Long Beach Rideshare Accident Lawyers

Call Thompson Law Rideshare Accident Lawyers in Long Beach

Car accidents are complicated, but rideshare crashes add another layer of difficulty. Liability can involve the driver, the rideshare company, and multiple insurance policies, making it harder to determine who should pay for your injuries.

If you were hurt in a crash involving an Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare, delivery, or commercial driver in Long Beach, you need experienced legal support. Our rideshare accident attorneys know how to navigate these complex cases and will fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

We Charge No Upfront Costs

At Thompson Law, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case and secure compensation for you. If we do not win, you pay nothing.

Our team is here to help you move forward after a rideshare accident. Available 24/7, our bilingual attorneys handle everything from insurance negotiations to fighting for the highest possible settlement. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

What Compensation Can I Get After a Rideshare Accident?

Rideshare accidents in Long Beach are a whole different ball game compared to regular car crashes. With Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services, there’s often additional insurance coverage that kicks in depending on when and how the crash occurred. Knowing what you can get is key to getting back on your feet physically and financially.

Our Long Beach rideshare accident lawyers can help you get what you’re owed, including:

• Medical Expenses:  Hospital bills, surgeries, doctor visits, physical therapy, long-term care.
• Lost Wages:  Time off work due to accident-related injuries, temporary or permanent disability.
• Property Damage:  Vehicle repairs, replacement, and other personal property damage.
• Pain and Suffering:  Physical pain, emotional trauma and the impact on your daily life.
• Punitive Damages:  In cases of reckless or intentional actions, additional damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter future wrongdoing.
• Rideshare Insurance Coverage:  Depending on the driver’s status (logged in, en route to a pickup, or actively driving a passenger), Uber or Lyft may have insurance that extends beyond the driver’s personal coverage.

Dealing with insurance claims and the legal process is overwhelming after a rideshare accident. Let us take the stress off your shoulders. Contact us today for a  FREE CONSULTATION and we’ll fight for what you’re owed.

Determining Liability in a Rideshare Accident

The legal landscape is still evolving with the growth of the rideshare industry and its technology. One of the biggest headaches in rideshare accidents involving Uber, Lyft and others is figuring out if the driver was working for the company—picking up or dropping off a passenger—or driving for themselves after their shift. This is key in determining which insurance policy applies.

Rideshare companies use fancy apps that track drivers’ routes, manage communications and handle payments. Those digital records will help determine if the driver was on the clock and, therefore, the company’s insurance or their personal policy applies.

The process of determining liability is similar to other types of accidents. Key details are recorded by the parties involved and law enforcement. Once a police report is filed, further investigation into fault and liability begins.

Working with Thompson Law can be a big help when navigating these complexities. Our Long Beach accident attorneys have the experience and resources to investigate the accident, review app data and determine the responsibilities of everyone involved. Let us help you get the maximum compensation you deserve by untangling the mess of rideshare liability. Call today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Common Injuries from Rideshare Accidents in Long Beach

Rideshare accidents can cause a multitude of injuries, from minor soreness to life-changing trauma. Even low-speed crashes can cause whiplash, seat belt injuries or cuts from unsecured objects inside the vehicle. More severe crashes can cause fractures, concussions or spinal cord damage.

The risk of serious injury is increased in rideshare accidents due to the time of day and location of these services. Late nights, crowded streets and high-traffic areas with distracted or impaired drivers are a recipe for disaster. Long Beach’s busy intersections and unpredictable traffic patterns add to the risk.

If you’ve been injured in a rideshare crash, get medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine. Some injuries like internal bleeding or concussions may not show symptoms right away. Our Long Beach rideshare accident attorneys are available 24/7 to help you navigate the legal and insurance maze after an accident.

We have helped clients recover for injuries such as:

• Cuts and bruises
• Whiplash
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Broken bones
• Spinal injuries
• Paralysis
• Neck injuries
• Back injuries
• Muscle, ligament, and tendon injuries
• Joint injuries and trauma
• Internal injuries
• Amputations
• Wrongful death

Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Long Beach

Rideshare accidents can happen for many reasons. With all the different road conditions and heavy traffic in the city, drivers and passengers are at risk. Here are the top causes:

• Distracted Driving:  Looking at the screen of the phone or a built-in multimedia display while driving.
• Driver Error:  Not signaling maneuvers, misjudging turns or lane changes.
• Speeding:  Rushing to pick up or drop off in busy areas like Downtown.
• Low Visibility at Night:  Navigating neighborhoods with no lights, especially in nightlife areas.
• Vehicle Maintenance:  Poorly maintained personal cars used for rideshare services.
• Traffic Congestion:  High demand and traffic in central Long Beach and near attractions.
• Road Conditions:  Potholes, construction and lane closures common in urban areas.
• Driver Fatigue:  Long hours of driving without breaks, slower reaction times.

Rideshare accidents can result in serious injuries from rear-end collisions, t-bone impacts, head-on collisions and rollovers. Victims can have substantial medical bills, lost wages and long-term pain. If you were injured in a rideshare accident in Long Beach, you don’t have to face this alone. Contact our lawyers today to get the compensation you deserve.

Insurance Coverage in Long Beach Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate under different coverage rules than standard auto insurance. These policies change depending on the driver’s status. They are different from commercial vehicle coverage for taxis and delivery trucks so it’s important to understand your rights after an accident.

Uber’s Coverage

Uber has different levels of coverage depending on whether the driver is offline, waiting for a ride request or transporting a passenger:

• Offline (Not Using the App)
  • Only the driver’s personal insurance applies.
  • Uber provides no additional coverage.
  • The driver must meet California’s minimum insurance requirements.
• App On, No Ride Accepted
  • Third-party liability coverage:
    • $50,000 per person
    • $100,000 per accident
    • $25,000 for property damage
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist and PIP (if California law applies)
• En Route to a Passenger or During a Ride
  • At least $1,000,000 in third-party liability coverage.
  • Comprehensive and collision coverage for vehicle repairs up to the car’s value with a $2,500 deductible (if the driver has personal comprehensive and collision coverage).
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist and optional injury protection for drivers.

Lyft’s Coverage

Lyft follows the same model with varying levels of protection:

• App On, No Ride Accepted
  • $50,000 per person for bodily injury.
  • $100,000 per accident for bodily injury.
  • $25,000 for property damage.
• During Pickup or While Transporting a Passenger
  • $1,000,000 in third-party liability coverage.
  • $250,000 in UM/UIM bodily injury coverage.
  • Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage with a $2,500 deductible, covering physical damage up to the vehicle’s value if the driver has personal coverage.While these limits exist, the claims process can be tricky. Insurance companies may deny liability, delay payments or offer low settlements. Coverage also depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident and if their personal policy applies.

If you were hit by a rideshare in Long Beach, let our lawyers help you through the claims process. Call now for a FREE CONSULTATION.

You’ve Been Through Enough. Let Us Handle What’s Next.

After a rideshare crash, life can feel chaotic with appointments, pain and stress. What you need now is clarity. We’re here to give you straight answers, calm direction, and a legal team that shows up when it counts.

We’re not just here to file paperwork. We’re here to make sure someone’s in your corner every time the system tries to push back. Reach out for a FREE CONSULTATION today. No pressure. Just help.

FAQs About Rideshare Accidents in Long Beach

What do I do if I’m injured as a passenger in a rideshare accident?

If you’re injured in a rideshare accident in Long Beach, get medical help first. Call the police, take clear photos of the scene, and get the driver and vehicle info and any witness statements. Because there are multiple insurance policies involved, you need to contact a rideshare accident attorney asap to protect your right to fair compensation.

How do Long Beach determine liability in rideshare accidents?

Liability in rideshare accidents in Long Beach is based on if the driver was on the app. If the driver was off-duty, only their personal insurance may be available. If the driver was on the app but hadn’t accepted a ride, the rideshare company may offer limited coverage. If the driver was transporting a passenger, the company’s full commercial policy applies. Knowing these distinctions is key to a successful claim.

Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly?

Since drivers are classified as independent contractors, you can’t sue Uber or Lyft directly for the driver’s negligence. However, both companies are required to provide insurance coverage under certain conditions. Working with an experienced attorney will help you determine the best way to get compensation from the right policy.

What are the insurance requirements for Uber and Lyft drivers in Long Beach?

Uber and Lyft drivers in Long Beach are required to have personal auto insurance and while they’re on the app, they also have commercial policies. When the driver is waiting for a ride request, liability coverage may be $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. When the driver is en route to pick up or transporting a passenger, the coverage can increase to $1 million in liability protection.

How long do I have to file a claim after a rideshare accident in Long Beach?

By California statute of limitations you have 2 years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim. But if the accident involved a government vehicle or happened in a public area, different deadlines may apply. If the accident involves a minor, different timelines may also apply. Contact a rideshare accident attorney asap to make sure you meet all deadlines.