Newport Beach Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers

Fighting For Rideshare Accident Victims in California 

When it comes to accidents from rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft, the laws can be confusing. Because they were a new industry, there were no requirements for their drivers to carry insurance, leaving all the liability on the customers even when they were not at fault for their injuries.

If you were involved in a car accident while riding in an Uber or Lyft, call the Newport Beach Uber accident lawyers at Manning Law, APC, for a free consultation. We can help you better understand the details of your case and pursue compensation with confidence.

Common Injuries in Uber and Lyft Accidents

Common injuries may include:

• Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Whiplash is a common injury in car accidents, particularly in rear-end collisions. The sudden jolt caused by an accident can strain the neck muscles and ligaments, resulting in pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
• Back and Spinal Cord Injuries: The impact of a car accident can cause severe damage to the spine, ranging from herniated discs to spinal cord injuries. These injuries can lead to long-term disabilities, paralysis, or chronic pain, significantly impacting the victim’s quality of life.
• Head and Brain Injuries Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): These can result from a forceful blow to the head during an accident. Even mild concussions can have lingering effects on cognitive function, memory, and mood.
• Broken Bones: Broken bones are a common result of rideshare accidents. Depending on the seriousness of the accident, victims could suffer fractures in their arms, legs, ribs, or other bones. These injuries often demand surgery and lengthy recovery times, affecting the victim’s capability to work and engage in daily activities.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissue injuries, like bruises, sprains, and strains, can happen when the body is violently thrown against seat belts, airbags, or other parts of the vehicle. While they may not be as severe as bone fractures or spinal injuries, soft tissue injuries can still cause considerable pain and mobility issues.
• Emotional Trauma: In addition to physical injuries, Uber and Lyft accidents can cause emotional trauma, like anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder. The psychological effects of a car accident can be long-lasting and may require therapy or counseling to overcome.

Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents

Common causes may include:

• Distracted Driving: Uber and Lyft drivers rely on smartphone apps for navigation, communication with passengers, and managing their trips. This reliance on technology can lead to distracted driving, where drivers take their eyes off the road to check their phones. Even a brief moment of distraction can result in a serious accident.
• Fatigue: Many rideshare drivers work long hours to maximize their earnings, which could result in fatigue behind the wheel. Driving while fatigued impairs a driver’s capacity to react quickly, make sound decisions, and maintain focus, increasing the likelihood of an accident.
• Speeding and Reckless Driving: In an effort to complete more trips and earn more money, some Uber and Lyft drivers may engage in speeding or other reckless driving behaviors, such as tailgating or running red lights. These actions increase the risk of collisions, putting passengers and other road users in danger.
• Inexperience: Uber and Lyft drivers come from various backgrounds, and some may not have the same level of experience as professional drivers. Inexperienced drivers may not be familiar with the roads or could struggle to handle the pressures of driving in high-traffic areas, leading to accidents.
• Failure to Follow Traffic Laws: Some Uber and Lyft drivers may not adhere to all traffic laws while trying to meet the demands of their jobs. This could include failing to yield the right of way, making illegal U-turns, or ignoring stop signs, all of which can cause accidents.
• Weather Conditions: Poor weather conditions, like rain or fog, can make driving more dangerous for everyone on the road. Uber and Lyft drivers could be more likely to take risks in bad weather to maintain their income, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

California Insurance Laws for Uber and Lyft Drivers

For many years, these companies claimed they were not liable for their drivers’ irresponsible actions by requiring riders to agree to terms that limited their ability to sue. While this was completely negligent of their duty to their customers, it took a severe accident before these companies were required to carry commercial insurance policies for their drivers.

Compensation for Uber or Lyft Accidents

If you were injured due to an Uber or Lyft driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to coverage for:

While you may be eligible for compensation, obtaining it through the legal process is another matter completely. At Manning Law, APC, we have the litigation experience to fight for our clients and make sure they receive the full and fair compensation to which they are entitled. We have secured significant sums of money in damage awards for our clients, and we are ready to help you.

Collisions with Uber and Lyft Drivers

Because many, if not most, of these rideshare drivers have no professional driver training or experience, they are just as likely as anyone else to cause an accident. Plus, they spend more hours than average on the road. If you were involved in a collision with an Uber or Lyft driver, call our firm to learn how to fight for the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled.

Our Newport Beach Uber and Lyft Accident Attorneys Can Help

Because the insurance policies for these drivers are so sizeable, their legal teams will often craft legal strategies that shift the blame away from the responsible parties and onto you. Our Newport Beach rideshare accident attorneys will stand strong to help you protect your right to compensation.

We can help you build a strong case by:

• Questioning the right parties and gathering evidence that may have been missed
• Demonstrating the responsibility of the rideshare company to prevent accidents like this
• Showing how the accident could have been prevented
• Specifying the extent of your injuries
• Ensuring your compensation covers costs you may not have thought about

Contact Our Uber and Lyft Accident Attorney in Newport Beach Today

Unlike some other firms, we collect no fees from our clients unless we are able to obtain a settlement in their favor. You have nothing to lose by calling us today and scheduling your consultation. 

During our initial meeting, we will go over the details of your case to discuss how to proceed. With us on your side, you can take confidence from knowing your case is in good, experienced hands. We are ready to fight for you.