Rideshare services offer a convenient way to get around town, but they don’t eliminate the risk of getting into an accident. Whether you’re a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian, dealing with life after a crash involving a rideshare vehicle can be stressful.
In addition to dealing with injuries, accident victims may find it challenging to handle medical bills and insurance claims and determine who is responsible for paying their damages. If you’re in this position, the Ventura car accident lawyers at Omega Law Group can lead your case.
For nearly a decade, our firm has helped clients recover compensation for their injuries and losses. Our Ventura rideshare accident lawyers can handle talks with insurers and other tasks while you focus on restoring your health. Call us today for a free consultation.
How Our Ventura Rideshare Crash Lawyers Can Help You
Our Ventura personal injury lawyers can address the complex issues related to the rideshare accident and seek a favorable outcome. If the accident involved a driver who works for a company like Uber or Lyft, we must review the company’s insurance policy.
Depending on when the accident happened (whether the rideshare driver had a passenger or was on their way to pick someone up), different insurance coverage rules may apply.
Our rideshare accident attorneys in Ventura can take care of your whole case, including the following:
- Investigating the accident to establish what happened and determine who should pay for your damages.
- Collecting evidence (e.g., a police report, medical records, witness statements, available dashcam or security camera footage, etc.)
- Filing your insurance claims and handling negotiations with insurance companies.
- Building a case that supports your request for compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
- Preparing and filing a lawsuit if we cannot settle your case outside of court.
- Representing you and fighting for your financial awards at trial.
We will explain your legal rights and answer your questions and concerns during a free consultation. Call us today to get started.
Why Determining Liability in Rideshare Crashes Can Be Difficult
Liability in rideshare accidents isn’t always straightforward, which is why they can cause legal headaches for those involved. One complicating factor is that rideshare drivers are typically independent contractors, not employees of the companies they drive for.
Additionally, different insurance policies may apply depending on the rideshare driver’s status during the accident. For example, was the driver on the way to pick up a passenger, or were they in between trips?
The details of an accident can complicate the process of figuring out who should pay for your damages. That’s where our lawyers come in. You can leave the task of figuring that out to us.
Understanding How Rideshare Insurance Can Affect Your Case’s Outcome
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft provide specific insurance coverage for their drivers, but the coverage depends on what the driver was doing during the accident.
- When the rideshare app is off: If the driver is not using the rideshare app, the auto insurance policy on their vehicle applies. The policy must cover California’s minimum liability insurance requirements. The rideshare company’s insurance does not cover accidents during this period.
- When the driver is waiting for a ride request: If the driver is signed in to the app but has not accepted a request from a rider, the rideshare company provides limited liability insurance coverage.
- When the driver is en route to pick up a rider or has a passenger in the car: In this scenario, the rideshare company provides full coverage, which includes up to $1 million in liability coverage and additional coverage for the driver’s injuries and vehicle damage.
We can review the accident to determine which phase of the ride you were in when the accident occurred and identify who you can seek damages from. Depending on your situation, the driver, the rideshare company, and even other drivers involved could share some responsibility.
Multiple parties mean we may have to review different insurance policies and deal with various insurance adjusters on your behalf. We will take on this complex task while you rest and heal.
Why Hiring a Lawyer to Handle the Insurer Can Help Your Case
Dealing with insurance companies after a rideshare accident can be frustrating, especially when the crash now requires you to consider multiple policies. Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have insurance, but knowing when it applies can be difficult.
Omega Law Group will protect your rights and interests and negotiate with your insurance company. We also know the tactics they can use to avoid paying claims, like delaying your case, shifting blame for your injuries, or downplaying your losses.
We won’t let that happen to you. We will maximize the compensation you receive for your losses so you can have what you need to recover and put the crash behind you.
Damages You Can Seek After Ventura, CA, Rideshare Accident
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, our Ventura rideshare crash injury lawyers will consider each loss suffered and seek compensation from those responsible for the crash. The damages you receive will be unique to the circumstances in your case.
Typical damages after a rideshare accident include:
- Medical expenses: This includes emergency care services, hospital bills, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical care you will need for your injuries.
- Lost income: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek reimbursement for the pay you’ve lost while you were recovering. Lost income includes any future earnings if you cannot return to work right away.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve experienced from the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries have affected your ability to enjoy daily activities or hobbies, you might be able to recover this loss.
- Wrongful death damages: If your loved one suffered fatal injuries in a rideshare collision, our compassionate Ventura wrongful death lawyers can lead your case to recover expenses related to your loss, including funeral and burial expenses.
- Property damage: If the accident damaged your property, you can seek reimbursement for repair or replacement costs.
How Long Do Ventura Rideshare Accident Victims Have to Sue?
In California, rideshare accident victims typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for personal injury damages, per state law. If you don’t file within this statute of limitations period, you risk losing your right to seek compensation.
However, some circumstances, like cases involving minors or government entities, might have different deadlines that give you more or less time to sue for damages.
We encourage you to act quickly so we will have time to work on your case and file it by or before the deadline. When we talk with you about the crash, we will explain the deadlines that apply to your situation.
Discuss the Crash With Our Ventura Rideshare Accident Lawyer
At Omega Law Group, we always put our clients first and fight for their recovery after devastating accidents, injuries, and losses. We care about you and your family like we care for our own, and you will find legal and emotional support here.
We know life can be difficult after an accident. If you’ve been in a rideshare accident, let us navigate the legal maze for you. Our Ventura rideshare accident lawyers will lead your entire case so that you can focus on yourself. Contact us today for a free consultation.