Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have changed the way we get around. But with more rideshare vehicles on the road, accidents are bound to happen. Whether you're a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver, being in a rideshare accident can leave you facing severe injuries, medical bills, and a complicated legal battle.
That’s where we come in. As experienced North Hollywood personal injury lawyers, we help accident victims fight for maximum compensation after an Uber accident, Lyft accident, or any other motor vehicle accident. If you’re dealing with insurance claims, legal deadlines, and stubborn insurance adjusters, we’ll handle the legal side while you focus on healing.
Injured in a Rideshare Accident? Here’s What You Need to Know
Unlike regular auto accidents, rideshare accidents involve multiple parties rideshare drivers, rideshare companies, insurance carriers, and personal auto insurance policies. Navigating complicated liability issues can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help.
We’ll break it down for you.
How a Rideshare Accident Lawyer Can Help After Your Uber/Lyft Crash
Getting injured in an Uber or Lyft accident can turn your life upside down. You’re suddenly dealing with medical costs, missed work, and the stress of figuring out who’s responsible. The last thing you need is to battle rideshare companies and insurance adjusters on your own.
A rideshare accident lawyer can take that burden off your shoulders. They’ll investigate the accident, gather evidence, and fight to get you the financial compensation you deserve. Whether it’s negotiating a fair settlement or taking the case to court, a law firm with experience in personal injury claims will make sure you’re not shortchanged.
Uber and Lyft have teams of lawyers and complex insurance policies designed to minimize payouts. Without an experienced attorney, you might end up with far less than you need to cover your medical care, lost income, and long-term recovery. Having the right legal team means you can focus on healing while they fight for what you’re truly owed.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents happen for many of the same reasons as other motor vehicle accidents, but rideshare drivers face unique challenges that can increase risks. Here are some of the top causes:
1. Distracted Driving
Rideshare drivers rely on their rideshare apps to accept rides, follow GPS directions, and communicate with passengers. Constantly checking their phones while driving can lead to reckless driving, missed traffic signals, and dangerous lane changes—all of which put passengers and other drivers at risk.
2. Speeding to Complete More Rides
Since rideshare drivers earn more by completing more trips, some feel pressured to speed or engage in aggressive driving to maximize their earnings. This rush mentality reduces reaction time and increases the severity of rideshare accidents.
3. Fatigue from Long Hours on the Road
Many Uber drivers and Lyft drivers work long shifts—sometimes driving late at night after another job. Fatigue can slow reaction times, impair judgment, and lead to dangerous mistakes behind the wheel. Studies show that drowsy driving can be as dangerous as impaired driving when it comes to causing accidents.
4. Heavy Traffic and Congested Areas
North Hollywood Uber and Lyft drivers frequently operate in high-traffic areas, making split-second decisions in unpredictable conditions. Sudden stops, lane weaving, and distracted pedestrians add to the challenges, increasing the risk of collisions.
5. Dangerous Weather and Poor Road Conditions
Rain, fog, and poorly maintained roads can create hazardous driving conditions. Slippery streets, potholes, and reduced visibility require extra caution, but not all rideshare drivers adjust their driving accordingly. When a negligent driver fails to slow down or account for road conditions, serious rideshare accidents can happen.
These factors, combined with complicated liability issues, make rideshare accident cases particularly complex. If you were injured due to a rideshare driver’s negligence, you deserve fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and emotional suffering.
Steps to Take After an Uber or Lyft Car Accident
Step 1: Check for Injuries and Prioritize Safety
Your first priority is your health and safety. If you’ve been involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, check yourself and others for injuries.
- If you or anyone else is hurt, call 911 immediately.
- Do not exit your vehicle unless it is safe to do so, especially if you’re on a busy road or highway.
- Even if your injuries seem minor, don’t ignore them some injuries, like internal bleeding or spinal cord injuries, can worsen over time.
Step 2: Document the Accident Scene
The information you gather at the scene can be critical for your case. If you’re able, take these steps:
- Take photos and videos of the accident, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries.
- Snap a screenshot of the rideshare app if you were a passenger this proves the ride was in progress.
- Get contact and insurance information from all involved drivers, including the rideshare driver.
- Speak to witnesses and ask for their contact information they may help support your claim later.
- Call the police and request a police report this is key evidence for your lawyer.
Step 3: Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel “fine,” some injuries don’t show symptoms right away. Seeing a doctor helps in two ways:
- It protects your health injuries like concussions and soft tissue damage can worsen without treatment.
- It strengthens your case medical records serve as proof of injury for your claim.
Insurance companies often downplay injuries, so getting proper medical documentation ensures you receive full compensation for medical expenses and long-term care.
Step 4: Report the Accident to the Rideshare Company
After an accident involving a rideshare vehicle, notify Uber or Lyft through their app accident reporting system:
- Uber: Use the “Trip Issues and Refunds” section in the app or visit their website.
- Lyft: Report through the “Ride History” section or their help center online.
However, be careful what you say. Stick to the facts—never admit fault or minimize your injuries. Let your rideshare accident attorney handle communication with insurance companies.
Step 5: Speak with a Rideshare Accident Lawyer
A rideshare accident lawyer can help you navigate insurance claims, fight for maximum compensation, and ensure your rights are protected.
- Insurance companies may try to lowball your settlement—a lawyer fights to get you what you deserve.
- If multiple parties are involved, legal guidance is crucial—rideshare accidents can involve Uber, Lyft, other drivers, and even the rideshare company itself.
- You have limited time to file a claim—California law sets strict deadlines for personal injury lawsuits.
The sooner you speak with a rideshare accident lawyer, the stronger your case will be. Don’t wait protect your rights today.
What Compensation Can I Get After My Uber Accident?
If you've been hurt in an Uber accident, you’re probably dealing with medical bills, missed work, and a lot of stress. The good news? You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and not just for the money you've lost, but for the pain and suffering you've gone through.
Let’s break down what you can recover and how to make sure you get the maximum compensation possible.
Economic Damages
This is the money lost because of the accident anything that comes with a bill or receipt. It’s straightforward and easier to prove because there’s a paper trail.
- Medical expenses – From ER visits and hospital stays to surgeries, medications, and ongoing physical therapy. If your injury requires long-term care, that should be covered too.
- Lost wages – If you missed work because of your injuries, you deserve to be paid for that time. If your injuries affect your ability to work in the future, you can also claim for loss of earning capacity.
- Property damage – If your car, phone, or other belongings were damaged in the accident, you should be reimbursed for repairs or replacements.
- Other out-of-pocket costs – This could be transportation to medical appointments, home modifications if you were seriously injured, or anything else you had to pay for because of the accident.
Non-Economic Damages
Not everything you lose after an accident comes with a receipt. The physical pain and emotional impact can be just as bad if not worse than the financial losses. These are called non-economic damages, and they cover the human side of what you've been through.
- Pain and suffering – Chronic pain, discomfort, and the physical toll your injuries have taken on your daily life.
- Emotional distress – Anxiety, depression, PTSD—accidents can change your mental health just as much as your physical health.
- Loss of enjoyment of life – If your injuries keep you from doing the things you love—playing sports, traveling, even just walking around comfortably—you should be compensated for that loss.
- Loss of consortium – When serious injuries affect your relationships with your spouse, partner, or family, that’s a real loss too.
Punitive Damages
Most accident claims focus on compensating victims, but in some cases, courts punish the at-fault driver or company for extreme negligence.
For example, if your rideshare driver was drunk, texting at high speeds, or driving aggressively, you might be eligible for punitive damages. These aren’t guaranteed, but if awarded, they can increase your total compensation significantly.
Is There a Limit to How Much I Can Get?
Unlike some states, California does NOT cap personal injury compensation. That means there’s no legal limit on how much you can be awarded it all depends on the severity of your injuries and how much they’ve impacted your life.
But here’s the catch: California follows a comparative fault system. That means if you were partially at fault for the accident, your compensation could be reduced. For example:
- If you’re 20% at fault, your settlement will be reduced by 20%.
- If you’re not at fault at all, you’re eligible for full compensation.
This is one of the many reasons why having a strong legal team matters so you don’t get unfairly blamed and lose out on money you deserve.
Can You Sue Uber if They Get in an Accident?
Yes, but it’s not as simple as suing another driver. Since Uber classifies its drivers as independent contractors, the company tries to avoid direct liability for accidents. Instead, your claim will likely go through Uber’s $1 million insurance policy, but that only applies if the driver was actively transporting a passenger or on their way to pick one up. If the driver was logged off the rideshare app, their personal auto insurance applies instead. This insurance maze can make it difficult for accident victims to get fair compensation, and Uber’s insurance provider may try to delay, deny, or reduce your claim. That’s why having a rideshare accident lawyer is crucial—to fight back and make sure you receive what you’re owed.
However, in certain cases, Uber itself can be held responsible. If the company failed to properly screen their driver or ignored safety complaints, you may have a case against them. These lawsuits are more complex, but not impossible. If you’re unsure whether you should sue Uber or file a claim through their insurance, speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible is your best move.
How Long Do I Have to File My Uber Accident Claim?
In California, you generally have two years from the date of your Uber or Lyft accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. While that may seem like plenty of time, waiting too long can weaken your case. Evidence can disappear, witnesses may forget key details, and insurance companies will use any delay against you to minimize your settlement. Acting fast ensures that your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering are properly documented, making it easier to prove your claim.
There are exceptions to this two-year rule. If your accident involved a government vehicle or public agency, you might have as little as six months to take legal action. On the flip side, if your injuries weren’t immediately apparent such as internal injuries or chronic pain that developed over time the deadline may be extended. The best way to protect your right to compensation is to speak with a rideshare accident lawyer as soon as possible. The clock is ticking, and once the deadline passes, you lose your chance to recover damages no matter how serious your injuries are.
What Questions Should I Ask My North Hollywood Rideshare Accident Lawyer?
Choosing the right rideshare accident lawyer can make all the difference in your case. You want someone who understands Uber and Lyft accident claims, knows how to deal with insurance companies, and can fight for maximum compensation. But how do you know if you've found the right attorney?
Here are some important questions to ask before hiring a North Hollywood rideshare accident lawyer:
- How much experience do you have with Uber and Lyft accident cases? Rideshare accidents involve unique legal challenges, like multiple insurance policies and independent contractor status. You need a lawyer who knows how to navigate these complexities.
- What kind of compensation can I expect? Every case is different, but a skilled lawyer should be able to give you an idea of what damages you might recover, from medical expenses to pain and suffering.
- Will you handle negotiations with the insurance company? Many insurance adjusters will downplay your injuries or try to shift the blame onto you. Your lawyer should take over all communication to protect your claim.
- Do you take cases to trial? While most rideshare accident claims settle out of court, sometimes filing a lawsuit is necessary to get a fair settlement. You want an attorney who is ready to go to trial if needed.
- What are my next steps? A good lawyer should outline a clear plan, including gathering evidence, handling paperwork, and guiding you through the legal process step by step.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Rideshare Accident Lawyer?
Worried about legal fees? You don’t need to be. Most rideshare accident lawyers, including us, work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you don’t pay anything upfront.
Here’s how it works:
- No upfront costs. You won’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case.
- We only get paid if you do. Our fee is a percentage of your final settlement or court award—so we’re motivated to get you the maximum compensation possible.
- Free consultation. We’ll review your case, answer your questions, and explain your options at no cost to you.
Rideshare accidents can be legally complex, but getting legal help shouldn’t be. If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, don’t wait—talk to a North Hollywood rideshare accident lawyer today and learn how we can help you.
Get the Legal Help You Need After an Uber or Lyft Accident - Call Us Today
If you were injured in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Dealing with Uber and Lyft’s insurance policies can be frustrating, and their adjusters will do everything they can to minimize your claim. You need a skilled rideshare accident lawyer who knows how to fight back and secure the full compensation you deserve.
At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, we have the experience and dedication to handle the legal process for you. From filing claims to negotiating with insurance companies, we’ll take care of everything so you can focus on healing. Call us today for a free consultation there’s no risk, and if we don’t win, you don’t pay.
