Rideshare apps have become an increasingly popular way for Californians to obtain transportation. And while this is a very efficient way for people to get to where they are going, trips using a rideshare app do sometimes end in accidents. As a passenger in a rideshare vehicle, it is important to understand your rights in the event of an accident.
Rancho Cucamonga, California has its share of dangerous roads and intersections where rideshare accidents may occur. This can happen because of the negligence or recklessness of the Uber or Lyft driver, the negligent or reckless actions of another driver on the road, or the actions or omissions of a third party.
Some of the most hazardous areas in Rancho Cucamonga include the intersection of Milliken Avenue and Arrow Route, where there have been several reported accidents due to high traffic volume and a lack of proper signage. Similarly, the intersection of Base Line Road and Cherry Avenue is known for its high number of accidents, often caused by reckless or distracted drivers.
It is essential for those who use rideshare apps to be aware of these dangerous areas and take extra precautions when using services like Uber or Lyft in these locations. In this article, we will delve into the rights of passengers in the event of a rideshare accident in Rancho Cucamonga, and what steps you can take to protect yourself.
Rideshare Accidents Overview
A rideshare accident refers to any accident that occurs while a passenger is being transported by a rideshare service such as Uber or Lyft. This can include collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, or objects, as well as accidents caused by the negligence of the rideshare driver or another driver.
Rancho Cucamonga rideshare app accidents can result in serious injuries or even death for passengers, as well as damage to property. It is important to understand that a rideshare accident is different from a regular car accident because the company and the driver have different insurance policies and liability coverages, which creates some complicating factors.
The company liability coverage usually kicks in when the driver has accepted a ride request and is en route to pick up the passenger, while the driver’s personal insurance covers the time when the app is turned off or it is turned on, but no ride has been accepted yet.
Understanding your Rights as a Passenger in a Rancho Cucamonga Rideshare Accident
Understanding your rights as a passenger in a rideshare app accident is crucial in ensuring that you receive the proper medical treatment and full and fair compensation for any injuries or other losses you may have sustained. It is also important in determining who is liable for the accident, whether it is the rideshare company, the driver, or another party.
If you are involved in a rideshare accident in Rancho Cucamonga, you have the right to receive medical treatment for any injuries sustained, as well as to pursue legal action against the rideshare company or driver if necessary. You have the right to pursue damages for losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, diminished quality of life, and many others.
It is important to understand that the process of pursuing a rideshare accident claim can be complicated and time-consuming, especially when it comes to dealing with various insurance companies and determining liability. Having a clear understanding of your rights as a passenger can help to simplify the process and increase your chances of receiving the amount of compensation you are entitled to.
The Rideshare Company’s Liability
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have insurance coverage that is designed to protect passengers in the event of an accident. As we touched on earlier, this coverage usually kicks in when the driver has accepted a ride request and is en route to pick up the passenger. The coverage will vary depending on the rideshare company, but it typically includes liability coverage for bodily injury, property damage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
When an accident occurs, the rideshare company’s insurance will typically cover the medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses sustained by the passenger, subject to policy limits. The policy limit can vary depending on the company, but it usually provides up to $1 million in liability coverage per accident.
It is important to note that in some cases, the rideshare driver’s personal insurance may also come into play. This is typically the case when the accident occurs while the driver is not on a ride and the company’s coverage does not apply. In this scenario, the driver’s personal insurance will be the primary coverage for the accident.
Determining Who is Liable in a Rancho Cucamonga Rideshare Accident
Determining liability in a rideshare app accident in Rancho Cucamonga can be a complex process and it often depends on the specific circumstances of the case. In general, the rideshare company will be liable for the accident if it is determined that the driver was acting within the scope of their employment at the time of the crash. This means that if the driver was on a ride, or en route to pick up a passenger, the company will likely be held liable for the accident.
If the driver was not on a ride and the app was off, however, the driver’s personal insurance will be the primary coverage and the driver will likely be held liable for the accident.
In some cases, liability may be shared between the rideshare company and the driver, or multiple parties such as other drivers, vehicle or vehicle part manufacturers, or municipalities. Because of the complications that are typically involved with this type of case, it is highly recommended that you contact a Rancho Cucamonga rideshare app lawyer to help you determine the liable parties and to help you navigate the process of filing a claim for compensation.
Helpful Tips for Staying Safe when Using a Rancho Cucamonga Rideshare Service
- Verify the Driver and Vehicle: Before getting into a rideshare vehicle, make sure to verify the driver and vehicle information provided by the app. Check the license plate, make and model of the car, and the driver’s name and photo.
- Share Your Trip Details with a Friend or Family Member: Share your trip details, including the driver’s name and car details, with a friend or family member. This way, they know where you are and can come to your aid if needed.
- Trust your Instincts: If something seems off about the driver or the vehicle, don’t hesitate to cancel the ride and request a new one.
- Sit in the Back Seat: It is generally considered safer to sit in the back seat of a rideshare vehicle. This allows you to have a better view of the driver and the vehicle’s surroundings.
- Avoid Sharing Personal Information: Don’t share your personal information with the driver, and avoid discussing sensitive topics during the ride.
- Always Wear Your Seatbelt: Always wear a seatbelt while riding in a car, it can help to protect you in case of an accident.
- Avoid Getting in a Car with a Visibly Impaired Driver: If the driver appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, do not get in the car with them.
Contact Our Seasoned Rideshare App Attorney in Rancho Cucamonga
Even when all reasonable precautions have been taken, rideshare accidents can still happen. And when they do, it is important to obtain representation from an experienced attorney who will work hard to protect your legal rights and get you maximum compensation.
For strong legal guidance with rideshare accidents in Rancho Cucamonga, call Muhareb Law Group today at at (909) 519-5832 or message us online to set up a free, no-obligation consultation. We have in-depth experience with these types of cases, and we work closely with our clients to help them recover the full and fair compensation they deserve.