Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft offer a convenient way to get around Santa Ana and Orange County. However, the drivers operating rideshare vehicles often take risks that put their passengers or others in danger. Furthermore, the wear and tear from extended driving every day makes rideshare vehicles more prone to crashes stemming from worn or defective parts. Finally, rideshare passengers or others injured in Uber or Lyft accidents often struggle to recover fair compensation for their injuries even though these companies provide large insurance policies for their drivers.
If you were injured as a rideshare passenger or in a collision with a rideshare driver, DJA Injury Lawyers can take on your legal case and protect your rights. Our Santa Ana rideshare accident lawyers understand the subtle details that make or break these complex cases. You don’t owe us any attorney fees unless we win your case and recover compensation for you. Call (949) 229-7228 now or complete our contact form for a free initial consultation.
Why You Need a Santa Ana Rideshare Accident Attorney
Rideshare accidents are often more complicated than standard car accidents and involve distinct legal challenges. Unlike regular car crashes, a rideshare accident may involve multiple parties and insurance policies, including the rideshare company’s coverage and the driver’s personal insurance. Figuring out who is responsible for your injuries can be confusing, and insurance companies may try to deny or reduce your claim. A Santa Ana rideshare accident attorney can cut through the red tape and fight on your behalf for fair compensation.
It’s also worth noting that rideshare companies have teams of lawyers working to limit their liability and keep these companies from having to pay claims. Without legal help, you might struggle to get full payment for your medical bills, lost income, and other accident-related losses. A Santa Ana rideshare accident lawyer can gather evidence, handle negotiations, and make sure the insurance companies don’t take advantage of you. A rideshare accident attorney can also make sure your case meets legal deadlines and requirements so you don’t lose your right to compensation.
Common Causes of Santa Ana Rideshare Accidents
Common causes of Santa Ana car accidents involving rideshare drivers include:
- Distracted Driving – Rideshare drivers rely on their employers’ apps for navigation, ride requests, and communication. Looking at a phone while driving can cause rideshare drivers to lose focus on what’s happening around them and lead to a collision.
- Fatigue – Many drivers work long hours or drive for multiple platforms, leading to exhaustion. Drowsy driving slows drivers’ reaction times and significantly increases the risk of a crash.
- Speeding – To complete more trips and earn more money, some rideshare drivers may drive too fast, especially in high-traffic areas. Not only does speeding make it harder for rideshare drivers to maneuver safely, but it also increases the force of a crash when one occurs.
- Sudden Stops or Unsafe Maneuvers – Rideshare drivers often stop abruptly to pick up or drop off passengers, sometimes in unsafe locations. These quick lane changes or unexpected stops can cause rear-end crashes.
- Failure to Obey Traffic Laws – Running red lights, failing to yield, or making illegal U-turns are common in high-demand areas where rideshare drivers are in a rush. These dangerous or illegal maneuvers make a collision much more likely.
- Inexperienced or Unfamiliar Drivers – Some drivers operate in areas they don’t know well, leading to navigation mistakes, last-second turns, or stopping in the wrong places. All of these factors make a crash more likely.
- Vehicle Defects or Poor Maintenance – Worn brakes, bald tires, or malfunctioning lights can make it harder for rideshare drivers to operate safely, increasing the risk of an accident.
- Bad Weather or Poor Road Conditions – Rain, fog, or potholes can make driving more dangerous. If a rideshare driver doesn’t adjust their speed or driving habits for dangerous driving conditions, they may lose control of their vehicle and crash.
Do Rideshare Services Provide Insurance for Accidents?
Rideshare companies must provide liability insurance for their drivers under California law. Uber and Lyft, for example, both provide up to $1 million in liability coverage for their drivers. However, this coverage only applies when the driver is logged into the app, has an active fare, and is either on their way to pick up their passenger or en route to the passenger’s destination. Furthermore, Uber’s and Lyft’s insurance policies only apply when their driver causes a crash.
Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage when their drivers are logged into their app but don’t have an active fare. Finally, neither Uber nor Lyft covers accidents involving their drivers when a driver isn’t logged into the app.
While both Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage for when their drivers cause an accident, these companies are also known to aggressively contest claims filed against them. These companies have huge legal teams, and you’ll need a lawyer’s help to level the legal playing field.
What To Do After a Rideshare Accident in Santa Ana
Your actions immediately after a rideshare accident can have a massive impact on your claim and your chances of recovering fair compensation for your losses. Once you’ve called the police and sought medical attention, follow these steps to protect your legal rights:
- Follow your doctor’s instructions and attend all follow-up appointments.
- Notify the rideshare service that you’ve been injured in a crash, but don’t give any detailed statements until you talk to a lawyer.
- Save all your medical records and receipts for later use.
- Don’t discuss your case with anyone other than an attorney. Be particularly careful about what you post on social media, as insurance companies can easily find your posts and use them against you.
- Contact an experienced Santa Ana rideshare accident lawyer.
Compensation for Rideshare Accidents in Santa Ana
Our rideshare accident attorneys can document your losses so you can seek maximum compensation after a crash, including money for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Reduced future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Damaged personal property
Deadline to File a Rideshare Accident Lawsuit
In California, you usually have two years from the date of a rideshare accident to file a lawsuit against the driver or another liable party. Acting quickly gives your legal team as much time as possible to collect evidence and build a persuasive case.
Contact Our Santa Ana Rideshare Accidents Attorneys
You don’t have to face the aftermath of a rideshare accident on your own. Let DJA Injury Lawyers protect your rights and fight on your behalf for fair compensation. Call (949) 229-7228 now or reach out online for a free case evaluation.