Ridesharing Car Accidents

Rideshare services such as Uber or Lyft offer great convenience when people need a ride. However, if you have been in a car accident while using a rideshare service, you may not know how to file a claim for damages relating to your injuries.

At Olsen Law Offices, attorney Chris Olsen has experience handling all types of car accident cases, including those involving ridesharing services. Contact our San Diego, CA practice for a case review.

What Is a Rideshare Service?

Using someone else’s car for transportation is commonly referred to as rideshare. Complex legal issues can arise if you are in an accident while using a rideshare service.

The important issues in a rideshare accident case include:

• Reviewing the driver agreement to determine who is responsible
• Researching the rideshare company policies regarding safety and driver regulations
• Examining the insurance policy and making a claim

Who Is Liable?

One of the first things we will look at is who is at fault for the car accident. The driver of the rideshare service, a driver of another vehicle, or another party may be responsible for the accident.

We will also look at what type of insurance is in place. When an accident takes place while a rideshare driver is transporting a passenger, the rideshare company is typically liable.

If the driver of the other vehicle was at fault, we will seek coverage under that driver’s insurance policy.

If the accident was caused by a defective vehicle part, we can look at filing a claim against the manufacturer of the part or the repair shop.

Or, if poor road conditions played a role in the accident, we can consider filing a claim against the city or locality responsible for maintaining the road on which the accident occurred.

What Damages Can I Recover after a Rideshare Accident?

Damages in a car accident case may include:

• Lost wages: When a car accident victim has to take time off of work to due to serious injuries, an extended hospital stay, or other needs related to the accident, the victim can obtain compensation for lost wages.
• The cost of emergency medical care and ongoing medical expenses: When an ambulance arrives at an accident and provides medical care or when an accident victim has to undergo surgery or other medical care, those costs are recoverable as damages.
• Loss of future earnings and future earning capacity: If injuries are so severe that a victim is unable to return to work, the loss of future wages can be part of the claim.

Call Us Today

If you have been in a rideshare accident, contact our office for help. We can be reached online or at (619) 550-9352. Chris Olsen is a personal injury attorney who can help you seek maximum compensation for your injuries.