Answers to Common Legal Questions About Uber and Lyft Crashes
Below are answers to common questions about Lyft and Uber crashes. These answers are for informational purposes only. Sometimes, exceptions apply. Please rely on your own attorney to determine whether an exception applies to your case. Only by consulting an experienced ride share crash lawyer can you be sure your rights are fully protected.
As a ride sharing passenger, from whom might I obtain compensation for my injuries after a car crash?
Uber and Lyft cover their drivers with insurance in case they are involved in a car collision that injures a passenger. Depending on your individual circumstances, you may be able to file a claim with the ride share company’s insurer. However, it’s a good idea to speak with an experienced car crash attorney before contacting the insurance company. We go into more detail in the next answer.
In addition, you might have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit. A lawyer will be able to review your situation and explain your options.
Should I talk to the ride sharing company’s insurance company before consulting an attorney?
Insurance adjusters work to minimize payouts on injury claims. It’s important to consult with an experienced car crash attorney before speaking with any insurance companies. Your lawyer will communicate with the insurance company to avoid a misunderstanding that might be used against you.
As a ride sharing driver, from whom might I obtain compensation for my injuries after a car crash?
Depending on the situation, you may be covered by your personal insurance, the ride sharing company’s driver insurance, or both. In addition, your injuries might make you eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit. Contacting an experienced attorney can help you determine who might be responsible for your medical bills and other losses.
I was struck by an Uber/Lyft driver as a pedestrian. From whom might I obtain compensation for my injuries after a car crash?
Uber and Lyft’s insurance policies cover bodily injuries and damage their drivers cause pedestrians in a crash. You will likely be able to file a claim for compensation from the insurance company. In addition, you might file a personal injury lawsuit against the person who caused the collision. The best way to understand your rights is to speak with a knowledgeable lawyer with experience handling ride share crash cases.
Is there a statute of limitations for bringing an auto crash lawsuit in California?
Each state limits the time a person has to file a personal injury lawsuit. In California, you have two years to sue from the date of the of the collision, or the judge may deny your claim. When the injured person is under age 18, the two-year period does not begin to run until the individual turns 18 years of age. So, minors may file at any time before they turn 20.
Crashes involving a government agency have different rules. If a governmental entity is involved, you must file a claim within six months of the crash or the judge may deny your claim, whether or not you are a minor.
How much money would an Uber/Lyft injury lawsuit be worth?
Every ride share crash lawsuit is different. How much a case is worth depends on how the crash happened and a variety of other factors. Some of these include:
- The nature, pain, and severity of your injuries,
- How active you were before your injuries,
- The costs of medical treatment needed for your injuries and whether you require ongoing treatment,
- Whether your injuries caused you to lose income,
- Whether your injuries caused any long-term or permanent impairments, disfigurement, or disabilities,
- Physical and/or emotional suffering you experienced because of your injuries, and
- Your past and future medical bills, lost earnings, opportunities, etc.
These and other factors will help determine the value of your case. An experienced attorney can review the circumstances of your individual case to determine what your claim may be worth. CaseyGerry can be reached by calling 619-238-1811.
