Uber Accidents and Liability

Thanks to ride sharing apps like Uber and Lyft, auto accident rates involving drunk and intoxicated drivers have decreased over the years. People who may have previously attempted to drive home "after a few drinks" now find a sober ride with the push of a button on their smartphone. Unfortunately for an Uber or Lyft passenger, this does not mean they are not at risk of being involved in an auto accident.

The arrival of Uber has led to a decrease of drunk driving accidents. However, Uber drivers are not  blameless and are often at fault in a number of the existing accidents throughout the.

For example, many Uber and Lyft accidents happen in Los Angeles because of aggressive drivers and crowded roads. Road rush, rush hour traffic, drivers in a hurry all contribute to dangerous freeway or roadway condition. Through no fault of your own, you may be involved in an Uber accident that was someone else's fault. If this happened to you, you will need to contact an experienced Los Angeles Uber and Lyft accident lawyer for help.

‍

Personal Injury Claims

California is a “fault” state in terms of personal injury liability. This means that if you were injured in a car accident in California, you may be entitled to compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. However, Lyft and Uber accidents offer a unique fact pattern for victims of a car accident since the liability will often be between the drivers involved in the  accident. The right accident lawyer will be able to help you determine who is at fault and who should help pay for your injuries.

Uber is a unique situation since the driver may be found to be responsible for the accident, but when you dig deeper, you may find that Uber was negligent in hiring the driver. In instances such as this one, the company may be jointly liable for the accident. However, Uber classifies its drivers as  “contractors” (which may change under new California law) and often attempts to deflect liability. It is therefore important to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney after an Uber accident to determine your rights as the passenger, and the  maximum amount of damages you are entitled to receive.

‍

A personal injury claim for damages after an Uber accident may include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering

However, each case is different, and your attorney will be able to  advise you regarding the full amount of damages you can recover. For a free, no obligation consultation, contact the experienced attorneys at Ghozland Law Firm today.