Phillips Personal Injury. Nevada County Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers

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Lets be real, insurance companies are not on your side. The less money they hand you, the more money they make. If an adjuster betrays your trust, if they “low ball” a settlement offer to you, if they rub salt in your wounds, they don't get reprimanded. They get rewarded…

No matter what the commercials say, and no matter how friendly the adjuster on the phone may appear, it is their job to shortchange you. I've never met an adjuster or insurance defense lawyer who wears a white apron and a name tag. There is no such device as a "name your price tool." Their real tools are weapons: databases, delay tactics, distortions & confusion.

At the Phillips Law Offices we’re on your side and we treat our clients like family, not claim numbers. We are experienced and knowledgeable in fighting for our clients injured in car crashes in helping them obtain full and fair compensation for their injury.

Nevada County Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer

Uber and Lyft are California’s two most prominent ride-sharing companies. Technically known as “Transportation Network Companies” or “TNCs,” ridesharing companies in California are regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and the California Public Utilities Code.

Ridesharing services, such as Lyft and Uber, have provided people with a convenient, economical way to get around. Technology makes it possible to easily connect with a rideshare driver through an app on your phone. Like other motorists, rideshare drivers can be involved in vehicle accidents as they are driving for longer hours and may be distracted by their phone.

After a rideshare accident, you may be tempted to accept any settlement offer available. But before you do, reach out to the Phillips Law Offices. We offer free consultations and can fully explain to you what your rights and options are. Feel free to give us a call at 530-265-0186.

Contributing Factors in Nevada County Uber & Lyft Accidents

Often times the “technology” of the rideshare business is to blame for rideshare accidents, providing a new host of distractions. But it is just one factor in a rideshare accidents other factors include:

• Driver distraction: Rideshare drivers have several different sources of distraction, including noisy passengers, app notifications, calls from angry clients, and often complicated GPS instructions.

• Driver fatigue: The more people they transport to their destinations, the more money rideshare drivers make. This causes them to pack on multiple hours, often working late-nights as a “second job”. If they drift often, they put themselves, their passengers, and other drivers at danger.

• Speeding: Rideshare drivers are in a hurry to pick up passengers and get them to their destinations, so they can accept more rides and earn more money. Despite common knowledge that speeding is a major factor in most accidents, drivers will still do it to pick-up a new client or as a result of passenger demands. Whatever the reason, they should always obey the speed limit.

• Tailgating: Following too closely is dangerous driving behavior, but all too common, particularly in heavy traffic. A rideshare driver who is tailgating may not be able to stop in time to avoid a collision with the vehicle ahead.

• Impaired driving: Alcohol and drug use can significantly impair reaction time and driving ability. Although impaired driving is illegal for Uber and Lyft drivers, as well as any other person operating a motor vehicle, major rideshare companies do not conduct random drug and alcohol testing to prevent it.

How Does Nevada County Ride-share Liability Insurance Work?

In addition to a driver’s personal auto insurance coverage, Lyft and Uber both provide liability coverage for rideshare accidents. However, the amount of coverage available varies based on whether or not the driver is “on the clock” or driving for personal reasons. For insurance purposes, driver activity is classified into different phases:

• When driver mode is off: When the driver is not logged into the ridesharing app, the driver’s personal auto insurance policy applies. At this point, you would file a standard car accident claim.

• When the app is in driver mode, but the driver has not yet accepted a ride request: Both Lyft and Uber provide liability coverage of up to $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage in this phase.

• From when the driver accepts a ride request until the ride has ended: Uber and Lyfts’ primary liability insurance kicks in during this phase, with $1,000,000 in available coverage per incident. If the driver carries commercial auto insurance or personal auto insurance with specific coverage for ridesharing, Uber and Lyfts’ policy will cover damages in excess of the driver’s policy limits.

• Uninsured/underinsured motorist: Uber and Lyft both have uninsured/underinsured motorist liability coverage that covers injuries to you if you get into a covered accident and the other driver is at fault and is uninsured or underinsured.

These accident cases are complex due to the fact that insurance coverage issues become clouded due to the relationship between the Uber or Lyft driver and the company. These companies see themselves only as a connection point between driver and passenger. As there is no employer-employee relationship, liability for damages is considered to be an issue between driver and passenger.

At Phillips Personal Injury we’re on your side. We are experienced and knowledgeable with insurance coverage issues for our clients injured in car crashes and in helping them obtain full and fair compensation for their Uber or Lyft injury.

Who can I sue for an accident involving a ride-sharing driver in California?

In California, if you are involved in an accident with a ride-sharing driver, several parties may potentially be held liable depending on the circumstances of the accident. Here are the parties you may consider suing:

1. Ride-Sharing Driver: The ride-sharing driver may be held responsible for the accident if their negligence or reckless behavior caused the collision. If the driver was speeding, distracted, intoxicated, or violated traffic laws, they may be held liable for your injuries and damages.

2. Ride-Sharing Company (Uber or Lyft): Ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft can also be held liable for accidents involving their drivers under certain circumstances. In California, these companies are required to carry liability insurance to cover accidents caused by their drivers. However, the driver must be actively engaged in a ride request or transporting a passenger at the time of the accident for the company's insurance to apply.

3. Other Potentially Negligent Parties: Depending on the specific facts of the case, there may be other parties who contributed to the accident and could be held liable. This could include other motorists involved in the accident, vehicle manufacturers if a defect played a role, or even government entities if there were hazardous road conditions or improper signage.

Determining liability in ride-sharing accidents can be complex, and it often requires a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding the accident. Consulting with a personal injury attorney experienced in handling ride-sharing accident cases is crucial. At Phillips Personal Injury we can evaluate the facts of your case, gather evidence, and help identify the parties that may be held liable.

It's important to note that both Uber and Lyft have insurance policies that provide coverage for accidents involving their drivers. These policies typically offer higher coverage limits when the driver is actively engaged in a ride request or transporting a passenger. However, the specific coverage and liability limits can vary depending on the stage of the ride (waiting for a request, en route to pick up a passenger, or transporting a passenger). Your attorney can help navigate the insurance claims process and seek compensation from the appropriate insurance company.

If you're involved in an accident with a ride-sharing driver in California, it's crucial to gather evidence from the scene, document your injuries, and seek medical attention. Contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical expenses, property damage, and other losses.

Is Hiring a Nevada County Uber & Lyft Car Accident Lawyer Necessary?

In a ride-share car accident, the accident is just the beginning of your problems. Navigating an insurance claim alone can be tricky, especially if the fault of the accident is disputed. In addition, insurance companies may try to settle your claim for less than it is actually worth. Hiring a Nevada County Uber & Lyft ride-share car accident attorney after an accident puts someone in your corner who knows your state’s laws and the tricks insurance companies may try to play.

We know you have a lot of choices in choosing your lawyer, but when it comes to choosing a law firm for your injury claim. Bigger is not always better. Why? Traditional law firms use a business model like a pyramid, with multiple levels of bureaucracy and inefficiency. Perhaps the most significant difference between a small personal injury law firm and a large one is the attention and communication that you are likely to experience. At “big law”, there is a good chance you may never even meet the attorney who is technically handling your case. To that end:

• At Phillips Personal Injury, we treat our clients like family, not a claim number. We pride ourselves in providing exceptional personal service.

• We Are Your Online Web Based Law Firm. Concerned about an office visit? Even though many courts are restricting their day-to-day operations, there are still numerous measures a personal injury attorney can take to move a case forward. During this health crisis, our firm is still able to electronically file a civil claim. Additionally, our team at Phillips Personal Injury could help facilitate settlement negotiations and other actions online or over the phone.

• Phillips Personal Injury is built for you: We strive to bring an extraordinary client experience to individuals and families around the region.
  -Unlimited Video Access to Your Attorney from Your Home or Office
  -24/7 Secure Access to Your File Online
  -“Bank Grade” Secure Message Center ( safer than email!)
  -Seamless Online Experience
  -Direct Attorney Contact (not staff)
  -Responsive Injury Lawyer (same day contact)
  -Self Schedule Appointments
  -Fee Transparency

• Communication and collaboration is the foundation for a successful outcome. Now you don't have to wait to come into a lawyer’s office. Whether its video conferencing (It's easy!) or chats by phone or on-line, questions are answered - fast. At Phillips Personal Personal Injury, you work directly with Michael Phillips. You will never be handed off to an assistant or junior lawyer.

• Not sure if you have a case? Are friends and family telling you to call a lawyer? Are you starting to be suspicious about the insurance adjuster you’re dealing with? Call us- we offer free, no obligation consultations. Have questions? We are happy to talk with you about your situation and your concerns, and how we can help you though this challenging process. It’s easy — just give us a call.