Getting hurt in a rideshare accident can leave you feeling scared and unsure about what to do next. You might be worried about who will cover your medical bills, how you'll handle lost earnings, or whether you can even trust the insurance companies.
At Highway Law Group, we understand exactly how stressful and confusing this situation can be. Our team is here to help answer your questions, ease your concerns, and guide you toward getting your life back on track.
At Highway Law Group, we want to help you with these concerns. We handle rideshare accident cases in Cerritos and want to stand up for you. We work closely with you to figure out the best path forward. Whether you are dealing with medical bills, missed work, or the stress of an accident, we are here to guide you.
Our firm gathers evidence, communicates with insurance adjusters, and assesses the compensation you may be entitled to for your accident. We want to ensure you feel cared for and supported at every step.
Talk to our dedicated Cerritos rideshare accident lawyer team about your next steps. California generally gives you only two years to file a lawsuit, and the time will pass sooner than you think, along with the evidence needed to prove your case. Call 844-HIGHWAY today and let’s get started on your case.
Why Choose Highway Law Group for Your Cerritos Rideshare Accident?
Highway Law Group is a personal injury law firm with offices throughout California, including one in Cerritos. Our Cerritos office is at 18000 Studebaker Road, Suite 700, near local spots like the Los Cerritos Center and the Cerritos Library.
You do not need to travel far to meet us in person. We also offer 24/7 phone service so you can call us anytime you have a question.
We focus on helping people who have suffered injuries in accidents. This includes rideshare accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, and more. We also help people with employment issues and insurance problems.
Our approach is simple: we listen to your story, review your case, and then fight for the compensation you deserve. Our team knows you are more than just a case file; you are a person who needs real support. That is why we work closely with each client to give them the individual attention they need.
You might wonder why you should pick us instead of another law firm. The answer is that we genuinely want to support you. We are a small, caring team of lawyers who handle rideshare accident cases daily. We have seen how scary and stressful these accidents can be, and we know you deserve someone who will listen and fight for you.
First, our experience sets us apart. We handle personal injury cases in California, including those involving rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. We know what questions to ask, which documents to gather, and how to deal with big insurance companies. We also keep up with changes in California law, so we understand the rules that apply to rideshare drivers and the insurance coverage that might be available.
Second, we only get paid when we win or settle your case. That means we work hard to see you get the best possible outcome. You are not just paying us out of pocket while we see what happens; instead, we carry the costs and only collect a fee when we succeed for you. This helps keep things fair because our goals align with yours.
Finally, our location makes things much easier. Our Cerritos office is near the Los Cerritos Center and just off the 605 Freeway, so it is simple to find us. We can also meet you in person if you prefer. We believe in clear communication, so we will return your calls quickly, send you updates often, and ensure you know exactly what is happening with your case.
How Much Compensation Can I Get for a Rideshare Accident in Cerritos?
Many ask, “How much money can I receive if I get hurt in a rideshare crash?” The answer can vary greatly, as no two accidents are exactly the same.
The money you might receive depends on your injuries, medical bills, how the crash happened, and even how much insurance is available. Some people have minor injuries and only need a little treatment. Others have major injuries that require surgeries, physical therapy, or other ongoing medical help.
We at Highway Law Group look at many factors when determining your case's worth. Our Cerritos rideshare accident lawyers consider past and future medical costs, lost income if you cannot work for a while, property damage to your items, and even the pain and suffering you went through because of the crash.
Sometimes, the rideshare driver’s insurance policy might not be enough to cover everything. That is when we look for other options, like the rideshare company’s insurance or other potential parties who might share blame.
Keep in mind that it is not just about medical bills. Maybe you lost out on fun times with your family or struggled with daily tasks because of your injuries. Maybe you cannot go back to your old job or have to switch to a lighter duty role. These things matter and can be part of a legal claim. Our job as your Cerritos rideshare accident lawyer is to gather evidence of these damages and show why you deserve fair compensation.
Where Do Rideshare Accidents Happen in Cerritos?
Cerritos might seem calm, but rideshare accidents often occur in busy, crowded areas. Traffic fills our roads, especially around major intersections, shopping centers, and freeway ramps.
In Cerritos, certain intersections stand out as especially dangerous:
Artesia Blvd & Marquardt Ave
This intersection is the most dangerous in Cerritos. Many crashes here are side-impact collisions because drivers don’t follow traffic lights or yield properly. Accidents may happen on Friday afternoons between 3 and 6 PM and weekday mornings, which match peak rideshare times.
183rd St & Carmenita Rd
Rear-end and side-impact crashes are common here, usually caused by speeding or ignoring traffic lights. Friday afternoons from noon to 3 PM are especially risky when many people request rideshare services.
166th St & Norwalk Blvd
Side collisions happen frequently at this intersection due to drivers not yielding correctly, including failing to stop for pedestrians. Monday mornings, a busy period when people often rely on rideshare apps for commuting, see a high number of accidents.
Other intersections in Cerritos with many accidents include:
- Del Amo Blvd & Pioneer Blvd
- Norwalk Blvd & South Street
- South Street & Gridley Road
- Artesia Blvd & Bloomfield Ave
- Pioneer Blvd & 183rd Street
- South Street & Carmenita Road
- Artesia Blvd & Pioneer Blvd
- Carmenita Road & 183rd Street
Major Freeways and Highways in Cerritos
Several busy highways cross Cerritos, including I-605, I-405, and Hwy 91. These freeways and their ramps often see serious accidents, especially at high-traffic times or late at night when rideshare usage is common. For instance, the 91 Freeway at Bloomfield Ave has been the site of multi-car crashes, and the transition between the 91 and 605 Freeways has experienced severe rollovers and fatal accidents.
Rideshare Accidents in Cerritos
Rideshare accidents are crashes that happen when you are riding in a rideshare vehicle or when a rideshare driver hits your car or causes a pedestrian accident. Companies like Uber and Lyft make it easy for people to get from place to place. However, with more rideshare cars on the road, there is also a greater chance of collisions.
Sometimes, these accidents happen because the driver is distracted, looking at their phone to check where a passenger is or to accept a new trip. Other times, the driver may be fatigued from driving too many hours. And in some sad cases, the driver might be speeding or ignoring traffic laws.
The law in California regarding rideshare accidents can be difficult to understand. Under California Business & Professions Code § 7451 (Driver independence), rideshare drivers are considered independent contractors as long as certain rules are met. They are not exactly employees of the rideshare company.
Also, the insurance coverage may only apply during certain times. Specifically, the rideshare company’s insurance may cover accidents during “engaged time,” which begins when the driver accepts a rideshare request and ends after the ride is complete. If the driver isn’t actively providing a ride, even if still signed into the app, the insurance coverage may decrease or not apply.
The court has ruled that rideshare companies are not always responsible for what a driver does if the driver is not officially “on a trip.” For example, just being on the app or thinking about finding more passengers does not mean the company must pay for every crash. The court has said that if a driver goes offline or is not carrying a passenger, it might be harder to hold the rideshare company liable.
These rules can affect your compensation and who pays your bills. That’s why letting Highway Law Group identify who’s at fault and determine the applicable insurance policy matters.
What Types of Rideshare Accidents Can Happen?
Below is a list of different types of rideshare accidents and how they can occur:
- Rear-End Collisions: A rideshare driver might be checking the app and not notice traffic slowing down ahead. They can crash into the car in front of them.
- T-Bone Accidents: A driver may hurry through an intersection to pick up a passenger and ignore a stop sign or traffic light, hitting the side of another car.
- Pedestrian Accidents: A rideshare driver can be distracted while looking for a rider’s location and fail to see a pedestrian crossing the street.
- Sideswipes: In busy areas, a rideshare driver might change lanes quickly to pick up a passenger, causing a sideswipe collision with another car.
What Injuries Are Common in Rideshare Accidents?
Rideshare accidents can cause many of the same injuries as other car crashes. You might not expect an accident when you are a passenger, so you may not brace yourself. That can lead to serious harm.
Whiplash is common, especially if you are rear-ended or hit from the side. Fractured bones can also happen if the crash is severe. Head injuries, such as concussions, can occur if your head hits a window or the seat in front of you. Sometimes, people suffer back injuries or sprains that cause long-term pain.
These injuries can lead to large medical bills. You might need X-rays, MRIs, surgery, or physical therapy. All that care can be expensive and may also force you to miss time at work.
At Highway Law Group, we’re dedicated to showing how these injuries have changed your life. If the rideshare driver or someone else was at fault for the accident, they should be held responsible for your costs and suffering. That is why calling our Cerritos rideshare accident attorneys is so important. With your permission, we can gather your medical records, talk to your doctors (with your permission), and build a solid case proving you deserve compensation.
What Should I Do After a Rideshare Accident in Cerritos?
If you have already received medical care, you may wonder what else you can do to help your case. First, it can help to keep track of everything related to the crash. If you took photos of the cars, the street, or your injuries, store them safely. If you got copies of the police report, keep those, too.
You can also write down what you remember about the accident. Where were you sitting in the rideshare car? What did the driver say or do right before the crash? Did you notice them looking at their phone? Did they apologize or explain anything? These little details can be important later.
It is also wise to follow any treatment plan your doctors give you. If they recommend you rest or go to physical therapy, try to do so. If you skip visits or ignore doctor’s orders, the insurance company might say your injuries are not that serious, which can hurt your claim.
Even though it can be time-consuming, hold onto all your receipts and bills. That includes medical bills, prescription costs, and even things like rides to the doctor if you cannot drive yourself. By keeping these records, you create a strong paper trail that shows the real impact of the accident on your daily life.
Finally, talk to Highway Law Group as soon as you can.
When you contact our Cerritos rideshare accident attorneys, we will ask you questions about the accident and decide on the best way forward. We handle the legal part of your case so you can focus on feeling better and getting back to normal.
Ready to Talk to a Cerritos Rideshare Accident Lawyer at Highway Law Group?
If you want to speak with our Cerritos rideshare accident attorney team at Highway Law Group, call us anytime at 844-HIGHWAY or visit us online.
At Highway Law Group, we’re dedicated to showing how these injuries have changed your life. Contact us now and discover how our caring team can guide you through this challenging time. We look forward to speaking with you soon!