Los Angeles Rideshare Accident Lawyers

Rideshare Accidents: Causes and Effects in Los Angeles

Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have transformed transportation in Los Angeles, offering on-demand rides for commuters, tourists, and late-night travelers. These services continue to grow, now including food and package delivery, increasing the number of rideshare vehicles on the road.

While rideshare services can help reduce DUI-related crashes and improve accessibility, they also contribute to traffic congestion and a rising number of accidents on Los Angeles’ busy freeways and streets. With more rideshare and delivery drivers navigating high-traffic areas like Downtown LA, Hollywood, and LAX, collisions are becoming more frequent.

Many of these accidents happen for the same reasons as regular car crashes, but rideshare driving comes with added risks:

• Phone Distractions:  Drivers rely on apps for ride requests and GPS navigation, taking their attention off the road.
• Fatigue:  Many drivers work long, irregular hours, increasing the risk of drowsy driving.
• Limited Training:  Unlike taxi drivers, most rideshare drivers do not receive formal driving instruction or safety training.

If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident in Los Angeles, understanding your rights is critical. Contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Los Angeles

• Distracted Driving: Drivers frequently check apps, accept rides, or follow GPS directions while behind the wheel.
• Driver Errors:  Failing to signal, misjudging turns, or struggling with lane changes, especially in heavy traffic.
• Speeding:  Rushing to pick up or drop off passengers, particularly in high-demand areas like Hollywood, Downtown LA, and near LAX.
• Low Visibility at Night: Navigating crowded nightlife districts with poor lighting and unpredictable pedestrian traffic.
• Vehicle Maintenance Issues:  Personal cars used for rideshare services may not always receive proper upkeep.
• Traffic Congestion:  High demand in busy areas like the Sunset Strip, Westwood, and Koreatown increases accident risks.
• Road Conditions:  Potholes, construction zones, and frequent lane closures create hazards for rideshare drivers and passengers.
• Driver Fatigue:  Many rideshare drivers work long shifts or drive late into the night, leading to slower reaction times and poor decision-making.

Rideshare accidents can lead to serious injuries, including rear-end crashes, t-bone impacts, head-on collisions, and rollovers. Victims often face high medical bills, lost wages, and long-term pain.

If you’ve been injured in a Los Angeles rideshare accident, you don’t have to go through it alone. Contact Thompson Law today for a FREE CONSULTATION, and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.

What to Do After a Rideshare Accident in Los Angeles

If you’re involved in a rideshare accident in Los Angeles, taking the right steps can protect your rights and strengthen your claim. Follow these key actions:

1. Call 911:  Report the accident immediately and request medical assistance if anyone is injured.
2. Document the Scene:  Take photos of vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, traffic signals, and any other relevant details.
3. Collect Information:  Get names, contact details, and insurance information from all involved parties, including rideshare drivers, passengers, and witnesses.
4. Work with Law Enforcement:  Ensure a police report is filed, as it can be crucial for your claim.
5. Seek Medical Attention:  Even if you feel fine, injuries may appear hours or days later. A medical evaluation helps document your condition.

Proper documentation is essential to proving liability and securing fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

If you’ve been injured in a Los Angeles rideshare accident, contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss your legal options.

Insurance Coverage in Los Angeles Rideshare Accidents

Navigating insurance coverage after a rideshare accident in Los Angeles can be complicated. Unlike standard auto insurance policies, Uber and Lyft operate under unique coverage rules that vary depending on when the accident happens. These policies also differ from long-standing insurance regulations for commercial vehicles like taxis and delivery trucks. Understanding how coverage applies is crucial when seeking compensation for injuries or property damage.

Uber’s Insurance Coverage in Los Angeles Rideshare Accidents

Uber’s insurance coverage depends on the driver’s app status:

App Off (Driver Not Using the App)

• Only the driver’s personal insurance applies.
• Uber’s insurance does not cover the driver.
• The driver must meet California’s minimum auto insurance requirements.

App On, No Ride Accepted

• $50,000 per person for injuries.
• $100,000 per accident for injuries.
• $25,000 for property damage.
• Additional coverage may include uninsured/underinsured motorist protection and personal injury protection (PIP), depending on California law.

Ride Accepted or Passenger in Car

• At least $1,000,000 in third-party liability coverage.
• Comprehensive and collision coverage up to the vehicle’s actual cash value (with a $2,500 deductible) if the driver carries personal comprehensive and collision coverage.
• Additional coverage may include uninsured/underinsured motorist protection and Optional Injury Protection for drivers.

Uber’s policies provide substantial protection, but restrictions and claim disputes can complicate the process.

Lyft’s Insurance Coverage in Los Angeles

Lyft’s insurance coverage follows a similar structure:

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 Transporting a Passenger

• $1,000,000 in third-party liability coverage.
• $250,000 in uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) bodily injury coverage.
• Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage (with a $2,500 deductible), covering vehicle damage up to its cash value if the driver carries personal comprehensive and collision insurance.

Why Rideshare Insurance Claims Are Complicated

Even with high coverage limits, rideshare insurance claims can be difficult to navigate. Insurance companies may:

• Dispute liability to avoid paying claims.
• Delay settlements or undervalue your damages.
• Argue that personal insurance should cover the accident instead.

If you were injured in a Los Angeles rideshare accident, our experienced attorneys can help you navigate the insurance claims process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

What Compensation Can I Receive After a Rideshare Accident?

Rideshare accidents in Los Angeles present unique legal and insurance challenges. Unlike regular car accidents, Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services provide additional insurance coverage based on when the crash occurred. Understanding your potential compensation can help you recover financially and move forward.

Here are the types of compensation our Los Angeles rideshare accident attorneys can help pursue:

• Medical Expenses:  Covers hospital visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and long-term medical care.
• Lost Wages:  Provides compensation for time missed at work, including cases involving temporary or permanent disability.
• Property Damage:  Reimbursement for vehicle repairs, replacement, or damage to personal property.
• Pain and Suffering:  Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life caused by the accident.
• Punitive Damages:  Additional compensation may be awarded in cases involving reckless or intentional misconduct.
• Rideshare Insurance Coverage: If the rideshare driver was logged into the app, en route to a passenger, or actively transporting a rider, Uber or Lyft’s insurance may provide higher coverage limits beyond the driver’s personal policy.

Handling insurance claims and legal matters after a rideshare accident can be overwhelming. Our Los Angeles rideshare accident lawyers are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss your legal options.

Common Injuries Suffered in Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare accidents in Los Angeles can cause a range of injuries, from minor soreness to severe, life-changing trauma. Even in low-impact crashes, passengers may suffer whiplash, seatbelt injuries, or cuts from unsecured objects inside the vehicle. More serious collisions can lead to broken bones, head injuries, or spinal damage.

The risk of severe injuries may be higher in rideshare accidents due to when and where these services are commonly used: late at night, in heavy traffic, or near entertainment districts where drivers and other motorists may be distracted or impaired. Navigating Los Angeles’ congested streets, freeway interchanges, and unpredictable traffic conditions increases the chances of a crash.

If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Symptoms of internal injuries or concussions can take time to appear and may worsen without treatment. Our Los Angeles rideshare accident attorneys are available to help you handle the legal and insurance challenges that come after an accident.

We’ve helped clients recover compensation for injuries such as:

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

Why Choose Thompson Law

Having legal representation after a car accident is important, but rideshare accidents come with additional challenges involving liability and insurance. Determining responsibility can be complex, as multiple parties may be involved, including the driver, the rideshare company, and insurance providers. These factors make it essential to work with an experienced rideshare accident attorney.

If you’ve been injured in a crash involving an Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare, delivery, or commercial driver in Los Angeles, now is the time to get legal support. Our Los Angeles rideshare accident attorneys understand how to handle these cases and will fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss your options.

Call Our Los Angeles Rideshare Accident Attorneys Today!

At Thompson Law, our Los Angeles rideshare accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only collect a fee if we win your case and secure compensation for you. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.

We are committed to helping you recover and move forward after a rideshare accident. Our bilingual team is available 24/7, ready to guide you through every step of the process. From handling insurance claims to negotiating for the maximum settlement, we provide the legal support you need. Contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION and let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file a claim against Uber or Lyft directly?

Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, which limits their direct liability for accidents. However, they are required to provide insurance coverage in certain situations. While you typically cannot sue Uber or Lyft directly for a driver’s negligence, their commercial insurance may still cover your injuries. An attorney can help determine the best approach for filing a claim.

How does Los Angeles, California law handle rideshare accident liability?

California requires rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft to provide commercial insurance coverage for their drivers, but liability depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. If the driver was not using the app, only their personal insurance applies. If they were logged in but had not accepted a ride, the rideshare company’s liability coverage is limited. If the driver was en route to a passenger or actively transporting one, the company’s full commercial policy may cover the accident.

Are there different insurance requirements for Uber and Lyft drivers in Los Angeles?

Yes. Both Uber and Lyft require drivers to carry personal auto insurance and provide additional commercial coverage while drivers are using the app. When the driver is waiting for a ride request, the company provides liability coverage of $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. When a driver is en route to a pickup or transporting a passenger, Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage.

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

Your first priority should be seeking medical care. Report the accident to the police, document the scene with photos, and collect details about the driver, vehicle, and any witnesses. Since multiple insurance policies may be involved, contact a rideshare accident attorney as soon as possible to ensure you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to.

How long do I have to file a rideshare accident claim in Los Angeles?

In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim in California. However, if the accident involves a government vehicle or agency (such as a city-owned rideshare pickup zone or public transportation), the deadline may be shorter. If a minor is involved, different timelines may apply. To avoid missing important deadlines, consult with an attorney as soon as possible.