Is Uber or Lyft Responsible for a Ridesharing Accident in California?

Our Los Angeles Uber accident lawyer knows that a ridesharing accident in California can result in serious personal injuries including wrongful death.  Many times, if can also bring about difficult liability issues.  This is particularly true when Uber denies responsibility because a driver is an independent contractor.  If you have been involved in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver, the level of the rideshare company’s responsibility is determined by three important factors:

• If the driver was actively transporting a passenger, waiting for a passenger, or picking up a passenger;
• If the driver was logged into the appropriate app while picking up, transporting, or waiting for a passenger; or
• If the driver was not logged into the app and was driving for his or her own personal needs

Consequently, if the Uber or Lyft driver was found completely or partially at fault, it will depend on whether they were actively driving under the umbrella of the company at the time of the accident. If so, the rideshare insurance will come into play.  Often times insurance companies and their adjusters vigorously fight back at these types of claims.

This is important to understand because coverage under a rideshare policy is often substantially more extensive than an individual policy. If the company’s policy limits are exhausted for any reason, then an injury victim can turn to the individual driver’s coverage.

When dealing with a corporation such as Uber or Lyft, insurance claims may become complicated and often require investigations and evidence to prove liability, even requiring getting the electronic records of the driver to determine which insurance will be responsible for the claim. This is when having an experienced Los Angeles Uber accident lawyer is critical to ensure that you are getting fair compensation for your damages. For more information and a FREE case review, contact us today at (888) 588-1777.  We are ready and willing to help.