Anaheim Rideshare Accident Lawyers

Why You Need an Anaheim Rideshare Accident Lawyer on Your Side

A rideshare accident can be more overwhelming than other types of collisions on the road. Instead of seeking legal action right away, there’s an added step of talking to Uber’s and Lyft’s insurance providers. And that’s only for a chance at getting compensated for the accident.

Having a skilled rideshare accident attorney can help take the weight off your shoulders and handle these negotiations on your behalf. Not only will our lawyers make sure you don’t get shortchanged by greedy insurance companies, but we’ll fight to get you the maximum payout possible, too. We’ll turn away any lowball offers and use our knowledge of traffic and liability laws to get you compensation that can cover medical bills, emotional trauma, and more.

Should you wish to pursue legal action against one or more of the parties involved, we’re here, too. We can handle the paperwork, collect evidence, and represent you in court should the case go to trial. The best part? We do it for no upfront costs. You pay us only if we win your case.

Who Can Be Found Liable in a Rideshare Accident?

Many different parties can be found liable for a rideshare accident depending on the unique circumstances of your case. Parties that can potentially be found liable include:

• The Uber or Lyft driver:  If the driver was speeding, distracted, looking at their phone, driving under the influence, or broke traffic violations, they can be found negligent and liable for the accident that occurred.
• Another motorist:  If the Uber or Lyft is involved in a crash because of another car’s fault, the driver of that vehicle could be found responsible for the incident.
• The City of Anaheim:  The city can be sued by the victims if the rideshare accident was caused by broken traffic lights, lack of signs, and unsafe road conditions.

Not sure who is liable in your rideshare accident? Take the guesswork out of it by talking to our experienced Anaheim rideshare accident lawyers. We’ll assess all the information about your case and hold accountable the parties responsible for your pain. Reach out to our team to book a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Can You Sue Uber and Lyft After a Rideshare Accident?

Even if you were technically in an Uber or Lyft ride during the accident, more often than not, you can’t sue these companies for the crash. These apps’ drivers are considered independent contractors, so they’re responsible for their own actions.

But while suing these companies isn’t usually feasible after a rideshare accident, you can still file an insurance claim to cover medical expenses. Your lawyer can help liaise on your behalf to make sure you get the highest amount possible from these companies.

Proposition 22: The Game-Changing California Law That Shaped Rideshare Accident Claims

But what makes Uber and Lyft untouchable when it comes to rideshare accident lawsuits in the first place? You’ll find the answer in Proposition 22, the state law put into place by the California voters in 2020. This law states that drivers of rideshare apps, like Uber and Lyft, aren’t considered full-time employees but mere contractors. This changed the game for rideshare accident claims.

With the law set into motion, transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft can’t be liable for the negligent actions of their drivers. That means they can’t be sued. If you wanted to take legal action after the accident, you had no choice but to sue the driver as an individual entity.

This California law also provided requirements for these companies’ insurance policies. They were obligated to have insurance for their drivers, passengers, and anyone else that might be hurt in an accident. It also specifies different amounts depending on when the accident occurred, whether it was while the driver was offline, waiting for a ride, or during a trip.

Some people see Proposition 22 as good because it forces these companies to should expenses through their insurance policies. But it poses a hassle for victims who can’t just sue directly but have to file a claim through stringent, sometimes unforgiving insurance providers. That’s why hiring an experienced lawyer is best for navigating these claims.

Our Rideshare Accident Lawyers in Anaheim Can Prove Liability for Your Case

Proving liability in your rideshare accident case is important if you want to pursue the maximum compensation you can get. As your trusted legal counsel, we go through these steps to demonstrate liability and strengthen your case.

• Show the duty of care:  We’ll demonstrate that the driver or any other negligent party was obligated to show the utmost care while on the road.
• Prove a breach in that duty:  We present proof that the negligent party did not, in fact, act with care, so the accident occurred.
• Demonstrate causation:  We provide strong evidence that the negligent party’s actions directly caused the accident and consequently, your physical injuries.
• Damages:  Lastly, we prove that you suffered losses as a result. This will skyrocket the amount of your claim, allowing you to walk away with the highest compensation you can receive.

How to Determine Fault in a Rideshare Accident

Before proving liability, though, we need to determine fault in the accident. That means gathering as much evidence and proof as possible that someone caused the accident, whether because they were distracted, impaired, or in violation of traffic laws.

To establish who was at fault, it’s important to share these types of evidence with your rideshare accident legal team:

• Police reports detailing what happened at the scene of the accident
• Medical records showing the injuries you sustained and the corresponding treatments
• Witness statements that retell what they saw happen on the road
• Surveillance footage that depict exactly what occurred
• Photos and videos of the vehicles involved
• Rideshare app data, like screenshots to prove when the driver and rider were en route to a destination

Do Rideshare Drivers and Passengers Get Insurance?

Yes, Uber and Lyft have very similar insurance policies which provide drivers and passengers insurance in the case of accidents. The amounts insured differ according to three different periods, namely:

1. Driver is offline:  If an accident occurs during this period, the driver must use their personal insurance to cover for another’s injuries if they are found liable for the crash.
2. Driver is waiting for a ride:  Uber and Lyft will cover $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident. They also cover up to $25,000 for property damage.
3. During a ride:  These companies cover damages from an accident during a rideshare trip amounting to $1 million in liability coverage, if their driver is liable. If it’s another driver at fault but is uninsured or underinsured, Uber and Lyft can provide higher coverage.

High-Traffic and Accident-Prone Landmarks in Anaheim

Anaheim has plenty of attractions and landmarks that are hotspots not just for residents, but tourists from all over the country, too. When you’re riding an Uber or Lyft, it’s important to be cautious and attentive in places where there’s a lot of congestion. The more people there are on the road, the more likely accidents happen. Here are just some of the high-traffic landmarks in the city that could be prone to accidents.

• Disneyland:  People from all around the world travel to Anaheim to visit Disneyland. Be wary of negligent drivers not just in the drop-off and pick-up sections, but the roads heading to the resort.
• Angel Stadium:  When there’s a baseball game in the stadium, the traffic is extra heavy, and cars are vulnerable to accidents. Fans can get very rowdy too, which can lead to drunk driving, speeding, and other forms of distracted driving.
• Anaheim Convention Center:  This event space is the largest convention center in the West Coast. That means when there’s an event here, there are Ubers and Lyfts left and right. Be careful of side-swipes, fender benders, and rear-end crashes because of the sheer volume of cars here.

The Most High-Risk Intersections in Anaheim

Many road accidents in Anaheim happen in the city’s intersections, where many roads merge into one tiny corner. That unfortunately includes rideshare accidents, too. So, when you’re in an Uber or Lyft, be extra alert and vigilant when you’re passing through these intersections.

• Anaheim Boulevard and Ball Road:  There are multiple bus stops in the roads surrounding this intersection. When buses stop to pick up and alight passengers, they can impede another driver’s vision. This poor visibility can lead to an accident.
• Katella Avenue and Disneyland Drive:  Disneyland is always super crowded, especially on the weekend. On top of that, many of the theme park’s visitors are tourists who aren’t familiar with local traffic laws, making them more susceptible to causing an accident.
• Harbor Boulevard and Lincoln Avenue:  The intersection has plenty of bus stops and a huge church, increasing congestion and the potential for accidents on Sundays.
• E Gene Autry and S State College Boulevard:  This intersection is right by Angel Stadium, where thousands of fans come in and out to watch games.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim for a Rideshare Accident in Anaheim?

If you’re filing a personal injury claim (say, against an Uber driver who hit you while you were walking down the street or another motorist that struck your rideshare car), you can do so up to two years after the accident. If you’re seeking compensation for property damages, you have three years to do it.

The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in California is very strict. If you wait too long and file your case after the deadline, you might forfeit your rights to receive monetary compensation. So, it’s always the smartest move to file a case as soon as you’re sure you want to pursue justice against a negligent party.

Our Anaheim Rideshare Accident Lawyers Will Get You Compensated

It’s already hard enough to deal with the emotional trauma and pain of physical injury following a rideshare accident. But having to talk to insurance companies or pursue legal action makes it ten times more challenging. It’s even worse when you’re unsure of whether you can get the compensation you need to recover from the expenses you’ve shouldered due to the accident.

Our Anaheim rideshare accident lawyers won’t let Uber, Lyft, or any other insurance company lowball you. We’ll fight tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve so that you can recover not just physically, but financially as well. Interested in having our legal experts in your corner? Contact us today and schedule a FREE CONSULTATION.

FAQs About Rideshare Accidents in Anaheim

What should I do after a rideshare accident in Anaheim?

The most important thing to do following a rideshare accident is to check if you have any injuries and seek medical attention ASAP. After that, call 911 so that the authorities are alerted of the situation and send law enforcement on the way. If you’re a rideshare passenger, you should also do the necessary processes to report the incident on the Uber and Lyft app. Most importantly, contact a skilled rideshare attorney and learn about your compensation options.

What evidence should I collect after an Uber or Lyft accident?

Take as many photos and videos as you can at the scene of the accident. Make sure to include documentation of how each vehicle looked and your injuries. Keep a copy of the police report and your medical records if any. Take screenshots of the trip details on your Uber and Lyft app, too.

Can I get compensation if I was a pedestrian hit by a rideshare vehicle?

Yes, Uber and Lyft allot up to $1 million for passengers and other third parties that get injured in accidents, including pedestrians. However, this is only when the driver is en route to pick up a passenger or is already on a trip. Otherwise, the amount will be lower.

Does Uber help with accidents?

Yes, Uber has a pretty comprehensive insurance policy that protects drivers, passengers, and third parties involved in an accident. Even when the Uber driver isn’t at fault, Uber can sometimes extend help, specifically when the negligent driver is uninsured or underinsured.