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San Jose Lyft and Uber Accident Lawyer

Getting a ride with a Lyft or Uber driver is simple. However, if you are injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, getting compensated won’t be quite so easy. Rideshare drivers are independent contractors, not employees. This can cause confusion about who is responsible for your expenses and create a complex legal issue.

Dealing with attorneys and insurers for these big companies can create unneeded stress when you’re trying to recover from your injuries. The San Jose Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at Valley Accident Attorneys can help you with your personal injury claim against rideshare companies to make sure you receive a fair settlement for your injuries.

We understand there are many questions regarding Lyft and Uber accidents and what course of legal action an injured victim has to pursue compensation. Rideshare accident cases can be complicated since Uber and Lyft drivers work as an independent contractor and rideshare companies have third-party liability coverage, which determines what they cover for their drivers.

If you were injured in an accident involving Lyft or Uber drivers, make sure to get in touch with our San Jose accident law firm today and start with our free consultation. Our legal team will look into every aspect of your Lyft or Uber car accident to determine liability and what your legal options are to recover compensation.

Why You Need the Best Lyft and Uber Accident Lawyers in San Jose

When you choose to call Valley Accident Attorneys, you’re choosing to put yourself in a strong position to recover compensation. Our award-winning San Jose Uber and Lyft accident lawyers will meet with you during your free consultation. We will get the details of your case and map out a legal strategy for your insurance claim.

We work on a contingency basis, so there’s no risk to you. You won’t pay us anything unless you recover damages. We have a proven track record with millions of dollars recovered for our clients so they can pay for their medical bills, property damage, lost income, and other needs. You can trust that we will work just as hard for you.

We also have access to top-notch medical providers who can assess your injuries and develop a roadmap for your recovery.

Hiring a Uber or Lyft Accident Lawyer Gives You an Advantage

Hiring an Uber and Lyft accident lawyer from Valley Accident Attorneys provides several benefits. In a rideshare accident case, negotiations and legal preparation can become quite complex. An experienced accident attorney won’t be intimidated during negotiations with the negligent party's insurance company.

Accident attorneys are often able to negotiate higher settlements. Experience working with insurance adjusters gives your attorney knowledge of negotiating tactics. Any insurance company will try to get you to settle for low and unfair compensation. But our Lyft and Uber accident lawyer will protect your rights to recover fair and full compensation.

If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in San Jose, the statute of limitations allows two years from the date of the accident to file your claim. If you don’t file your suit within this period, you will lose the right to recover damages from your injuries. California’s statutes can vary based on the circumstances, which is why working with an attorney is so valuable. Our law firm can assist and clarify any uncertainties that arise during your case.

Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents

There are some common reasons why rideshare drivers are involved in collisions with other drivers. A few of these include:

Speeding

Obtaining a five-star rating as a rideshare driver often involves getting people to their destinations quickly. As a result, Uber and Lyft drivers may speed, significantly increasing the risk and severity of a crash. Or, in some cases, other negligent drivers were speeding and collided with a rideshare vehicle.

Driver Inexperience

Rideshare company’s driver requirements are not too strict. A person over the age of 25 with only one year of driving experience can become a rideshare driver. Additionally, drivers are often asked to take passengers to his or her destination where they may be unfamiliar with. This combination sadly leads to many accidents.

Drowsy Driving

Ridesharing takes place 24/7. There are no industry restrictions on how many hours a day a driver can shuttle passengers around their city. Long hours behind the wheel can lead to drowsiness, which has effects similar to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

There are other reasons Uber and Lyft accidents happen, including drunk driving and simple failures to obey traffic signals or signs. If you’ve been injured because a rideshare driver didn’t drive responsibly, you could be entitled to compensation.

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How Liability Is Determined in a Rideshare Accident

In a regular motor vehicle accident, certain elements of liability must be proven. An attorney must show that there was a duty of care that was broken and that breach of care was directly responsible for damages to the victim.

Determining whether the rideshare company bears any responsibility is more complicated and depends on which of the following conditions apply:

  • The rideshare driver was not logged into the app
  • The driver was logged into the app but waiting for a passenger
  • The driver was actively picking up or transporting a passenger through the app

The driver’s level of engagement with the Lyft or Uber app helps determine liability in these cases. Under their insurance coverage, if it is determined that Lyft or Uber has no responsibility, then the personal insurance policy of the individual driver should provide compensation.

To better understand how liability impacts a ridesharing accident case, call the San Jose Uber and Lyft accident attorneys at Valley Accident Attorneys for a free consultation.

Common Injuries in a Lyft / Uber Accident

Although Lyft or Uber accidents are unique in some ways, the injuries they cause are commonly reported by rideshare passengers.

Neck and Back Injuries

If the vehicle you’re in is hit from behind, you could suffer from whiplash or other neck injuries. Your back and spine can also be damaged, causing severe pain.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

If your head strikes a window, seat, or dashboard, you might sustain a traumatic brain injury. A TBI is any injury to the brain, including bleeding, bruising, or tearing of brain tissue. These injuries can lead to mental impairment or other chronic problems.

Fractured or Broken Bones

The violent impact of a car crash can often exert enough force to cause serious bodily injury such as fractures or broken bones. Depending on the kind of bone damage you sustain, prolonged medical care or rehabilitation may be needed.

What to Do After a Rideshare Accident

There are certain steps you should take after any vehicle accident. If your Lyft or Uber driver is inexperienced, they may or may not know what to do. 

Don’t hesitate to do the following and encourage the driver to do the same:

  • Check for injuries right away and call 911 immediately if injuries are discovered
  • If able, move the car and passengers away from traffic
  • Contact the authorities and insist a police report be filed
  • Get the name and insurance information of any drivers involved in the crash
  • Take photos and document the accident scene
  • Take note if there are witnesses and get their names and contact information
  • See a doctor even if you do not believe you are hurt
  • Call a Lyft or Uber accident attorney

If you are hit by an Uber or Lyft driver, you have the same rights that a rideshare passenger would have. Contacting a rideshare accident lawyer can help secure your rights.

If You’ve Been in an Uber / Lyft Accident, Call Valley Accident Attorneys

Dealing with any rideshare accident can be difficult. Because of the complexity involved in these cases, it’s in your best interests to contact the San Jose rideshare accident lawyers at Valley Accident Attorneys to be on your side. When we are in your corner, you can focus on recovery while we handle the details of your rideshare accident claim.

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Valley Accident Attorneys
505 E Santa Clara St, Suite 208
San Jose, CA 95112
(650) 383-4737

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