Newport Beach Rideshare Accident Lawyer

The Newport Beach rideshare accident attorneys at Younglove Law Group Personal Injury & Accident Attorneys are proud to offer the best representation for those who have been injured in automobile accidents involving rideshare vehicles in California, whether as a driver or as a passenger. When you have been involved in an accident with an Uber or LYFT, you will have to deal with multiple issues all at once. If your vehicle was involved in the accident, you will not only need to repair or replace it, but you will also have to deal with insurance companies, figure out and facilitate the right treatment, and find a way to pay for it. 

Insurance companies prey on unrepresented people in the period immediately following an accident by offering them quick cash to settle their claims for far less than they would obtain through a qualified attorney. Don’t fall victim to an insurance company’s scam. Call the Newport Beach rideshare accident attorneys at Younglove Law Group Personal Injury & Accident Attorneys now for a free and confidential consultation. If you are injured, we’d love to help!

Who Can Get Compensation from Uber or Lyft?

Uber and Lyft will generally pay for the damages caused by one of their drivers while they were operating their vehicle using their rideshare app.  You are likely eligible for compensation from Uber or Lyft’s insurance if you were any of the following:

• A passenger in an Uber or Lyft that was involved in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver.
• A passenger in an Uber or Lyft that was involved in an accident caused by the Uber or Lyft driver.
• A passenger in a vehicle that was involved in an accident caused by an Uber or Lyft.
• A driver in an accident caused by an Uber or Lyft.
• A driver of an Uber or Lyft in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver.
• A pedestrian in an accident caused by an Uber or Lyft.
• A bicyclist in an accident caused by an Uber or Lyft.

How Do I Get Compensation from Uber or Lyft?

The amount of insurance covering an Uber vehicle or a Lyft vehicle varies depending on which “period” the driver is in. Both companies use the same structure for covering accidents in which their drivers are involved.

When the Driver’s App is Off

If the driver is not logged into the app at all, Uber and Lyft will likely dispute your claim and direct you to assert your claim against their driver’s personal insurance. This can be problematic because the driver’s personal insurance may deny coverage if the driver did not purchase rideshare coverage.

When the Driver is Available or Waiting for a Request for a Ride

Typically, the driver’s personal insurance will be primary. If their insurance either denies your claim or is insufficient to fully compensate you, Uber and Lyft have insurance that provides $50,000 of bodily injury per person, $100,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and $25,000 of property damage coverage per accident.

When the Driver Has Accepted a Ride Request or is Transporting Passengers

Both Uber and Lyft carry much larger insurance for accidents that fall into this category. They both provide $1 million of liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage, as well as uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.

Despite these being large policies that are capable of compensating all but the most severely injured plaintiffs, Uber and Lyft are known to aggressively fight claimants on the valuation of their claims. Just because there is a large enough policy to compensate a plaintiff for their injuries does not mean the insurance company will necessarily make a fair offer. It is important that you seek a confidential and free consultation with Younglove Law Group to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

How Do I Get Treatment after a Rideshare Accident in Newport Beach, CA? 

Accidents are often the result of another’s negligence, whether by a person, company, governmental entity, or some combination of them. The law requires the negligent party to pay for the injured person’s medical expenses.

If you were involved in an accident, please do not wait to seek medical treatment. The days immediately after an accident are the most important time for you to do so, as the medical literature confirms this is when you have the best chance to address any injury you may have suffered. Additionally, delaying medical treatment can hurt your case. A paper trail of medical treatment is the best evidence you can present as an injured plaintiff.

Your health is our top priority. After you have sought initial treatment, our team of legal professionals can help you get the right kind of treatment for your specific injuries so you can heal as quickly as possible and get the best possible outcome on your claim.

We pride ourselves on being one of the few firms that has never had a client owe any out-of-pocket expenses at the close of their case. We are honest and thorough. We do the work to make sure our clients’ medical bills are taken care of out of their settlement.

Who Pays for My Property Damage after a Rideshare Accident?

Whether you were injured while driving an Uber or Lyft or if you were hit by one, you will have to navigate the process of getting your vehicle repaired or replaced. We understand being deprived of your vehicle can cause major disruptions to your life, so we work closely with you, the insurance company, and the auto repair shop to ensure your vehicle is taken care of as quickly as possible. We can also advise you about any rental vehicle you might need and help you get what you deserve from the insurance company.

Unlike many other injured claimants, if you were injured while driving an Uber or Lyft the loss of your vehicle often results in the loss of your ability to make a living until it is repaired or replaced, adding insult to injury. Because of this dynamic, Uber and Lyft drivers are particularly vulnerable claimants. We can help you pursue a claim for your lost earnings.

Depending on the types of coverage you and the defendant have, there may be more than one company involved in this process. In many cases, these companies view the accident differently. If they do, getting your vehicle repaired or replaced can be a complicated process to navigate. We can guide you through this process to help you get the best possible outcome.

When the cost to repair your vehicle is greater than its value, your vehicle will be deemed a total loss. Don’t let the insurance company low-ball you for your vehicle and the related expenses of obtaining a replacement. We can help you get the best possible deal for your totaled vehicle.

How Long Do I Have to File my Uber or Lyft Accident Claim?

California’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is 2 years from the date of the accident. This means you have 2 years from the date of the accident to either settle your claim or file a lawsuit. If this strict deadline is not met, your claim will be time-barred and you will be prevented from pursuing Uber or Lyft for compensation.

This does not mean, however, that you should wait for 2 years before seeking representation. In fact, you may hurt your claim by doing so.