Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have changed how people get around West Sacramento. Whether you are commuting to work, heading to the airport, meeting friends in Sacramento, or simply need a ride across town, opening an app can put you in a vehicle within minutes.

But when an Uber or Lyft vehicle is involved in a crash, what happens next can be more complicated than after an ordinary car accident. A rideshare driver, passenger, another motorist, the rideshare company, and one or more insurance policies may be involved. The driver's status at the exact time of the collision can also matter.

If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in West Sacramento, the Law Office of Brian P. Azemika can help you understand your legal options. Founding attorney Brian P. Azemika has more than 20 years of experience in personal injury law, and we have helped injured people throughout Northern California pursue compensation for physical and emotional injuries.

If You Were an Uber or Lyft Passenger

Passengers can be particularly confused after a rideshare collision because they may have no idea who is responsible for the crash or how the insurance process works.

You may have been sitting in the back seat when another vehicle struck the rideshare car. Alternatively, your Uber or Lyft driver may have caused the collision. No matter how the crash happened, your top priority should be getting the medical care you need and documenting what happened.

Save trip information through the rideshare app. This may include the driver's name, vehicle information, trip details, pickup and destination information, and other records associated with the ride.

If you were injured as a rideshare passenger, do not assume that you need to determine the insurance situation by yourself. Multiple sources of coverage may apply, and the accident circumstances need careful review.

When Another Driver Causes the Crash

Imagine you are riding in an Uber through West Sacramento when another driver runs a red light and crashes into the rideshare vehicle.

The other driver may potentially be responsible for causing the collision. However, the fact that you were an Uber passenger can introduce additional insurance considerations. The same can be true if you are riding in a Lyft and another motorist makes an unsafe lane change, fails to yield, or turns directly into the rideshare vehicle.

Evidence from the accident can become important when determining what happened. Police reports, photographs, witness statements, traffic-camera footage, vehicle damage, and information from the rideshare trip may all contribute to the investigation.

When the Rideshare Driver Causes the Accident

Rideshare drivers are not immune from causing collisions. They may become distracted by the rideshare app, miss a turn, make an unsafe maneuver, follow another vehicle too closely, or otherwise drive negligently.

A driver may also become focused on locating a passenger or navigating to a pickup location. If an Uber or Lyft driver caused your injuries, there may be insurance coverage associated with the rideshare company's policy depending on the driver's status and the circumstances of the crash.

Determining which coverage may apply may require reviewing what the driver was doing through the rideshare platform at the time of the accident.

The Driver's Status Can Matter

One unusual aspect of rideshare accident claims is that the driver's status at the time of the collision can matter.

A driver using a vehicle for personal purposes differs from a driver logged into a rideshare platform and available to accept trips. Circumstances also differ when the driver has accepted a ride and is traveling to pick up a passenger or is actively transporting a passenger.

This is one reason why rideshare accident cases should not be evaluated solely by looking at the driver's personal auto insurance card. Information from the rideshare platform may help establish the driver's status at the time of the collision.

What Should You Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Your health should be your first priority following a rideshare collision. Seek appropriate medical attention for any injuries and follow your healthcare provider's recommendations.

If you are able to safely do so, preserve information about the accident. Take photographs of the vehicles, accident scene, roadway, traffic signals, and your injuries. Obtain witness information when possible.

If you were a rideshare passenger, preserve your trip information in the Uber or Lyft app. Do not assume that you will always be able to access every detail later.

You should also keep records of medical appointments, treatment, bills, prescriptions, time missed from work, and other expenses associated with the accident.

Be Careful With Early Settlement Discussions

Insurance companies may contact people after a rideshare accident. You may receive questions about what happened, how you were injured, or whether you are willing to resolve the claim.

It can be tempting to accept an early settlement, particularly when medical bills are arriving and you are unsure how long your recovery will take. However, it is important to understand the extent of your injuries and the potential value and scope of your claim before making significant decisions.

Some injuries become more apparent as time passes. A person who initially expects to recover quickly may later discover that they need additional treatment or rehabilitation. Before accepting a settlement or signing documents that could affect your legal rights, consider discussing the situation with a personal injury attorney.

Document How the Accident Has Affected Your Life

The consequences of a rideshare accident can extend beyond medical expenses. You may miss work because of your injuries. You may need assistance with household responsibilities. You may be unable to drive, exercise, care for your children, or participate in activities you enjoyed before the crash.

If you are experiencing ongoing pain or emotional difficulties following the accident, make sure your healthcare providers are aware of what you are experiencing.

Keeping a record of the ways your injuries have affected your daily life can also help provide a clearer picture of what you have experienced since the collision.

Contact Brian Azemika Today

If you were injured as an Uber or Lyft passenger, struck by a rideshare vehicle, or involved in another rideshare-related collision in West Sacramento, contact the Law Office of Brian P. Azemika today.

Rideshare accidents can involve complicated questions about responsibility and insurance coverage. You do not have to figure out those questions alone while recovering from your injuries.

Call us today to schedule your free, fully confidential case evaluation. We will listen to what happened, answer your questions, and help you understand the legal options that may be available after your West Sacramento Uber or Lyft accident.