Ridesharing services like Uber/Lyft have become increasingly popular. This kind of service creates “gig economy” jobs, which means you use your asset or skills to earn money in addition to your primary job. There are several benefits of such kinds of jobs, but they can also cause legal complications. This is the case with Uber or Lyft ridesharing services, in which they contract with the owner of the vehicle being operated.

Whether you have been in an Uber or Lyft accident as a passenger or as another driver, you can seek help from a Newport Beach rideshare accident attorney.

If you were driving your car and got in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver, you may have to deal with multiple parties and their insurance policies and companies including those of the rideshare company, the independent contractor they employ, and other drivers involved. Our Newport Beach rideshare accident lawyers are at your rescue if your vehicle encounters an accident and a passenger is injured.

According to the 2018 research study conducted at Rice University and the University of Chicago, Uber/Lyft is linked with a 2% to 3% rise in fatal motor accidents and injuries. This report included data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that compared rates of accidents in different cities. The study also revealed some other disturbing statistics:

• Almost 1,000 deaths in car accidents occurred daily due to the presence of ridesharing cars on the roads

• 21% of accidents victims were ridesharing service riders, and 21% were other drivers

• Between 2017 and 2018, Uber was responsible for 97 fatal road accidents

• 58% of the accident victims were the other party passengers or riders

At Beach Accident Attorneys, we invest time in understanding your unique situation if you or your vehicle is involved in an Uber accident or Lyft accident. We have an in-depth understanding of the problems associated with these types of accidents, and our Newport Beach Lyft/Uber accident lawyers can deal with them efficiently.

Physical injuries are not the only damages victims sustain in Uber/Lyft accidents. They also undergo emotional and psychological trauma, impairing their routine life for an extended period. It’s your right to get compensation for all kinds of damages, psychological, physical, emotional, and financial.

Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents

Uber and Lyft vehicle accidents occur on a regular basis in Newport Beach. Some of the most common causes for ridesharing accidents are:

• Fast driving or speeding

• Breaking traffic rules

• Inattentive driving

• Road rage

• Bad weather

• Inexperienced drivers

• Fatigued driver

• Substance abuse

• Careless or reckless behavior

Ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft provide liability coverage to passengers for damages when their drivers are responsible for an accident. However, this is not always applicable.

When you’re injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you have the legal right to recover financial compensation from that party’s insurance provider. Note that in cases involving Lyft and Uber accidents, companies usually have a $1 million commercial liability policy. But your ability to quickly recover compensation can get complicated and time-consuming because of their unique insurance policies.

For instance, Uber only covers damages if the drivers have their smartphone apps turned on during a trip. This means that if their application is off, victims might have to pursue compensation via the driver’s personal car insurance.