The popularity of rideshare networks like Uber and Lyft has exploded in recent years, but the broader impact of these services is still being determined. Just because the apps provide a convenient service, doesn’t mean your ride will always go smoothly.
Research has found that rideshare travel’s impact on traffic safety is negligible at best. In fact, a study by the University of Chicago found that vehicular accidents have increased by about 3% annually since ridesharing services were introduced.
At Cohn & Swartzon, an experienced personal injury firm in Southern California, we have seen the amount of these accidents increase significantly as rideshare networks have become commonplace. We also know how different the outcome can be if you choose to work with an experienced rideshare accident lawyer to secure compensation and resolve your case.
Before we explain the benefits of having a rideshare accident lawyer, let’s examine a few of the common types and causes of rideshare accidents.
Types & Causes of Rideshare Accidents
To begin with, every rideshare accident is unique because of the variables involved. Time of day, injury severity, amount and type of damage to the vehicles, number of persons involved, and other factors will help your rideshare accident lawyer determine the right course of action to secure compensation.
That said, these types of accidents typically fall into three categories:
1. Passenger in a rideshare vehicle. Individuals who suffer physical injuries because they were riding in a rideshare vehicle that got into an accident, either caused by the rideshare driver or caused by another driver, are often entitled to compensation for their injuries.
2. Your car was in an accident that was caused by an Uber or Lyft. If you were in an accident with a rideshare vehicle that was at fault for the accident because of an unsafe speed, following too closely, a failure to yield or other negligence, you are likely entitled to compensation.
3. You were struck by a rideshare vehicle while walking, cycling, or riding your motorcycle. Pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists who have suffered in an accident with a rideshare vehicle also deserve to be compensated.
One commonality that rideshare accidents share with other types of car accidents in California is that the insurance companies involved often unnecessarily delay your claim, deny liability or argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident.
When injured parties don’t know that they could be entitled to more compensation from a rideshare accident, the insurance companies often make lowball offers that the victims feel obliged to accept. Sometimes these settlements don’t even cover the cost of future medical care, but because the victim accepted the offer early on and without an experienced attorney to represent them, there’s no way to pursue additional compensation.
Choosing the Right Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Southern California
The most effective way to obtain maximum compensation and in some instances even medical care, after being involved in a rideshare accident is to choose the right rideshare accident lawyer for your case. You’ll need attorneys who understand the complexities of rideshare claims, including all the seemingly hidden companies involved, and how to negotiate with rideshare insurance companies to maximize your compensation.
If you have been in a rideshare accident and you haven’t contacted an attorney who understands these complex cases, you may be facing a difficult path ahead. But the right rideshare accident lawyer can take the stress off your plate and maximize your compensation so that you can focus on your health and recovery.
“The Cohn & Swartzon team has been around the block, so to speak, with rideshare services and their insurance providers quite a few times in recent years. Because of our experience and understanding of how rideshare insurance coverage works, we have been able to secure substantial compensation for victims that would not have been available to them otherwise.”
– Saar Swartzon, Founding Partner & Personal Injury Attorney
The Cohn & Swartzon team has more than 75 years of combined legal experience as personal injury attorneys, including all types of vehicular accidents. We have taken on numerous rideshare accident cases in recent years as they have become more frequent throughout Southern California.
