Rideshare companies such as Lyft and Uber have been championed as an affordable and convenient way to travel, but this does not come without the inherent weaknesses of the ridesharing business model. Since their inception, Uber and Lyft have been the subject of a lot of controversy regarding their poor driving screening process. Just about anybody can become an Uber or Lyft driver without much more than a valid driver’s license and a decent, drivable vehicle. There are no driving skills tests beyond these requirements that would determine if a driver was truly fit to accept customers. This opens both the driver and the customer up to quite a lot of risk that can result in serious injury.
If you were recently involved in an Uber or Lyft accident in Southern California, there are some very important first steps to take. First, contact and wait for law enforcement officers to investigate the accident. It is also very important to thoroughly document the scene by taking pictures and writing down all relevant information about the car and the driver such as the vehicle information, name and license number of the driver as well as the condition of the driver. Upon leaving the scene of the accident, you must immediately seek medical treatment for any injuries. It is also recommended to consistently document your treatment and recovery over time. Lastly, do not discuss and provide a recorded statement to anyone, including your insurance company, before speaking with a reputable attorney.
At Esposito Law, we have the experience and resources to help clients in Southern California get the compensation you deserve. We help our clients in many ways including but not limited to:
- Locate all the insurance coverage and identify all defendants
- Deal with the insurance company so you do not have to
- Gather documentation such as police reports, medical records, and lost wage information
- Stay apprised of your medical care and document all your damages
- Build your case to show why the defendant was at fault
- Advise you and provide thoughtful recommendations so you can make informed decisions about your case
Uber accidents typically have multiple insurance companies involved – yours, Uber’s or Lyft’s, the driver’s, and the other party who collided with the Uber or Lyft car. This can complicate the personal injury claim, especially for people who are unsure about what to say when insurance companies contact you. A Southern California Uber or Lyft accident attorney at Esposito law will take the weight off your shoulders and make sure you handle the insurance companies well. Rather than agree to a quick insurance settlement, you should consider filing a personal injury claim.
As in any personal injury accident case, injured victims of Uber or Lyft accidents may be able to recover for medical costs, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages. If you bring a successful claim against a rideshare company or its driver for a car accident, the Southern California courts may award you reasonable costs of your losses. If the driver was drunk or otherwise criminally at fault for your injuries, you may also be able to recover punitive damages, or damages awarded by a court for a defendant’s gross negligence. Punitive damages punish the driver for disobeying the law. Give us a call today to discuss your case.
