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Rideshare services in San Mateo offer convenient alternatives to traditional taxis, personal vehicles, and public transportation. However, with millions of Uber and Lyft trips occurring annually across the Bay Area, collisions involving these services have become increasingly common. If you suffered injuries in a rideshare accident, whether as an Uber or Lyft passenger, driver, or third party, you need experienced legal representation to protect your rights and demand fair compensation.

Contact Carcione, Henderson & Markowitz, LLP at (650) 367-6811 for a free consultation with one of our experienced San Mateo Uber and Lyft rideshare accident lawyers to get started on your case.

Why Choose Carcione, Henderson & Markowitz, LLP?

At Carcione, Henderson & Markowitz, LLP, we deliver the highest standard of excellence to our clients’ cases, combining thorough legal knowledge with genuine compassion for those we serve. Our law firm brings over 40 years of experience representing accident victims throughout San Mateo County. We keep a small caseload so that we can provide the dedication each case requires, supporting our commitment to one-on-one attention and direct, ongoing communication.

Our case results speak volumes about our determination, establishing ourselves as a small firm that gets big results. Although each case is unique and past results cannot guarantee future outcomes, our Uber and Lyft attorneys have secured millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients – including numerous multi-million-dollar recoveries in complex transportation accident cases. Plus, our client testimonials consistently highlight our personalized approach and relentless advocacy.

How Rideshare Accident Claims Differ from Other Car Accidents

Lyft and Uber rideshare collisions involve many challenges that distinguish them from typical car crashes. Understanding these differences may help you recognize the importance of retaining experienced legal representation:

  • Parties involved – Multiple parties may be held responsible in rideshare accidents, making skilled legal representation vital for ensuring that all at-fault parties are held accountable to pursue maximum compensation.
  • Insurance coverage – Rideshare companies maintain complex insurance structures with different coverage levels. These policies activate based on the driver’s status at the time of the accident, creating layers of coverage that standard collisions don’t involve.
  • Determination of fault – Establishing liability becomes more complex when rideshare vehicles are involved. Questions arise about whether the Uber or Lyft driver was logged into the app, carrying passengers, or waiting for ride requests.
  • Data collection – Rideshare companies have extensive digital records, including GPS data, trip logs, and driver histories. Accessing and interpreting these records requires specific legal procedures and technical understanding.
  • Legal complexity – California regulations governing rideshare operations add additional legal considerations. Our rideshare accident attorneys understand these regulations and how they affect your Lyft or Uber accident claim.

These distinctions underscore why injury victims benefit from working with attorneys who understand the dynamics of Lyft and Uber rideshare accidents. Generic personal injury approaches often fail to address the nuanced issues these cases present.

What Should I Do if I Get Hurt in An Uber or Lyft Accident in San Mateo?

The steps you take immediately following a Lyft crash or Uber accident can significantly affect your medical recovery and your ability to recover compensation. If you’re involved in a rideshare collision, you should do the following:

  • Prioritize Safety and Seek Medical Attention – Call 911 if anyone is injured. Even if injuries seem minor, get evaluated by a healthcare provider as soon as possible, as some serious injuries may not show immediate symptoms.
  • Document the Scene – If you’re able, take photos of vehicle positions, damage, road conditions, and visible injuries. Collect names and contact information from witnesses.
  • Report the Accident – Notify Uber or Lyft through their app. The rideshare companies maintain records of accidents involving their drivers, which can provide significant evidence for your claim.
  • Gather Information – Obtain the driver’s name, contact information, insurance details, and rideshare identification number. Also, collect information from other involved drivers.
  • Preserve Evidence – Save screenshots of your trip details from the app, including the driver’s information, pickup and destination locations, and receipt.
  • Avoid Discussing Fault – Don’t make statements that could be interpreted as admitting responsibility, and don’t provide recorded statements to insurance companies without legal representation.
  • Follow All Medical Recommendations – Attend all follow-up appointments and complete prescribed treatments. Doing so creates a medical record documenting your injuries and demonstrates that you’re taking your recovery seriously.
  • Contact an Experienced Rideshare Accident Attorney – Before speaking with insurance adjusters or accepting any settlement offers, consult a San Mateo personal injury lawyer who knows how to handle Uber and Lyft accidents to understand your rights and options.

Who Is Liable in a Rideshare Accident?

Determining liability in rideshare accidents requires careful analysis of multiple factors and potentially responsible parties. Our investigation examines every angle to identify all sources of compensation available to you, which may include:

  • The rideshare driver may bear primary responsibility if their negligence is found to have caused the collision.
  • Other drivers could be liable if they violated traffic laws or drove recklessly.
  • Uber or Lyft may face liability under certain circumstances involving driver screening or supervision.
  • Vehicle manufacturers might share responsibility if mechanical failures contributed to the accident.
  • Government entities could be liable for dangerous road conditions or inadequate signage.

Multiple parties can share responsibility for an Uber or Lyft accident. Our San Mateo car accident lawyers meticulously investigate each case to establish clear liability chains and maximize your potential recovery.

How Does Uber or Lyft Insurance Work?

Rideshare collisions often involve navigating third-party liability insurance coverage, which can be particularly challenging for injury victims to understand without the help of a lawyer. California law requires that Lyft and Uber maintain a three-tier insurance system that provides varying coverage levels depending on driver activity:

  • Offline – Lyft or Uber driver’s personal insurance provides sole coverage
  • Online and available or waiting – $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident bodily injury liability, $30,000 property damage liability
  • En route or during trip – $1 million liability coverage plus uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

Both companies’ insurance policies interact with drivers’ personal coverage in complex ways. Our Uber attorneys and Lyft lawyers understand how to coordinate these multiple insurance sources to maximize your compensation while avoiding coverage gaps or disputes between carriers.

What Compensation Can I Recover for an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Rideshare accident victims may pursue comprehensive compensation addressing both economic and non-economic damages. The San Mateo Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at Carcione, Henderson & Markowitz, LLP work to ensure you seek fair compensation for all losses stemming from your accident, including:

  • Past, ongoing, and future medical expenses
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation expenses
  • Lost wages and employment benefits
  • Lost or diminished earning capacity
  • Household services required during recovery
  • Pain and suffering, reflecting physical discomfort and emotional distress
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Loss of enjoyment of life and activities
  • Permanent disability or disfigurement
  • Property damage to vehicles and personal belongings

Several factors influence compensation amounts, including the severity of the injury, the duration of your treatment, and the impact on daily activities. The availability of insurance coverage is another significant factor.

We collaborate with medical professionals, economists, vocational experts, and accident reconstruction specialists to ensure accurate case valuations. Our comprehensive approach helps demonstrate the full extent of your losses to insurance companies and juries.

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

California law establishes a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims arising from rideshare accidents. This means you typically must file your lawsuit within two years of the accident date or risk losing your right to financial compensation permanently.

However, certain circumstances can modify these deadlines. Given these complexities and the serious consequences of missing deadlines, consulting with a personal injury lawyer for Uber and Lyft accident cases promptly protects your rights and preserves evidence while memories remain fresh.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Rideshare Accident Claim?

While not legally required, you’ll want experienced legal representation when pursuing rideshare accident compensation. Trying to handle these claims independently often results in inadequate settlements or claim denials. Our San Mateo Lyft and Uber rideshare accident lawyers can:

  • Handle insurers – Insurance companies employ teams of adjusters and attorneys who work to minimize payouts. Insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company’s bottom line, not your interests. They use various tactics to reduce claim values, including disputing the necessity of medical treatment and downplaying the severity of injuries.
  • Level the playing field – Rideshare companies have substantial legal resources to defend against claims. Uber and Lyft maintain sophisticated legal teams dedicated to defending against their liability and minimizing settlements. Without equal representation, victims face an overwhelming disadvantage when pursuing rightful compensation.
  • Navigate insurance structures – Navigating complex insurance issues demands both experience and strategy. When multiple policies with different coverage limits are involved, it can be unclear which insurer is responsible for payment. Skilled legal counsel ensures every potential source of coverage is uncovered and pursued effectively.
  • Perform prompt evidence collection – Acting quickly to secure evidence and interview witnesses is critical. Physical proof can vanish, and witness recollections may diminish over time. Immediate legal action preserves the vital evidence needed to support your personal injury case.
  • Ensure accurate medical records – Medical records must clearly link your injuries to the Uber or Lyft accident. Insurers often claim injuries were preexisting or caused by unrelated events. Thorough medical documentation combined with expert testimony establishes the direct connection between the crash and your losses.
  • Negotiate fair settlements – Effective settlement negotiations require a thorough understanding of case valuations and applicable legal standards. Understanding comparable case outcomes and legal precedent helps avoid unfair offers. Our experienced attorneys recognize when insurers are undervaluing an Uber or Lyft accident claim and know how to effectively challenge their tactics.

At Carcione, Henderson & Markowitz, LLP, our experienced rideshare accident attorneys establish an equal footing against well-funded corporate defendants. We handle all legal aspects while you focus on recovery, ensuring your rights remain protected throughout the process.

What Are Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents?

Common causes of Uber accidents and Lyft accidents include the following:

  • Distracted Driving – Rideshare drivers frequently interact with their smartphones to accept rides, follow GPS directions, and communicate with passengers, taking their attention off the road.
  • Fatigue – Many drivers work long hours, often after completing shifts at other jobs. The decreased reaction time and impaired judgment associated with tiredness can increase the risk of accidents.
  • Unfamiliarity with Routes – Drivers navigating unfamiliar areas may make sudden stops or turns while focusing on directions rather than surrounding traffic.
  • Pressure to Complete Trips Quickly – The financial incentive structure of rideshare work encourages drivers to complete as many rides as possible, potentially leading to speeding or unsafe driving practices.
  • Insufficient Training – Unlike traditional taxi drivers, rideshare drivers receive minimal training before transporting passengers.
  • Illegal Stops – The likelihood of collisions increases when drivers pick up or drop off passengers in unsafe locations, such as bus lanes or too close to intersections.
  • Vehicle Maintenance Issues – Some drivers may neglect proper maintenance due to cost concerns.
  • Impaired Driving – While rideshare companies screen drivers, instances of driving under the influence still occur.

What Are Common Injuries in Rideshare Accidents?

Potential injuries from rideshare collisions may include the following:

  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Internal organ damage
  • Burns
  • Psychological trauma

As a passenger in a rideshare vehicle, you may be particularly vulnerable. This is because you have no control over the car and may be seated in positions with less protection than front-seat occupants.