Santa Monica Rideshare Accident Lawyers
Uber and Lyft Accidents in Santa Monica
Have you been injured in a car accident involving a rideshare service such as Uber, UberX, Lyft or Sidecar? These cases can be complex. Proving liability may become much more difficult than you expect, even when the evidence supports your claim.
Many rideshare accidents take place in busy areas of Santa Monica like the Third Street Promenade or near the Santa Monica Pier, where vehicle and pedestrian traffic increase the risk of crashes. Local regulations also affect how rideshare services operate across West L.A., which can impact insurance coverage and how claims progress. Navigating these local details requires a deliberate approach and a clear understanding of how rideshare accidents differ from standard vehicle collisions.
If you have been involved in an accident with an Uber driver, whether as a passenger or another motorist, you should consult with an accident attorney right away. The Santa Monica car accident lawyers at McGee Lerer Ogrin know how to address the complexities of these cases and will advocate for the compensation you deserve from the negligent driver, whether that's an Uber driver or a driver who struck an Uber vehicle.
Contact us online or by calling (310) 692-9582 today! Checklist of the information we’ll ask for during your initial car accident consultation.
Your Step-By-Step Guide After a Santa Monica Rideshare Accident
After a crash involving an Uber or Lyft in Santa Monica, your safety and your legal rights come first. The busy roads near Ocean Avenue or Main Street often fill quickly with emergency services. If you can, move to a safe spot, check for injuries, and call 911 to bring help from the Santa Monica Police Department or Fire Department quickly.
Once you have taken care of immediate needs, document the scene with clear photos or videos, including license plates, ride receipts, and all involved vehicles. Collect contact information from rideshare drivers, other passengers, and witnesses, and note driver details from your app. Record the exact address or intersection, as locations in Santa Monica may impact which insurance policy applies. Report the crash using the app if possible, but avoid detailed statements or accepting blame before you speak with a lawyer. Save all communications with the rideshare company and insurance providers. Finally, reach out to a Santa Monica rideshare accident attorney for guidance to protect your potential claim.
Who Is Liable for My Accident With an Uber or Lyft driver?
When an accident happens, one of the most important first steps is identifying who was responsible and proving liability. In California, liability in a rideshare accident can involve several parties. Liable parties could include the rideshare driver, another vehicle's driver, and, in some cases, the rideshare company. If the rideshare driver was negligent—such as by driving recklessly or distracted—they may be held responsible for damages. If another driver caused the crash, their insurance may also be pursued for compensation.
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage for their drivers, but the level of coverage depends on the driver's activity at the time of the accident. If the driver was between rides, the coverage is more limited. If the driver was headed to pick up a passenger or carrying a passenger, the coverage typically increases.
There are cases where the rideshare company may share some liability, such as if negligent hiring or failure to maintain vehicle safety played a role. Understanding liability requires a detailed investigation, and consulting with a rideshare accident attorney helps ensure all responsible parties are considered. If you were a passenger in an Uber vehicle, you may be able to make a claim against the rideshare driver, the other vehicle, or both, depending on fault.
Proving liability also involves collecting documentation such as digital ride receipts, app data, and all correspondence with the rideshare company. Our team pays close attention to accident reports filed by local Santa Monica law enforcement. These reports capture key details on traffic, witnesses, and police observations that strengthen your case.
How Does the Rideshare Company's Insurance Work?
Uber and Lyft drivers carry up to $1 million in liability coverage if the accident happens while they are on a trip. If you were hit by an Uber/Lyft driver who was signed on to the Uber/Lyft app but not on a trip, the Uber/Lyft driver has only $25,000 for property damages, $50,000 per person in liability coverage, and a total of $100,000 for all injury claimants.
Results That Speak for Themselves
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$122,500,000 Global Settlement Sexual Abuse
Represented 14 of 124 childhood sexual abuse victims against the City of Santa Monica.
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$18,000,000 Auto v. Truck
Client rear-ended by trucking company.
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$10,000,000 Auto v. Big Rig
Family struck by a big rig.
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$4,090,000 Auto v. Auto
Family struck by a County of Los Angeles employee.
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$3,500,000 Negligence, Personal Injury
Client who was injured when a piece of machinery fell off a plumbing truck onto his foot.
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$3,500,000 Warehouse Accident
Client whose foot was run over by a forklift driver.