San Bernardino Rideshare Accident Lawyers

How Does a Rideshare Accident Differ From a Regular Vehicle Accident?

A rideshare accident presents unique challenges when filing a personal injury claim. Generally, rideshare is categorized as “software companies” because they only facilitate ridesharing services instead of providing them. The Lyft or Uber drivers are typical people using their personal vehicles to transport passengers. They are considered independent contractors or freelancers, not employees. 

Rideshare drivers, as independent contractors, are not obligated to follow certain legal regulations. This further complicates issues in personal injury claims. They don’t require commercial vehicle insurance or a commercial driver’s license as a taxi driver to operate. Your Uber or Lyft driver may be someone without professional training, increasing the risk of an accident. 

Rideshare companies often use the “independent contractor” aspect to refuse to take responsibility for their drivers’ negligent or reckless actions. Insurers can also refute any responsibility for your damages and refuse to compensate you using this “contractor” tag. Our knowledgeable San Bernardino rideshare accident lawyers have a comprehensive understanding of the laws regulating rideshare accident claims and will fight aggressively to obtain maximum compensation.

Rideshare Collision Liability in San Bernardino

Determining the at-fault party is a complex process when filing for a personal injury or wrongful death claim following a Lyft or Uber accident. In a regular auto crash, you understand that the at-fault party insurance company pays for the damages. However, circumstances can get confusing and complicated in a ridesharing crash due to multiple parties and insurance providers involved. An insurance claim process can involve your vehicle insurance, rideshare company’s insurer, the driver’s private insurance, and/or any other third-party insurer.

Rideshare drivers are covered by varying insurance coverage depending on their status at the time of the crash. This refers to whether they were logged in to their ridesharing app or not when the collision occurred. Rideshare drivers are insured with the company’s policy when on duty. This includes when the driver is en route to pick up the client, or the passenger is already in the vehicle. However, certain limitations apply to when the company coverage takes effect and who it covers:

• Suppose you are hit by an Uber/Lyft driver when they are not active on the app. In that case, you may seek compensation through the driver’s personal insurance coverage, not company policy. 
• If the driver is already logged in but has not yet accepted the ride when the accident occurs, then you are entitled to $200,000 additional liability insurance.
• Once the driver accepts the trip and picks up the passenger, the rideshare company provides $1 million in commercial auto insurance and another $1 million in underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage.

As an injury victim, you are entitled to economic and non-economic damages, including:

• Medical expenses (ambulance, surgery, hospital bills)
• Lost wages/income
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Diminished quality of life
• Loss of companionship, affection, and support in the event of death
• Punitive damages

We understand that each accident’s circumstances are unique and require a personalized approach. We will evaluate your case, investigate the events leading to the collision, and develop a winning strategy for your rideshare accident insurance claim. Our experienced San Bernardino rideshare accident attorneys will calculate your injuries and losses to determine fair compensation for your situation. Although rideshare companies tend to deny liability or offer low settlements to victims, we will not settle for less than you are owed.