Rideshare services are meant to keep the road safer and help people find rides when they are in no condition to get behind the wheel themselves, but that does not mean that Uber accidents do not happen. In fact, the sheer number of Uber and Lyft vehicles on the road in many urban areas may have led to a rise in traffic crashes and fatalities in recent years. If you or a loved one are injured in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to compensation. A San Mateo County, California Uber accident lawyer from our firm can help you.
How Often Do Ubers Get in Accidents?
Uber and Lyft release their own data, but it rarely contains information about every single crash experienced by their rideshare drivers. Instead, they usually release data about any fatal crashes, and fatalities seem to average about 100 per year. Some studies also credit the rise of Uber and Lyft for an overall rise in traffic fatalities. Research from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business shows that these ridesharing services may account for a three percent increase in fatalities.
What Should I Do After an Uber Accident?
While it is difficult to figure out exactly what the odds of getting into an Uber accident are, you need to know that it is a possibility any time you hail a ride. So you need to know what you should do if you get into an accident. We recommend:
- Calling the police to the scene
- See if anyone needs medical attention
- Exchange information with other involved drivers
- Report the accident to Lyft or Uber
- Take pictures of the accident scene and damage to the vehicles
Then make sure that you get any medical care that you need and consider hiring a personal injury lawyer.
Who is Liable in an Uber Accident?
Sorting out liability in an Uber accident can be a bit complicated. Sometimes Uber or Lyft’s coverage has kicked in, and sometimes the driver’s insurance is active. Generally, Uber or Lyft’s coverage is supposed to be in effect if the driver is transporting a fare, so it should be the rideshare company’s insurance that needs to pay out in the event of an accident.
Sometimes insurers do not like to pay though. That is when an experienced auto accident attorney can be of service.
Can I Pursue Damages?
If you were injured in an Uber accident you may be able to pursue damages. We can help clients who were:
- Passengers in an Uber
- A driver of an Uber or rideshare vehicle
- The driver of another vehicle
- Passengers in another car
- Pedestrians
- Cyclists
- Motorcyclists or any other motorist
If the settlement from the insurance company was inadequate, we can help you fight for compensation that makes up for lost wages, medical costs, and any pain and suffering stemming from this accident.
Contact Our Uber Accident Lawyers
So if you are ready to move forward with a personal injury case, contact the Law Offices of Allister R. Liao. We can schedule a consultation and tell you more about your legal options and the potential value of your case.
