Ridesharing has become increasingly popular in recent years. One-quarter of Americans use a ridesharing service such as Uber and Lyft at least once a month. The University of Chicago reported preliminary findings from research showing that fatal traffic accidents had risen 3 percent annually since 2011 when ridesharing apps came onto the scene. This increase has caused an estimated $10 billion in economic losses.
If you suffered injuries in an accident involving a rideshare vehicle in Sacramento, either as a passenger or other road user, you could receive compensation for your damages. If you are not sure what your next best steps are to receive compensation, you might want to contact a Sacramento ridesharing accident lawyer for advice. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC, today at (844) 730-0233 for a free case review with a member of our team.
Responsibility in Ridesharing Accidents
If a rideshare driver hit you or a loved one, resulting in injuries and property damage, you will need to prove liability to receive any compensation for your financial losses. Normally, you would receive compensation from the insurance of the at-fault driver.
Unfortunately, when the at-fault party is a driver for Uber or Lyft, there could be complications. The driver’s car insurance may not cover an accident that occurred while they were on the job. Most car insurers only cover accidents for the personal use of a vehicle and not commercial use. Rideshare insurance policies can handle coverage gaps, but nearly 40 percent of drivers do not avail themselves of this option.
Uber and Lyft also provide liability insurance for their drivers. However, coverage can vary by jurisdiction and may not cover all your damages. You can also face an uphill battle trying to get a settlement from a ridesharing company.
If you cannot get the necessary compensation through an insurance claim, you could potentially file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Proving Fault
Typically, in a ridesharing car accident, you will need to prove liability with the following elements:
- The driver had a duty to exercise reasonable care.
- The driver breached that duty through negligence.
- The driver’s negligence caused your accident and injuries.
- You have actual damages from the accident.
Ridesharing has not existed for many years, and state laws have not adjusted to issues regarding rideshare accidents. You might find it tricky to determine the liable parties in your accident, but you do not need to go this alone. A Sacramento ridesharing accident lawyer can stand by your side and help with proving your case.
For a free legal consultation with a ridesharing accidents lawyer serving Sacramento, call (844) 730-0233
Car Manufacturers Can Be Liable
In rideshare accidents, we typically tend to assume that the driver is at fault. Perhaps they drove too fast for the conditions, while fatigued, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Driver-related causes easily top the list for why car crashes happen.
Occasionally, other reasons factor into an accident, and a third party may have liability. Cars sometimes have faulty parts or a manufacturing defect, which can contribute to an accident. Whether your car or the other driver’s car had the faulty part or defect, an automobile or part manufacturer may be partly responsible for your accident and resulting damages.
A Sacramento ridesharing accident lawyer can analyze your case and determine liability. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC, today to speak with a team member about your case.
Sacramento Ridesharing Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Rideshare Accident Compensation
In a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, compensation can vary greatly from one car crash to another. If you suffered extensive injuries, you could potentially receive economic awards for the following:
- Loss of income
- Medical costs
- Property damage
- Transportation costs
- Costs for a home help or health aide
Unlike economic damages, non-economic damages are subjective. They do not generally have a dollar amount attached to them, like a repair bill, but non-economic damages may be considerable in a serious accident.
A debilitating injury can turn your entire life upside down. A car accident lawyer can help you calculate your non-economic damages adequately. Some non-economic types of compensation you could receive include:
- Loss of quality of life
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of limb
- Disfigurement
- Permanent disability
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a rideshare accident, you do not have to fight for compensation on your own. A Sacramento ridesharing accident lawyer can stand beside you in your fight for a fair settlement.
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The Importance of Collecting Evidence
In any car accident case, including ridesharing accidents, your claim hinges on proving the at-fault driver’s negligence. Without conclusive evidence, you might find it tough to prove negligence in a court of law. Some of the evidence you can provide to prove your case includes:
- Accident reports
- Photographs of the scene and the vehicles involved
- Witness statements
- Medical records and bills
- Traffic camera footage
- Expert witness testimony
Your car accident lawyer can assist you in collecting evidence to strengthen your case and hold the negligent party to account.
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Deadlines for Filing Ridesharing Accident Claims
If you suffered significant injuries in a rideshare accident, you might want to put legal action on the backburner until you have healed from your injuries. While you should always prioritize your health, please be aware that filing after the statute of limitations runs out can effectively bar you from receiving any compensation.
According to CCP § 335.1 statute of limitations, you generally only have two years from the day of your accident (or the day your loved one died) to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. Contacting a Sacramento ridesharing accident lawyer as soon as you can after an accident can help you build your case while meeting the statutory deadline.
Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC, Today
You can contact us today with any questions regarding your ridesharing accident in Sacramento. We aim to protect you from any financial hardship caused by an accident that was not your fault.
We work on contingency, so you do not have to worry about any upfront attorney’s fees. We get paid only if we win your case or you receive your settlement. Call the team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, now at (844) 730-0233 and find out how you could get justice and compensation. A team member will review your case for free and explain your next steps.
Call or text (844) 730-0233 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
