If you have been injured in a rideshare accident while on vacation in California, you have a right to file a personal injury claim to recover damages. By working with an experienced ridesharing accident attorney, you can obtain the compensation you deserve.
At J&Y Law, we regularly handle ridesharing accidents on behalf of state residents and out-of-state visitors who have been injured in ridesharing accidents on vacation. Regardless of your situation, you can depend on us to provide you with compassionate, effective representation and protect your rights. Our attorneys have comprehensive knowledge of the applicable negligence and insurance laws and a demonstrated track record of successfully negotiating and litigating rideshare accident claims.
We offer free consultations and there is never a fee until we obtain compensation for you. Whether you live in or outside of California, you must act quickly because a rideshare accident injury claim must be filed within 2 years of the date of the accident. Contact our office today to get started.
Determining Liability in a California Ridesharing Accident
California is a fault state for insurance purposes, which means that the driver who caused the accident may be held liable for any injuries. At the same time, complicated insurance rules apply to rideshare accidents, and coverage depends on the rideshare driver’s status at the time of the accident.
For example, if the rideshare app is off, the driver’s insurance will be the primary source of coverage; drivers must carry at least the state-required minimum liability insurance:
- $15,000 bodily injury coverage per person
- $30,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident
If the app is on, but the driver has not been connected to a passenger, the driver is required to carry additional liability coverage above the state minimum; the rideshare company is also required to provide $200,000 in liability coverage during this time period.
When you are traveling as a rideshare passenger while on vacation, however, the rideshare company must carry a mandatory minimum of $1 million in liability insurance. This will be your primary source of coverage.
Not only is this a complicated scheme, but dealing with insurance companies can be challenging. Insurers often put profit ahead of rideshare accident victims and try to pay as little as possible. You can depend on our injury attorneys to demand full payment of your claim. If the insurer refuses to make a fair and just offer, we are always ready to litigate to win you the maximum compensation you deserve.
Reasons for Ridesharing Accidents on Vacation
Ridesharing accidents are usually caused by driver negligence. Factors involved in these collisions include:
- Rideshare companies only require drivers to be licensed for one year before hiring and do not randomly or routinely drug test drivers
- Rideshare drivers work for long shifts, increasing the risk of fatigued or drowsy driving.
- Rideshare drivers continuously use GPS navigation and smartphones to connect with and transport passengers, increasing the risk of distracted driving
In addition, other drivers may have caused or contributed to the accident, which further complicates matters. So, your rideshare accident claim may involve the rideshare driver’s insurance company, the rideshare service’s insurer, and the insurance company of a third-party driver. As you can see, it takes a highly adept injury attorney to sort through all the details and make sure your claim is properly handled.
How J&Y Law Can Help If You Were On Vacation
If you have been injured in a rideshare accident on vacation, you probably have concerns about obtaining proper medical care while you are away from home. Then there are the medical expenses and lost income to consider, on top of recovering from your injuries. Our compassionate, skilled injury attorneys are here to guide you and will handle all the details of your claim. Once you become our client we will:
- Investigate the site of your rideshare accident
- Collect evidence, including photographs and police reports
- Interview any witnesses, including the rideshare driver
- Subpoena the driver’s cellphone and GPS data and rideshare company records
- Negotiate with the insurance companies and their lawyers
You can trust us to fight for compensation that includes economic and non-economic damages:
Economic Damages
These damages cover your actual financial losses, including:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitative costs
- Lost wages
- Lost future earnings
Non-economic Damages
These damages will compensate you for intangible losses, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If the rideshare driver or another involved motorist was speeding or driving under the influence, you may also be awarded punitive damages which are intended to punish that driver and deter others from driving recklessly.
Contact An Experienced California Rideshare Accident Attorney Today
Being injured in a rideshare accident on vacation can spoil your trip to California. Our attorneys are here to right this wrong and help you obtain just compensation and restore your peace of mind. Contact our office today for a free evaluation of your case.