As rideshare options like Uber and Lyft have become more popular, it is easier than ever to travel around a city and urban area without the need for your own personal vehicle. While there are many benefits to rideshare options, they can also come with points of contention, such as unsafe or dangerous conditions for riders. If you are looking for an average Uber and Lyft accident settlement in California, this can be challenging to find.
Rideshare companies such as Lyft and Uber have a reputation for fighting back against any fault or liability for accident claims that consumers pursue after accidents utilizing their services. They often keep their settlement agreements confidential, making it difficult to find average amounts, but typically, a settlement should at least compensate an injured individual for the economic and non-economic losses they have suffered.
How To Respond After an Uber/Lyft Accident
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to be caught in an accident while in a rideshare vehicle. As Uber and Lyft have risen in popularity, so have the number of accidents associated with their use. If you have been involved in a rideshare accident, it can be challenging to know how to respond. While it may be tempting to check out and just let the driver handle everything, it is vital to engage. Below are steps you can take following an accident that supports your health and safety:
- Assess Injuries and Move to a Safe Location: Ensure you and other passengers have not suffered any injuries and move to a safe location if the driver has not already done so. Your safety is the first and primary priority after an accident.
- Contact Emergency Services: Call for emergency medical help immediately if you or any other involved party is injured, even if the injury seems minor, as symptoms can develop later. Contact local law enforcement to report the accident because many jurisdictions legally require this report if there has been any injury or damage due to the accident.
- File a Police Report: It is vital that a police report is filed about the accident. This is helpful if you should choose to pursue legal action, as the report can serve as evidence for your claim.
- Document the Entire Accident Scene: Take time to photograph, video, or write a detailed description of the accident scene, as this serves as evidence and proof of the details of the accident. This evidence will help an attorney and investigator as they work to strengthen and solidify the merits of your case in negotiations with at-fault parties and in court in front of a judge and jury.
- Gather Contact Information: Ensure you have the contact information of the driver, eyewitnesses, and other involved parties.
- Speak With a Rideshare Accident Lawyer: As soon as you are able, contact a car accident attorney. They will immediately advise you to not admit fault when dealing with the at-fault parties and their insurance companies. They will assist you in understanding if you have the merit for a legal claim and provide steps and options to move forward.
It is an unexpected and scary scenario to be caught in a rideshare accident, but there are many ways that you can support and protect yourself. While rideshare companies want to push back against being held accountable for these accidents and any subsequent injury and damage, it is important to understand that you have legal rights that protect you and that personal injury law is available to help you fight for justice.
FAQs
Q: How Much Can You Expect From Car Accident Settlements in California?
A: The amount to expect from car accident settlements in California is directly correlated to the extent of damage and loss an injured individual has endured. Each car accident results in unique injuries, damages, and implications that settlements strive to consider and address. If you suffered serious injuries that led to high medical bills, lost income, and severe pain and suffering, you could anticipate a high settlement, but if you had only minor injuries and no other losses, settlements could be lower.
Q: How Much Are Most Car Accident Settlements?
A: Most car accident settlements are highly individual and require unique insight and considerations to determine. The total settlement is based on economic, non-economic, and punitive factors such as costs of medical bills, fault, lost wages, future life impacts, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more. With a detailed investigation into the implications that the accident had on an individual’s life, a settlement amount is determined.
Q: What Is the Average Payout for a Personal Injury Claim?
A: It is challenging to determine an average payout for a personal injury claim as each case is highly unique. Personal injury law covers a wide spectrum of incidents like car accidents, medical malpractice, dog bites, animal attacks, premises liability, and more, making the average payout for these types of claims highly inaccurate. Not only are there differences in payout based on the type of case, but also the individual economic, non-economic, and punitive circumstances within each case.
Q: What Is the Average Payout for Whiplash in California?
A: The average payout for whiplash in California is challenging to determine, as whiplash can cause a wide variety of injuries and lasting impacts that warrant different settlement amounts. Whiplash can cause nerve damage, neck fractures or dislocations, herniated discs, decreased mobility, and more. Due to the variety of injuries associated with whiplash, payouts will adjust to the needs of each unique circumstance.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney in California Today
If you have been in an accident during an Uber or Lyft ride and have suffered injury, damages, and loss of any kind, you may have the grounds for legal action. The Kreeger Law Firm’s personal injury attorneys are here to help. Reach out to our office today to set up a consultation with one of our attorneys. Then, we will review your case to determine if you have the merits to pursue a legal claim.
Handling a claim against a large corporation can be overwhelming. However, you do not need to do this alone. We are here to advocate for your rights and fight for a fair settlement.
