Riverside Uber/Lyft Accident Attorney

If you have been injured as the passenger of a ridesharing vehicle, or in a collision with a ridesharing vehicle, it is important that you speak with an experienced Riverside personal injury attorney. At Hanson & Mouri, we have extensive knowledge of how ridesharing insurance policies work and have helped many clients recover the maximum in compensation.

Why Choose Our Riverside Ride Sharing Accident lawyer?

• As a former insurance defense attorney for over 10 years, our lead attorney is able to navigate intricate rules surrounding ridesharing insurance policies with ease.
• As seasoned litigators, we are ready to take your case to trial if needed. Personal injury is our song area of practice and we have never lost a case in litigation.
• We have over 20 years of combined legal experience representing clients in all manner of personal injury cases.
• In order to make our services readily available, we handle our cases on a contingency fee basis. You do not have to pay any upfront costs and will only pay legal fees if compensation is secured on your behalf.

What Happens if I am in an Accident as a Lyft or Uber passenger?

If you are in an accident as an Uber or Lyft passenger or as the driver of another vehicle, the lawsuit will not necessarily be applied to the employer. Both Uber and Lyft will claim that their drivers are independent contractors and they are not liable for any accidents. Uber and Lyft require that the driver’s personal policy is to be used before their insurance coverage is activated. Once this insurance is exhausted or if the carrier denies the claim, the Lyft or Uber policy may come into play. An attorney with extensive knowledge of Uber and Lyft and how they operate in claims can determine liability in your case. The goal is to recover full compensation for damages.

Who May Be Held Liable and Who Pays For the Accident?

Liability in a rideshare accident depends on who caused the crash and what the rideshare driver was doing at the time. Several parties may be held responsible, including the rideshare driver, the rideshare company, another negligent driver, or a third party, such as a vehicle manufacturer or government entity. In California, Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, not employees. However, state law requires rideshare companies to carry commercial insurance coverage that applies in certain situations.

• If the driver was off-duty and not logged into the app, the driver’s personal insurance applies.
• If the driver was logged in but had not accepted a ride, the rideshare company must provide contingent coverage(typically up to $50,000 per person for injury, $100,000 per accident, and $30,000 for property damage).
• If the driver was en route to a passenger or actively transporting one, Uber or Lyft must provide $1 million in liability coverage.

If another driver caused the accident, their insurance is primarily responsible. However, if they are uninsured or underinsured, Uber or Lyft’s uninsured motorist coverage may apply, depending on the circumstances.

How Long Do You Have to File a Rideshare Accident Case?

In California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a rideshare accident is generally two years from the date of the crash. This deadline applies whether you were a passenger in the rideshare vehicle, a pedestrian, or a driver in another car. There are some exceptions:

• If the at-fault party is a government entity (such as for poor road conditions), you must file a claim within six months.
• If the victim is a minor, the deadline may be extended.
• If the victim is mentally or physically incapacitated, a court may allow more time.

Even if you do not intend to file a lawsuit immediately, you should report the accident promptly, seek medical treatment, and consult a Riverside rideshare accident attorney. Preserving evidence early can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Types of Damages You Can Gain Compensation For

If you were injured in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. These may include:

Economic Damages

• Medical bills (emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, prescriptions)
• Future medical expenses
• Lost wages due to time off work
• Reduced earning capacity if you suffer a permanent injury
• Property damage, if applicable

Non-economic Damages

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement or physical impairment

Punitive Damages

In some rare cases involving gross negligence or reckless behavior, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party and deter similar conduct in the future.

The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the clarity of liability, available insurance coverage, and the long-term effects of the crash on your life.

Ridesharing Accidents: Not Worth the Convenience

According to a recent study carried out by Chicago University and Rice University, the rise of Uber and Lyft Has resulted in a 2 to 3 percent increase in nationwide traffic fatalities since 2011. This calculates to roughly an additional 1,100 deaths per year. To make matters worse, prior to 2011, the year that Uber launched, the number of motor vehicles fatalities had been in a steady decline.

Bird and Lime Scooters

Since the appearance of Bird and Lime Scooters in cities all over America, serious injuries have been occurring at an unprecedented rate. Although “e-scooters” are touted as an economically friendly and fun way to travel, personal injury lawsuits filed against these scooter companies are beginning increasing in number.

In a recent news report, a Los Angeles resident was unable to remove her throttle stick from the downward position causing her to crash. This resulted in serious injuries including a shattered wrist. This is just one example of the many injuries occurring all over Southern California due to Bird and Lime scooters. If you have been injured in an accident involving a Bird or Lime Scooter, speak with an attorney from Hanson & Mouri today. We will know how to correctly proceed with your case.

Why Hiring a Lawyer Is Critical

Rideshare accident claims are far more complex than standard car accident cases. Multiple insurance policies, overlapping coverages, and independent contractor rules make it difficult for injury victims to know who is financially responsible. Uber and Lyft are protected by legal teams trained to limit payouts, and insurance adjusters are not on your side. A personal injury attorney with experience handling rideshare accidents can level the playing field. They will ensure you do not settle for less than you deserve.

Contact Hanson & Mouri today

The complexities of ridesharing and e-scooter insurance require the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney. If you are suffering due to a recent car accident involving a ridesharing service, schedule a free case consultation with one of our Riverside car accident attorney.