Ontario Uber/Lyft Accident Lawyer

Since the advent of rideshare, accidents involving rideshare drivers have been a significant problem. Rideshare passengers who get injured in Uber and Lyft accidents often do not fully understand their rights in terms of filing claims or seeking financial compensation for their losses.

If you get involved in an Uber or Lyft accident in Ontario, California, contact the attorneys at Rose, Klein & Marias LLP for assistance. Our attorneys can provide legal advice and prevent a rideshare company from taking advantage of you. We can help you navigate the complexities of this unique type of car accident case.

Why Choose Our Ontario Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers?

• We care about our clients and always put them first. You will benefit from one-on-one care, attention and personalized legal services provided by your Ontario rideshare accident attorney.
• Our law firm has successfully recovered more than $5 billion in verdicts and settlements for our clients. This includes many six-figure and seven-figure car accident case results.
• Our Ontario car accident lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only charge attorney’s fees for our services if we win the case.

How Our Ontario Rideshare Accident Lawyers Can Help

If you get injured in a rideshare accident in Ontario, hiring an experienced attorney can make a major impact on the outcome of your car accident claim. An attorney will have the knowledge, resources and experience to guide you effortlessly through the legal process. 

A rideshare accident lawyer can help you in numerous ways, such as:

• Conducting a comprehensive investigation of your Uber or Lyft accident. 
• Determining the cause of the crash and identifying the liable parties.
• Collecting evidence of fault and proof of your losses.
• Accurately estimating the value of your rideshare accident claim.
• Filling out confusing legal paperwork and filing a claim on your behalf.
• Dealing with insurance companies and claims adjusters.
• Using proven legal strategies to maximize your compensation, even if this means going to trial.
• Giving you greater peace of mind and less stress during this difficult time.

Your lawyer can take over communications with Uber or Lyft and its insurance company to ensure the protection of your rights during the claims process. Meanwhile, you can rest, relax and focus on healing from your injuries.

Common Causes of Rideshare Vehicle Accidents

Determining your rights after a rideshare accident in Ontario starts with understanding the cause of the crash. California operates under a fault-based insurance system, which gives car accident victims the right to hold the party at fault for the crash responsible for related bills and losses.

Common causes of rideshare accidents include:

• Driver error
• Broken traffic laws
• Distracted driving
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Driver fatigue
• Speeding
• Aggressive driving
• Failing to yield the right-of-way
• Driver inexperience
• Poor vehicle maintenance

The two most prominent rideshare companies, Uber and Lyft, both require their drivers to use their cell phones while driving to accept new rides. This can increase the odds of a distracted driving accident. If your rideshare driver is at fault for your crash, you may be able to recover compensation through a claim against the company.

Insurance Coverage for Ontario Uber and Lyft Accidents

Under California law, rideshare companies are required to insure their drivers with policies that pay for any car accidents they may cause. These policies must provide at least $1 million in liability coverage to pay for the medical bills and property repairs of rideshare accident victims. Accessing this coverage, however, can be difficult.

Rideshare companies are notorious for attempting to shift the blame for car accidents to others. They classify their drivers as independent contractors rather than employees, for example, to avoid an employer’s vicarious liability. If you are a rideshare accident victim, it is important to recognize when you are eligible for financial compensation.

If you were injured as a rideshare vehicle passenger, you will have access to the full $1 million in Uber or Lyft’s insurance coverage. If you were not a passenger, the amount of coverage available will depend on the phase of the ride at the time of the crash. For example, if the driver was logged into the app but had not yet accepted a ride, the available amounts are reduced to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident in bodily injury insurance, plus $25,000 for property damage.

Note that other sources of automobile insurance may also be available to you after a rideshare crash in Ontario. The Uber or Lyft driver’s personal policy or your own car insurance company may offer coverage, for example, depending on the circumstances. Discuss the specifics of your case with a car accident lawyer to make sure you seek a financial recovery from all available outlets.

Financial Compensation Available

If you were hurt in a rideshare accident in Ontario, you may be eligible for a financial reward that reimburses you for various losses. A successful car insurance claim can help you and your family move forward with the compensation you need to pay for related costs and expenses. 

While each case is unique, common types of financial compensation include:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Lost capacity to earn 
• Disability or disfigurement
• Property damage repairs
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life

The types and amounts of compensation that may be available will depend on your case, such as the gravity of your injuries. Discuss the potential value of your claim with one of our attorneys before accepting an insurance settlement. We will give you an accurate representation of how much your case is worth.

What Is the Deadline for Filing a Rideshare Accident Claim in Ontario?

If you wish to file an injury claim in pursuit of financial compensation after a rideshare accident in Ontario, it is crucial to do so before California’s statute of limitations expires. A statute of limitations is a legal deadline imposed on a victim’s right to file a personal injury claim. 

The general personal injury statute of limitations in California is two years from the date of the accident. If you wait too long and miss your statute of limitations, the courts will most likely not permit you to file a claim.

Contact an Experienced Rideshare Accident Attorney in Ontario

If you or someone you loved was recently injured in a rideshare accident in or around Ontario, California, help is available at Rose, Klein & Marias LLP. Learn more about your specific case during a free initial consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys in Ontario. Contact us online or call (800) 362-7427 today to schedule yours.