What to Do After a Lyft or Uber Accident in Orange, CA

According to recent reports, 35% of the population prefers utilizing rideshare services over other methods of transportation – especially in Orange, CA where rideshare services are extremely popular. It’s no surprise, either, considering how utilized they are in getting rides to and from the big airports like John Wayne and LAX.

Unfortunately, a Lyft or Uber car accident is not excluded from the dangers that come with driving. If you’re injured as a passenger in a rideshare or if you’re involved in an accident with one, you need to know what to do. The steps you’ll take after a crash will vary depending on whether you were a rideshare passenger, collided with one, or if the rideshare driver was logged into the app at the time of the collision.

Here are a few tips on what to do after a Lyft or Uber accident in Orange.

Before taking action against the liable party, it’s important to first check that you’re in a healthy state. See a doctor as soon as possible and ensure all injuries are treated.

Then, collect as much evidence from the accident scene as possible, like taking pictures and videos of the crash. Also, obtain the names and contact information of the Uber or Lyft driver; this is also very important if you plan to file a personal injury claim. With this information, report the accident to the rideshare company. In most cases, you should be able to do this from within the phone application or by visiting the “Help” section on their website.

Keep in mind, there are a few things you should expect when reporting the rideshare accident to Lyft and Uber. These companies aren’t always easy to get ahold of, often requiring injured users to email them rather than get on the phone with them directly.

An experienced Uber and Lyft lawyer in Orange can make the process more seamless, should you need to continue communication with the rideshare company at any point during the claims process.

This is one of the most common questions Lyft and Uber accident victims ask, and unfortunately, the answer can be a little complex.

Unlike other motor vehicle accidents with an employee using a company vehicle, those working for Lyft and Uber are using their own vehicles and are classified as independent contractors–not employees. This means that if you’re injured in an accident with one, you’ll have to seek compensation from the driver’s own insurance company rather than Lyft or Uber themselves.

As outlined under California Vehicle Code Section 5430, all rideshare companies–such as Lyft and Uber–must carry $1 million in liability insurance to cover both their rideshare drivers and their passengers. Therefore, if your injuries or property damage exceed the amount of money from the driver’s personal insurance, you may be able to seek additional compensation through the rideshare company themselves or with a personal injury lawsuit.

The steps you’ll take after an Uber or Lyft accident in Orange, CA will not be that different from any other car accident. As such, here is what you should do immediately following a Lyft or Uber crash.

Seek Medical Attention

As with any type of California motor vehicle accident, you’ll want to assess the situation and check for any injuries that may require immediate medical attention. Symptoms of serious injury, especially traumatic head injuries, may not present themselves right away. Because of this, you should still seek medical attention even if you feel fine.

Collect Evidence

This includes the name and contact info of the driver, the make and model of their vehicle, license plate, and insurance carrier. If a police offer was called to the scene, get the police report. Take note of anything else you think may be relevant to your claim including the date and time the accident occurred, road hazards, street signs, and weather conditions. Every detail matters.

Contact an Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer in Orange, CA

Uber and Lyft accidents can be caused by a number of factors, such as faulty auto parts, distracted or fatigued drivers, the negligence of other drivers on the road, and more. An attorney will be able to investigate the details of your claim to determine who is liable.

In the state of California, all drivers owe a duty of care to other motorists. Regarding rideshare services, these Lyft and Uber drivers are expected to protect you during the ride. If they act recklessly and fail to do this (due to speeding, weaving through traffic, etc.) they can be held liable for your medical bills and treatment.

The steps you’ll take after being hit by a Lyft or Uber driver won’t be much different than a traditional car accident when it comes to personal injury claims. However, the biggest difference will be whether or not the driver was logged into the app at the time of your accident.

CA law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability coverage when contracted with a rideshare company, consisting of:

$15,000 coverage of bodily injury per person ($50,000 with a passenger)
$30,000 bodily injury coverage per rideshare accident ($100,000 with a passenger)
$5,000 coverage for property damage per accident ($30,000 with a passenger)

An experienced Orange rideshare accident attorney will be able to help determine whether or not the driver was logged into the app and help you file a claim against the appropriate party(s).

What to Do After a Lyft or Uber Accident in Orange, CA