Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are extremely popular in San Francisco, resulting in a high volume of vehicles on the busy city streets but also a higher number of accidents. Research shows that Uber and Lyft accidents account for about 3% of the increase in traffic fatalities since 2011, resulting in nearly 1,000 deaths per day.
To understand how liability is determined in a ridesharing accident and to make sure your rights are protected, get in touch with a San Francisco Uber accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Understanding Liability in Uber and Lyft Accidents
Uber and Lyft have made over 11 billion trips in the U.S. since 2010. Uber alone made around 4 billion trips between 2017 and 2018 – averaging 45 rides per second. This rapid growth has contributed to more accidents. Uber vehicles were involved in 97 fatal crashes from 2017 to 2018, leading to 107 deaths. Of those, 21% were the riders, 21% were the drivers, and 58% were third parties.
When you’re involved in an accident while riding in an Uber or Lyft, figuring out who’s at fault can get complicated. In these situations, liability is divided between the driver, the rideshare company, and potentially other drivers.
Driver Liability
As an independent contractor, the driver is typically responsible for their actions behind the wheel. If they cause an accident due to reckless driving, distraction, intoxication, or other negligence, they can be held personally liable.
Rideshare Company Liability
Uber, Lyft and other rideshare companies are required to carry minimum levels of commercial insurance coverage for drivers and passengers. This includes liability coverage for injuries and property damage caused by a driver during a ride.
Shared Liability
Accidents involving other vehicles often result in shared liability between multiple drivers. Unless one party is clearly at fault due to illegal or reckless behavior, liability may be split according to the degree each driver contributed to the crash.
Steps to Take at the Scene of an Uber/Lyft Accident
So you’ve been in an accident while riding Uber or Lyft – now what? Don’t panic. First, check yourself and your driver for injuries. If anyone needs medical attention, call 911 right away. Once everyone’s safety is ensured, you’ll want to gather information.
Speak to the other driver(s) involved and exchange license plate numbers, insurance details, and contact info. Write down the make, model, and color of the vehicles. Get the names and numbers of any witnesses, too. Next, report the accident to Uber or Lyft.
Reporting the Accident to Uber/Lyft
The first thing you should do after an accident in an Uber or Lyft is report it to the rideshare company. Call them as soon as possible and provide the details of the incident. They will open an internal investigation into the accident.
Be prepared to provide information like the time and location of the accident, details about any injuries, contact information for witnesses or emergency responders, and the make, model, and license plate number of any vehicles involved. The rideshare company may also want to see any photos you have of the scene.
Reporting the accident promptly is important for several reasons. The rideshare company will need an official incident record to process potential claims. They can also lock the details of your ride into their system to prevent the driver’s account from being deleted.
Documenting Injuries and Vehicle Damage
After an accident, it’s critical to properly document any injuries or vehicle damage. Take photos of both vehicles involved, including license plate numbers. Get contact information from the other driver and any witnesses. You’ll want records of the date, time, location, and details of what happened.
Snap pictures of both vehicles from multiple angles, capturing damage to different parts of the cars. Zoom in on dents, scratches, and other marks. These photos will provide visual evidence of the state of the vehicles after the accident.
See a doctor as soon as possible if you experience pain, even minor aches. Have the doctor examine you thoroughly and note any injuries in your medical records. Ask for copies of these records for your claim. Photograph any visible injuries like bruises, cuts, or swelling.
Hire an Experienced San Francisco Uber Accident Lawyer Today
Our firm has been helping victims of Uber and Lyft accidents in San Francisco for years. We have recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients. We know how to investigate accidents thoroughly, deal with insurance companies firmly, and present compelling cases in court when necessary.
The sooner you contact us after an accident, the sooner we can start working to protect your rights. Call our office today at 415-843-7099 for a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced San Francisco Uber accident lawyer.