San Francisco Rideshare Accident Lawyers
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San Francisco Rideshare Accident Lawyers Supporting Clients Through Legal Claims
Our San Francisco rideshare accident lawyers understand how a crash can turn your life upside down. Sustaining serious injuries often results in mounting bills and lengthy legal procedures. If you need assistance, we can help you navigate your rights. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation, and let’s discuss your legal options.
San Francisco, the birthplace of Uber, experienced rapid growth in ridesharing services, with companies like Lyft and Summon following suit. Rideshare Drivers United estimates that there are at least 300,000 drivers in California, making accidents a likely occurrence.
These crashes come with legal challenges. Uber and Lyft’s multi-tiered insurance policies can be tough to navigate, and insurers may challenge the extent of their responsibility. At Arash Law, we have the experience and knowledge to seek accountability from rideshare companies. Whether you’re a passenger, driver, cyclist, or pedestrian, we’ll advocate for your claims and help you pursue compensation.
Why Consider Hiring Arash Law’s San Francisco Rideshare Accident Lawyers
Rideshare accidents can leave you facing serious injuries, medical bills, and insurance companies that may raise disputes. Unlike typical car crashes, these cases involve complex liability issues and corporate-backed legal teams who may raise defenses to protect their client’s interests. You may want to hire an attorney who understands how to navigate these challenges.
Here are some of the reasons to consider hiring our San Francisco rideshare accident attorneys:
- Personalized Attention — Every case is unique and deserves an individualized strategy. From the moment you contact us, we’ll listen to your story, understand your needs, and craft a legal plan that prioritizes your recovery.
- 24/7 Availability — Injured in a rideshare accident late at night or on the weekend? Our lines are open 24/7 to answer your questions and assist you with your case.
- Experience With Rideshare Accident Cases — Our team has experience handling rideshare accident claims and advocating for the rights of our clients. We are dedicated to providing knowledgeable representation and support throughout your case.
- No Win, No Fee Policy — Worried about legal costs? We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney’s fees up front. Instead, we only receive payment if we obtain compensation on your behalf. However, certain costs may still apply regardless of the case result. You can focus on healing while we handle the legal aspects of your case on your behalf.
Our car accident lawyers, who also handle rideshare claims, offer a free case review where we’ll explain your legal options and recommend a course of action. There’s no pressure and no obligation to sign. Contact us to learn more about your rights.
Settlement in a motorcycle versus ride share company accident; client suffered spinal injuries– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
How Our Rideshare Accident Attorneys Can Help
Our dedicated San Francisco rideshare accident attorneys are ready to negotiate for the compensation available under the law. Acting quickly after seeking medical care may give us ample time to protect your rights and build a well-documented case.
Here’s how we can help:
- We analyze police reports, witness statements, and evidence from the accident scene.
- Our team collaborates with accident reconstruction experts to identify the cause of the crash.
- We work to account for every loss when calculating a fair settlement.
- Our attorneys handle negotiations and advocate for fair compensation.
- We push back against insurance companies that downplay the severity of your injuries.
- We’re fully prepared to take your case to court if we are unable to reach an agreement with the insurer during negotiations.
In the aftermath of a rideshare accident, every decision you make can impact your health and your claim. Our San Francisco accident lawyers can walk you through your options for seeking compensation from various parties, including big corporations. Reach out to our San Francisco injury law firm for a free initial consultation.
Common Causes Of Rideshare Accidents
Understanding the cause of a San Francisco rideshare accident helps victims and their attorneys build stronger claims and hold the right parties accountable. Some of the most common factors include:
- Distracted Driving — Rideshare drivers frequently check their apps for ride requests, navigation, and messages, diverting their attention from the road.
- Speeding — Drivers may exceed speed limits to complete more trips and increase earnings, putting passengers and others at risk.
- Unfamiliar Routes — Many drivers rely heavily on GPS, leading to sudden stops, missed turns, and abrupt lane changes that create hazards.
- Inexperienced Drivers — Some may lack experience handling heavy traffic, adverse weather conditions, or high-speed roads, which increases the risk of critical errors.
- Fatigued Driving — Driving long hours without sufficient rest can impair judgment and reaction time, leading to increased risk of accidents.
However, rideshare drivers aren’t always at fault. Other motorists may drive recklessly, and hazardous road conditions, such as San Francisco’s steep hills, notoriously thick fog, or slick roads after rainfall, can also contribute to accidents.
Hurt In
A Car Accident?
Ridesharing Periods And Their Impact On Injury Claims
Ridesharing companies, such as Uber and Lyft, provide liability insurance to protect drivers, passengers, and other road users in the event of an accident. Coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash:
- Period 0 — The driver is offline; only their personal auto insurance applies.
- Period 1 — The driver is online but hasn’t accepted a ride. The rideshare company provides up to:
- $100,000 per accident
- $50,000 for bodily injury
- $25,000 for property damage
- Periods 2 & 3 — The driver has accepted a ride or is transporting a passenger. The company’s $1 million liability policy applies, including uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) and contingent collision coverage.
Rideshare insurers may try to challenge the extent of their liability or deny claims. If you’ve sustained injuries in a rideshare accident, our attorneys in San Francisco can help you seek fair compensation for your losses.
How Our Lawyers Establish Liability In A Rideshare Accident Claim
Establishing fault in a rideshare accident requires demonstrating negligence. Our San Francisco rideshare accident attorneys can demonstrate the following elements:
- Duty of Care — The defendant had a legal duty to keep you safe from harm. For instance, rideshare drivers must adhere to the highest standards of care.
- Breach of Duty — The defendant violated their duty of care. For example, a reckless driver ran a red light and crashed into a rideshare vehicle.
- Causation — The breach of duty directly caused the accident and the resulting injuries. There must be a clear link between the defendant’s actions or inaction and the accident.
- Damages — You suffered actual damages as a result of the accident.
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning multiple parties may share fault. For instance, if a rideshare driver is 70% responsible and another motorist is 30% at fault, each party is responsible for covering damages accordingly.
Parties Legally Liable For A Rideshare Accident
Establishing liability in a rideshare accident can be complex, as multiple parties may share responsibility for the incident. Our San Francisco rideshare accident lawyers can investigate which parties may be responsible for your losses:
- The Rideshare Driver — If the driver was negligent, they may be held personally liable.
- The Rideshare Company — If Uber, Lyft, or another service failed to screen drivers properly, they could share liability.
- Another Negligent Driver — If another motorist caused the crash, their insurance should cover the damages.
- Vehicle Manufacturers — Defective brakes, airbags, or other faulty parts could make the manufacturer responsible under product liability laws.
- Government Agencies or Contractors — Poor road maintenance, missing signage, or malfunctioning traffic signals could make the city or state liable.
- Rideshare Passengers — A disruptive or reckless passenger could cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle, potentially contributing to liability in the event of a crash.
Seeking Compensation After A Rideshare Accident
The severity of your injuries plays a major role in determining the amount of compensation a victim can recover after a rideshare accident. More severe injuries like spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and permanent disabilities typically result in higher medical costs and longer recovery periods. These injuries have a significant impact on your quality of life and may be able to justify larger settlements or verdicts.
Our personal injury lawyers in San Francisco can help you pursue the following types of damages after a rideshare accident:
Economic Damages
These damages cover the tangible costs incurred as a result of the accident. They are concrete expenses that you can calculate using bills, receipts, and financial statements. Examples include:
- Medical Expenses — Emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, prescription medications, physical therapy, chiropractic care, and other treatments related to the accident are covered.
- Lost Wages — If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for lost income, including missed paychecks, lost freelance earnings, or business losses.
- Loss of Earning Capacity — If your injuries permanently impact your ability to work or advance in your career, you may be entitled to compensation for future lost income.
- Property Damage — You can seek reimbursement for repair or replacement costs if your vehicle, phone, or other personal belongings were damaged in the crash.
Non-Economic Damages
These losses compensate victims for the emotional and physical toll of the accident. They are subjective and do not have a set financial value. Here are some examples:
- Pain & Suffering — You can seek compensation for chronic pain, discomfort, and long-term physical suffering.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life — If your injuries prevent you from participating in hobbies or social activities or enjoying daily life, you may be able to seek compensation.
- Disfigurement or Permanent Disability — Your claim can also cover scarring, amputations, or a life-altering disability.
- Loss of Consortium — You may also pursue damages if your injuries negatively impact your relationship with your spouse.
Rideshare companies and their insurers often try to minimize payouts or shift blame to avoid responsibility. If you’ve sustained injuries in a rideshare accident, an attorney can help you understand the full value of your claim. Speak with our rideshare accident attorneys in San Francisco for a free case review.
Steps You Can Take After A Rideshare Accident
The actions you take after the crash can significantly impact your health, safety, and ability to pursue compensation. Here are some steps that you should consider taking:
- Your safety comes first. Move to a safe location away from traffic.
- Check yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 if anyone suffered injuries.
- Call the police and file a report. A police report serves as official documentation of the accident and may be critical in establishing fault.
- Take photos and videos of the accident, including vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, traffic signals, and license plates.
- Collect contact information from all involved parties, including the rideshare driver, passengers, and any witnesses.
- If you’re a passenger or rideshare driver, report the accident through the rideshare company’s in-app reporting system. If you’re a third party, submit an incident notice to Uber or an accident report to Lyft.
- Refrain from sharing details about the accident on your social media. Anything you post online could be used against you by insurance companies or opposing legal teams.
- Contact our San Francisco rideshare accident lawyers at (888) 488-1391. Let us handle the legal aspects of your case while you focus on healing.
Settlement in a Under Insured Motorist Claim against ride share company; client suffered spinal injuries– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
Ridesharing Accident Statistics
A University of Chicago study examined U.S. accident rates before and after the rise of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. The research revealed a notable increase in traffic injuries and fatalities following the introduction of rideshare companies. Specifically, fatal accidents rose by 3%, resulting in nearly 1,000 additional traffic deaths per year.
The study also found that, before the emergence of rideshare services, accident rates in major U.S. cities remained steady at approximately two accidents per 100,000 people per year. However, after Uber and Lyft became widespread, that number jumped to 3.5 accidents per 100,000 people per year. Bicycle and pedestrian accidents saw a similar increase.
According to the latest Safety Report from Uber for 2021 to 2022, 0.000008% of total trips, or approximately one in every 12 million rides, resulted in a fatality. During this period, 127 fatal Uber-related crashes led to 153 motor vehicle deaths. Meanwhile, Lyft’s Safety Transparency Report for 2020-2022 documented 111 fatalities resulting from motor vehicle collisions.
These reports highlight that while fatal ridesharing accidents are rare, they still account for hundreds of lives lost each year. For those who have lost loved ones or suffered serious injuries in a rideshare-related crash, seeking fair compensation can be a complex process when facing rideshare companies and their insurance providers. Let our rideshare accident lawyers in San Francisco help you with your claim. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free case review.
Deadlines For Rideshare Accident Cases
You must file a rideshare accident lawsuit within the deadline, also known as the statute of limitations, set by California law for personal injury cases. In most situations, the deadline is two years from the date of the accident.
However, certain exceptions may apply, depending on the specifics of your case. For example, if your injuries were not immediately apparent, you may be able to file a case beyond the standard two-year deadline under California’s delayed discovery rule. Instead of counting from the accident date, the two-year time limit begins from the date you discovered or reasonably should have discovered the injury.
Consult our San Francisco rideshare accident attorneys to explore your legal options. We will review your case, identify the applicable deadlines, and assist you in navigating the legal process.
Questions People Frequently Ask Our San Francisco Rideshare Accident Lawyers (FAQs)
If you’ve sustained injuries in an Uber or Lyft accident, you likely have questions about your rights, the claims process, and what compensation you may be entitled to. To help, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions our San Francisco rideshare accident lawyers receive. If you don’t see your question here, call us at (888) 488-1391. We’re here to provide the guidance you need.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A San Francisco Rideshare Accident Lawyer?
The cost to hire a San Francisco rideshare accident lawyer can vary depending on the law firm and the specifics of your case. Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only receive attorney’s fees if their client receives compensation. While certain case costs may still apply regardless of the outcome, this arrangement enables victims to obtain legal representation from injury law firms in California, no matter their financial circumstances.
Do I Need To Have A San Francisco Rideshare Accident Lawyer To File A Claim?
You might be wondering, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer for my claim?” You are not legally required to hire a lawyer to file a rideshare accident claim. However, having experienced rideshare attorneys in San Francisco on your side can provide valuable guidance and support as you navigate the legal process following an accident. Legal representation can help you avoid settling for far less than your case is worth or having your claim denied altogether.
What Is The Average Compensation For A Rideshare Accident Claim In San Francisco?
There is no fixed average settlement amount for a Lyft or Uber accident claim because each case is unique. The severity of injuries, the level of financial losses, and the degree of negligence all affect the amount of compensation a victim may pursue. Our San Francisco rideshare accident lawyers can calculate the full extent of your losses, including future costs and earnings. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free case review.
I Don’t Feel Any Pain After My Rideshare Accident. Should I See A Doctor?
Yes, our San Francisco lawyers recommend consulting a doctor as soon as possible after a rideshare accident, even if you don’t feel any pain immediately. Many injuries do not show symptoms immediately but can worsen over time. For example, whiplash or concussions may take hours or even days to show symptoms. Delaying medical attention could not only put your health at risk but also weaken any future injury claim you may need to file.
Is It Better To Settle A Rideshare Accident Claim Than Take It To Court?
Whether to settle your rideshare accident claim or take it to court depends on several factors, including the strength of your case, the settlement offer, and your long-term needs. While most personal injury cases, including rideshare accidents, settle out of court, there are situations where pursuing a lawsuit is necessary. Our San Francisco rideshare accident lawyers can evaluate settlement offers versus potential trial outcomes to evaluate settlement offers to help you make informed decisions.
Contact Our Rideshare Accident Lawyers In San Francisco
A rideshare accident can leave you facing serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and a complex insurance claims process. Our skilled San Francisco rideshare accident lawyers have the experience, resources, and determination to advocate for our clients. Our lawyers have helped clients with various cases around California. Call us at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form.
Whether you’re a rideshare passenger, driver, pedestrian, or another motorist, we will investigate your case, gather relevant evidence, and negotiate on your behalf. If the insurance companies refuse to offer a fair settlement, we can take your case to court.
We handle a wide range of personal injury claims, including truck crashes, pedestrian accidents, motorcycle collisions, hit-and-runs, DUI cases, bicycle collisions, and 18-wheeler crashes. Our lawyers also assist victims of slip-and-fall accidents and dog bites. We provide our legal services in Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, Corte Madera, Daly City, Larkspur, Mill Valley, Millbrae, Oakland, Pacifica, Piedmont, Richmond, San Bruno, South San Francisco, and Tiburon.
