Uber or Lyft will extend coverage in the amount of:
- $50,000 in bodily injury insurance per person,
- $100,000 in bodily injury insurance per accident for all parties, and
- $25,000 in property damage per accident.
Lyft coverage differs in some states, such as Arizona and Nebraska, where liability limits are lower.
Driver Is En Route to Pick Up a Passenger or Has a Passenger in the Vehicle
When a driver has a passenger in the vehicle or is on the way to pick up a passenger, insurance coverage limits are higher. During this period, both Uber and Lyft provide at least $1 million in insurance for third-party auto liability. Both companies also provide uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage during this period.
What to Do Following a Rideshare Accident in Long Beach?
What you do following a rideshare accident can impact your potential injury settlement. After a collision, you should:
- Always remain calm and not leave the accident scene before the police arrive;
- Never admit fault for the accident, especially if you were driving your own vehicle;
- If possible, take photos of the scene, including the vehicle damage, skid marks, surrounding landscape, and any other relevant evidence;
- Seek medical treatment as soon as possible if you do not get transported to the hospital from the scene;
- Contact an Uber and Lyft rideshare car accident attorney in Long Beach; and
- Report the accident to the appropriate insurance company.
It’s best to have an attorney represent you when dealing with insurance companies. The defendants’ insurance companies, including Lyft or Uber, are not on your side—no matter what they lead you to believe. They might also try to convince you to give a recorded statement. Even if you’re a rideshare vehicle passenger, do not give a statement to an insurance company without first speaking with a Long Beach rideshare accident attorney.
Who Is Liable for Your Injuries?
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you might also have a claim against another at-fault party. Your skilled rideshare accident lawyer will help you identify all potential defendants. Determining who to sue can be tricky with rideshare accidents. If you’re a passenger, you typically are not at fault for the accident. You might have a case against the rideshare driver and the other vehicle’s driver too. Both drivers could share liability for your injuries, which means you could pursue compensation from multiple insurance companies.
Statute of Limitations for Accidents in California
It’s essential to immediately file a claim with Lyft’s or Uber’s insurance company. You must also adhere to all legal deadlines. If you inadvertently miss a deadline, you might jeopardize your ability to collect compensation for your injuries.
In general, the California statute of limitations gives plaintiffs two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for damages resulting from an auto accident. If you fail to file a lawsuit before the deadline, the court will likely dismiss your case. However, this deadline is not absolute. There are exceptions that might give you more or less time to file.
Let a Long Beach Uber accident lawyer at Beliz Law Firm help you. We will determine what deadlines your claim must adhere to and ensure a lawsuit is filed on time. Do not assume what the filing date is without first talking to a lawyer about how the statute of limitations applies to your case.
Contact a Long Beach Lyft Accident Attorney
If you need legal assistance following a rideshare accident, speak with an Uber and Lyft car accident attorney in Long Beach. At Beliz Law Firm, we know what it takes to build a successful rideshare accident case. We want to help you pursue the compensation you deserve following an Uber or Lyft accident in Long Beach. Contact our office today to schedule an initial consultation and learn more about how we can assist you.
What Else Should You Look For In A Long Beach Rideshare Accident Attorney?
When you’re looking for the best legal representation for your personal injury case, you want to find someone you can trust.