If you have suffered an injury in a ridesharing accident while driving your car, as a passenger in another vehicle, or as a pedestrian or bicyclist, you can file a third-party claim to recover damages. At J&Y Law, we understand third-party rights in ridesharing accidents and will fight to get you just compensation.
Although Uber and Lyft often attempt to avoid liability for the actions of their drivers and have an unfair advantage over accident victims, we know how to level the playing field. We will explain your third-party rights and explore your legal options. We have comprehensive knowledge of how insurance coverage works in ridesharing accidents and a proven history of achieving positive outcomes. Contact our office today for a free consultation.
What Are Third-Party Rideshare Claims?
In a third-party rideshare claim, there are three parties:
- The first party is the rideshare driver
- The second is the insurance company of the driver and the company
- The third party is the injury victim who was not in the rideshare vehicle
Rideshare drivers and companies can be held liable for third-party injuries in California. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to the negligence of the rideshare driver, our third-party rights attorney can help. Third-party rideshare claims are challenging because you may be going up against the driver, the rideshare company, and their insurers.
You can trust the ridesharing accident attorneys at J&Y to sort through the details, identify the responsible parties, and protect your rights. Although insurance companies often attempt to settle claims for as little as possible, we know how to fight back. We have the resolve to take on big tech companies like Uber and Lyft and get you the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Third-Party Rights in Ridesharing Accidents
Uber and Lyft provide liability insurance to their drivers to pay for damages their drivers cause to third parties. Coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.
When the rideshare app is off, the rideshare company provides no coverage. Drivers must carry minimum auto insurance coverage required under California law:
- $15,000 bodily injury coverage per person injured in an accident
- $30,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident
- $5,000 of property damage coverage per accident
If the driver’s app is activated, but they have not accepted a ride request, and cause an accident injuring a third party, the rideshare company provides coverage of up to $50,000 per person injured, $25,000 property damage liability, and $100,000 total injury liability per accident.
When the driver is traveling to meet a passenger, the company provides $1 million in liability insurance. Any time a passenger is in the rideshare vehicle, the company also provides $1 million in coverage. Although third parties have rights in ridesharing accidents, these claims are challenging.
If you are injured in a ridesharing accident as a pedestrian, for example, and the driver was not on the app, their insurance may not be sufficient to cover all your losses. Similarly, your damages may exceed the company’s coverage while the driver is waiting for a passenger. So, working with an attorney knowledgeable about third-party rights in ridesharing accidents is essential.
Why Choose J&Y Law
Our legal team is well-prepared to handle all the details of your claim, such as:
- Investigating the accident site
- Obtaining and analyzing the police report
- Identifying and interviewing witnesses
- Subpoenaing the rideshare drivers app and GPS data
- Negotiating a settlement with the involved insurance companies
If the rideshare company and the insurers refuse to honor your claim, we will take your case to trial. You can depend on us to protect your third-party rights and get you just compensation through negotiations or litigation.
Recoverable Damages In A Third-Party Rideshare Claim
While no two claims are the same, damages you can recover in a third-party rideshare claim include:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitative costs
- Lost wages – present and future
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability/disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
Punitive damages may also be available if the rideshare driver’s actions were illegal or egregious, such as drunk or reckless driving. These damages will punish the driver’s behavior and deter others from similar misconduct.
Contact Our Experienced Los Angeles Ridesharing Accident Attorney
Uber and Lyft offer people a convenient way to get around, but ridesharing accidents resulting in injuries to third parties are becoming common. By working with our capable attorneys, you can protect your third-party rights and obtain meaningful compensation. Contact our office today so we can start working on your third-party claim.