The initial aftermath of an Uber or Lyft accident can be confusing, particularly if you sustain injuries and need medical treatment. However, the process of recovering compensation often presents major challenges for victims.

At Fisher & Talwar, we are here to help if you need a Santa Ana Uber or Lyft accident lawyer by your side. Let us begin our investigation quickly so we can help you secure the compensation you need.

Why Choose Fisher & Talwar for Your Uber or Lyft Accident Claim?

  • At Fisher & Talwar, our Santa Ana car accident lawyers know how complex vehicle accident claims can be, particularly when dealing with rideshare insurance carriers.
  • We have extensive resources and a network of professionals we can turn to for help establishing liability and proving your actual losses.
  • Our attorneys believe in open communication with clients. If you have questions or concerns at any point as your case moves forward, you will be able to get a hold of us for answers.

Uber or Lyft Accident Injuries in Santa Ana

Like those involving large commercial trucks, rideshare accidents involving services like Uber and Lyft can result in unique legal challenges in Santa Ana. If you’ve been injured in such an accident, understanding your rights is crucial. Rideshare drivers, much like any other drivers on the road, are required to maintain safety standards and follow traffic laws. However, the liability in these accidents can often involve multiple parties, including the rideshare company itself, which adds an additional layer of complexity to your claim.

Common injuries from Uber or Lyft accidents can range from minor bruises and whiplash to more severe injuries, including fractures, head traumas, or even long-term disability. Handling the aftermath of a rideshare accident involves dealing with the driver’s insurance carrier and the company’s providers, which can be daunting without legal help.

Can You Recover Compensation After a Santa Ana Uber or Lyft Accident?

If you’ve been involved in an Uber or Lyft accident in Santa Ana, you may be able to recover compensation, depending on the specific circumstances of the crash. Both Uber and Lyft use a tiered insurance system that applies differently based on the driver’s status at the time of the accident:

  • Period 1. This period applies when the rideshare app is on, and the driver is waiting for a ride request. During this time, both Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage for any accidents that the driver may cause. This coverage includes liability for injuries and property damage, but it does not include collision coverage for the driver’s vehicle unless the driver has personal insurance with additional coverage.
  • Period 2. Once the driver accepts a ride request and is in route to pick up the fare, the coverage increases significantly. Both companies provide $1 million in liability coverage, which remains in effect until the passenger is dropped off.
  • Period 3. This period covers the time from when a passenger gets into the vehicle until they are dropped off. During this time, the $1 million liability coverage continues, protecting against potential damages and injuries to passengers.

Understanding these insurance periods is crucial for determining how much coverage is available in the event of an accident. Consulting with a knowledgeable Santa Ana lawyer who specializes in rideshare accidents can help clarify your rights and help you in navigating the claims process to give you the best chance to receive the compensation you deserve.

How Will Your Attorney Help Your Claim?

Navigating a rideshare accident claim in Santa Ana can be complex because of the multiple parties and insurance policies involved. An experienced attorney can provide essential assistance in several key areas to help ensure your claim is successful:

  • Clarifying insurance coverage. Your lawyer will determine which insurance period applies to your case, whether it’s during the driver’s waiting time, in route to a passenger, or during a trip. This determination is crucial for understanding which insurance policies are liable for your damages.
  • Gathering evidence. Your attorney will collect all necessary evidence to support your claim. This includes police reports, witness statements, medical records, and proof of lost wages. They will also help establish the fault by analyzing the accident details and any contributing factors.
  • Negotiating with insurance companies. Insurance carriers are typically tough to deal with. Your lawyer will handle all negotiations to help you receive adequate compensation without the stress of direct engagement with insurers.
  • Legal representation. If your case goes to trial, your attorney will represent your interests in court, presenting a strong case based on gathered evidence and expert testimonies.

By handling these critical aspects, your attorney alleviates the burden on you, allowing you to focus on recovery.

How Long Do You Have to File an Uber or Lyft Accident Claim?

Uber and Lyft accident victims in Santa Ana should file their claims as promptly as possible. Preferably, a vehicle accident claim will get filed with the insurance carriers involved the same day or the day after the incident. However, overall, there is a personal injury statute of limitations in California that will dictate much of the claim. Individuals have two years from the date the injury occurs to file their claim in civil court against an alleged negligent party, and failing to do so could result in the victim receiving no compensation at all.

Improve Your Chances of a Successful Uber or Lyft Claim

There are various steps Uber or Lyft accident victims in Santa Ana can take to help improve their chances of a successful claim while also ensuring their own well-being. 

  • First, it’s essential to seek medical care and continue your medical treatment. Seeking prompt medical care after the injury occurs helps establish a strong tie between the incident and your injuries, making it harder to deny a claim.
  • Second, we strongly encourage you to reach out to a skilled attorney who can get involved in your case quickly. Evidence can disappear relatively promptly after the incident occurs, and an attorney involved can conduct a thorough investigation and preserve the evidence.
  • Lastly, please make sure to get your claims filed quickly. There is the overall personal injury statute of limitations in California that we discussed, but waiting any length of time to file your claim will likely complicate the process further.

Call a Santa Ana Uber or Lyft Accident Attorney Today

If you have been harmed in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle in the Santa Ana area, the team at Fisher & Talwar should be your first call. These claims are challenging, but we want to help you recover the compensation you are entitled to. Let our Santa Ana Uber and Lyft accident lawyer get to work on your claim today. You can reach out to us to schedule a free consultation of your claim by calling us at (213) 318-3052 or by filling out our contact form.