Rideshare accidents can leave victims with serious injuries and unexpected expenses. At Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys, our Costa Mesa rideshare accident lawyers are dedicated to helping victims recover the compensation they need to move forward.
With decades of experience between us, we understand the challenges that come with pursuing claims against rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft, as well as their insurers. Our Costa Mesa car accident lawyers know how to investigate rideshare accidents, determine liability, and hold negligent drivers or companies accountable.
Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, or another motorist, our team is here to handle the legal work so you can focus on your recovery. Let Omega Law Group fight for your rights and your future. Call us for a free consultation.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Rideshare Accident?
A Costa Mesa personal injury lawyer from our firm can help determine liability in a rideshare accident, as multiple parties may be responsible depending on the circumstances. Potentially liable parties include:
- The rideshare driver: If the rideshare driver caused the accident through reckless or negligent behavior—such as speeding, distracted driving, or running a red light—they may be held liable for damages.
- Another negligent driver: If another motorist was responsible for the collision, their insurance company and personal assets may be pursued for compensation.
- The rideshare company: Companies like Uber and Lyft may share liability if the driver was actively using the app and transporting passengers or en route to pick someone up. Their insurance policies often provide coverage for accidents during these periods.
- Third parties: In some cases, liability may fall on third parties, such as government agencies. This is likely in cases where unsafe road conditions, such as potholes, missing signage, or poor road design, played a role in the crash.
Determining liability in a rideshare accident can be challenging, but an experienced attorney at Omega Law Group can thoroughly investigate your case and fight to hold all responsible parties accountable.
Our Costa Mesa Rideshare Accident Attorneys Explore All Avenues for Seeking Compensation
Rideshare accidents involve unique insurance situations, as drivers operate under a mix of personal and company-provided policies. Understanding how coverage applies is crucial to determining what compensation may be available after a crash. Here’s how it typically works:
- Rideshare company policies: Companies like Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage when a driver is actively transporting passengers or en route to pick someone up. This policy also includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if another driver causes the accident but lacks adequate insurance.
- The Driver’s personal insurance: When the driver is not logged into the rideshare app, their personal auto insurance is the only coverage available. However, most personal policies exclude coverage if the driver is using their vehicle for ridesharing purposes.
- Coverage during app use without a passenger: If the driver is logged into the app but has not yet accepted a ride request, rideshare companies typically provide limited liability coverage, such as $50,000 per person for injuries and $25,000 for property damage.
The type of coverage available depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. At Omega Law Group, our rideshare accident lawyers in Costa Mesa understand how rideshare insurance works and can analyze the policies to identify all potential compensation sources.
What Damages Can You Recover After a Rideshare Accident?
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to compensation for various damages. At Omega Law Group, we work to recover the full extent of your losses to help you move forward. These damages may include:
- Medical bills (current and future): This includes all costs related to emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any ongoing or future treatments required due to your injuries.
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity: If your injuries prevent you from working temporarily or permanently, you can seek compensation for your lost wages. If you’re unable to return to the same line of work or earn at the same level, you may also recover damages for reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: Accidents often leave victims with physical pain and emotional distress. Compensation for pain and suffering addresses these non-economic losses caused by the accident and your injuries.
- Disability: If the accident results in a temporary or permanent disability, you may be entitled to damages that account for the impact on your mobility, independence, or quality of life.
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement: This can lead to emotional and psychological challenges in addition to medical expenses for cosmetic treatments. These damages recognize the lasting effects of such injuries.
- Property damage: You can be reimbursed for the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle or other personal belongings damaged in the accident.
Each of these damages is calculated to reflect the full impact the accident has had on your life, both financially and emotionally.
Statute of Limitations for Rideshare Accident Lawsuits in California
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, you need to act quickly, as California law places time limits on when you can file a lawsuit. Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, as outlined in California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1.
If your accident involved a government entity, such as a public rideshare vehicle or government-maintained roads, the deadline is much shorter. Under California Government Code § 911.2, you must file a formal notice of intent to sue within six months of the incident.
The sooner you contact Omega Law Group, the sooner we can start building your case, negotiating with insurers, and protecting your right to take legal action against the liable party. Waiting too long could jeopardize your ability to recover compensation. Don’t let these deadlines pass before allowing us to start working on your case.
Contact Us for Help From Our Costa Mesa Rideshare Accident Lawyers
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, the experienced Costa Mesa rideshare accident attorneys at Omega Law Group are ready to help. We will investigate your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight to recover the full compensation you’re entitled to.
Don’t wait. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can get started building your case, protecting your rights, and holding the responsible parties accountable. With no upfront fees and a free consultation, you have nothing to lose by reaching out.
Call Omega Law Group today and let us help you take the next step toward justice and financial recovery. Let our family take care of your family.