What Are My Rights When Involved In A Rideshare Accident In Redding, CA with Personal Injuries?
Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering convenient transportation options for passengers. However, accidents involving rideshare vehicles can still occur, resulting in personal injuries for passengers. If you are involved in a rideshare accident in Redding, CA, it is essential to understand your rights in order to protect yourself and seek proper compensation.
1. Ensuring Safety and Reporting the Accident:
If you are involved in a rideshare accident in Redding, the first and most crucial step is to prioritize your safety. Seek medical attention for any immediate injuries and call 911 if necessary. If you are able, report the accident to the police right away. It is essential to document the incident and obtain an official accident report for future reference.
2. Gather Evidence:
Before leaving the accident scene, try to gather as much evidence as possible. This includes taking pictures and videos of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. If there were witnesses present, get their contact information as well. This evidence will be crucial when establishing liability and building your personal injury claim.
3. Notify the Rideshare Company:
Notify the rideshare company about the accident as soon as possible. Both Uber and Lyft have dedicated accident reporting channels for their drivers and passengers. By reporting the incident promptly, you ensure that the rideshare company is aware of the situation and can initiate their own investigation. It is important to note that under California law, rideshare companies are required to carry liability insurance coverage for their drivers.
4. Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney:
It is highly recommended to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who specializes in rideshare accidents. They can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help you navigate the complex insurance claims process. An attorney will advocate for your best interests and work towards securing a fair settlement for your injuries, pain, and suffering.
5. Determine Liability:
Determining liability in rideshare accidents can be complicated due to the involvement of multiple parties, including the rideshare company, the driver, and any other negligent parties. California follows a comparative fault rule, meaning liability may be divided among multiple parties based on their respective contribution to the accident. Your attorney will investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident and work towards identifying the liable party or parties.
6. Insurance Coverage:
Both Uber and Lyft provide liability coverage for their drivers. However, the available coverage may vary depending on the stage of the ride at the time of the accident. When the driver is offline or not logged into the app, their personal insurance policy usually applies. If the driver is online and waiting for a ride request, the rideshare company provides contingent liability coverage. Finally, when the driver accepts a ride and is in transit, the company’s commercial liability policy generally applies. Consulting with your attorney is critical to ensure you understand the applicable insurance coverage and can seek the appropriate compensation.
7. Seek Fair Compensation:
If you sustain personal injuries in a rideshare accident, you deserve fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering. Your attorney will help you calculate the damages you are entitled to and negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you receive a fair settlement. If a settlement cannot be reached, your attorney can represent you in court and advocate for your rights at trial.
Summary
Being involved in a rideshare accident with personal injuries in Redding, CA can be a challenging experience. However, by understanding your rights, taking the necessary steps, and seeking professional legal representation, you can protect yourself, ensure fair compensation, and focus on your recovery.
Need a Law Firm in Redding, CA?
Welcome to The Law Offices of Max G. Arnold, Inc., where we proudly apply over 35 years of legal experience. After completing law school in just two and a half years, Max G. Arnold dove into personal injury law, determined to help those in need fight for their rights. He knows the best strategies to use to help personal injury victims win cases with integrity. The Law Offices of Max G. Arnold, Inc., now partnered with son Barrik Arnold and Brian Michael Pratt, tout a detailed understanding of all of the legal obstacles that you may face and uses their unique experience to help individuals get what they deserve. We have three offices in Chico, Redding, and Santa Rosa, California. Schedule an in-person case evaluation today.
Categorised in: Car Accident, Personal Injury Lawyer