Riverside Lyft and Uber Accident Lawyers

Our attorneys exclusively represent injury victims.
For years we have fought on behalf of clients who were hurt in accidents due to the negligence of another party.

Gone are the days of having to hail down a taxicab on the curb of a busy street. Now, there’s a mobile app for that and usually a Lyft or Uber driver that is close by. The bad news: with more vehicles on the road, the chances of getting into an accident increases. If you’ve been in an accident, you may need to speak with one of our Riverside Lyft and Uber Accident Lawyers.

As the popularity of these app-based transportation services continues to grow in Riverside and more rideshare drivers are employed, accidents are bound to happen. These cases can be incredibly complicated. No one anticipates a car accident, but if you’ve been in one, you need to understand your rights, especially when there is a rideshare company involved.

At MKP Law Group, LLP, our attorneys exclusively represent injury accident victims. Having an experienced Riverside Uber accident lawyer working with you will ensure you get the maximum compensation for injuries from your rideshare accident.

We always work on what is known as a contingency fee basis, meaning WE DON’T GET PAID UNLESS WE WIN. There are no upfront, out-of-pocket costs to our clients.

Call us today at 323-991-9022 to schedule your 100% free consultation.

If You’ve Been In a Riverside Rideshare Accident, Do This

If you’ve been injured in a Riverside rideshare accident, knowing what to do (and not to do) can make a big difference in your case. Here are the two big things to know if you’ve been in a rideshare accident:

DO get medical attention immediately: Even if injuries seem minor or unclear, see a doctor promptly. Injuries may not be obvious right away, and medical documentation is key.

DON’T speak to insurance or rideshare companies before consulting a lawyer: Their questions might seem simple, but they’re often crafted to reduce payouts. Talking to a lawyer first helps you avoid common traps and protects your rights.

Local Riverside Entities to Consult After a Ride Share Accident

Local Medical Facilities:

• Riverside University Health System Medical Center
• Riverside Community Hospital
• Parkview Community Hospital Medical Center
• Kaiser Permanente Riverside Medical Center

Law Enforcement and Other Agencies:

• The Riverside Police Department allows you to report accidents online. In case of an emergency, please dial 911 immediately.
• For accidents occurring on a highway or an on/off ramp, alert the California Highway Patrol (CHP) by calling 1-800-TELL-CHP or visiting the office at 8118 Lincoln Avenue during business hours.
• The driver must alert the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 10 days of the accident. Doing so is critical if anyone was hurt or there is damage exceeding $1,000. There is an online reporting tool or you may visit the offices at 6280 Brockton Avenue or 6425 Sycamore Canyon Boulevard.

Legal Resources:

• Consulting with local bar associations like the Riverside County Bar Association can help you find specialized legal assistance.

Community Resources:

• Leverage online support groups, such as the Facebook Car Accident Survivors Support Group, to share your experience and gather additional advice.

At MKP Law, we represent rideshare accident victims throughout Riverside County, including cities like Riverside, Temecula, Murrieta, Jurupa Valley, Corona, Moreno Valley, Menifee, Indio, Perris, and Eastvale.

Whether your accident occurred in Riverside or a quieter location like Hemet, our experienced Uber attorneys are here to guide you through the legal process. We understand the local complexities of rideshare cases, both Lyft accident cases and Uber accident cases, and will work to secure the compensation you deserve, so you can focus on recovery.

What Types of Personal Injury Cases Arise in an Uber or Lyft Accident in Riverside?

Discussions of most rideshare accident cases focus on the personal injury claim of the driver’s passenger. However, we also work directly with the injured rideshare driver, a pedestrian hit by a Lyft or Uber driver, and the driver and passengers of a vehicle that was in a collision type of accident with a rideshare vehicle.

Insert in “Why Hire a Riverside Uber Accident Lawyer For Your Accident?” as a third paragraph.
Your accident attorney will also be instrumental in searching for signs of fault, identifying all appropriate defendants, preserving evidence, and possibly working with an investigator. Depending on the medical expenses you are facing, and the possible future costs associated with your accident claim, it is critical to get this information into your claim.

Which are Possible Parties to a Case involving Uber or Lyft Drivers?

Your Riverside or Long Beach car accident lawyer will help determine who is an interested party in the proceeding. While it makes sense that the rideshare driver could be the liable party, there is also a chance that the third-party driver could have responsibility.

In some cases, the law firm will examine Uber or Lyft more closely, particularly their recruiting practices. This could be the case if a particular driver has been involved in several vehicle accidents.

Another party your personal injury lawyer may look at is the carmaker. Did the rideshare driver transport you in a vehicle with known defects or uncorrected recalls? Finally, could the road itself be a contributing factor to the accident? Our Uber accident lawyer will check for road hazards that should have been fixed by a local government agency but were neglected

Why Hire a Riverside Uber Accident Lawyer For Your Accident?

Were you injured as a passenger in a rideshare vehicle in Riverside? If so, you most likely have some questions regarding insurance and liability.

Understanding the insurance pertaining to ride sharing is not as cut and dry as you may think. This is why it is essential to hire an experienced Riverside Uber accident attorney who understands the laws in the jurisdictions where they practice. An Uber or Lyft accident lawyer can use their knowledge to leverage strategies in settling the case in your favor.

Our Riverside Uber accident lawyers handle accident claims on a daily basis. We will take care of gathering all of the evidence, processing your claims, handling communications and settlement negotiations with the insurance companies, and, if need be, providing competent legal representation in court. We are here to take the load off of your shoulders so that you can focus on what is most important, your recovery.

Average Rideshare Accident Settlement Amounts

Settlement amounts for rideshare accidents in Riverside can vary greatly. Factors such as the specifics of the accident, available insurance coverage, injury severity, and questions of liability all play a role in determining the potential compensation a rideshare accident victim may receive.

To learn more about how to calculate a rideshare car accident in our more detailed report here.

The truth is, settlement estimates for rideshare accidents are hard to pin down, because each injury and case will have vastly different circumstances. But, available data suggests Uber payouts range from $25,000 to $50,000, while Lyft settlements may reach $300,000 to $1 million or more.

Working with a local Riverside rideshare accident attorney can help you navigate these complexities and maximize your settlement. An attorney will counter low-ball offers from insurance companies, ensuring you receive the full compensation you deserve based on your case’s specific circumstances.

Rideshare Stats in the United States, California, and Riverside

With the ridesharing industry still developing, researched statistics on traffic accidents and fatalities remain limited.

Details on Riverside rideshare usage:

• Local Riverside law enforcement considers ridesharing services good alternatives during anti-DUI saturation patrols. The Riverside County sheriff and public safety officials urged Super Bowl party hosts to send impaired guests home with Lyft or Uber (among other options). (KESQ)

Here are some key stats about Uber and Lyft accidents in the U.S. and in California:

• 160% Increase in Vehicle Miles Driven in Major Cities: Ridesharing adds 2.6 vehicle miles for each mile of personal driving it replaces, leading to a 160% increase in traffic across cities like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and more (Shaller).
• 3% Rise in Traffic Fatalities Nationwide: Since the introduction of rideshare services, U.S. traffic fatalities have risen by nearly 987 deaths annually (University of Chicago).
• 64% of California Rideshare Trips in Three Counties: Most of California’s rideshare activity occurs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where Uber and Lyft trips are heavily concentrated (SF County Transportation Authority).
• 118% Increase in Road Mileage in California Suburbs: Between 2014 and 2020, vehicle miles driven by rideshare vehicles in California suburbs increased by 118%, raising congestion and accident risk (Shaller).

Inconsistent data reporting from Uber and Lyft has also been noted, with Uber reportedly omitting 22 documented fatalities from its records (SF Public Press).

Check out our more detailed report for more stats: 27 Uber, Lyft, and Ride Sharing Statistics.

Riverside Vehicle Accident Statistics

The 2021 OTS Rankings for Riverside County provide insights into how devastating car accidents can be in here:

Total victims killed & injured – 14,744
Alcohol involved – 2,014
Had been drinking driver (age: less than 21) – 154
Had been drinking driver (age: 21 to 34) – 1,060
Pedestrian involved – 477
Pedestrian involved (victim under age 15) – 45
Pedestrian involved (victim age 65+) – 49
Bicycle involved – 292
Bicyclist under age 15 – 32
Motorcycle involved – 782
Speed related – 3,227
Nighttime (9:00pm to 2:59am) – 1,782
Hit and Run – 1,013

Although these car accident statistics are not limited to Uber and Lyft specifically, the same risks still apply. Accidents can happen in Riverside at any time, regardless of what type of transportation you use.

How Likely are You to Get into an Accident When Using a Rideshare Service in Riverside County?

There are few reliable Southern California rideshare-only accident statistics.

Some experts have devised a mathematical model to determine the likelihood of fatalities. They blame rideshare services for a 3% annual increase in traffic fatalities. (Source)

Of course, Uber has its own statistics. Its latest safety report, published in 2022, explains that 99.9% of its platform’s trips will not have any safety-related problems. And, while the company admits that it is not immune to accidents, Uber explains that its fatality rate is only half of the national average. (Source)

Of course, if you are among the small number who end up in an accident with a rideshare service, statistics do not matter. It is in your best interest to work with a car accident attorney to explore your legal options under the personal injury law. Do it in a timely fashion because you are up against a statute of limitations.

What to do after an Uber, Lyft, or Other Rideshare Accident?

The steps you take immediately after being involved in a Lyft or Uber accident can affect both your health and your ability to recover compensation in the long run.

Steps to take following your Riverside rideshare accident:

1. Contact the Police to File a Traffic Collision Report.
The first step you should take after being involved in an accident is contacting the police. Once a Riverside officer arrives at the scene, he or she will write up an official police report documenting the accident and the parties involved, including any witnesses. The police report allows our Riverside Uber accident attorneys to pursue claims against all parties, not just the Uber or Lyft driver.

2. Document Your Lyft or Uber Trip Information
Be sure that you document your trip by taking a screenshot of your trip confirmation or by saving the information otherwise. If you are able to take photos or videos of the car crash, the visual of the accident can be extremely helpful in determining who is at fault in the Lyft or Uber car accident.

3.Seek Medical Attention
If you are seriously injured, seek medical attention immediately. Even if you don’t feel that you are badly injured, you may be underestimating the severity of your injuries. You may have suffered from internal injuries or eventually experience delayed-onset injuries. It is always best to seek an emergency room visit after an accident. Be sure to document your doctor appointments and medical bills as you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries.

4. Contact an Expert Riverside Uber Accident Lawyer
Lyft and Uber car accident insurance claims are complicated. The legal team at MKP Law Group, LLP is experienced in handling insurance claims to help injured people recover the maximum financial compensation they deserve.

My Pet Has Been Injured in a Rideshare Accident. What Can I Do? 

Who is responsible for injuries to a pet that accompanied you?

The law considers pets to be property. The responsible party’s insurance policy will treat your pet’s injuries as property damage, which does not necessarily mean paying for all needed medical procedures after an auto accident.

Rather, they might offer to pay you the fair market value of the animal. An experienced attorney may be able to negotiate a more acceptable outcome for your pet property damage.

Ridesharing Laws: Insurance, Laws, and Liability for Uber or Lyft Accidents in Riverside, California

California has specific laws that govern insurance and liability when it comes to rideshare accidents. Although rideshare drivers are required to carry their own personal auto insurance, they also have coverage through the rideshare company’s insurance at specified periods of time while working.

The three rideshare periods where the company’s insurance coverage is applicable are:

• Period 1: When the driver of the ridesharing service turns on the Lyft app or Uber app, this launches Period 1. The Lyft or Uber vehicle is actively ready and waiting for a rider to confirm a trip. During this period, the liability insurance coverage for Uber and Lyft drivers is $50,000 per person, $100,000 for any accident involving bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage.
  Period 2: When the application is active, the driver has officially accepted a ride and is en route to pick up a rider. During this period, Uber and Lyft’s insurance liability coverage is $1,000,000 for liability.
• Period 3: When the driver has picked up a rider and is in the process of completing the trip. Just like
• Period 2, a $1,000,000 policy for bodily injury liability coverage applies. If the Uber or Lyft driver is not at fault for the rideshare accident, the amount of damages an accident victim can recover is reduced by the amount of insurance available from the at-fault driver.
  When an accident happens, there are usually at least two parties involved. This means that there may be multiple insurance claims. These companies will go to great lengths to argue that the rideshare driver is at fault. That is where MKP Law Group, LLP’s law offices, can help. Our Riverside Uber accident attorneys are specialists in accident claims. They can work to help you in obtaining a recovery that justly compensates you for your injuries.

Because several parties are involved, you may have to deal with ridesharing services’ insurers, who will try to argue that the driver is not the at-fault party (even if they were) or that the driver was not actively engaged in providing a service. This is why a detailed police report becomes a critical part of your free case evaluation. If your driver wants to leave the scene of the accident without waiting for the police or simply by agreeing with the other participant in the accident that all is well, you still have the option of insisting on making a police report.

Recoverable Damages After a Riverside Uber or Lyft Car Accident?

The damages one can recover for a rideshare personal injury claim are essentially the same damages that can be recovered in an ordinary vehicle accident.

Those damages may include the following: