Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have transformed transportation in Ontario, California, offering convenience and affordability. However, determining liability and seeking compensation can be complicated when an accident involving a rideshare vehicle occurs. With multiple insurance policies, corporate protections, and legal loopholes, injured victims often struggle to secure the compensation they deserve.

At Lerner Moore Silva Cunningham & Rubel, our Ontario Uber and Lyft accident lawyers have extensive experience handling rideshare accident claims. We understand the complexities of these cases and fight aggressively to protect the rights of injured passengers, drivers, pedestrians, and other motorists. If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, we are ready to help.

How Are Uber and Lyft Accidents Different from Regular Car Accidents?

While Uber and Lyft accidents may seem similar to standard car crashes, they involve unique legal challenges, including:

• Multiple Insurance Policies: Rideshare drivers must carry personal auto insurance, but Uber and Lyft also provide additional coverage depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.
• Corporate Liability Issues: Rideshare companies classify drivers as independent contractors rather than employees, complicating liability claims.
• Complicated Claims Processes: Insurance companies often dispute coverage, arguing about which policy applies or minimizing payouts to accident victims.

Because of these complexities, working with an experienced Ontario rideshare accident lawyer who understands California’s laws and the policies governing Uber and Lyft is crucial.

Who Can Be Held Liable in an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Determining who is responsible for a rideshare accident can be challenging. Depending on the details of your case, one or more of the following parties may be liable:

• The Rideshare Driver: If the driver was negligent—speeding, driving distracted, or failing to yield—they may be liable for damages.
• Uber or Lyft’s Insurance Company: If the accident occurred while the driver was using the rideshare app, Uber or Lyft’s corporate insurance may cover the damages.
• Another Negligent Driver: If another motorist caused the crash, their insurance provider may be responsible for your injuries.
• Vehicle or Parts Manufacturers: The manufacturer could be liable if a vehicle defect, such as faulty brakes or a tire blowout, contributed to the accident.
• Government Entities: If poor road conditions, inadequate signage, or faulty traffic signals played a role in the crash, a local or state government agency could bear responsibility.

Our Ontario Uber and Lyft accident lawyers will thoroughly investigate liability and ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.

How Does Uber and Lyft Insurance Coverage Work?

Uber and Lyft provide different levels of insurance coverage based on the driver’s activity at the time of the accident:

• Driver Is Offline or Not Using the App: The driver’s personal auto insurance is the only applicable coverage.
• Driver Is Logged into the App But Has Not Accepted a Ride Request: Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage of up to $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage, but only if the driver’s personal insurance does not apply.
• Driver Has Accepted a Ride or Has a Passenger: Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage, which covers injuries and damages for passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers.

These policies may seem straightforward, but insurance companies often dispute claims or try to shift liability. Our lawyers can handle these negotiations.

What Compensation Can I Recover After a Rideshare Accident?

If you have been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages, including:

• Medical Expenses: Emergency room visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and future medical treatments.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work and reduced earning capacity due to long-term injuries.
• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and psychological trauma caused by the accident.
• Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle or personal belongings.
• Disability and Disfigurement: Compensation for permanent injuries that affect your ability to work or enjoy daily activities.
• Wrongful Death: If a loved one was killed in a rideshare accident, surviving family members may seek damages for funeral costs and loss of companionship.

Our Ontario Uber and Lyft accident lawyers will assess your damages and fight for the maximum compensation possible.

What Should I Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Ontario?

Taking the right steps after a rideshare accident can strengthen your claim and protect your rights:

• Call 911: Report the accident and request medical assistance if needed. A police report can serve as crucial evidence.
• Seek Medical Attention: Some injuries take time to appear, even if you do not feel injured. A doctor’s evaluation can link your injuries to the accident.
• Document the Scene: Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and visible injuries.
• Get Contact Information: Collect details from all drivers, passengers, and witnesses, including names, phone numbers, and insurance information.
• Determine the Rideshare Status: Note whether the driver was logged into the app, waiting for a ride request, or transporting a passenger.
• Do Not Accept a Quick Settlement: Insurance companies may offer a low settlement that does not fully cover your losses.
• Contact an Experienced Lawyer: A rideshare accident lawyer can guide you through the claims process.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit in California?

California’s statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after an Uber or Lyft accident is two years from the accident date. If you are only seeking compensation for property damage, you have three years to file a claim.

However, if your accident involved a government entity (such as a city-owned vehicle or a poorly maintained roadway), you may have as little as six months to file a claim. Because these deadlines can affect your ability to recover compensation, it is best to speak with an Ontario rideshare accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Why Choose Our Ontario Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers

At Lerner Moore Silva Cunningham & Rubel, we have a proven track record of successfully representing Uber and Lyft accident victims in Ontario, California. Our firm provides:

• Aggressive Negotiation with Insurance Companies: We ensure you are not pressured into accepting a lowball settlement.
• Thorough Investigations: We gather police reports, witness statements, and expert testimony to build a strong case.
• No Upfront Costs: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
• Personalized Legal Support: We treat every case with dedication and fight for the best possible outcome for our clients.

Contact Our Skilled Ontario Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers at Lerner Moore Silva Cunningham & Rubel Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, do not navigate the legal process alone. Our experienced Ontario Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at Lerner Moore Silva Cunningham & Rubel are here to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Call us at 909-889-1131 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Located in Ontario and Victorville, California, we serve clients in San Bernardino County, Ontario, Victorville, Hesperia, Apple Valley, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Colton, and Riverside County.