Oakland Rideshare Accident Lawyers

How Our Oakland Rideshare Accident Attorneys Can Assist

Our team of rideshare accident attorneys has extensive knowledge and experience in dealing with road crashes involving TNCs. We can help you not just demand the justice you deserve after a personal injury after a car accident, but also navigate the complexities of these ridesharing companies’ insurance policies.

We fight tirelessly and aggressively to ensure you get fair financial compensation following a rideshare accident. Here are just some of the things we can help with if you decide to file a lawsuit after the incident:

• Filing your lawsuit:  We handle all the paperwork needed for you to sue those liable for the accident in a timely fashion.
• Gathering evidence to strengthen your claim:  We’ll help you collect pertinent evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, CCTV footage at the scene, data from the rideshare app, and more.
• Determining liability:  We’ll analyze all the evidence and help determine who is responsible for the car crash.
• Proving negligence:  With all the details, we’ll help you prove that a driver was negligent and breached his duty of care to you, the passenger.
• Computing the compensation you deserve: We’ll fight tooth and nail to make sure you get compensated not just for medical bills but also for other kinds of damages, like pain and suffering or punitive damages, if the driver acted out of malice.
• Pressuring rideshare companies:  Rideshare companies will do anything they can to wash their hands of liability and get you the lowest insurance payout they can. With our knowledge of Oakland’s traffic and liability laws, we’ll put pressure on them to raise this amount.
• Litigation in court:  We’ll gladly represent you in court and make your case for you in a trial.

Essentially, our Oakland rideshare accident lawyers are here to advocate for your rights and make sure you get the justice you seek. If you want to learn more about what we can do to help win your case, contact us for a FREE CONSULTATION.

How Much Compensation Can I Get from a Rideshare Accident in Oakland?

The compensatory damages that can potentially be awarded to you in court depend on your specific case. For accidents that cause minor injuries, you can expect to receive anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000. But for severe injuries and wrongful death, you could potentially secure millions of dollars.

Every case is different, and so is the amount you should anticipate you’ll receive, whether in court or after reaching a settlement. Either way, that amount is determined by these factors and damages that include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Medical expenses:  Hospital visits, surgeries, treatments, and more.
• Pain and suffering:  Compensation for the mental anguish you went through after the crash.
• Lost wages:  Money you would have been able to earn if you weren’t injured from the accident.
• Property damage:  If your car, bike, or any other property was damaged after the rideshare accident, you can claim damages.
• Funeral expenses:  If the victim passes away after the accident, their loved ones can claim damages for the funeral.
• Loss of companionship:  Following a wrongful death suit, family members can get compensated for the loss of the presence of their loved one.
• Punitive damages:  Awarded only if it’s clear that the driver acted out of malice and extreme negligence.

How Expensive Are Rideshare Accident Lawyers in Oakland?

Many people who get hurt in Lyft or Uber accidents don’t seek legal counsel because they’re worried a lawyer might be too expensive. But it’s not always the case. Most lawyers handle rideshare accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means they charge a cut of the final settlement amount or total damages given to the victim or their family.

At Thompson Law, we believe every victim has the right to fight for justice without worrying about finances. That’s why we don’t charge any fees upfront when you work with us. We do case reviews and consultations, gather evidence, and help you build your case, all for free. You only pay us a contingency fee if we win your case. If we don’t, you owe us nothing, simple as that.

Why Choose Thompson Law?

As one of the best personal injury law firms in the area, Thompson Law has a team of experienced and dedicated personal injury attorneys who are ready to fight for your legal rights.

At Thompson Law, we understand the emotional distress that comes with serious injuries, and we are committed to providing you with the best legal representation possible. Our trial lawyers are not afraid to take your case to court if necessary and have successfully secured billions of dollars in compensatory and punitive damages for our clients.

We have extensive experience working with insurance companies, large corporations, and medical professionals, and we know how to get you the results you deserve. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will not have to pay anything until we win your case.

Don’t let a personal injury case ruin your life. Contact Thompson Law‘s Oakland personal injury lawyers today and schedule a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss your legal options. Our team of dedicated injury attorneys will provide you with the legal advice and representation you need to get the compensation you deserve.

Common Rideshare Crash Causes Our Oakland Uber Accident Lawyers Handle

Rideshare accidents are always unexpected and can happen for a myriad of reasons. Here are just some of the common causes of Uber and Lyft crashes that we have experience dealing with:

• Distracted driving:  When drivers look at their phone screens to check the rideshare app or message potential passengers, their eyes aren’t on the road. This can lead to rear-end crashes and accidents due to swerving.
• Driver fatigue:  Uber and Lyft drivers work long hours and sometimes even juggle multiple jobs to earn more money. When they’re exhausted, they can have slow reaction times.
• Reckless driving: Some drivers have bad habits like speeding or running red lights, which puts their lives and their passengers’ lives at risk.
• Failure to yield:  Rideshare drivers can hurt not only other motorists but also pedestrians if they fail to yield in time. This can also happen when there are blind spots and obstructions on the road.
• Impaired driving:  When drivers hit the road after drinking or taking drugs, their coordination and decision-making skills get poorer, which can lead to accidents.
• Inexperienced drivers:  Many people turn to rideshare apps for a job, even if they’re not completely used to driving. This lack of experience from drivers without formal training can increase the risk of accidents.

Local Rideshare Laws in Oakland for Uber and Lyft Accidents

In 2023, the state of California upheld Proposition 22. This law legally classifies rideshare drivers as independent contractors and not employees of TNCs like Uber and Lyft. That means they don’t have the same rights and benefits as these companies’ full-time employees. It also implies that when the driver causes a car accident while using the rideshare app, the company cannot be held responsible for the incident.

According to California law, the negligent driver of a car accident is responsible for covering the victim’s damages. With Proposition 22 in place, that means rideshare drivers—not the TNCs—carry the burden of paying for damages should a lawsuit be filed against them.

Statute of Limitations on Rideshare Accident Claims in Oakland

You can sue the at-fault driver in a rideshare accident up to two years after the road crash occurred. Past this statute of limitations, you may end up forfeiting your rights to receive damages. However, we highly recommend that you gather evidence and file your lawsuit right away. Court proceedings and settlement negotiations can take months, sometimes even years. The sooner you sue, the faster you’ll get the compensation you deserve.

What to Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Oakland

Think fast. When you find yourself in a rideshare accident, it’s important to spring into action as soon as possible. Here’s exactly what to do if you’re involved in an Uber or Lyft accident:

1. Check for injuries:  Do a quick scan of your body to look for any noticeable injuries, like wounds, cuts, bleeding, and more. If necessary, call for medical attention right away.
2. Call 911:  Don’t be afraid to get the police involved. Ask them for assistance and file a police report.
3. Gather evidence: Take photos and videos of the accident, including the vehicles involved and the road conditions at the time. Try to obtain witness statements, medical records, and other documents that can paint a solid, objective picture of what happened.
4. Get out of the roadway: Move to a safer location, such as the side of the road or a nearby police station.
5. Take a screenshot of your rideshare app:  It’s essential to keep all the details of your ride documented. Take a quick screenshot to ensure you know the time of your ride, your driver’s information, specific booking numbers, and more.
6. Call an attorney:  Lawyer up and call legal counsel with extensive experience handling rideshare accident cases, like the team at Thompson Law. Our lawyers will help you iron out the next steps if you want to take legal action against whoever is responsible for the accident.

High-Risk Intersections for Rideshare Crashes in Oakland

A rideshare accident can happen anywhere, but several intersections are especially dangerous and high-risk around Oakland. Here are just a few of these areas that you should be extra vigilant at when you’re riding a Lyft or Uber:

• 102nd Ave. and International Boulevard
• 7th Street and Union Street
• 7th Street and Cedar Street
• International Boulevard and 80th Avenue
• International Boulevard and High Street
• San Leandro Street and 92nd Avenue
• Bancroft Avenue and Seminary Avenue
• West Grand Avenue and Telegraph Avenue
• Hamilton Street and Hegenberger Road

Police Stations to Contact in Oakland

Accidents can happen to anyone using rideshare apps in Oakland, so it’s important to be well-prepared. Take note of these Oakland police stations that you can reach out to if you find yourself in an Uber or Lyft accident in the city:

• Oakland Police Department: 455 7th St, Oakland, CA 94607
  • The main headquarters of law enforcement in the city of Oakland.
• OPD Eastmont Substation: 2651 73rd Ave, Oakland, CA 94605
  • A small station at what used to be Eastmont Mall. Great for accidents near the area.
• California Highway Patrol, Oakland Office: 3601 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609
  • The Oakland chapter of the state agency in charge of traffic laws in California.

Our Oakland Rideshare Accident Lawyers Can Seek Justice for You

It’s not easy dealing with negligent drivers, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft, and complex insurance policies all at once. But don’t worry. You don’t have to face the complexities of the legal process alone. Thompson Law’s experienced and dedicated Oakland rideshare accident lawyers can help build a strong case for you and seek out the compensation you deserve to financially recover from the crash.

Our years of specializing in personal injury cases have allowed us to recover over $1.9 billion for our clients. Work with us and let us do the legwork so that you can focus on recovering. If you want the best outcome from your case, book a FREE CONSULTATION with our team today!

FAQs About Rideshare Accidents in Oakland, CA

Can I sue Uber or Lyft after an accident in Oakland?

It can be very difficult to sue Uber, Lyft, or any other TNC if you get into an accident in a car ride you booked through the app. These companies classify their drivers as independent contractors, not employees. Therefore, they can argue that they have no liability for these drivers’ negligence.

Does Uber help with accidents in Oakland?

Uber has insurance coverage in accordance with the insurance requirements California prescribes for TNCs. So yes, they do provide some money to victims of road accidents Uber rides get into. However, they don’t provide much assistance for taking legal action against the negligent driver.

Who is liable for Uber or Lyft accidents in Oakland?

In California, the liability of car accidents is determined according to negligence. The same applies to Uber or Lyft rides, which means the driver is more often than not liable for these accidents.