Glendora Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Glendora Rideshare Accident Attorney

Ridesharing services have become popular in Glendora and throughout California. While these apps offer convenience, rideshare accidents can lead to significant injuries and complicated legal situations. If you or a loved one has been injured in a rideshare crash, a Glendora rideshare accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

At Belgum, Fry & Van Allen, our Glendora personal injury lawyers aggressively pursue justice while keeping our client’s needs a top priority.

Rideshare Accidents: Understanding the Basics

Rideshare accidents can be more complex than typical car crashes due to the involvement of multiple parties, such as the rideshare company, the driver, and the insurance providers. Often, when a rideshare driver is involved in a crash, determining who is responsible for covering the costs of injuries and damages depends on the circumstances of the accident.

Accidents involving rideshare services can occur in various situations:

1. Passenger Injuries: If you’re riding as a passenger in a rideshare vehicle and the driver causes a crash, you may be entitled to compensation from the rideshare company’s insurance policy.
2. Other Driver Injuries: If another driver is involved in an accident with a rideshare vehicle, determining fault can be tricky, especially if the rideshare driver was on duty but not actively transporting a passenger.
3. Pedestrian and Cyclist Injuries: Pedestrians, bicyclists, or other road users hit by a rideshare vehicle may also seek compensation from the rideshare company’s insurance, depending on the driver’s status at the time of the crash.

Determining Fault in Rideshare Accidents

Determining fault in a rideshare accident involves several factors, including whether the rideshare driver was logged into the app and whether they were actively transporting passengers.

In California, rideshare companies are legally required to carry insurance policies that vary based on the status of the driver during the crash:

• Driver Not Logged Into the App: If the rideshare driver is not signed into the app at the time of the accident, their personal insurance policy typically applies.
• Driver Logged Into the App, but No Passenger: When a rideshare driver is logged into the app and available for rides but does not have a passenger, both the driver’s personal insurance and the rideshare company’s contingent insurance may apply.
• Driver With an Active Passenger: If the rideshare driver has accepted a ride and is actively transporting a passenger at the time of the crash, the rideshare company’s commercial insurance policy typically provides coverage for injuries and damages.

Compensation for Rideshare Accident Victims

If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation.

The team at Belgum, Fry & Van Allen can help you seek compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: Injuries from rideshare accidents often result in significant medical bills, including emergency care, surgery, physical therapy, and long-term rehabilitation.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be eligible to recover lost wages for the duration of time you were unable to work due to the accident.
• Pain and Suffering: You may also seek compensation for physical pain, emotional harm, and the negative impact of the accident on your quality of life.
• Wrongful Death: In the event of a rideshare accident resulting in a death, surviving family members of the deceased may seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support by filing a wrongful death claim.

Steps To Take After a Rideshare Accident

If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident, there are important steps you should take to protect your health and your legal rights:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s essential to see a doctor to ensure all injuries are properly diagnosed and treated.
2. Report the Accident: Notify the police and file a report. If you were a passenger in a rideshare vehicle, also report the accident to the rideshare company through the app.
3. Document the Scene: Take pictures and videos of the accident scene, damage to vehicles, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and the drivers involved.
4. Contact a Lawyer: A rideshare accident lawyer can help you navigate the claims process and ensure your rights are protected.

Glendora Rideshare Accident FAQs

Q: How Much Do Car Accident Lawyers Charge in Glendora, CA?

A: Most car accident lawyers in California will often charge a contingency fee, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. The typical fee is a percentage of the settlement or judgment. This means there are no upfront legal fees, and you only pay if you receive monetary compensation.

Q: What Is the Rideshare Law in Glendora, CA?

A: California has specific laws governing rideshare services, including insurance requirements for drivers. Rideshare companies in California must provide insurance coverage that varies depending on the driver’s status at the time of the crash. Additionally, rideshare drivers must meet certain qualifications, such as passing background checks and holding a valid driver’s license.

Q: Is a Rideshare App Vicariously Liable for the Negligence of its Drivers Under California State Law?

A: Under California law, rideshare companies typically argue that their drivers are independent contractors, not employees. As a result, they may claim that they are not vicariously liable for their drivers’ negligence. However, they are required to carry substantial insurance coverage that provides compensation in many accidents involving rideshare drivers, particularly when the driver is logged into the app or transporting passengers.

Q: Can You Sue for a Rideshare Accident in Glendora, CA?

A: Yes, in certain kinds of rideshare accidents, you may be able to sue the driver, the rideshare company, or a third-party driver in Glendora, CA. If you were injured as a passenger, you have the right to hold the at-fault party responsible for your injuries and damages. Your lawyer can help you determine whether to pursue compensation from the driver, the rideshare company’s insurance, or both.

Contact a Glendora Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Rideshare accidents can leave victims with serious injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and a long recovery period. Navigating the legal and insurance aspects of a rideshare accident can be challenging, but the team at Belgum, Fry & Van Allen can help you seek fair compensation for your losses.

Whether you were a passenger, driver, or pedestrian injured in a rideshare-related crash, it’s important to consult with an attorney who can guide you through the process and advocate for your rights. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to discuss your case and your legal options.