Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Fresno

Ridesharing services offer convenience, flexibility, and an easy way to get around town without driving yourself. But when a rideshare vehicle is involved in an accident, the situation quickly becomes more complicated than a typical car crash.

Multiple insurance policies, corporate involvement, and unclear liability can make it difficult for injured victims to know where to turn or how to protect their rights. That’s why you should consider partnering with a rideshare accident lawyer in Fresno.

At BANA LAW, our Fresno car accident lawyers have been fighting for injured clients since 2003, and we understand how overwhelming a rideshare accident can be.

Our focus is on helping victims face the legal process, manage communications with insurance companies, and represent their interests throughout the claims process.

Why Choose a Fresno Rideshare Accident Attorney From BANA LAW?

Our Fresno personal injury lawyers understand the issues that can come with rideshare accident claims. We are, therefore, dedicated to helping accident victims in Fresno recover compensation for their losses.

Here’s why we you should consider hiring us:

• We work on a contingency fee basis. If you are concerned about the legal fees for managing your claim, you don’t have to worry. You only pay attorneys’ fees if we recover compensation for you. (Please note: Clients may be responsible for certain court costs and legal expenses regardless of the case outcome.)
• We have over a century of combined experience. Our legal team utilizes over a century of combined experience to evaluate and pursue your claim.
• Client–centered legal strategies. We take the time to develop personalized legal strategies according to the specific facts of your rideshare accident.

Our legal team is committed to learning more about your Fresno rideshare accident and helping you take steps toward financial recovery. Reach out to us today to discuss your personal injury case with a rideshare accident lawyer in Fresno.

Rideshare Accident Injuries We Can Represent

Rideshare accidents often result in serious injuries due to the sudden force of impact and the lack of control passengers have in avoiding a collision. Injuries can affect every aspect of a person’s life, from their ability to work to their long-term physical and emotional well-being.

BANA LAW represents clients with a wide range of injuries caused by Uber and Lyft accidents, and we take the time to understand how each injury affects the individual, not just the case file.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

Head injuries are among the most serious consequences of a rideshare accident. A traumatic brain injury can occur even without a direct blow to the head and may lead to memory loss, cognitive impairment, mood changes, headaches, and long-term neurological complications.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, chronic pain, and permanent disability. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and long-term care planning.

Neck Injuries and Back Injuries

Whiplash, herniated discs, and soft tissue injuries are common in rideshare crashes. While some may seem minor at first, they can develop into chronic conditions that interfere with daily life and employment.

Broken Bones and Fractures

The force of a collision can cause fractures to the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis. Severe breaks may require surgery, physical therapy, and extended recovery periods.

Internal Injuries

Internal bleeding and organ damage are not always immediately visible after an accident, but can be life-threatening. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical in these cases.

Burns and Lacerations

Airbag deployment, broken glass, or vehicle fires can cause burns and deep cuts. These injuries may lead to permanent scarring, infections, and emotional trauma.

Be sure to retain your medical records; your rideshare auto accident lawyer could use this evidence to bolster your claim.

Psychological and Emotional Injuries

Rideshare accident victims may also suffer from anxiety, post-traumatic stress, depression, and sleep disturbances. Emotional injuries are real and can be just as disruptive as physical harm.

Insurance Requirements for Fresno Rideshare Drivers

Rideshare drivers operate personal vehicles, which means they are considered independent contractors. California filed a lawsuit against Lyft and Uber in 2020, seeking to have ridesharing drivers considered employees, but the court upheld their status as independent contractors.

However, the driver’s liability insurance coverage may be unable to fully compensate accident victims. Uber and Lyft provide additional insurance coverage, depending on the status of the driver’s app at the time of the accident.

When filing an insurance claim, insurers consider the app status at the time of the incident to pay for the damages. To learn more, get a no-initial-cost consultation with our experienced rideshare accident attorneys in Fresno, CA. (While the consultation is free, litigation costs and expenses may be the responsibility of the client.)

The Driver Is Transporting a Passenger

When a rideshare driver has an active passenger in the vehicle, the rideshare company provides $1 million in third-party liability coverage. This coverage applies to passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists injured due to the rideshare driver’s negligence.

Additionally, the policy includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which can protect passengers if the other driver is at fault, yet they have insufficient insurance. This level of coverage is designed to provide a source of compensation for victims of accidents resulting from a rideshare crash.

The Driver Is Seeking a Passenger

If the driver’s rideshare app is on and actively looking for a passenger but has not yet picked anyone up, the insurance coverage is lower than when transporting a passenger.

In this stage, the coverage includes:

• $50,000 per person for bodily injuries
• $100,000 per accident for bodily injuries
• $25,000 per incident for property damage

While this insurance provides some protection, insurers may evaluate claims strictly, which can impact the liability and compensation process. If you are in such a situation, don’t hesitate to seek legal assistance from our firm for assistance in pursuing full compensation.

Mobile Rideshare App Is Off

If a rideshare driver is not actively using the ridesharing app when an accident occurs, the rideshare insurance company does not apply. Instead, the driver’s personal auto insurance policy is responsible for covering damages.

Unfortunately, many personal auto insurance policies have limited coverage and may leave accident victims with little recourse. This is where underinsured/uninsured coverage comes in handy. It is in your best interests to work with a ridesharing accident attorney to assist you in identifying and filing claims against applicable underinsured or uninsured motorist policies.

What to Do After a Ridesharing Accident

In California, accident claims are governed by specific procedural laws, which are important when pursuing a claim for compensation. Therefore, the steps you take following a rideshare accident in Fresno are key to your outcome.

Here are some insights from a Fresno ridesharing accident attorney:

• Report the accident. Always report the accident to law enforcement and ensure an official accident report is filed. This report becomes your first official evidence when pursuing a claim. Additionally, notify the rideshare company through their app or customer support to document the incident.
• Seek medical attention. Regardless of what you may feel after the crash, be sure to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Although you may not feel injured, you could have sustained some injuries that are not immediately observable. A medical evaluation and medical bills can help strengthen your claim.
• Document the accident. Gather as much evidence as possible. Take photographic evidence of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any observable injuries. Collect contact details from witnesses and obtain the rideshare driver’s details.
• Call a Fresno, CA, rideshare attorney. Rideshare accident claims are challenging to handle without the help of a lawyer. The mere involvement of several parties acting in their best interests makes having an attorney worthwhile. Your legal advocate will represent your interests and pursue a resolution based on the facts of your case.

It can be difficult to figure out the appropriate actions to take immediately following a rideshare accident due to the effects of shock and injuries. Get legal representation to help you understand the procedural requirements for filing a motor vehicle accident claim.

We Can Help You Pursue Compensation After a Ridesharing Accident in Fresno, CA

Rideshare accident claims are unique from standard car accident claims due to the involvement of rideshare companies and their varying insurance policies. These ins and outs make it challenging for you to manage the claim process alone, but you shouldn’t face medical expenses and lost income yourself.

At BANA LAW, our legal team of rideshare accident lawyers in Fresno has assisted thousands of clients in their pursuit of financial recovery after a devastating crash.

If you have suffered injuries in a rideshare accident, a Fresno rideshare accident attorney is ready to evaluate your personal injury case and negotiate with the insurance company to seek compensation on your behalf.

Contact us online or call us today for a free case evaluation. (While the consultation is free, litigation costs and expenses may be the responsibility of the client.)