Ventura Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer

No car? No problem. Catching a ride these days has never been easier. You tap your app, and in minutes someone is at your door, ready to take you wherever you need to go. Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft can even be your designated driver when you’re headed out for drinks with friends. It’s fast, convenient, and as affordable as a taxi without the wait. But what happens when the car you’re in gets into a crash, leaving you injured and stranded with medical bills and loss of income? Statistics are hard to come by, but we know by the companies’ own reporting that around 100 fatal Uber and Lyft accidents are occurring each year. And with these drivers giving millions of rides per day and billions of trips per year, you know the odds of getting in a crash with an Uber and Lyft driver, as an Uber and Lyft driver, or as a rideshare passenger, are only going to go up.

Rideshare accidents have to be approached differently than other car accidents. Different parties might be liable, and different insurance policies can apply. If you are in a rideshare accident, you need an attorney who knows the ropes. Fortunately, in Ventura County, you need look no further than Zavala Law. Attorney Matt Zavala has been handling car accident claims and cases for years, representing both plaintiffs and defendants, so he has the well-rounded experience needed to know what to do in a crash involving Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare companies. Don’t wait around wondering how to pursue a claim. Contact our experienced Ventura Uber & Lyft accident lawyer today.

How California Law Views Rideshare Car Accidents

Recognizing the unique aspects of accidents involving rideshare drivers, California enacted a series of laws to deal with them specifically, including specific insurance requirements for rideshare drivers. In the end, liability insurance policy limits in a rideshare accident depend on the status of the driver at the time of the crash. It breaks down like this:

• While the driver is logged in to the app so that they are available to accept ride requests, Uber or Lyft covers them with liability insurance with policy limits of $50,000 for bodily injury per injured person, up to a maximum of $100,000 per accident, as well as $25,000 for property damage.
• If the driver has already accepted a ride request or is actually transporting a passenger, the rideshare company’s insurance coverage increases to $1 million in liability for bodily injury and property damage caused by the driver.
• If the driver is not logged into the app, they are on their own time and their personal auto insurance coverage applies. The minimum amount required in California is $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage. Some drivers carry considerably more coverage than the law requires, while at the other end of the spectrum, about 16% of California drivers are uninsured. This should not happen with an Uber or Lyft driver, as those companies screen potential drivers to make sure they are already insured.

Liability insurance is your recourse if you are hit by a negligent Uber or Lyft driver in your vehicle, as a bicyclist or pedestrian, or if you are injured while riding as a rideshare passenger. Whether pursuing a claim against the Uber or Lyft insurance policy, the driver’s personal policy, or your own uninsured motorist coverage, Zavala Law can provide you with smart, effective representation to resolve your claim successfully and with a fair amount of compensation that meets your needs.

Who’s Matt Zavala and What’s Zavala Law About?

Matt Zavala is a local Ventura attorney with over a decade of experience in insurance defense in addition to his years as a plaintiff’s personal injury lawyer. That means he knows how insurance companies think, so he can craft a proactive strategy accordingly and respond to any insurance tactics appropriately. Matt is also an experienced mediator and has an extensive background in handling trials and litigation. With this diverse skill set, Matt is ready to negotiate a decent settlement for you or take your case to court as needed.

Getting great results is one thing, but at Zavala Law, we put a strong focus on the client experience to make sure you are getting the care you need while your claim is getting resolved. You’ll find Matt to be very easy to relate to and communicate with, and you’ll find him accessible to you whenever you need him. We’ll explain your options from the start and give you our recommendations, and we’ll keep you informed and updated so you always know where you stand and what to expect. Your well-being is as important to us as the outcome we achieve for you, and we go out of our way to prove it.

Contact Zavala Law Today

So, if you or a loved one were hurt while riding in an Uber or Lyft, if you were hit by a negligent rideshare driver, or if you were driving for Uber or Lyft when you got in a crash caused by another negligent driver, Zavala Law has your back and is ready to help you get your life back on track. For rideshare accidents in Ventura County, call our Ventura law office at 805-429-4292 for a free consultation and immediate assistance.