Los Angeles Uber & Lyft Accident Attorney

Were you hurt in a rideshare accident in the Los Angeles area? If so, you could be entitled to substantial compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. But because Uber and Lyft accident cases are more complex than other auto accident claims, getting that compensation might not be as easy as it should be.

That’s where The Shamsi Law Firm, APC comes in. As a reputable rideshare accident attorney in Los Angeles, Sean Shamsi knows how to handle these cases effectively, and he’s here to help you demand the recovery you deserve. Sean has put more than tens of millions of dollars back into accident victims’ pockets, so you can rest easy knowing he has what it takes to deliver serious results.

Let Sean be the voice you need when you’re seriously injured in an accident. Reach out today to learn more about your options in a free case review with a Los Angeles Uber and Lyft accident lawyer.

What Are Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents in Los Angeles?

Rideshare platforms like Uber and Lyft aim to make getting around easier and more convenient. Yet studies suggest they might also contribute to more accidents. While some of these accidents are unavoidable, many are preventable tragedies associated with behaviors or conditions like:

• Distracted Driving – Driving while engaged in any activity that diverts attention from the road
• Speeding – Exceeding posted speed limits or driving too fast for road conditions
• Impaired Driving – Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or other drugs
• Reckless Driving – Driving with a blatant disregard for traffic laws or the safety of others
• Fatigued Driving – Driving while too tired to concentrate on the road or react to hazards in time
• Vehicle Defects – Brake failures and other defects that cause drivers to lose control on the road
• Poor Road Conditions – Damaged or poorly maintained roads that affect stability and control
• Inexperienced Driving – Driving without the necessary decision-making and risk-assessment skills

What Should I Do If I Get Hurt in an Uber or Lyft Accident in Los Angeles?

The actions you take after an Uber or Lyft accident can significantly affect your ability to recover from your injuries and secure appropriate compensation for your losses. Here’s what you should do:

Who Could Be Responsible for an Uber or Lyft Accident?

The cornerstone of personal injury law is that anyone who contributes to an accident can be held liable for its consequences. In most car accidents, one or more of the involved drivers are typically to blame.

However, because rideshare drivers are not operating their vehicles solely for their own benefit, liability is not always straightforward in Uber and Lyft crash cases. It can extend beyond the rideshare driver to include other drivers, the rideshare company, vehicle manufacturers, and even governmental entities responsible for road conditions.

Here is a breakdown of the various parties that could be liable for a rideshare accident:

• Rideshare Drivers – The driver of the Uber or Lyft vehicle is often most immediately to blame for a rideshare accident. Any mistake or error in judgment they make leading to a crash could make them liable for the injuries it causes.
• Other Motorists – Alternatively, if another driver hit the Uber or Lyft in which you were riding, this person might be the party who owes you compensation for your injuries.
• The Rideshare Company – Uber and Lyft drivers are independent contractors, but they operate for the benefit of the rideshare company. As such, California requires that these companies provide seven-figure insurance policies covering drivers from the moment they accept a fare until they drop them off. The rideshare company could also be directly liable if it hired someone with known safety issues who should not have passed its basic background check.
• Passengers – While it’s rare, there are some instances where rideshare passengers’ actions directly contribute to the accident. For example, if a passenger physically interferes with the driver’s ability to operate safely, they might share liability.
• Vehicle Manufacturers or Maintenance Providers – A vehicle manufacturer or maintenance provider could be responsible if the accident resulted from a vehicle malfunction, such as brake failure or airbag defects.
• Government Entities – In cases where poor road conditions, lack of signage, or faulty traffic lights contributed to the accident, local or state governmental entities could be liable. However, taking action against governmental entities involves specific procedures and limitations, so legal representation is essential if you believe you have this type of case.

How Much Compensation Is Available for an Uber or Lyft Accident?

California law requires rideshare companies to maintain certain levels of insurance coverage for accidents involving their drivers. The compensation available to a victim of an Uber and Lyft accident varies depending on the circumstances of the accident.

Period Zero: App Off, No Passenger

In this phase, the rideshare driver is essentially a regular driver, as the app is off, and they have no active rideshare duties. If an accident occurs during this period, only the driver’s personal auto insurance policy will cover them. Therefore, compensation would be determined by the individual driver’s personal insurance policy limits. Under California law, all drivers without self-insurance must carry at least:

• $15,000 per person in bodily injury liability coverage
• $30,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage
• $5,000 per accident in property damage liability coverage

Period One: App Open, Waiting for Match

During this period, California requires rideshare companies to provide $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury and $30,000 per accident for property damage. These figures serve as a floor, not a ceiling, for the compensation available if you get hurt in an accident involving a rideshare driver in this phase of operation, as the companies must also carry $200,000 in excess insurance for this period.

Period Two: Fare Accepted, No Passenger Yet

In this period, the available coverage increases substantially. California rideshare companies must provide at least $1 million in liability insurance coverage the moment a driver accepts a ride request through the company’s app.

Period Three: Confirmed Passenger in Vehicle

The $1 million liability insurance coverage remains in effect during period three, up to the point when the passenger exits the rideshare driver’s vehicle. This $1 million policy also extends to underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage, protecting both the rideshare driver and passenger in case another party is at fault and lacks sufficient insurance.

Types of Compensation

If you were hurt in a rideshare accident, the person to blame could owe you compensation for the following losses:

How Long Do I Have to File an Uber or Lyft Accident Lawsuit in California?

In California, you have two years from the date of an Uber or Lyft accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you fail to file your lawsuit within this two-year window, the court will likely dismiss your case. This would prevent you from obtaining compensation for your injuries, no matter how strong your underlying legal case might be.

Working with a knowledgeable local attorney is the best way to meet this critical deadline. An experienced attorney can work diligently to prepare and file your claim promptly and accurately, improving your chances of a successful outcome.

How Can a Los Angeles Uber and Lyft Accident Attorney Help Me?

Don’t try to go up against the insurance companies alone, especially while you should be focused on your health. Instead, let a Los Angeles Uber and Lyft accident attorney pursue your case on your behalf. Sean Shamsi can help you by:

It costs you nothing upfront and nothing out-of-pocket to hire Sean to handle your case. The Shamsi Law Firm, APC is paid only when you get your full and fair compensation. Then, Sean is paid as a percentage of the recovery.

Contact an Experienced Los Angeles Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer Today

Were you hurt in a rideshare accident in the L.A. area? Then let Sean Shamsi be the voice you need to recover the money you deserve. Contact The Shamsi Law Firm, APC today for a free consultation with an Uber and Lyft accident lawyer in Los Angeles.