What if the Rideshare Driver Was Not at Fault for the Accident?

If you’re involved in an accident in Los Angeles but the driver wasn’t at fault, you may still be eligible for compensation. We at J&Y Law recommend that you gather evidence and build a strong case to support your claim. Our team has 60 years of combined experience handling liability in rideshare accidents. We’re ready to help you build your case.

To increase the chances that you receive the compensation you’re entitled to, consider consulting with a Los Angeles rideshare accident lawyer who can guide you through the process and help you build a strong case. Read on to learn more about what happens if the rideshare driver is not at fault for the accident.

Road Conditions and Government Liability

As you drive the roads of Los Angeles, you’re not just dealing with reckless drivers and pedestrians. You’re also contending with road conditions that can cause accidents. Here’s what to know about:

Potholes and Poor Maintenance

Potholes and poor road maintenance can be major hazards for rideshare drivers on Los Angeles streets, and you’re not alone if you’ve ever hit a pothole that’s left you shaken. As a driver, you know that pothole hazards are a constant threat, especially during rainy seasons when roads are more prone to damage. 

However, you may not know that the City of Los Angeles has maintenance responsibilities to guarantee roads are safe for drivers. If you’re involved in an accident caused by a pothole, you may be able to hold the city liable for damages. It’s important to document the accident scene, including photos of the pothole, to support your claim.

Inadequate Signage and Lighting

Poor signage visibility and lighting adequacy can lead to accidents, even if the driver is driving defensively. Common instances include:

• Faded or obscured traffic signs can make it difficult for the driver to maneuver roads safely.
• Inadequate street lighting can reduce visibility, making it harder to react to unexpected situations.
• Insufficient warning signs for road hazards or construction can catch you off guard, leading to accidents.

In such cases, the city’s failure to maintain proper road conditions can be held liable for the accident rather than the rideshare driver. When the rideshare driver is not at fault for the accident, determining liability can be difficult, but our team can help.

Pedestrian or Cyclist Negligence When the Rideshare Driver Is Not at Fault for the Accident

When you’re involved in a rideshare accident, you may be surprised to learn that cyclists and pedestrians may be at fault. Here’s what to know:

Failure to Follow Rules

As ridership continues to rise in Los Angeles, so do concerns about safety on the city’s roads. You may assume the rideshare driver is always at fault, but that’s not always the case. Sometimes, pedestrians or cyclists fail to follow rules, contributing to accidents. Here are three ways pedestrian or cyclist negligence can lead to accidents:

• Disregarding traffic signals: Running red lights or disobeying stop signs can cause the driver to lose control.
• Ignoring traffic lanes: Failing to use designated bike lanes or pedestrian paths can increase the risk of collision with a rideshare driver.
• Distracted walking or cycling: Texting, listening to music, or engaging in other distracting activities while walking or cycling can reduce awareness of your surroundings, making it harder to avoid accidents.

Jaywalking or Improper Crossing

Jaywalking or improper crossing is a leading cause of accidents involving rideshare drivers in Los Angeles. You might be surprised to learn that pedestrian behavior plays a significant role in many jaywalking incidents. 

Pedestrians are responsible for following traffic rules and regulations. Failure to do so can lead to accidents, including serious injuries or fatalities. As a pedestrian, you should always use designated crosswalks, follow traffic signals, and be mindful of your surroundings. 

Improper crossing can lead to devastating consequences, and it’s important to understand that you, too, can be held liable for an accident. Remember, safety is a shared responsibility between drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Other Vehicle Liability in Los Angeles Rideshare Accidents

When you’re involved in a rideshare accident, it’s important to identify all responsible parties to increase the chances that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. In some cases, the rideshare driver may not be at fault for the accident. 

Another vehicle may have contributed to the accident, making them partially liable. If this is the case, you can pursue a claim against the other driver’s insurance company in addition to the rideshare company’s insurance. Rideshare companies typically have $1 million in liability coverage, which may be sufficient to cover damages. 

However, if the other driver is also at fault, you may be able to recover additional compensation. It’s important to work with an experienced attorney who can help you identify all responsible parties and manage the process of filing claims against multiple parties.

Proving Liability in a Los Angeles Rideshare Accident Claim

Identifying liable parties in a rideshare accident is just the first step; you must also prove their liability to secure fair compensation. This requires gathering evidence and building a strong case to demonstrate the at-fault party’s responsibility for the accident.

To prove liability, you’ll need to:

• Collect and preserve accident documentation, including police reports, witness statements, and photos or videos of the accident scene.
• Review rideshare insurance policies to determine the coverage and limits applicable to your claim.
• Consult with accident reconstruction experts to analyze the accident and provide objective testimony on the cause of the crash.

Our team can help you prove liability when the rideshare driver is not at fault for the accident.

Learn More About When Rideshare Driver Was Not at Fault for the Accident

You’ve done your part in gathering evidence and building a strong case. Our team at J&Y Law is committed to helping you pursue the compensation you deserve. We will work closely with you to understand your case and develop a strategy to secure the maximum recovery for your losses. 

Contact us today for a free consultation.