A California rideshare accident attorney can help individuals who have been injured or harmed as a result of an accident involving a rideshare driver or their vehicle. Rideshare companies have made a huge impact on the way people travel in major cities across the United States, however, lawsuits allege that driver negligence had led to the death of two people in California. People who have been injured in accidents involving a rideshare automobile could be eligible to recover compensation with the help of a California rideshare accident lawyer.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for California today. Our consultations are free, confidential and without any obligation on your part. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a claim we can connect you with an affiliated California rideshare accident attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
What is a Rideshare?
As an option to traditional forms of carpooling and public transit, ridesharing gives passengers the ability to request a ride at the tap of a button. Ridesharing has become a popular form of transportation in major cities across the U.S., including major metropolitan areas in California. Several rideshare companies, also known as transportation networking services, originated in California, including industry leaders Lyft and Uber.
To hail a ride, passengers place a request through the company’s app on their smartphone. Drivers located nearby accept the request, and the passenger is given relevant information about the driver and estimated arrival time. Once a passenger arrives at their destination, their ride fare is calculated automatically and charged to an account linked to the passenger’s app. Most rideshare services work in a similar way; rarely do they accept cash.
Rideshare Lawsuit Claims
A California rideshare accident attorney notes that lawsuits have been filed against both Lyft and Uber. In the case against Uber, a six-year old girl was struck and killed by an Uber driver who was allegedly attempting to make a turn while operating the rideshare app to locate a passenger. Because the driver was not carrying a passenger at the time, the company argued that he was not “working” for Uber at the time. According to a report published by NBCnews.com, an undisclosed amount of money was awarded to the family of the little girl after a lawsuit claimed the company was negligent in the driver’s use of the app while operating his vehicle.
Who is Responsible Should a Rideshare Accident Occur?
Because those who drive for rideshare companies are considered to be users of the platform and therefore not employees, those who have been injured in an accident involving a Lyft or Uber vehicle may have trouble determining who is liable in the case of an accident if one should occur. Because drivers and vehicles are licensed and regulated through the state of California or specific municipality, traditional cab companies fall under specific laws regarding car accident fault, insurance and compensation. In some cases, rideshare insurance policy may not compensate for an accident that occurs when a driver is not “on the clock.”
How a California Rideshare Accident Attorney Can Help
Rideshare companies and their drivers have a duty to provide a safe environment for its passengers, drivers, other commuters, and pedestrians. If there are risks of harm associated with rideshare company drivers, the company must also provide adequate warnings and safeguards. If a driver fails to fulfill this duty, they, as well as the company, could be held liable in lawsuits for injuries that may result.
People injured as a result of a car accident involving a rideshare car through no fault of their own may be eligible to recover money for:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
The families of those who have died in car accidents may be eligible to recover money for funeral expenses and the pain that comes with losing a loved one.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for California. After you contact us, an attorney will follow up to answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
