If you’ve been in a rideshare accident in Santa Clarita, you may be recovering from your injuries while also trying to hold the responsible party accountable for your damages—once you determine who that is.
Our Santa Clarita car accident lawyers know it can be hard to do these things when you don’t feel well. We can take care of all the work for you. This includes determining who caused the crash and pursuing compensation from all the parties that owe you damages.
Omega Law Group always puts our clients first, and as a result, we have recovered millions for our clients. We will work to recover awards so you can pay your expenses. Call us for a free consultation to learn how our Santa Clarita rideshare accident lawyers can help you.
Our Santa Clarita Rideshare Crash Lawyers Handle Complex Car Accident Claims
Rideshare accidents can be more complex than regular car crashes for several reasons. One is because they involve multiple parties, so identifying who is responsible for your injuries can be confusing.
This is especially the case when the rideshare driver’s status at the time of the accident affects what coverage is available. Our Santa Clarita personal injury lawyers sort through these challenges regularly, so we know how to build your case and prove your damages.
How a Rideshare Driver’s Status Affects Insurance Coverage and Liability
One of the biggest challenges in rideshare accidents is figuring out which insurance coverage applies. Rideshare drivers are usually independent contractors, not employees.
This means companies like Uber and Lyft may not be held directly responsible for the driver’s actions in the same way they would for an employee. This distinction can complicate liability, as the rideshare company may try to avoid responsibility for the accident.
If this happens, you may have to deal with insurance claims involving the driver’s personal policy. Additionally, the driver’s status during each stage of a ride can affect who’s liable for the crash and its damages.
The Three Main Phases of a Rideshare Driver’s Status During a Ride
Generally, the driver’s status falls into one of three categories during a shift:
- When the driver is off-duty: If the driver is not using the app and is driving for personal reasons, their auto insurance, which must meet the state’s minimum liability limits, is typically the only coverage available. The rideshare company’s insurance does not apply.
- When the driver is waiting for a ride request: If the driver is logged in to the app but hasn’t accepted a ride request yet, limited coverage from the rideshare company may be available. Still, it can be less than what’s offered during an active ride.
- When the driver is on the way to pick up a rider or has a passenger in the car: Once the driver accepts a ride or is transporting a passenger, the rideshare company’s full insurance policy usually takes effect. This typically provides more substantial coverage for accident-related injuries or damages.
Our rideshare collision lawyers serving Santa Clarita will review the accident to determine which insurance policies are in play based on what happened. Call us today for a free consultation.
We Will Seek Full Damages in Your Santa Clarita Rideshare Case
After a rideshare accident, focusing on your recovery is your top priority. We will manage your case from start to finish, allowing you to focus on getting better.
We will keep you updated on all developments in your case and answer your questions and concerns. In addition to investigating the accident, collecting case evidence, and handling all your paperwork and communications, we will assess your accident-related damages.
Recoverable losses in these cases typically include:
- Medical bills (including for emergency care and hospital stays)
- Rehabilitation expenses (e.g., physical therapy)
- Lost income
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation costs
- Future medical care
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement or disability
- Funeral and burial costs (Our Santa Clarita wrongful death lawyers can advise you on these and other losses if your loved one suffered fatal injuries in a rideshare accident.)
Before our Santa Clarita rideshare crash attorneys can work to recover your losses, we must review factors that affect your case, such as the extent of your injuries, the driver’s status at the time of the accident, available insurance coverage, and evidence supporting liability.
Filing Deadlines Apply in Car Accident Lawsuits in California
In California, you must file a lawsuit within a specific time frame if you want to pursue compensation for a rideshare accident. State law sets this time limit at two years from the date of the accident.
Missing the statute of limitations deadline means losing your right to sue for damages, so we urge you to act now. If you choose us to handle your case, we will file it with the civil court on time.
Tips to Prepare for a Rideshare Accident Case in Santa Clarita
Taking the right steps early on can help protect your rights and strengthen your claim or lawsuit in a rideshare accident. Here are helpful tips to ensure you’re ready to pursue the compensation you deserve.
- Gather evidence: Take photos of the collision scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries. Collect contact information from those who saw the accident and get a copy of the police report.
- Seek medical help: Even if you feel fine, get checked by a doctor to document any injuries. Medical records are important evidence for your case.
- Keep records: Save all receipts, medical bills, and any other documentation related to your treatment, vehicle repairs, and lost wages.
- Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters: Before speaking with an insurance company, consult a rideshare accident lawyer to avoid saying anything that could hurt your case.
- Get legal help early: The sooner you contact an attorney from our firm, the sooner we can begin building a case to recover your losses.
Injured in an accident?
Our personal injury lawyers in Santa Clarita are here to help.
(310) 526-8383 Call for Help From Our Santa Clarita Rideshare Accident Lawyers
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in the Santa Clarita area, the complex nature of your crash may be too much to deal with when you are trying to recover physically, emotionally, and financially. There’s no need to take on the hassle alone; Omega Law Group will help you.
Our Santa Clarita rideshare accident lawyers will listen to your side of the story to find out what happened and work to get you the compensation that covers your losses. Let us help you put this difficult chapter behind you. Contact us today for a free consultation.
