San Francisco Rideshare Accident Lawyers

Call Thompson Law Rideshare Accident Lawyers in San Francisco

Having legal representation after any car accident is crucial, but rideshare accidents bring additional challenges when it comes to liability and insurance. Determining responsibility can be complicated, as multiple parties may be involved, including the driver, the rideshare company, and insurance providers. These complexities make it even more important 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 San Francisco, now is the time to get legal support. Our San Francisco 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.

No Upfront Costs Charged From Our Rideshare Accident Lawyers

At Thompson Law, our San Francisco 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 dedicated to helping you recover and move forward after a rideshare accident. Our bilingual team is available 24/7, ready to assist you every step of the way. From handling insurance claims to fighting 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.

What Compensation Can I Receive After a Rideshare Accident in San Francisco?

Rideshare accidents in San Francisco come with unique legal and insurance challenges. Unlike regular car crashes, accidents involving Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services may provide additional insurance coverage, depending on when the crash happened. Understanding what compensation you may be entitled to can help you recover financially.

Here are the types of compensation our San Francisco rideshare accident attorneys can help pursue:

• Medical Expenses:  Covers hospital visits, surgeries, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
• Lost Wages:  Provides compensation for time missed at work due to accident-related injuries, including temporary or permanent disability.
• Property Damage:  Reimbursement for vehicle repairs or replacement, as well as damage to other personal property.
• Pain and Suffering:  Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and a reduced quality of life.
• Punitive Damages:  In cases of reckless or intentional misconduct, additional damages may be awarded to hold the at-fault party accountable.
• Rideshare Insurance Coverage:  If the rideshare driver was logged into the app, en route to a pickup, or actively transporting a rider, Uber or Lyft’s insurance may provide coverage beyond the driver’s personal policy.

Handling insurance claims and legal matters after a rideshare accident can be stressful. Our San Francisco rideshare accident lawyers are ready to help. Contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss your options and secure the compensation you deserve.

Determining Liability in San Francisco Rideshare Accidents

Liability in rideshare accidents depends on whether the driver was actively working for Uber, Lyft, or another service at the time of the crash. Insurance coverage is determined by app status:

• App Off:  The driver’s personal insurance applies.
• App On, No Passenger:  The rideshare company’s limited liability coverage may apply.
• Passenger in Car or Ride Accepted:  The rideshare company’s full commercial insurance is in effect.

Since rideshare companies have high insurance coverage limits, proving liability can be complex. It requires reviewing app records, gathering evidence, and negotiating with multiple insurance providers.

Thompson Law’s San Francisco rideshare accident attorneys have the experience to determine who is responsible and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

What to Do After a Rideshare Accident in San Francisco

If you’re involved in a rideshare accident in San Francisco, taking the right steps can help protect your rights and strengthen your claim. Follow these important actions:

• Call 911:  Report the accident immediately and request medical assistance if anyone is injured.
• Document the Scene:  Take photos of the vehicles, damage, injuries, road conditions, and any traffic signals.
• Collect Information:  Get the names, contact details, and insurance information of all involved parties, including drivers, passengers, and witnesses.
• Work with Law Enforcement:  Ensure an official police report is filed with accurate details about the crash.
• Seek Medical Attention:  Even if you feel fine, injuries from car accidents can appear hours or days later. A medical evaluation can document your condition.

Proper documentation is key to proving liability and securing fair compensation for injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Get Compensated For Your Rideshare Accident Case

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 San Francisco 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 Causes of Rideshare Accidents in San Francisco

• Distracted Driving:  Checking apps, accepting rides, or following GPS while driving.
• Driver Errors:  Failing to signal, misjudging turns, or struggling with lane changes.
• Speeding:  Rushing to pick up or drop off passengers, especially in busy areas.
• Low Visibility at Night:  Navigating crowded nightlife districts with limited lighting.
• Vehicle Maintenance Issues:  Poor upkeep of personal cars used for rideshare services.
• Traffic Congestion:  High demand in areas like downtown, the Marina, and SoMa.
• Road Conditions:  Potholes, ongoing construction, and frequent lane closures.
• Driver Fatigue:  Long hours without breaks, leading to slower reaction times.

Rideshare accidents can result in serious injuries from rear-end crashes, t-bone impacts, head-on collisions, and rollovers. Victims may face steep medical bills, lost wages, and lasting pain. If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in San Francisco, you don’t have to handle it alone. Contact Thompson Law today for a FREE CONSULTATION, and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.

Rideshare Accidents: Causes and Effects in San Francisco

Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have reshaped transportation in San Francisco, providing on-demand rides for commuters, tourists, and late-night travelers. The industry continues to grow, with services expanding beyond passenger transport to food and package delivery.

While these options offer convenience, they also contribute to increased traffic and a higher risk of accidents on already congested city streets.

Rideshare services can help reduce drunk driving incidents and improve transportation access, but they also introduce new road hazards. With more rideshare and delivery vehicles navigating San Francisco’s narrow, high-traffic streets, accidents are becoming more common. Many of these collisions happen for reasons similar to standard car crashes, but rideshare driving comes with unique challenges. Drivers rely heavily on phone apps to accept rides and follow GPS directions, often taking their attention off the road. Many work long, irregular hours, leading to fatigue, and most do not receive formal driving training.

Insurance Coverage in San Francisco Rideshare Accidents

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

Uber’s Insurance Coverage

Uber’s insurance coverage changes based on the driver’s status in the app:

• Offline (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 insurance requirements.
• Online but No Ride Accepted
  • Third-party liability coverage:
    • $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.
• 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 actual value (with a $2,500 deductible), if the driver has personal comprehensive and collision insurance.
  • Additional coverage may include uninsured/underinsured motorist protection, PIP, and Optional Injury Protection for drivers.

Uber’s policies provide substantial protection, but restrictions and exceptions can complicate claims. If you’ve been in a rideshare accident, consult with our San Francisco rideshare accident lawyers to understand your rights.

Lyft’s Insurance Coverage

Lyft follows a similar insurance model:

• When the App is On but 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 uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) bodily injury coverage.
  • Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage with a $2,500 deductible, covering physical damage up to the vehicle’s cash value if the driver has personal comprehensive and collision coverage.

Even with these coverage limits, the claims process can be difficult. Insurance companies may dispute liability, delay payments, or attempt to offer lower settlements. Coverage also depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident and whether their personal policy applies.

If you were injured in a rideshare accident in San Francisco, 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.

San Francisco Rideshare Accident FAQs

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

If you’re hurt 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 does San Francisco law handle rideshare accident liability?

San Francisco, 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.

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 circumstances. 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.

Are there different insurance requirements for Uber and Lyft drivers in San Francisco?

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.

How long do I have to file a rideshare accident claim in San Francisco?

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.