Redding Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Redding Rideshare Accident Attorney

Services like Uber and Lyft that offer ridesharing have become increasingly popular in recent years, and states have created laws about ridesharing to keep drivers and passengers as safe as possible. Unfortunately, many people are still injured in accidents caused by rideshare drivers, and dealing with a rideshare accident can be complicated and frustrating. A Redding rideshare accident lawyer can help navigate confusing legal issues and get the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been injured in any type of accident, an expert personal injury lawyer in Redding can help you explore your legal options.

At Barr and Mudford, our trusted attorneys have been protecting the rights and interests of injured clients in Northern California for more than fifty years. Our legal team dedicates the time and attention to each client to understand their situation and their needs. Then we use our knowledge and resources to work tirelessly for the most favorable outcome possible in each client’s case. Our proven track record of success speaks for itself.

How Liability Works

When there is a traffic accident, it is essential to determine who is responsible so that they can pay for the damages caused by their actions. These expenses can include medical bills for injuries and repairing or replacing damage to vehicles and other property.

There are various methods of determining fault, and California is a pure comparative negligence state. This means that more than one driver can be assigned a portion of the fault for an accident.

Each driver who is assigned fault is responsible for that portion of the damages. What this means is that they – or more often, their insurance company – has to pay a proportional amount of the total damages.

With rideshare services, assigning fault is even more complicated. When the driver is not actively working – meaning they are not logged into the app, have not accepted a ride, or do not have a rideshare passenger – at the time of the accident, the driver’s personal car insurance is responsible to pay damages. When the driver is actively working, the rideshare company’s insurance is the party that has to pay damages.

Rideshare Insurance in California

Every motor vehicle in California has to have a minimum limit of liability insurance to cover damages, should there be a collision. Personal vehicles need personal auto insurance policies, and commercial vehicles need commercial auto insurance policies.

Rideshare vehicles are a unique insurance situation. They are generally the same car that the rideshare driver uses for personal purposes. Because personal policies usually don’t cover business activities like ridesharing, California requires companies such as Uber and Lyft to provide commercial insurance for their rideshare drivers. This means that when you’re in an accident with a rideshare driver, there may be two different insurance limits to consider.

Personal auto insurance limits include:

• Up to $30,000 bodily harm per person
• Up to $60,000 bodily harm per accident
• Up to $15,000 property damage

Rideshare insurance limits include:

• Up to $50,000 bodily harm per person
• Up to $100,000 bodily harm per accident
• Up to $30,000 property damage
• Up to $1 million per accident
• Up to $1 million for uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage

Complications of Rideshare Accidents

Because there may be multiple parties at fault and the rideshare driver’s insurance coverage can vary depending on whether or not they are on the clock, it makes many rideshare accident insurance claims significantly more challenging than most car accidents. In many cases, an injured person may not know or have access to some of these details after an accident, which only adds to the frustration.

A personal injury attorney with extensive experience in traffic accident cases can review the facts of your case, help you determine who is liable, and help calculate the potential amount of your claim. Then your lawyer can develop a legal strategy to make sure the negligent parties are held accountable and compensate you for your injuries, whether that means negotiating a settlement with insurance companies or arguing your case at trial.

FAQs About Redding,CA Rideshare Accident Law

How Much Is a Rideshare Accident Payout in California?

Uber’s insurance pays up to $1 million per accident. However, the actual payout for a rideshare accident in California depends on how serious the injuries from the accident are, how much they impact the victim’s everyday life, and how fault is assigned. A knowledgeable rideshare accident lawyer can help you determine how much your case might be worth.

Can You Take Uber to Court if You Get in an Accident?

Yes, you can take Uber to court if you get in an accident with an Uber driver in some cases. The Uber driver must have some liability, and for Uber to be liable, the driver has to be on the clock at the time the accident takes place. If the person sometimes drives for Uber but is not logged into the app when the accident happens, their personal insurance will likely be liable instead.

How Much Do Car Accident Lawyers Charge in California?

There is no set amount that car accident lawyers charge in California. Rather, there is a wide range that depends on how complex the case is, whether the case has to go to court, and the experience of the lawyer. Many car accident lawyers charge on a contingency basis, which means the client does not pay a fee upfront and instead the lawyer’s fees will come out of the final settlement.

How Soon Should I Contact a Rideshare Accident Lawyer?

You should contact a rideshare accident lawyer as soon as possible after an accident, especially if you sustain serious injuries, miss work, or have other consequences from the accident that significantly impact your life. A qualified attorney can handle the communication with the insurance companies, medical bill collectors, law enforcement, and any other parties involved so that you can recover from your injuries.

Your Redding Rideshare Accident Lawyer

The attorneys at Barr and Mudford focus on personal injury cases, and excel at navigating communications with insurance companies, calculating complicated medical expenses, and negotiating to get our clients the compensation they need. You don’t have to face these challenges alone. Our knowledgeable attorneys can fight for you. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and discuss the details of your case.