Palm Springs Uber Accident Lawyers

In the event of an accident, while using these rideshare services, you must make a follow-up as quickly as you can. The services make billions of trips across the country, and keeping track of an individual driver can get complicated pretty fast.

If you were hurt in a rideshare accident, contact a Palm Springs personal injury lawyer at the Crockett Law Group today for a free consultation.

Uber and Lyft Accident Statistics

Since their introduction in 2010, rideshare services such as Lyft and Uber have made 11 billion trips in the United States. Uber itself made close to 4 billion trips in the United States between 2017 and 2018. On average, this represents about 45 rides every second. Research has shown that these services have caused traffic accident fatalities to increase by 3% since 2011. In 2017 and 2018, Uber vehicles caused 107 deaths, with 21 percent of the victims being drivers, 21 percent riders, and 58 percent third parties.

Most Common Types of Uber and Lyft Accidents

There are different types of Uber and Lyft accidents that you can get involved in. The list below explains the most common ones and how they are likely to occur:

• A passenger getting injured as a result of the neglect of the driver. Neglect has been known to be one of the leading causes of damage and insurance claims worldwide. It is the cause of many accidents, and the culprit is usually the party that is supposed to be providing the service.
• A third party sustaining an injury due to the liability of the driver. The third party is usually not part of the contract or agreement but typically finds themselves entangled with the driver’s business. Another car driver or a car owner that gets their car bumped into, for instance, can be considered to be a third party.
• A passenger getting injured owing to the neglect of another Uber driver. The other driver could be held responsible for the accident if they collide with the Uber that the passenger is currently in.
• Damage to property that is caused by the neglect of the driver. Smashing into buildings and going through market stalls to beat the traffic or go through a short route can cause an accident. The property’s damage will be likely to interrupt or stop a business that is currently in operation.
• Injury of the drivers as a result of their negligence. The driver that sustains the injury as a result of the accident will not have anyone to blame. However, the accident will result in medical bills and possible hospitalization that will be an unexpected expense.
• Injury of the Uber driver owing to the neglect of another driver.
• Injury of the passenger and the driver as a result of a defective or malfunctioning vehicle component. An erroneous transmission or brake can lead to an accident in which the driver and their passenger sustain serious injuries.

Who Can Be Found Liable in an Uber Accident?

Several parties may be liable for a rideshare accident, including:

The Uber or Lyft Driver

The actions of the driver determine whether or not they are liable for the accident. For instance, did they stop at all the lights and turn with their indicators on? If not, then their driving habits will be said to be the reason for the accident. A driver rushing to drop one passenger to pick another one is more likely to cause accidents. Distracted drivers are also legally responsible if their negligence causes an accident.

Rideshare Company

In other cases, the rideshare companies themselves are the ones responsible for the accidents. They might have failed to do a background check which would have identified that a driver had a problem with drug or alcohol abuse. If such a driver caused an accident, the company would be guilty of negligent hiring.

Third Parties

Related third parties are also likely to be held responsible for any accidents in the Uber services. Another driver colliding with Uber vehicles will be held liable that the Uber driver incurs. If a defective vehicle part causes a collision, the manufacturer will be held responsible.

How are Uber Accident Cases Different from Regular Car Accident Cases?

In contrast to regular car accident claims, Uber and Lyft accident claims are handled depending on the period during which the accident took place. If the driver was not driving for their employer when the accident happened, the claims would be processed through their car insurance provider. Lyft and Uber’s liability insurance will cover a driver on the Uber app at the time of the accident.

Does Uber Have a $1 Million Insurance Policy For Accidents?

Yes. Uber has a $1 million insurance policy for accidents. In case the driver was on the move to pick up a passenger or was currently carrying a passenger, they get to enjoy a liability limit of $1 million. The uninsured third party, such as a motorist, receives $1 million, and the insurance also covers the injured driver. The coverage for each injury can only go from $50000 to $100000. Property damage gets an insurance coverage of $25000 maximum and can only kick in when requested by the driver.

What Type of Compensation Can I Seek in an Uber Accident?

Victims can recover several types of damages, including:

Economic Damages

Most accidents that happen usually end up with serious injuries. The medical expenses can get expensive, and in some cases, the victim may suffer for a lifetime of disabilities and bills. Medical expenses are some of the economic claims that can be made in an Uber accident.

Lost Income

Many people that incur injuries as a result of Uber accidents are rendered unable to get back to work for quite a long time. While recovering, they will not be able to work and will lose a lot of income as a result. There is a lot of lost income, and this has to be covered by the compensation claims.

Property Damage

Accidents sometimes cause property damage. For instance, when an Uber driver hits your vehicle, they should cover for the damage.

Non-Economic Damages

There is a lot of emotional pain and trauma that Uber accident victims go through as they recover. The injury also has the potential to hurt someone’s life and can be covered in compensation. Lost enjoyment of life can also be considered non-economic damage, and victims are usually entitled to compensation.

Should I Accept a Settlement Offer?

When you are offered a settlement, you must discuss it with someone experienced before accepting it. Usually, a lawyer will determine whether you are getting reasonable compensation for your injuries and damages incurred. It is not recommended to accept any offer you are given without thinking about it first.

How Much Will an Uber Accident Lawyer Cost?

An Uber accident lawyer at the Crockett Law Group will not charge anything upfront. Instead, you will pay a contingency fee if you recover compensation. This fee is a percentage of the settlement or amount awarded by the court.

Are there Time Limits For Filing an Uber Accident Claim?

In Palm Springs, California, you have two years within which you should claim compensation for your injuries. It is governed by the applicable statute of limitations filing deadline provided by the state you live in. As such, you must consult with a lawyer to ensure that you have the correct timelines to work with.

Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer

A lawyer is helpful for the preparation of the case and the subsequent filing of the lawsuit. Their experience means that they will be better at negotiating for a reasonable settlement, and they will be sure to prepare for the trial. Having a lawyer handle the legal process takes the burden off of you while you recuperate from your injuries.

Contact a Palm Springs Uber Accident Lawyer Today

Uber accidents have been on the increase. As a result, you must know the correct course of action to follow if you are involved in one. A Palm Springs car accident lawyer at the Crockett Law Group will fight to get you the compensation you deserve after an Uber or Lyft accident. Our firm will handle negotiating with the insurance company and represent you in court if a settlement isn’t reached. You can rely on our experience to guide you over legal hurdles and get you the amount you deserve. Call us today at (888) 965-3827 or use our contact form for a free consultation!