Norwalk Rideshare Accident Lawyer

If you find yourself involved in a rideshare accident in Norwalk, whether as a passenger, driver, or pedestrian, seek legal help. At Crockett Law Group, we bring our years of experience and proven track record in personal injury law to the table, having recovered millions of dollars for our clients in similar situations. Our deep understanding of rideshare accident cases equips us to support you in securing the compensation you deserve for your damages.

Norwalk Rideshare Accident Statistics

If you need to get around Norwalk, whether you’re going to Cerritos College or the Norwalk Arts & Sports Complex or just checking out the city, you might use ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft. They are convenient and fast, but they also come with a risk. As more people use ridesharing, more accidents happen. According to a study by the University of Chicago, ridesharing services have contributed to a 3% increase in car accident fatalities. In California, there were over 300 rideshare dooring accidents in a two-year period, and Uber vehicles were linked to 97 fatal crashes from 2017 to 2018. Ridesharing can be handy, but it can also be dangerous.

Which Roads and Intersections in Norwalk Are the Most Dangerous?

Rideshare accidents in Norwalk can occur in several locations:

High-Traffic Areas

Norwalk is crossed by several major highways and busy streets that see a lot of traffic and rideshare activity. Some of these are the I-5 (Santa Ana Freeway), the I-105 (Century Freeway), the 91 (Riverside Freeway), the 605 (San Gabriel Freeway), Firestone Boulevard (State Route 42), and Imperial Highway (State Route 90). These roads are often congested and prone to collisions, especially during rush hours and weekends. Rideshare drivers and passengers should be careful and follow the traffic rules to avoid accidents in these high-traffic areas.

Residential Neighborhoods

Norwalk has many residential neighborhoods that offer a peaceful and quiet environment for its residents. However, these neighborhoods are not free from the risk of rideshare accidents, especially when drivers are unfamiliar with the streets or distracted by their phones or GPS. Some of the residential neighborhoods in Norwalk are Carmenita, Fulton Wells, Northwest Norwalk, Norwalk South of Alondra, and Studebaker. Residents and visitors should be aware of their surroundings and report any unsafe or suspicious conditions to the authorities.

Norwalk Town Square and Shopping Centers

Norwalk Town Square is a popular shopping and entertainment destination that attracts many locals and visitors. It is conveniently located on the northwest corner of Pioneer Boulevard and Rosecrans Avenue and features a variety of stores, restaurants, and services. Other shopping centers in Norwalk are Norwalk Village Shopping Center, Norwalk Plaza Shopping Center, Norwalk Square Shopping Center, and Norwalk Gateway Shopping Center. These places see a high frequency of rideshare pickups and drop-offs, which can lead to congested and chaotic conditions. Drivers and pedestrians should exercise caution and patience to prevent accidents in these areas.

Near Educational Institutions

Norwalk is home to several educational institutions that cater to students of different ages and levels. Some of these are Cerritos College, Norwalk High School, John H. Glenn High School, Los Alisos Middle School, and St. John of God School. These places have a higher concentration of young rideshare users, who may be inexperienced or reckless behind the wheel. They may also be distracted by their phones, music, or friends. Drivers and passengers should be responsible and attentive to avoid accidents near these educational institutions.

Norwalk Station and Transit Center

Norwalk Station is a major transportation hub that connects the Metro Green Line, the Metrolink 91 Line, and several bus routes. It is located on Imperial Highway near Studebaker Road and serves thousands of commuters and travelers every day. The transit center also offers parking facilities and bike lockers for those who need them. Rideshare drivers often pick up and drop off passengers at this location, which can create traffic congestion and confusion. Drivers and pedestrians should be careful and follow the signs and signals to avoid accidents at this busy place.

Norwalk Community Hospital

Norwalk Community Hospital is a 50-bed acute care facility that provides a range of medical services, including emergency care, surgery, intensive care, and rehabilitation. It is located on Bloomfield Avenue near Alondra Boulevard and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Rideshare drivers may transport patients, visitors, or staff to and from this location, which can be stressful and urgent. Drivers and passengers should be respectful and courteous to each other and to the hospital personnel. They should also be aware of the ambulance and emergency vehicles that may enter or exit the hospital premises.

Pro Tip
If using a rideshare after dark, wait for your ride in a well-lit, visible area. This enhances safety for both you and your driver.

What Should I Do After a Rideshare Accident in Norwalk?

After a rideshare accident in Norwalk, there are certain steps that can increase your probability of successfully recovering compensation:

Seek Medical Attention

The first thing you should do after a rideshare accident is to get medical attention. Even if you don’t feel any pain or discomfort, you should still see a doctor for a complete evaluation. Some injuries may not show up right away and could get worse over time. Getting medical attention is good not only for your health but also for your legal case. It will provide evidence of your injuries and the extent of your damages.

Report the Accident to the Rideshare Company

As soon as you can, you should report the accident to the rideshare company that you used. Whether you were a passenger, a driver, or a third party, you should follow the company’s protocol for reporting accidents. You can usually do this through the app or by calling their customer service. Reporting the accident will create a record of the incident and initiate the insurance process.

Tip
Take screenshots of any accident-related communications within the rideshare app, as this documentation could be important.

Keep Records of All Related Documents

You should keep track of all the documents that are related to the accident and your recovery. This includes medical records, bills, receipts, police reports, and any other documents that show your expenses or losses. These documents will be crucial for your insurance claim and any legal action that you may take. They will help prove your injuries, your damages, and your entitlement to compensation.

We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Rideshare Accident Injuries

Injuries from rideshare accidents in Norwalk can range from minor to severe, including:

Whiplash and Neck Injuries

Whiplash and neck injuries are often associated with rear-end collisions, where the sudden impact causes the head to jerk forward and then snap back. This movement can stretch or tear the muscles and ligaments in the neck. Symptoms of whiplash might include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and even dizziness.
These symptoms might not be immediately apparent. Sometimes, they can take days to manifest. Whiplash injuries can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and may require various treatments, including physical therapy, medication, and, in some cases, supportive neck braces. The long-term impact of these injuries can vary, but if left untreated, they can lead to chronic neck pain and other complications.

Concussions and Head Injuries

Concussions and other head injuries are a serious concern in rideshare accidents. They occur when there’s a forceful blow or jolt to the head, which can happen during a vehicle collision. If your head strikes a hard surface like a window or the seat in front of you, it can cause a concussion. This type of brain injury can lead to symptoms such as headaches, confusion, memory problems, and even loss of consciousness in severe cases. Other head injuries might include skull fractures or bleeding inside the brain, which require immediate medical attention. It’s wise to seek prompt medical care following a head injury, as early intervention can significantly impact recovery.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Broken bones and fractures are common outcomes of the force exerted during rideshare accidents. The type of fracture can vary greatly depending on the severity of the collision. Simple fractures, where the bone cracks but does not break through the skin, might require a cast or splint. However, more complex fractures, where the bone breaks into multiple pieces or pierces the skin, may necessitate surgical intervention. Commonly broken bones in these accidents include ribs, arms, legs, and collarbones. The healing process can vary, requiring anything from rest and immobilization to physical therapy and surgery.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries involve damage to the body’s muscles, ligaments, and tendons. These injuries are common in car accidents and can include:

• Sprains (overstretched or torn ligaments).
• Strains (injuries to muscles or tendons).
• Contusions (bruises).

Even though they might seem less severe compared to other injuries, soft tissue injuries can cause considerable pain, swelling, and reduced mobility. Treatment can vary depending on the severity but often includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), physical therapy, and, in some cases, pain medication. It’s best to have these injuries properly evaluated and treated to prevent long-term issues such as chronic pain or limited range of motion.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are among the most severe consequences of rideshare accidents. These injuries occur when there is a forceful impact or penetration that damages the spinal cord. This can result from the spine being fractured, dislocated, compressed, or cut. The effects of a spinal cord injury depend on the type and level of injury and can range from loss of sensation or function in certain body parts to complete paralysis (quadriplegia or paraplegia).

Immediate medical attention is required for these injuries, as early intervention can sometimes reduce the extent of long-term damage. Rehabilitation and long-term care might be necessary, and the impact on the individual’s life can be profound, affecting their mobility, independence, and quality of life.

Note
Spinal cord injuries often cause both physical and emotional trauma. Seek support from both medical and mental health professionals.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Rideshare Accident Lawyer?

Rideshare accidents in Norwalk can leave you injured, facing lost income, and with a mountain of medical bills. Worrying about the cost of legal help shouldn’t add to your burden. That’s why many reputable rideshare accident attorneys, including our firm, operate on a contingency fee basis.

This means you don’t pay any legal fees upfront. Our payment comes as a percentage of your settlement or award only if we win your case. If we don’t get you compensation, you owe us nothing. We handle the complexities of your claim so you can focus on your recovery.

Local Results

Young Woman on E-bike Receives $350,000 Settlement After Being Struck by Rideshare Driver While Crossing

Further Reading

• How to Recover Damages as a Passenger in a Rideshare Crash?

What Causes Rideshare Accidents in Norwalk, CA?

In Norwalk, as in the rest of California, we believe it is important to understand the legal landscape surrounding rideshare accidents:

Independent Contractor Status

Drivers for companies like Uber and Lyft are typically classified as independent contractors. This classification affects how responsibility is determined in the event of an accident. Unlike traditional employees, independent contractors are essentially running their own separate businesses. This means that, in many cases, the rideshare companies may not be directly liable for the actions of their drivers. However, this doesn’t mean there’s no avenue for seeking compensation.

Insurance Coverage Policies

California law requires rideshare drivers to carry different levels of insurance coverage depending on their status. These laws aim to protect passengers, drivers, and other road users from the financial consequences of a rideshare accident.

Rideshare drivers must have their own personal insurance policies that meet the minimum liability limits of $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage. However, these policies may not cover the full extent of the damages in the event of an accident. That’s why the rideshare companies also provide insurance policies that supplement the drivers’ personal policies. These policies vary depending on whether the driver is waiting for a ride request, on the way to pick up a passenger, or transporting a passenger.

When the driver is waiting for a ride request, the rideshare company’s insurance provides liability coverage of $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $30,000 for property damage, as well as $200,000 of excess liability coverage.

When the driver is on the way to pick up a passenger or transporting a passenger, the rideshare company’s insurance provides $1 million of liability coverage and $1 million of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Rights of Injured Parties

Residents of Norwalk who find themselves injured in a rideshare accident have specific rights to pursue compensation. Whether you’re a passenger, a pedestrian, or another driver involved in an accident with a rideshare vehicle, you have the right to file a claim. This claim can be against the rideshare driver, the rideshare company, or another involved party, depending on the circumstances of the accident. The nature of the accident, the status of the rideshare driver at the time (whether they were logged into the app, waiting for a ride request, or actively transporting a passenger), and other factors determine how and from whom to seek compensation.

How Can Crockett Law Group Assist You in Norwalk?

Our team at Crockett Law Group supports you in several ways:

• Case Evaluation: Led by attorney Kevin Crockett, our team begins with a thorough evaluation of your case. Our extensive experience, supported by Kevin’s recognition as a Super Lawyer Rising Star, “10 Best in Client Satisfaction” awardee, and a lifetime member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, ensures a detailed and effective approach
• Handling Insurance Claims: We take the burden of dealing with insurance companies off your shoulders.
• Legal Representation: Should court intervention be necessary, Crockett Law Group is fully prepared to provide strong legal representation.

Our lives were rocked when my husband was struck by a vehicle when a car blew through a red light. We were blessed to find Kevin Crockett.

Alicia Meade
Norwalk, CA Resident

Contact Our Rideshare Accident Attorneys Today for Legal Help

If you’re involved in a rideshare accident in Norwalk, attorney Kevin Crockett and our team at Crockett Law Group are here to support you. We have a history of securing millions of dollars in settlements and are ready to guide you through your recovery journey. Contact us for a free case evaluation. Remember, we operate on a contingency fee basis – meaning you don’t pay unless we win.

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