Rideshare Injury Lawyer In Los Angeles
Your Safety Comes First
While it feels great knowing an Uber or Lyft can be requested and at your destination within minutes, driving with a stranger can add a tinge of uneasiness. Why? Riders are putting their trust in not only their driver, but the company they work for. Rideshare drivers undergo extensive background checks regarding:
Courthouse records for their drivers (local and federal level): To make sure no felonies, misdemeanors, sexual offenses, and driving convictions were committed (among other factors).
Ensuring drivers have had a license for a certain time period: For Uber, drivers under 23 must have at least three years of driving experience (at-least one year for 21-year-olds). For Lyft, drivers must be 21 years old, and have been driving for a year.
Motor vehicle record with no violations within a seven-year period: Uber and Lyft will check periodically to make sure drivers have not had minor occurrences of speeding, driving without a current license, DUIs, and additional negligent convictions.
Prospective drivers will go through a free background check before they are able to get on the road. In California, specifically, Uber and Lyft have stricter qualifications and requirements for drivers.
LYFT in Los Angeles
- Valid California driver’s license
- Must be 25 years or older
- 1 year of driving experience
- Pass driver screening (driver history, motor vehicle history, criminal background check)
- Have a smartphone that can access and use the Lyft application
UBER in Los Angeles
- Valid California driver’s license
- Must be 21 years or older
- 1 year of driving experience (21 years)
- 3 years of driving experience (23 years)
- Pass driver screening (driver history, motor vehicle history, criminal background check)
- Have a smartphone that can access and use the Uber application
Why Are People Choosing to Ride-Hail?
For the past few years ridesharing has been and continues to be on the rise. Ride-hailing giants like Uber and Lyft have dominated the industry and are finding easier ways for consumers to have what they need at the tip of their fingertips.
Three of the leading reasons most people rely on both technology companies is when going out for a drink, to save time, and if one’s car is unavailable. It may seem unimaginable, but without additional transportation services, riders would opt for driving, walking, biking, or using public transportation services. As a customer, you should expect that you will be safe in their care – however, it is not uncommon for unexpected accidents to happen.
If you suspect that your driver is not qualified, and is showing signs of negligence, you should document what is taking place. Careless driving can not only endanger your life, but the lives of other drivers on the road. Gathering photographic evidence of their behavior allows you to build a strong foundation for your case if you choose to take legal action with a lawyer for ride-hailing fender benders.
If Injured, Who Pays for the Damage?
Most passengers never expect the possibility of experiencing an accident on the way to their next destination. Nor should they, but car wrecks happen. Instead of questioning “what are the chances it can happen to me?” passengers should prepare for an off chance it takes place.
If you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft-affiliated vehicle, the at-fault driver should pay for damages caused. Though, compensation can vary depending on who is liable whether it was the ridesharing company’s driver or someone else. Ride-hailing companies have their own car insurance coverage, specifically for passenger injuries. In California, all drivers must meet the minimum liability insurance requirements stated in California Insurance Code §11580.1b. According to The Department of Motor Vehicles, private passenger vehicles must have the following coverage:
- $15,000 for injury/death to one person
- $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person
- $5,000 for damage to property
As a rideshare driver, the liability insurance applies when the passenger is injured in an accident you caused. The compensation provided varies depending on your plan, but the insurance company will pay up to the limit of your coverage for medical bills, loss of income and depreciated quality of life for the injured person(s).
Depending on the insurance company, Uber or Lyft drivers will have a special provision added to their personal car insurance policy. The companies on the other hand carry a third-party liability insurance, which can compensate plaintiffs up to $1 million for injuries and property damage. It is effective after the ridesharing driver’s insurance has been used in conjunction with the additional coverage. Regardless of the circumstances, you can expect to be covered under their policies. If you find that you are experiencing complications, seek legal counsel. A personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles can help you navigate through the process by negotiating with the insurance companies on your behalf.
Restriction to Uber and Lyft Bail Out
The technology conglomerates have a track record of low-balling unsuspecting victims. Attorneys are well-versed in what to expect – especially if passengers are up against uninsured or underinsured (UM/UIM) drivers. Like their regular plan, the ride-hailing companies will also provide up to $1 million per case if there is a grey area in liability. Meaning there is uncertainty in who the responsible driver is, they do not have car insurance – or a plan that can cover fair payment. Keep in mind damages are only compensated for if the passenger is injured during the time of pick up to drop off.
A lawyer for ridesharing incidents in Los Angeles can go over the details of your case to determine how much you should expect to recover if you deal with the company directly, with one of their employees or independent contractors. Most gig companies rely on hiring contracted drivers to avoid being held liable for the carelessness of an employee. That does not mean you cannot sue them for their affiliated driver failing to adhere to safety protocols on their behalf. If the Uber or Lyft driver is not responsible, you can still seek damages through the inattentive driver’s third-party car insurance claim or through a personal injury lawsuit.
Contact A Trusted Attorney at Grey Law
“When it comes to getting you more, I won’t settle for less.” – David Grey
When you or a loved one are injured due to negligence, carelessness, or wrongful acts of another person, David Grey is ready to help. Seeking compensation or negotiating with insurance companies can be stressful, especially while recovering. Let us do that for you. Our Los Angeles personal injury attorneys are well-versed in several practice areas:
- Traffic Accidents
- Premises Accidents
- Personal Injuries
- Product Liability
- Nursing Home Abuse
Why do you need a lawyer for accident compensation? With thousands of lawyers in California, we understand it can be difficult to choose the right legal representation. We have 35+ years of experience and secured millions for our clients. From the time you retain our firm, we build your case. For a free case evaluation and consultation, reach out to us at (323) 857-9500 or email info@greylaw.com.
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