Fresno Rideshare Accident Lawyers

Rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft have become increasingly popular, with millions of people using them to get around. While these companies are a convenient and affordable option for many, they also come with risks. Rideshare accidents can and do happen, and when they do, the consequences can be severe. If you've been involved in a rideshare accident, you may be wondering what your legal options are. Do you have a case? Who will pay for your damages? If you have any questions about a rideshare accident you were involved in, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

After a Rideshare Accident: What to Do Next

Being in a car accident is always stressful, but it can be even more complicated when you're using a rideshare service. There are a few key things you need to do after a rideshare accident to make sure you're protected.

1. Get Info from the Driver and Their Profile

You first need to get the driver's name, insurance information, and license plate number. You should also look at their profile on the rideshare app to see how long they've been driving for the company and check for any ratings or reviews.

2. Talk to Eyewitnesses

If there are any eyewitnesses to the accident, get their names and contact information. They may be able to provide valuable testimony if there are any disputes about what happened.

3. Take Photos of Injuries and Damages

Be sure to take plenty of photos of any injuries you sustained as well as any damage to your property. This will be important evidence if you decide to file a claim or lawsuit.

4. Report the Accident to the Rideshare Company

You should report the accident to the rideshare company right away. Many companies have specific protocols for dealing with accidents, so it's essential that they're aware of what happened.

5. Speak with a Personal Injury Attorney with Experience Handling Rideshare Accidents 

It's also a good idea to speak with a personal injury attorney with experience handling rideshare accidents. They'll be able to advise you on your legal options and help you get the compensation you deserve.

6. Seek Medical Attention 

Even if you don't feel seriously injured, you should consider seeking medical attention as soon as possible after being in an accident. Some injuries may not present symptoms immediately but can still cause long-term problems if left untreated.

Possible Damages After a Rideshare Accident

If you're involved in an accident while riding in a rideshare vehicle, you may be wondering what your legal options are. Below, we'll explore some of the damages you may be able to pursue after a rideshare accident.

Medical Bills

Medical bills will likely be one of the first expenses you'll incur after a rideshare accident. These can include ambulance fees, hospital stays, ongoing rehabilitation costs, and more. If you have good health insurance, your policy should cover some of these expenses. However, you may still be left with substantial out-of-pocket costs.

Lost Income

If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be able to recover lost wages as part of your personal injury claim. This can include not only wages you've already lost but also future earnings if your injuries will have a long-term impact on your ability to work. Be sure to keep records of all the income you've lost due to the accident so that you can provide this information to your attorney.

Pain and Suffering

In addition to financial damages, you may also be able to recover damages for pain and suffering caused by the accident. This can include both physical pain and emotional anguish. To prove pain and suffering damages, you'll typically need to present evidence like medical records or testimony from friends and family members about how the accident has impacted your life and testimony from a mental health professional.

Phases of Insurance That Ride-Sharing Companies Offer

Uber and Lyft offer three different types of insurance coverage: offline, available, and with passenger. Here's a quick overview of each:

When a driver is offline – they don't have a passenger and don't even have the app turned on to be able to accept a passenger – the only active insurance is the driver's personal insurance policy. If you are in an accident with an offline rideshare driver, you won't be able to obtain any financial help from the rideshare company.

The rideshare company’s insurance kicks in when a driver has the app on and is waiting to accept a request – they are available, but there is no passenger in the car, and no ride has officially been accepted yet. This type of rideshare insurance offers limited liability coverage but only applies if the driver's insurance coverage doesn't apply.

With passenger insurance is the most comprehensive type of coverage offered by ridesharing companies. This policy applies as soon as a driver accepts a request to pick up a passenger and continues until the passenger exits the vehicle. When this type of insurance is active, it provides liability coverage of up to $1 million per accident. In addition, this policy also provides uninsured/underinsured motorist protection and contingent collision and comprehensive coverage (subject to a deductible).