Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Santa Ana

The aftermath of a car accident is always tough to manage. You may have injuries that require extensive healing periods and numerous medical appointments and procedures. You may not be able to go to work and pay your bills.

You can seek restitution for your damages, but when the other driver works for a rideshare company, who is liable? Our Rideshare accident lawyers in Santa Ana can unravel the complicated relationships involved so you can get the compensation you deserve. 

Our team at J&Y Law has recovered tens of millions of dollars for injured accident victims, and our Santa Ana car accident lawyers can help you, too. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and tell us about your accident. 

How an Attorney Can Help

It is rarely a good idea to take on a rideshare company like Uber or Lyft without a skilled lawyer in your corner. You’ll be up against insurance companies and attorneys who earn their living by making sure these companies come out on top in legal disputes. 

When you hire a Santa Ana personal injury lawyers, you level the playing field. We know the law, and we know how to deal with insurance companies. We can explain your rights and offer guidance so you can get the money you need to move on with your life. 

We also work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything up front. We take our costs out of your award or settlement. If we don’t win, you don’t pay. This makes our services available to anyone regardless of their financial situation. 

When the Rideshare Company is Liable

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have extensive liability insurance policies that cover their drivers in case of an accident, sometimes up to $1 million. The company’s insurance policy typically covers drivers when they are signed into their work app. This means they are:

• Waiting for ride requests
• On their way to pick up a passenger
• Actively transporting a passenger

Other situations where the company may be liable include when it fails to screen or train new drivers properly and when it ignores customer feedback regarding dangerous drivers. 

When the Driver is Liable

If the driver isn’t signed into their work app, that means they are effectively off duty. When you are in an accident with an off-duty rideshare driver, you will need to deal with their insurance policy. In most cases, the rideshare company is not involved. 

However, to work with one of the major rideshare companies, drivers must carry liability insurance that meets their state’s minimum requirements. In California, that is:

• $30,000 for injury or death to one person
• $60,000 for injury or death to more than one person
• $15,000 for property damage

Additional Liable Parties in a Rideshare Accident

When you are in an accident with a rideshare driver, the rideshare company, the driver, or both may be liable for your damages. In some circumstances, a third party may share responsibility for your accident and injuries. Some examples include:

• A third driver who caused or contributed to the accident
• A pedestrian who acted recklessly or illegally and caused a driver to swerve
• A mechanic or maintenance company that allowed a dangerous vehicle on the road
• The local government or a construction company that created precarious driving conditions

One of the most important jobs your rideshare accident attorney in Santa Ana will perform is researching and investigating the circumstances surrounding your accident to determine who was liable. This will help us plan a strategy and file claims with the appropriate insurance providers. 

Types of Rideshare Accidents

As the number of people who rely on rideshare services increases, so does the number of people who make a solid side income as rideshare drivers. That means an increase in accidents as well. There are several ways you might encounter a reckless rideshare driver, including:

• Car accidents: If you are in a crash with another vehicle driven by a rideshare operator, they or the rideshare company will be liable for your damages. This will often depend on whether the driver was signed into the app at the time of the collision. 
• Passenger accidents: If you are a customer in a rideshare vehicle when an accident occurs, the company is likely responsible for your injuries. The driver would have or should have been signed into the app to accept you as a passenger. 
• Pedestrian accidents: If a rideshare driver hits you, whether they or the company is liable for your injuries will likely depend on whether they were signed into the app and on duty. Otherwise, your case is an ordinary pedestrian accident. 

Your Santa Ana rideshare accident lawyer will review the circumstances of the crash to determine what happened and who is responsible for your injuries. 

How Much is a Rideshare Accident Worth?

Rideable accidents can be worth thousands of dollars or even millions of dollars. While every case is different, you can get an idea of what your case might be worth by considering your economic damages, such as:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Future medical expenses
• Property damage

Your attorney can advise you if you might also include non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, as part of your claim. 

Contact a Rideshare Accident Attorney in Santa Ana

Rideshare companies offer an easy and affordable way to get around without worrying about taxis or mass transit. They also make it possible for people to earn some extra cash using their own personal vehicles. 

It sounds good all around until you are in an accident with a rideshare driver, and you need to figure out who pays for your damages. In these situations, our rideshare accident attorneys in Santa Ana know how to determine liability and get you the compensation you need. 

At J&Y Law, our attorneys have over 60 years of combined experience advocating for injured accident victims in California. We’re here to help, regardless of your financial situation. Contact us today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.