Rideshare Accident Attorney in Covina, CA
Rideshare services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer convenience while promising safety. However, there is always a risk of an accident when driving in Covina. If you have been involved in a rideshare accident, you should speak with a Covina rideshare accident lawyer about your legal options for making a full financial recovery, such as filing a claim against the rideshare company.
Why Choose Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor, A Professional Corporation?
Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor, A Professional Corporation has over 40 years of experience pursuing fair compensation for victims of California traffic accidents, including rideshare accident victims. Our team is Lead Counsel Rated, rated by SuperLawyers, and is a part of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. However, awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.
An Overview of Rideshare Accidents in Covina
Many people use Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare platforms throughout Covina, whether to get to the Covina Transit Center, shops along Citrus Avenue, or the Los Angeles International Airport without having to worry about parking or car rentals. In 2024, Uber generated $43.9 billion in revenue, representing its widespread use.
Accidents and other safety issues are rare, with 99.9% of Uber rides ending without any type of safety report. However, rideshare drivers are not immune to accidents. Whether their errors lead to a crash or another driver’s actions make a crash unavoidable, a crash can leave the driver and passengers suffering severe injuries, property damage, and mental trauma. Some of the most common reasons for rideshare accidents to occur in Covina include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Impaired driving
- Inexperienced or unqualified drivers
- Violating traffic laws
A severe crash can result in catastrophic outcomes, which is why seeking help for a Covina wrongful death lawyer claim becomes critical when negligence leads to a fatal collision.
Determining Fault According to California’s Rideshare Accident Laws
After a car crash in California, accident victims have the right to pursue compensation from the at-fault party and their insurance company. This is still true in rideshare accident cases. However, it can be difficult to determine who is at fault for a rideshare accident case and what party is liable for the damages.
One of the steps to filing a rideshare accident claim is investigating the crash. If you hire a rideshare accident lawyer, they can gather and review evidence that can reveal which party is liable for your damages, such as the rideshare driver, another driver, or the Uber company. If you were hit while traveling on two wheels, securing guidance from a trusted Covina motorcycle accident lawyer can help establish liability against careless drivers. Common evidence in these cases includes:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Photos and videos of the accident scene
- Surveillance camera or dashcam footage
- GPS logs
- Rideshare logs
Rideshare companies are typically liable for damage caused. At the same time, the driver is logged onto the app and is driving passengers when they cause a crash, or if the company’s negligence contributes to the crash, such as through negligent hiring practices. Companies such as Uber carry $1 million in liability coverage.
In certain cases, other parties may also be held accountable for a crash, such as a third-party driver. A Covina rideshare accident attorney can explain what parties are legally liable for your damages so that you can file an accurate claim. Commercial vehicles also pose significant hazards on local roadways, and a collision involving a semi-truck often requires immediate action from a Covina truck accident lawyer to preserve crucial logbook data.
Why You Should Hire a Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Just because rideshare companies have high liability coverage does not mean they make it easy for accident victims to claim their rightful compensation. These companies work aggressively to minimize payouts by denying claims, delaying the process, or undervaluing certain damages. A Covina rideshare accident lawyer can identify these strategies and challenge unfair tactics to bring you a full recovery. Similarly, when pedestrians are struck in crosswalks or near transit stops, turning to a reliable Covina pedestrian accident lawyer ensures that all medical expenses and lost wages are fully accounted for.
A lawyer can negotiate with rideshare companies and their insurers, using evidence from the accident scene and your recovery to support your case. Victims injured while riding bicycles face similar struggles with insurance adjusters, making it vital to work with a Covina bicycle accident lawyer who can prove driver inattention. If negotiations cannot achieve a fair settlement, a lawyer can represent you in court and advocate for a fair outcome in front of a judge and jury.
FAQs
Does Uber Cover Accidents for Drivers in Covina, California?
Yes, Uber does cover accidents for drivers in Covina, California, though the coverage depends on the status of a ride. If a driver is not online, drivers must rely on their own auto insurance. When online and waiting for a ride, the coverage is $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for injuries and $25,000 in property damage per accident. When en route or on a trip, Uber covers $1 million in damages.
What Is the New Rideshare Law in California?
The new rideshare law in California is Senate Bill 371, which makes many changes when it comes to rideshare drivers’ rights and insurance requirements. As it relates to a rideshare crash, this new rideshare accident law reduces the required amount of uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage from $1 million to $60,000 per individual and $300,000 per accident.
What Is Lyft’s Policy Limit for Accidents in California for Passengers?
Lyft’s policy limit for passengers’ damages in California is $1 million. This coverage applies when a driver is logged onto the app and is en route to pick up a passenger or is giving a ride. If you get into an accident and are suffering damages, you may be able to file a claim against Lyft to receive compensation. However, you should hire a rideshare accident lawyer who can confirm that Lyft’s insurance applies to your accident.
What Damages Can You Recover in a Rideshare Accident Claim?
You can claim any actual losses you have suffered due to the accident. This may include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
In cases involving extreme negligence, such as if the rideshare company hired a driver without a valid driver’s license or a driver was drinking or driving, you may also receive compensation for punitive damages. Punitive damages penalize the at-fault party for their negligence or recklessness, rather than a specific loss you have suffered.
Reach Out to a Skilled Covina Rideshare Accident Attorney Today
A rideshare accident can change your life in a moment, leaving you with devastating personal injuries and lasting emotional trauma. If you are in this situation, it is important to know that there are legal options for recovering compensation. Contact Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor, A Professional Corporation to speak with a personal injury lawyer about your case.
Covina, CA Rideshare Accident Legal Resources
- City of Covina Police Department – Traffic Bureau & Collision Records Request
- Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles – West Covina Courthouse
- California Legislature – Vehicle Code Section 16000 (Mandatory Accident Reporting)
- California Department of Insurance – Automobile Insurance Guide & Rideshare Coverage Rules