Modesto Rideshare Accident Lawyers
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Our Modesto Rideshare Accident Lawyers Help YouUnderstand Your Rights And Options
Struggling with costly medical bills and vehicle repairs after a rideshare accident? Let our Modesto rideshare accident lawyers help explore your options for compensation. Rideshare services offer a convenient way to get around Modesto. However, with more rideshare vehicles on the road, the risk of accidents increases. In an instant, a careless driver can leave you with serious injuries and financial burdens.
California law provides a way for injury victims to seek compensation for the injuries and losses they have incurred due to someone else’s negligence. Our lawyers are committed to advocating for your legal rights and working to help you pursue a fair outcome for your claim. We know these cases can be complicated, and we are ready to help. Call (888) 488-1391 today for a free, no-obligation initial consultation.
We handle the process, including investigating the crash and negotiating with insurance companies, to provide you with legal support during your recovery. There are strict legal deadlines that can affect your case. Consulting with a legal professional can help you understand how these deadlines may apply to your situation.
Why Hire Our Modesto Rideshare Accident Lawyers
Understanding your legal rights is crucial when dealing with a rideshare accident. Knowledge is power, and we’re committed to keeping you informed every step of the way. That’s why we offer a free initial consultation to help you explore your legal options.
Here’s what our Modesto rideshare accident lawyers offer to support your claim:
- Personalized Approach — We build our legal strategies to your specific situation, providing dedicated attention and clear guidance throughout your case.
- In-Depth Legal Knowledge — Our team keeps up with the latest California laws on rideshare accident claims. We can leverage our knowledge to assist you through the legal process.
- Experience With Settlement Negotiation — Our car accident lawyers understand and are prepared to address the potential insurance challenges in rideshare claims, such as low settlement offers and disputes over liability.
- Transparent Communication — We are committed to maintaining clear and transparent communication. Our case managers are available 24/7 to answer your questions.
In some cases, rideshare companies provide insurance coverage, but pursuing a claim against the at-fault party isn’t often straightforward. Contact us to learn more about your legal rights and how we can assist you.
Settlement in a motorcycle versus ride share company accident; client suffered spinal injuries– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
How Our Rideshare Accident Lawyers Can Help You
Our Modesto rideshare accident lawyers are ready to help you with your case. Here’s what we can do:- Our lawyers will start with a detailed investigation of the accident.
- We will assist in gathering critical pieces of evidence like police reports, witness statements, traffic footage, and rideshare company records.
- We work to determine whether the rideshare driver, the company, another motorist, or a third party is potentially responsible for your injuries.
- Our attorneys negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
- If negotiations don’t reach a settlement, we can represent your interests in court.
Deadlines For Filing A Rideshare Accident Claim Or Lawsuit
If you’ve suffered harm in a rideshare accident, it’s essential to act quickly, as there are strict legal deadlines for filing a claim. California’s statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is two years from the date of the accident. If you wish to seek compensation through a civil lawsuit, it must be filed within this time frame. Failing to do so can result in losing your ability to seek damages, regardless of the severity of your injuries. However, insurance claims operate under much tighter deadlines. Insurance providers often require claims to be filed within days or weeks of the accident. Missing these deadlines can lead to delays or outright denial of your claim. If you have questions about the claims process or deadlines, our Modesto rideshare accident attorneys can help review your insurance policy and determine the applicable time frame for your case.
Questions People Ask About Modesto Rideshare Accidents (FAQs)
After a rideshare accident, victims often have many questions about their legal rights, insurance coverage, and the claims process. To help you understand your options, our Modesto rideshare accident lawyers have compiled answers to some frequently asked questions. If you don’t see your specific concern here, call us at (888) 488-1391.
What Happens When Someone Dies In A Rideshare Accident?
Losing a loved one in a rideshare accident is a devastating experience. While no legal action can truly compensate for the loss, a wrongful death claim can help surviving family members pursue compensation for the resulting financial losses.
In most states, the following individuals are eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit:
- Spouse or domestic partner
- Children or legal dependents
- Parents (if no spouse or children exist)
- Other heirs, as determined by state law
Available damages may include funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support, medical expenses incurred before death, and compensation for the emotional pain and suffering endured by surviving family members, depending on the specifics of your case.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Modesto Rideshare Accident Attorney?
Our Modesto rideshare accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay attorney fees upfront during your case. We only get paid if we secure compensation on your behalf. Our fees are a percentage of your settlement or verdict. Certain case-related costs may still be required, even if the case does not result in compensation. Speak with one of our attorneys for a more precise valuation of the legal costs.
Why Should I Hire An Attorney After A Rideshare Accident In Modesto?
Hiring a lawyer may be beneficial in complex rideshare accident claims. Here are some things to consider:
- Insurers argue that you’re partly at fault.
- Liable parties downplay your injuries and losses.
Our Modesto rideshare accident lawyers will:
- Deal directly with Uber, Lyft, and their insurance carriers.
- Investigate local traffic camera footage and rideshare app data.
- Work with medical experts to link your injuries to the crash.
- Take your case to court if settlement offers fall short.
These cases may involve local road conditions, driver histories, and layered insurance coverage. Consulting a legal professional can help you better understand how these factors may impact your case.
How Much Compensation Can I Pursue For A Rideshare Accident Claim In Modesto?
- The severity of your injuries
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
Is A Rideshare Company Liable For The Negligence Of Its Drivers?
Rideshare drivers work as independent contractors. This means vicarious liability doesn’t apply to them as it does for taxi and common carrier drivers. However, in California, rideshare companies may still be held liable for an accident one of their drivers caused for the following reasons:
- If the company does not conduct proper background checks and vetting for its drivers.
- If it neglects to verify the driver’s eligibility for the position.
Our Modesto rideshare accident attorneys work to determine whether the company can be held liable for your injuries.
Hurt In
A Car Accident?
Common Causes Of Rideshare Accidents In California
Most traffic accidents result from human error. These mistakes, often stemming from negligence, put passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers in danger.
Road collisions, including rideshare accidents, may occur because of:
- Distracted Driving — Distractions like texting, using GPS, or talking to passengers can lead to serious accidents.
- Speeding — Exceeding posted speed limits reduces a driver’s ability to react to sudden hazards and increases the severity of crashes.
- Driving Inexperience — Newer drivers may lack the experience needed to navigate complex traffic situations safely.
- Driving Under the Influence — Impairment from alcohol, drugs, or both drastically affects coordination, judgment, and reaction time, which are critical for driving safely.
- Driving While Fatigued — Fatigue slows reaction times and decision-making, making drowsy driving as dangerous as driving under the influence.
Our lawyers in Modesto work to identify the factors that contributed to the rideshare accident. We’ll gather crucial evidence, such as GPS data, phone records, and surveillance footage, to build a comprehensive case. Whether the fault lies with the driver, the rideshare company, or another negligent party, we strive to pursue accountability through the legal process.
Understanding Rideshare Insurance And How You Can File A Claim
Navigating rideshare insurance policies can be complicated, as coverage depends on the rideshare driver’s status on the app. Here’s a breakdown of the periods and applicable coverage:
- Period 0 — If a rideshare driver isn’t logged into their driver app and gets into an accident, their auto insurance will typically cover the damage. The rideshare company provides no coverage during this period.
- Period 1 — Once a driver logs in and is available for ride requests, limited liability coverage applies:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury.
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury.
- $25,000 for property damage.
- Periods 2 & 3 — From the moment a ride is accepted to the passenger drop-off, the rideshare company provides up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage.
While rideshare insurance policies may carry substantial coverage limits, victims may not always be able to pursue the full coverage amount. Insurance companies may dispute claims or settlement amounts, which can make the process more complicated. Our Modesto rideshare accident lawyers can help you address these issues and manage communications and negotiations with the insurers on your behalf.
Potentially Liable Parties In A Rideshare Accident
Determining liability in a rideshare accident can be complex, as multiple parties may share responsibility for the incident. Understanding the circumstances and the insurance policies involved is crucial.
In most cases, liability falls on one of the drivers involved. Since rideshare drivers are independent contractors, not employees, this distinction affects liability. Our Modesto rideshare accident lawyers work to identify potentially responsible parties for your damages, which may include:
- The Rideshare Driver — Rideshare companies provide substantial insurance coverage that kicks in once a driver accepts a ride request. If the driver caused an accident outside their scope of work, they may be held personally liable.
- The Rideshare Company — If the rideshare company failed to vet the driver who caused the accident, they could share responsibility.
- Another Negligent Driver — If another driver caused the crash, their insurance will typically pay for the damages, depending on the circumstances.
- Vehicle Manufacturers — Defective brakes, airbags, or other faulty parts may result in the manufacturer being held liable under product liability claims.
- Government Agencies or Contractors — Poor road maintenance, missing signage, or malfunctioning traffic signals could result in liability for the city, state, or their contractors.
How Our Lawyers Determine Liability In Your Rideshare Accident Claim
To demonstrate that someone else is liable for your injuries, you and your Modesto rideshare accident lawyers will need to establish the following elements of negligence:
- Duty of Care — The defendant owes you a duty of care.
- Breach of Duty — The defendant failed to observe due care.
- Causation — The breach caused the accident and your injury.
- Damages — You suffered harm or loss from the breach. Harm can be physical, financial, emotional, or all of the above.
Available Damages In A Rideshare Accident Claim
A rideshare accident can cause many injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), broken bones, and spinal injuries. You might also get whiplash, burns, knee injuries, or severe cuts and bruises.
Treating these injuries can be tough and expensive. California law allows victims to seek compensation for losses resulting from another party’s negligence, helping to address the financial and personal impact of an accident.
Our Modesto rideshare accident lawyers work to help you pursue the following:
- Medical Costs — Medical expenses are often the largest and most immediate financial burden after a rideshare accident. Injuries can lead to:
- Emergency room visits
- Diagnostic tests
- Surgeries
- Ongoing treatment
- Long-term medical care
- Rehabilitation
- Lifelong assistance for disabilities
- Lost Income — If your injuries prevent you from working temporarily or permanently, you may be able to pursue compensation for lost wages, depending on the situation.
- Property Damage — This may cover damages to your vehicle, phone, or other personal belongings.
- Pain and Suffering — The impact of a rideshare accident goes beyond physical injuries. Depending on your specific circumstances, you may be able to include the following as part of your claim:
- Emotional distress
- Anxiety
- PTSD
- Chronic pain
- Lost quality of life
Steps You Can Take After A Rideshare Accident
Taking certain steps after a rideshare collision accident can protect your health and support your claim. Here’s what you can do to help protect your rights:- Call 911 to seek emergency assistance.
- Take photos of the accident scene.
- Skid marks on the road.
- The vehicles’ positions after the collision.
- The road conditions, including any potential hazards like potholes or icy patches.
- The weather conditions at the time of the accident.
- The victim’s injuries.
- Property damage to the vehicles or other surrounding items.
- Any damage to the vehicle interiors.
- Traffic signs in the immediate vicinity of the accident.
- If allowed, take pictures of the rideshare driver’s licenses, license plates, and insurance cards.
- Gather the eyewitnesses’ names and contact information.
- Consult qualified Modesto rideshare accident lawyers.
What initially seemed like a routine rear-end collision, commonly known as a “fender bender,” turned into a significant settlement with high maximum limits for a client who suffered lower back disc injuries. The case was resolved just two weeks before the scheduled trial commencement.
– BRIAN BEECHER
Rideshare Accident Statistics
A study from the University of Chicago examined U.S. accident rates. It looked at the time before rideshare services were introduced and after Uber and Lyft became popular. Researchers noted that injuries and fatalities in traffic accidents spiked when Uber and Lyft’s business models got off the ground. Here are a few notable findings:
- Researchers uncovered a 3% rise in fatal accidents. That equates to almost a thousand extra people a year losing their lives in collisions.
- Research indicates that traffic patterns and accident rates have changed since the introduction of rideshare services in major U.S. cities.
- There were about two accidents for every 100,000 people each year.
- Once these ridesharing services changed the transportation landscape, the average yearly rate went up to around 3.5 accidents per 100,000 people.
- Rates for bicycle and pedestrian impacts made a similar jump.
Consult With Our Rideshare Accident Lawyers In Modesto
If you sustain injuries in a rideshare accident in Modesto, consider seeking legal help. Rideshare accident claims can be complicated, especially when dealing with serious injuries. Call our Modesto rideshare accident lawyers to talk about your claim. Our lawyers are dedicated to providing legal support throughout the process. We offer one-on-one consultations as part of our commitment to personalized service.
Get legal assistance from our attorneys by calling our office at (888) 488-1391 or filling out our “Do I Have A Case?” form.
Our lawyers represent clients across Modesto and surrounding cities, including Ceres, Riverbank, Ripon, and Oakdale. We also assist those in Turlock, Patterson, Manteca, Lathrop, and Livingston. Additionally, our legal support extends to Tracy, Garden Acres, Stockton, Atwater, Country Club, and Merced.
Our rideshare attorneys work on Uber and Lyft accidents. We handle a wide range of personal injury claims, including car crashes, truck collisions, hit-and-runs, pedestrian accidents, and motorcycle incidents.
