Uber & Lyft Accident Attorney

Uber and Lyft are the dominant ride-hailing services in the United States, and they offer numerous benefits to citizens across Los Angeles — from flexibility and autonomy to supplemental income for drivers.

Yet, as with all services, there are risks, such as a vehicular accident. In this instance, a rideshare accident attorney from Real Deal Attorneys can help with a positive outcome.

What To Do In Lyft And Uber-Related Accidents

An estimated one in four accidents in medium and large cities are related to Uber and/or Lyft. In the unfortunate event of an accident, the following steps should be taken.

As An Uber Or Lyft Passenger

Take the following steps when riding as a passenger involved in a ride-hailing accident.

• Remind the driver to move the vehicle to a safe area away from traffic, such as pulling off to the shoulder of the road if possible.
• Check yourself and others for injuries.
• Call 911. They will send police for accident reporting and an ambulance for injuries, including those not visible.
• Gather information for evidence, such as the driver’s name, license number, insurance information, location, and any additional details from witnesses.
• Take photographs of the scene, including all visible injuries and vehicular damage.
• Contact an Uber & Lyft accident attorney to ensure your interests are protected.

Even though you are not the vehicle’s driver, it’s best to take charge of gathering information rather than assume that your Uber or Lyft driver will do it.

If An Uber Or Lyft Hits You

Third-party individuals have the same rights as an Uber passenger when hit by an Uber driver. These rights apply whether you are a pedestrian or a driver using your own vehicle.

The same steps apply: move to a safe area, check for injuries, contact authorities, gather information, take photographs, and contact a lawyer.

Make sure that you seek medical attention without delay, as all injuries should be documented (including those that don’t seem serious or aren’t visible).

As An Uber Or Lyft Driver

Take the same measured steps when involved in an accident as an Uber or Lyft driver — move to a safe area, check for injuries, contact authorities, gather information, take photographs, and contact a lawyer.

Whether or not the collision is your fault, it’s best to contact a rideshare accident attorney to protect your rights immediately. Ride-hailing companies are legally required to protect their drivers with insurance, but the legal waters can be murky. A legal professional will ensure that you receive the necessary compensation and protection.

Understanding Car Hailing Insurance Policies

The first step to understanding liability and compensation is to become familiar with the respective insurance policies.

Specifics Of The Insurance Policy

It’s important to note that liability changes depending on whether the app is on or off, the ride’s location, and the accident’s details.

Consider the following specifics in Uber’s insurance policy.

• Offline
  The driver is offline and not logged into the app. Any accident that occurs is covered by the driver’s personal auto insurance.
• Period 1
  The app is online, but no ride is in progress. Uber offers $50,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person injured, $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident, and $30,000 property damage liability per accident.
• Period 2 and Period 3
  Period 2 kicks in once the Uber driver accepts a trip, and Period 3 begins when the passenger is in the car.
  
  In both periods, the Uber driver is covered by $1 million in commercial auto insurance and offered $1 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Common Legal Questions

The legal landscape of auto insurance and accidents can be complex and stressful. Understanding the basics and contacting a professional will help you confidently tackle the process.