Riverside Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Riverside Rideshare Accident Attorney

Recovering from a car accident can be a stressful and challenging time, especially if you’re seeking legal recourse against the driver who caused the accident. By working with a Riverside rideshare accident lawyer, you can have peace of mind knowing you’re protecting your rights and holding the at-fault party accountable for their actions.

At Gonzales Law Offices, we have experience representing clients throughout Riverside and beyond with rideshare accident cases, including both personal injury and wrongful death cases from vehicle crashes. We work hard to represent you so you can receive the compensation you’re owed.

Rideshare Accidents in Riverside, CA

Rideshare services account for up to 13 percent of vehicle miles traveled in some cities. Uber gave 19 billion rides in the fourth quarter of 2019 alone, and Lyft provides more than one million trips every day. Theoretically, the presence of rideshare options could reduce alcohol-induced crashes, but the actual impact on crash data is still unclear.

Regardless, rideshare vehicles can still be involved in car accidents in California. It’s important to understand how to navigate those situations so you can protect your rights and seek legal recourse when necessary.

In 2022, 1,764 people were either injured or killed in motor vehicle accidents in Riverside. Whether your rideshare driver or another driver on the road was at fault, your rideshare driver’s insurance can often compensate you for any damages you suffer.

What to Do After a Rideshare Accident in Riverside

Immediately after a transportation accident, it’s important to get everyone out of immediate danger, contact the police, and seek medical attention if necessary. It’s wise to get checked out even if you don’t feel like you’ve been badly hurt because you could still be suffering from delayed injuries.

When it comes to building your case and receiving the highest settlement amount, establishing fault through clear evidence is key. While at the scene, document as much of the accident as possible. This includes:

• Collecting witness statements
• Copying your rideshare driver’s information
• Exchanging information with everyone involved
• Getting copies of police reports and medical reports
• Taking photos and videos

In addition to reporting the incident to the police, you can contact the rideshare company to report to them as well. In California, you have two years from the date of the accident, or the date of death in a wrongful death case, to file a claim against the at-fault driver. If a vehicle involved in the crash is owned by the government, you must file within six months instead.

Then, you can work with their insurance to reach a settlement amount for your claim. Most car accident claims are settled through these negotiations, but it’s possible that we will not be able to reach a fair settlement agreement. In these situations, you can go to trial to have your case handled in court.

Determining Fault in a Rideshare Accident in Riverside

It can be more challenging to establish fault for a rideshare accident than for other motor vehicle crashes due to the nature of ridesharing laws in California. The driver and the company itself may share liability if the incident involved issues related to the app or if you can prove they didn’t properly vet their drivers.

In some cases, the rideshare driver may not be at fault for the accident. No matter who caused the crash, it’s critical that you collect information from every vehicle involved so you have as much evidence as possible to help you seek compensation.

California is a comparative fault state, which means the settlement amount you win is impacted by the percentage of fault you’re deemed to have for the accident. By being thorough about documenting the incident and gathering evidence, you can establish fault and earn a higher settlement amount. A Riverside rideshare accident lawyer at Gonzales Law Offices can make this process easier for you.

FAQs

Q: Can I File a Claim Against Uber if They Get in an Accident in Riverside?

A: If you’re injured in an accident while riding in an Uber in Riverside, you may be entitled to compensation. If the Uber driver of your vehicle was at fault, you can file a claim against them to seek compensation for your losses. It’s also wise to report the accident to Uber and to get copies of your report for evidence.

Q: What Happens if an Uber Driver Gets in an Accident in Riverside?

A: After your Uber driver gets in an accident, ensure everyone is out of immediate danger. Then, it’s wise to document the scene, exchange information, and report the incident to the Riverside Police Department and to the ridesharing company. Typically, you can settle a rideshare accident out of court with the company’s insurance if you can agree on a settlement amount. Otherwise, you will take matters to trial with the Superior Court of California in Riverside County.

Q: When Can I File a Claim for a Rideshare Accident in Riverside?

A: If you’re in an accident while riding in an Uber, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim against them. In a wrongful death case from a rideshare accident, you can file within two years of the date of death of the victim.

Q: Do I Need a Lawyer for a Rideshare Accident in Riverside?

A: While you’re not legally required to work with a Riverside rideshare accident lawyer, it can be highly advantageous when it comes to seeking higher settlement amounts. Working with a skilled attorney can make going through the entire legal process less stressful. They can help with gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance, representing you in court, and more.

Riverside Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Recovering from an accident means more than just healing physical injuries. With Gonzales Law Offices on your side, you can seek legal recourse to recover damages from the at-fault party so you can begin healing in earnest. Our team knows how to build a strong case based on solid evidence and backed by California law. Call our office to talk to a Riverside rideshare accident lawyer about your case today.