Thousands of people in Los Angeles rely on Uber and Lyft to get around. Each time you get into an Uber vehicle, you expect a smooth ride to your destination. Unfortunately, an unfortunate accident can turn your life upside down, and such mishaps involving ridesharing cabs are not rare in the city. Following the accident, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses, including the cost of treatment for your injuries. Because Uber is a giant company and ridesharing services are subject to many complex laws, getting a fair settlement won’t be easy. That’s precisely when you need to contact an Uber accident attorney in Los Angeles.
Finding fault and liability after an Uber accident
Typically, you would expect that Uber is liable for the losses you have endured, considering the drivers work for the company. However, Uber doesn’t employ its drivers. Instead, these drivers work as independent contractors, which means that Uber’s liability is limited. Following a car accident, if the other driver is clearly at fault, you can seek compensation from their insurer, and Uber accidents are no different in most circumstances. However, in some cases, Uber might also be responsible for the mishap. For instance, if the company violated the laws when hiring a driver who was responsible for an accident, Uber could be liable for your damages.
Insurance can be complex
Uber carries insurance, and whenever you take a ride, you are covered. However, whether you could benefit from the coverage depends on the circumstances of the accident. Also, you cannot hold Uber responsible for the crash if the driver was not “logged-in” at the time of the mishap. In such cases, you must file a claim with the driver’s insurance company. If the driver was waiting for a ride when the mishap happened, other rules might apply. Keep in mind that each situation involving an Uber ride can be significantly different, and therefore, it makes sense to contact an attorney who can advise you on the claim.
Meet a lawyer
There are injury lawyers in LA who take up Uber accident claims regularly and would be happy to offer a free review of your case. Ask the attorney what you can expect in a settlement and how to deal with the situation better. Insurance companies will not want to pay fair compensation, and it is best to get an attorney to negotiate your settlement, no matter the party or company responsible for the accident.
