San Diego
Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Rideshare accident cases often present unique legal challenges. If you were involved in a rideshare crash, a California rideshare accident lawyer can help you seek damages.

The lawyers at Sweet James have been assisting injured accident victims for over 25 years. If you were injured in a rideshare accident, a San Diego rideshare accident lawyer can guide you through the claims process and help you pursue compensation.

The Role of a San Diego Rideshare Accident Attorney

Rideshare accident cases tend to be more complex than ordinary car accident cases. A rideshare accident lawyer can step in and help with the following: 

• Case investigation: A lawyer can gather police reports, app activity logs, witness statements, and other evidence to determine exactly what happened and who is at fault.
• Damage calculation: An attorney can assess your economic and non-economic damages to calculate your claim’s value.
• Insurance negotiations: A lawyer can handle communication with insurers and work to secure a settlement that reflects the losses you suffered due to the accident.
• Litigation: If necessary, an attorney can take your case to court and advocate for you before a judge or jury.

What Types of Compensation Are Available?

If you were injured in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of losses, such as:

• Medical expenses: You can recover the cost of emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and ongoing treatment.
• Lost wages: You can seek compensation for income you lost while recovering from the accident, as well as reduced earning capacity if your ability to earn income in the future was impacted.
• Pain and suffering: You can pursue damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
• Property damage: You can recover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and other damaged property.
• Punitive damages: In cases involving extreme negligence or reckless behavior, you may be eligible for additional damages meant to punish the wrongdoer.

A personal injury lawyer can help you build a comprehensive claim.

How Long Do You Have to File a Rideshare Accident Claim in California?

Per CCP § 335.1, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including rideshare accident claims, is generally two years from the date of the accident. If you don’t file your claim within this time frame, your case will likely be dismissed, and you will forfeit the right to recover damages.

Exceptions may apply in certain cases, such as if your claim involves a government entity or a delayed discovery of injuries. A San Diego personal injury lawyer can help make sure you meet the deadline that applies to your case.

How Does Rideshare Accident Insurance Work?

The answer as to whose insurance applies after a rideshare accident depends on what the rideshare driver was doing at the time of the crash. Here’s how liability typically breaks down:

• Driver not logged into the app: If the driver was off-duty, their personal auto insurance usually applies.
• Driver waiting for a ride request: The rideshare company will likely provide limited liability coverage.
• Driver en route to pick up a passenger or during a trip: The rideshare company typically provides a higher level of coverage, which may include up to $1 million in liability protection.

If a third party caused your accident, their insurance will likely be the primary source of compensation in your case.

Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare drivers face unique pressures that can increase the risk of accidents. Common causes of these crashes include:

• Distracted driving: Drivers often rely heavily on navigation apps and incoming ride requests, which can take their attention off the road.
• Fatigue: Long hours behind the wheel can lead to slower reaction times and poor decision-making.
• Unfamiliar routes: Navigating unfamiliar areas can lead to sudden stops, missed turns, or unsafe maneuvers.
• Unsafe pickups and drop-offs: Stopping in traffic lanes or crowded areas can create dangerous conditions for other drivers and pedestrians.

A rideshare accident lawyer serving San Diego can collect evidence to prove what caused your crash.

Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident in San Diego

What you do immediately after a rideshare accident can have a major impact on your claim. You should:

• Call emergency services: Report the accident and request medical assistance if anyone is injured.
• Report the accident through the app: Both Uber and Lyft have in-app reporting systems you can use after a crash.
• Document the scene: Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
• Gather information: Exchange contact and insurance details with all parties involved, including the rideshare driver.
• Get witnesses’ information: If possible, collect contact information from anyone who saw the accident.
• Seek medical attention: Getting evaluated by a doctor will create a record that can support your claim.
• Contact a lawyer: An attorney can help you understand your options, avoid costly mistakes, and start building your claim right away.

Contact Rideshare Accident Attorney Serving San Diego

After a rideshare crash, it’s natural to be unsure about your legal options. A San Diego rideshare accident attorney from Sweet James can investigate your crash, identify the applicable insurance policy, and fight for a fair settlement on your behalf.

Schedule a free case review to discuss your situation with an attorney.