Chico Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Backed by 25+ Years of Personal Injury Experience
Ridesharing has become common in today’s society and has many benefits for customers. You can catch a ride to your destination in a matter of minutes. This benefits students, seniors, those who wish to be free of the responsibility of driving to and from social events, and others in various situations. This convenience is enjoyed by many and has given rise to a whole new industry led by such companies as Uber and Lyft.
With this new avenue for transportation comes a more complicated situation, however, when rideshare accidents occur. Who is liable for such accidents? It is not a simple question in many cases. Because of this, it is important that you bring your rideshare accident case to an experienced personal injury attorney in your area who understands all of the ramifications of such a case and how to help you pursue the compensation to which you are entitled. At the Law Office of Adam Sorrells, you can work with a Chico rideshare accident attorney who has more than 25 years of experience and is committed to giving you outstanding legal service.
Injured in an Uber or Lyft accident as a customer, driver, or third party? Contact the Law Office of Adam Sorrells at (530) 893-9900 to discuss your case in a free consultation.
Rideshare Accidents in California
Rideshare accidents can be more complicated than other car accidents due to the various scenarios that revolve around whose insurance company will be involved. In any car accident, the at-fault party’s insurance policy will generally cover the compensation you need for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and other damages.
In general, three insurance policies may be involved in a rideshare accident. These include:
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The carrier for the other motorist in cases where this motorist was at fault.
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The carrier for the rideshare driver’s personal insurance policy should he or she be at fault in certain circumstances.
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Uber or Lyft’s insurance carrier whose policy will kick in any time a customer is being transported in the rideshare driver’s car and the accident is the Uber or Lyft driver’s fault. This policy is typically a $1 million liability coverage.
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Uber or Lyft’s uninsured/underinsured coverage in cases where another motorist was at fault for the accident who did not have liability coverage.
Which Policy Will Be Tapped for an Accident Claim?
Which insurance policy will see a claim made against it will depend on who was at fault and what activities the rideshare driver was engaged in at the time of the accident.
These activities can include:
- The driver was driving with the Uber/Lyft app turned off. This means he or she was not at the moment engaged as a rideshare driver and the rideshare company is not liable. The driver’s own personal policy will generally apply unless it was the other driver’s fault.
- The driver was driving with the app in play seeking his or her next customer. This generally means that the driver’s personal policy applies although the rideshare company’s policy may apply as well if the driver’s personal policy carrier denies liability.
- The driver was driving with a rideshare customer in his or her car. In this scenario, Uber or Lyft’s policy should cover the customer’s damages as well as anyone else who was injured.
The Importance of Having an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
Rideshare accidents can occur for the same reasons as any other traffic accident. These include such behaviors as speeding, failing to obey traffic laws, driver distraction, driving while texting, driving while on drugs and/or alcohol, and more. Once they occur, they can be complex matters depending on the circumstances. The other complicating factor is that insurance carriers routinely engage in tactics to deny liability and thus deny or reduce the value of claims.
To fight back and to ensure that your claim is handled in the most professional manner possible, we urge you to contact our firm. We handle claims for rideshare passengers and drivers as well as other drivers, their passengers, and pedestrians who have sustained injuries in these accidents in and around the greater Chico area.
Reach out to the Law Office of Adam Sorrells at (530) 893-9900 or through our online request form today.