Ridesharing is more popular than ever, but the increase in traffic resulting from the popularity of these apps also increases the risk of collisions. If you were hurt in one of these crashes, you might be entitled to compensation. While navigating the legal system alone is a challenge, you have the opportunity to pursue damages with the help of a compassionate injury attorney. Our lawyers at Swift Justice know how to navigate the aftermath of Uber/Lyft/rideshare accidents in Calabasas.
Whether or not a rideshare company, such as Uber or Lyft, will cover the cost of an accident in Calabasas is a complicated question. In general, other drivers do not have the ability to sue these companies when their drivers cause an accident. This is because rideshare companies consider their drivers to be independent contractors, not employees. This distinction can prevent injury victims from pursuing a lawsuit against the company, although there are some exceptions worth discussing with an attorney.
Even when litigation is not an option, insurance policies purchased by these companies may be in effect. However, it is not always straightforward to determine the amount of coverage available.
Rideshare drivers are limited to their own personal coverage if they are not carrying a passenger or actively using the app to locate one. Once a ride has been accepted, Uber or Lyft provides supplemental coverage of up to $1 million for bodily injuries, property damage, and death.
The policy limits are lower in situations where a driver is actively using the app to find a rider but has not yet secured one. In that scenario, rideshare insurance will pay up to $50,000 for bodily injuries per person and $100,000 per accident, and it will cover a maximum of $30,000 in property damage claims.
The circumstances that surround rideshare accidents are often the same as any other motor vehicle collision. Motorists are more likely to be involved in a crash when they are careless. Some factors that can cause an accident include:
Some factors are more likely to cause an accident with a rideshare driver in Calabasas. To begin with, these drivers are frequently dispatched throughout the city to pick up and drop off passengers. This can lead them to unfamiliar areas where an accident is more likely to occur.
Rideshare drivers also earn more money when they can quickly complete a fare and move on to the next one. When this leads to careless or reckless driving, the risk of a crash goes up dramatically.
Regardless of who pays the claim, there are numerous types of damages available in a successful injury suit. An attorney can review the facts of the case and answer questions about the types of damages an injury victim may be able to recover. Some examples include:
When there is evidence of negligence, any of these types of compensation might be available.
Uber/Lyft/rideshare accidents in Calabasas can cause injuries that may be difficult to recover from. Exploring your legal options after one of these collisions is crucial. You may be entitled to a monetary award, but securing it without the help of an attorney can be difficult. Instead of attempting to resolve your claim alone, reach out to Swift Justice for a private consultation right away.