Uber & Lyft Accident
With more than 17 years of experience and personalized, white-glove treatment, The Shamsi Law Firm APC helps victims of Uber & Lyft accidents in North Hollywood pursue fair and appropriate compensation from all involved parties.
Uber & Lyft Accidents Attorney in North Hollywood, CA
Were you hurt in a rideshare accident in the North Hollywood area? You may be able to pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. However, as an experienced rideshare accident lawyer can attest, claims involving Uber & Lyft accidents are more complex than other car accident claims, making the pursuit of damages more difficult.
With more than 17 years of experience, Sean Shamsi, principal and founder of The Shamsi Law Firm, prides himself on delivering personalized attention to each client, recognizing that every case has unique needs and circumstances. Since founding the firm, Shamsi has zealously recovered more than $20 million in settlements and verdicts for clients injured by someone else’s negligence and wrongdoing — including injuries sustained in rideshare accidents. With tailored solutions and a compassionate approach, he is ready to help you seek fair and appropriate compensation from the parties involved.
Contact Sean Shamsi at (818) 764-7640(818) 764-7640 to schedule your free consultation. Get the legal support you need now and only pay us if we win your case.
Key Takeaways About Rideshare Accidents in North Hollywood, CA
- Complexity of Claims: Claims involving rideshare accidents are more complex than standard car accident claims due to the multiple parties involved and the unique status of rideshare drivers as independent contractors.
- Common Causes: Rideshare accidents in North Hollywood frequently occur due to distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, reckless driving, fatigued driving, vehicle defects, poor road conditions, and inexperienced driving.
- Responsible Parties: Liability in rideshare accidents can extend beyond the driver to include other motorists, the rideshare company, vehicle manufacturers, passengers, and even government entities responsible for road conditions.
- Compensation Details: Victims may be able to pursue compensation for medical expenses, future medical costs, lost income, diminished earning potential, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering, depending on the accident’s specifics and the insurance coverage in effect.
- Insurance Coverage Periods: Rideshare drivers’ insurance coverage varies by the app status:
- Period Zero: App off, no rideshare duties; coverage relies on the driver’s personal insurance.
- Period One: App on, waiting for a match; rideshare companies must provide minimum liability coverage.
- Period Two and Three: Once a ride request is accepted, $1 million in liability coverage is available, protecting both drivers and passengers.
- Legal Actions and Deadlines: Victims have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit in CA. Missing this deadline can lead to losing the right to seek compensation.
- Importance of Legal Representation: Engaging an experienced rideshare accident attorney is crucial for navigating the complexities of the claim, adhering to filing deadlines, and pursuing fair compensation.
A North Hollywood Rideshare Accident Lawyer Shares Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft make getting around easier and more convenient, yet can also contribute to more accidents. While some of accidents are unavoidable, many preventable tragedies are associated with the behaviors of the at-fault driver or conditions such as:
- Distracted Driving – Driving while engaged in any activity that diverts attention from the road
- Speeding – Exceeding posted speed limits or driving too fast for road conditions
- Impaired Driving – Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or other drugs
- Reckless Driving – Driving with a blatant disregard for traffic laws or the safety of others
- Fatigued Driving – Driving while too tired to concentrate on the road or react to hazards in time
- Vehicle Defects – Brake failures and other defects that cause drivers to lose control on the road
- Poor Road Conditions – Damaged or poorly maintained roads that affect stability and control
- Inexperienced Driving – Driving without the necessary decision-making and risk-assessment skills
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Mr. Sean Shamsi is the principal and founder of The Shamsi Law Firm, APC. He received his Juris Doctorate from the New England School of Law in 1998.
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What Should I Do If I Get Hurt in an Uber or Lyft Accident in North Hollywood?
The actions you take after an Uber or Lyft accident can significantly affect your ability to recover from your injuries and seek damages for your losses. When your Lyft or Uber crashes, take the following steps:
- Call paramedics for prompt medical attention and transportation to a doctor who can diagnose, treat, and document your injuries.
- Report the accident to the rideshare company through their app or website, or customer service line.
- Notify your insurance carrier about the accident, if relevant.
- Collect and organize any photos or videos you or witnesses captured at the scene.
- Request a copy of the accident report from your local authorities.
- Obtain any medical records related to your injuries from your treating physician.
- Keep a diary detailing your recovery progress, pain levels, and any limitations you experience.
- Save all medical bills, receipts, and any other evidence of expenses related to the accident.
- Keep track of lost wages or other financial losses that occurred due to the accident.
- Avoid discussing the incident with anyone but your lawyer before you settle your case.
- Refrain from posting public photos or comments on social media while your case is ongoing.
- Contact an experienced Los Angeles rideshare car accident lawyer for advice as soon as possible.
Who Could Be Responsible for an Uber or Lyft Accident?
The cornerstone of personal injury law is that anyone who contributes to an accident can be held liable for its consequences. In the majority of car accidents, one or more of the involved drivers generally have liability.
However, because rideshare drivers are not operating their vehicles solely for their own benefit, liability is not always straightforward in Uber and Lyft crash cases. It can extend beyond the rideshare driver to include other drivers, the rideshare company, vehicle manufacturers, and even governmental entities responsible for road conditions.
Here is a breakdown of the various parties that could be liable for a rideshare accident:
- Rideshare Drivers — The driver of the Uber or Lyft vehicle is often more immediately to blame for the car accident than other parties. Any mistake or error in judgment they make leading to a crash could make them liable for the injuries it causes.
- Other Motorists — Alternatively, if another driver hit the Uber or Lyft in which you were riding, this person might be the party who owes you compensation for your injuries.
- The Rideshare Company — Uber and Lyft drivers are independent contractors, but they operate for the benefit of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. As such, California requires these companies to provide seven-figure insurance policies covering drivers from the moment they accept a fare until they drop them off. The rideshare company could also be directly liable if it hired someone with known safety issues who should not have passed its basic background check.
- Passengers — While it’s rare, there are some instances where rideshare passengers’ actions directly contribute to the accident. For example, if a passenger physically interferes with the driver’s ability to operate safely, they might share liability.
- Vehicle Manufacturers or Maintenance Providers — A vehicle manufacturer or maintenance provider could be responsible if the accident happened due to a vehicle malfunction, such as brake failure or airbag defects.
- Government Entities — In cases where poor road conditions, lack of signage, or faulty traffic lights contributed to the accident, local or state governmental entities could be liable. However, taking action against governmental entities involves specific procedures and limitations. If you have this type of case, seek experienced legal representation.
How Much Compensation Is Available for an Uber or Lyft Accident?
State law requires rideshare companies to maintain certain levels of insurance coverage for accidents involving their drivers. The compensation available to a victim of an Uber and Lyft accident varies depending on the circumstances of the accident.
Period Zero: App Off, No Passenger
In this phase, the rideshare driver is essentially a regular driver, as the app is off, and they have no active rideshare duties. If an accident occurs during this period, only the driver’s personal auto insurance policy will cover them. Therefore, compensation would be determined by the individual driver’s personal insurance policy limits. Under California law, all drivers without self-insurance must carry at least:
- $15,000 per person in bodily injury liability coverage
- $30,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage
- $5,000 per accident in property damage liability coverage
Period One: App Open, Waiting for Match
During this period, California requires rideshare companies to provide $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury and $30,000 per accident for property damage. These figures serve as a floor, not a ceiling, for the compensation available if you get hurt in an accident involving a rideshare driver in this phase of operation, as the companies must also carry $200,000 in excess insurance for this period.
Period Two: Fare Accepted, No Passenger Yet
In this period, the available coverage increases substantially. California rideshare companies must provide at least $1 million in liability insurance coverage the moment a driver accepts a ride request through the company’s app.
Period Three: Confirmed Passenger in Vehicle
The $1 million liability insurance coverage remains in effect during period three, up to the point when the passenger exits the rideshare driver’s vehicle. This $1 million policy also extends to underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage, protecting both the rideshare driver and passenger in case another party is at fault and lacks sufficient insurance.
Types of Damages
If you were hurt in a rideshare accident, you could potentially pursue the following types of damages:
- Medical expenses from your crash injuries
- The projected costs of any medical care you might need in the future
- Lost income from time away from work during your recovery
- Estimated losses in your earning potential due to permanent impairments
- Subjective losses, like pain, suffering, and reduced enjoyment of life
How Long Do I Have to File an Uber or Lyft Accident Lawsuit in CA?
In California, you have two years from the date of an Uber or Lyft accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you fail to file your lawsuit within this two-year window, the court will likely dismiss your case.
Working with a knowledgeable local attorney is the smart way to meet this critical deadline. An experienced attorney can work diligently to prepare and file your claim promptly and accurately, improving your ability to pursue a successful claim.
How Can a North Hollywood Uber and Lyft Accident Attorney Help Me?
Don’t try to go up against commercial insurance companies alone, especially while you should be focused on your health. Instead, let a North Hollywood Uber and Lyft accident attorney pursue your case on your behalf. Sean Shamsi can help you by:
- Investigating the rideshare accident to recover evidence and identify liable parties
- Communicating with other parties and their insurance companies and lawyers on your behalf
- Filing legal documents within appropriate deadlines
- Calculating the full extent of your losses, including future medical expenses and lost wages
- Consulting accident reconstruction experts to better understand the dynamics of the crash
- Representing you in mediation or settlement negotiations with insurance companies
- Advising you on whether to accept a settlement offer or proceed to trial
- Taking your case to court if necessary
The Shamsi Law Firm APC Offers Experienced White-Glove Service & Vigorous Representation for Accidents Involving Rideshare Services
Rideshare services offer a modern convenience, but they are not immune from unexpected accidents. Have you been injured in a crash in an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare service in North Hollywood? Protect yourself and your ability to seek damages in these complicated cases with the assistance of a knowledgeable lawyer.
With over 17 years of experience, North Hollywood rideshare accident lawyer Sean Shamsi will personally handle your case, applying the individual care and attention you need. Our firm knows how to stand up to big insurance carriers — as evidenced by our recovery of millions for clients like you — when the insurance companies unjustly denied their claims or offered lowball settlements.
We know you need closure and the opportunity to move on with your life after an Uber, Lyft or other rideshare accident. When you choose The Shamsi Law Firm APC, you’ll have a relentless advocate guiding you through every step of the claims process, fighting for your rights, and working tirelessly to pursue the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and more.
Take advantage of our free consultation and no-fee policy — you only pay us if we win your case. Don’t wait to get the legal support you need. Contact The Shamsi Law Firm today by calling us at (818) 764-7640(818) 764-7640 or completing our online form.
Let The Shamsi Law Firm APC help you fight for justice and seek compensation for your injuries so you can get closure and move on with your life.
No Fee Unless You Win
Questions or Schedule An Appointment? Call Us: (818) 764-7640
Questions or Schedule An Appointment? Call Us:
(818) 764-7640
Contact an Experienced Los Angeles Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer Today
Were you hurt in a rideshare accident in the L.A. area? Then let Sean Shamsi be the voice you need to recover the money you deserve. Contact The Shamsi Law Firm, APC today for a free consultation with an Uber and Lyft accident lawyer in Los Angeles.
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Sean Shamsi will take the time to listen to you, provide free advice about your best legal options, and give an honest assessment of whether you have a valid case.
He will thoroughly and independently investigate your accident, work with noted experts to build a strong case, and handle all communications with the insurers on your behalf.
Sean will make your case a priority, give it the care and attention to detail it deserves, and take it to court if that’s what it takes to get you the compensation you deserve.
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For Sean, a personal injury lawsuit should never be “just another case.” It’s an opportunity for a client’s voice to be heard. With a proven track record of results for North Hollywood accident victims, Sean knows how to demand and deliver justice.
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Questions or Schedule An Appointment? Call Us: (818) 764-7640
Questions or Schedule An Appointment? Call Us:
(818) 764-7640
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