Burbank Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Ordering a rideshare is simple: a few taps on your screen, and a car appears. Getting fair compensation after a crash with one is anything but. 

The insurance rules that govern Uber and Lyft accidents are a tangled web, shifting depending on whether the driver was waiting for a ride near Magnolia Park or actively driving a passenger down the Ventura Freeway (US-134). This complexity is a feature, not a bug—it often benefits the large corporations, not the injured passenger. 

When you're hurt and facing this confusing system, you need an advocate who can untangle the knots and hold the right parties accountable. A skilled Burbank rideshare accident lawyer from Highway Law Group understands this system and is prepared to fight for your right to a full recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and legal options.

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Key Takeaways: Burbank Rideshare Accident Lawyers

  • Liability in a rideshare accident is complex and often depends on the driver's status within the app (e.g., offline, waiting for a request, or actively on a trip).
  • Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft carry substantial insurance policies, including up to $1 million in liability coverage, that may apply when a driver is engaged in a ride.
  • Multiple parties could be eligible to file a claim after a rideshare crash, including the rideshare passenger, occupants of other vehicles, pedestrians, or bicyclists.
  • Initial settlement offers from insurance companies are frequently less than the full value of a claim and may not account for future medical needs or long-term lost wages.
  • An injured person may be able to recover compensation for various damages, including medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering.

Why Choose Highway Law Group for Your Burbank, CA Rideshare Accident Claim?

After a traumatic event like a rideshare accident, you need a legal team that sees you as more than just a case number. At Highway Law Group, we welcome you into our family, offering the unwavering support and honest guidance you need during this difficult time. Our firm is built on a foundation of compassion and a commitment to fighting for the injured. We understand the disruption an accident causes in your life, and our goal is to lift the legal weight off your shoulders.

Our attorneys focus on personal injury law, which allows us to bring a deep understanding of the tactics used by large insurance companies. We are prepared to counter their strategies and advocate for the full compensation you deserve. We believe justice should be accessible to everyone, which is why we provide personalized attention and a legal plan tailored to the unique details of your case.

Here’s what you can expect when you join the Highway Family:

  • Direct Communication: You will have direct access to your attorney and will be kept informed at every stage of your case.
  • Determined Advocacy: We are prepared to stand up to powerful corporations and their insurance carriers to protect your rights.
  • A Client-First Approach: Your well-being is our priority. We handle the legal fight so you can concentrate on healing.

With decades of combined legal experience and millions of dollars recovered for the injured, our team has the knowledge and resources to guide you toward a fair outcome. Let us be your steadfast allies in the pursuit of justice.

Best personal injury attorneys ever! From start to finish, they kept me updated, answered all my questions, and truly made me feel heard and cared for. Their communication was amazing, and they always explained things in a way I could understand. They’re professional, compassionate, and really fought hard to get the best result for me. I’d 100% recommend them to anyone looking for attorneys who actually care and deliver excellent results!

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Who Can File a Rideshare Accident Claim?

Because rideshare vehicles share the road with everyone else, a single accident can impact many different people. Determining who has the right to file a claim depends on who was harmed and who was at fault for the collision. The legal term for fault is "negligence," which simply means that someone failed to act with reasonable care, causing injury to another person.

Several parties may be eligible to seek compensation after a rideshare crash, including:

  • Rideshare Passengers: If you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft and were injured in an accident, you have the right to file a claim, regardless of who was at fault. The rideshare company's insurance policy often covers your injuries.
  • Drivers and Passengers of Other Vehicles: If you were in another car that was hit by a negligent rideshare driver, you can file a claim against the appropriate insurance policy.
  • Pedestrians and Bicyclists: Individuals on foot or on a bicycle who are struck and injured by a rideshare vehicle have the right to seek compensation for their medical bills and other losses.
  • The Rideshare Driver: If another driver caused the accident, the Uber or Lyft driver can file a claim against that driver's insurance policy. In some situations, they may also be able to access benefits through the rideshare company's coverage.

Understanding your specific rights can be confusing, but a knowledgeable Uber or Lyft accident attorney can review the details of your accident and explain your legal options clearly.

How Does Insurance Work After a Burbank, California Uber or Lyft Accident?

Insurance coverage for rideshare accidents is one of the most complex aspects of these cases. Unlike a standard car accident that typically involves only the personal insurance policies of the drivers, a rideshare crash can involve multiple layers of coverage. The insurance that applies depends entirely on the driver’s activity in the rideshare app at the exact moment of the crash.

Offline or the App is Off

When a rideshare driver is not logged into the app, they are considered a private citizen. If they cause an accident during this time, any resulting claims would be filed against their personal auto insurance policy. 

In California, all drivers are required to carry a minimum amount of liability coverage. According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), this includes at least:

  • $30,000 for injury or death to one person
  • $60,000 for injury or death to more than one person
  • $15,000 for property damage. 

If the driver's personal policy is insufficient to cover your damages, the situation can become more complicated.

Available or Waiting for a Ride Request

Once a driver logs into the Uber or Lyft app and is available to accept a ride request, a limited insurance policy from the rideshare company comes into effect. This is often called "contingent" coverage because it only applies if the driver's personal insurance denies the claim or if their policy limits are too low.

During this period, rideshare companies typically provide:

  • $50,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person
  • $100,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident
  • $25,000 in property damage liability coverage per accident

This coverage is for injuries or damages the rideshare driver causes to other people. It does not cover the rideshare driver’s own injuries or vehicle damage.

En Route to Pick Up a Passenger or During a Ride

The highest level of insurance coverage applies from the moment a driver accepts a ride request until the passenger is dropped off at their destination. During this time, the rideshare company’s full commercial insurance policy is active.

This comprehensive policy generally includes:

  • $1 million in third-party liability coverage: This covers injuries and property damage the rideshare driver causes to others, including passengers, people in other vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists.
  • $1 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage: This is a critical protection for you as a passenger. If the rideshare driver is hit by a driver who has no insurance or not enough insurance to cover your injuries, this policy can step in to provide compensation. It also protects the rideshare driver in the same scenario.

Understanding these different insurance periods is challenging, and insurance companies may try to dispute the driver's status to minimize their payout. A rideshare accident attorney in Burbank can help gather evidence, such as app data, to prove which policy applies to your claim.

Should I Accept the First Offer from the Insurance Company?

After an accident, you will likely be contacted by an insurance adjuster representing either the at-fault driver or the rideshare company. They may seem friendly and helpful, and they might even offer you a quick settlement. While it may be tempting to accept the money and put the incident behind you, the first offer is almost always far less than what you are truly owed.

Insurance companies are for-profit businesses, and their goal is to resolve claims for the lowest possible amount. The initial offer they make is often a calculated attempt to close your case before you realize the full extent of your injuries and financial losses.

A low first offer may not account for:

  • Future Medical Expenses: If your injuries require ongoing treatment, physical therapy, or surgery, a quick settlement won't cover those future costs.
  • Long-Term Lost Wages: An injury could affect your ability to work for weeks, months, or even permanently. The first offer rarely considers this long-term impact on your earning capacity.
  • Pain and Suffering: The physical pain, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by an accident have real value, which adjusters often try to downplay or ignore.

Accepting a settlement offer is final. Once you sign the release, you give up your right to seek any further compensation for the accident, even if your medical condition worsens. It is wise to consult with a rideshare accident lawyer before accepting any offer or signing any documents from an insurance company.

Compensation Available in a Burbank Rideshare Lawsuit

If you were injured due to someone else's negligence in a rideshare accident, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. In the legal world, this compensation is referred to as "damages." The purpose of damages is to make you "whole" again by providing financial support for the harm you have suffered.

A comprehensive claim or lawsuit can help you recover funds for both your economic and non-economic losses.

Economic Damages: These are the tangible, verifiable financial losses you have incurred because of the accident. They include things like:

  • All past and future medical bills (hospital stays, surgeries, medication, therapy)
  • Lost wages and income from being unable to work
  • Loss of future earning capacity if you are disabled
  • The cost to repair or replace your vehicle or other damaged property

Non-Economic Damages: These damages compensate you for the intangible, personal losses that don't have a specific price tag but significantly impact your quality of life. They can include:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress and mental anguish
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Permanent scarring or disfigurement

Our team at Highway Law Group will carefully investigate your case to identify all potential damages. We work to build a strong claim that reflects the full scope of your losses, ensuring you have the resources needed for a stable financial future.

Burbank Rideshare Accident Claim FAQs

Here are answers to some common questions we receive about rideshare accident claims in Burbank.

What is the deadline for filing a rideshare accident lawsuit in California?

In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. A statute of limitations is a law that sets a strict time limit for filing a lawsuit. If you fail to file your case within this two-year window, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation forever. It is crucial to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.

What if I was a passenger in another car that was hit by a rideshare driver?

If you were a passenger in a non-rideshare vehicle that was involved in an accident caused by an Uber or Lyft driver, you have the right to file a claim. Your claim would be directed at the appropriate insurance policy covering the rideshare driver at the time of the crash. Depending on the driver's app status, this could be their personal auto policy or the rideshare company's commercial liability policy.

Do I need to pay a lawyer up front to handle my Burbank rideshare accident case?

No. At Highway Law Group, we handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront costs or attorney's fees. We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you through a settlement or a court award. This approach allows everyone to access high-quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.

Contact Our Experienced Burbank Rideshare Accident Attorney Today

A rideshare accident can leave you feeling lost and vulnerable. You are trying to heal from your injuries while medical bills pile up, and you are unable to work. During this time, you need a compassionate and determined advocate in your corner. At Highway Law Group, we are here to be that steady hand, guiding you through the legal process and fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Ashley Aframian
Ashley Aframian, Burbank Rideshare Accident Attorney

When you join the Highway Family, we take on the burden of your legal claim so you can focus on rebuilding your life.

A Burbank rideshare accident lawyer from our team can help you by:

  • Thoroughly investigating the accident to determine fault and identify all available insurance coverage.
  • Handling all communications with insurance adjusters, attorneys, and other involved parties.
  • Working with you to calculate the full and fair value of your claim, including future needs.
  • Aggressively negotiating for a settlement that meets your needs or fighting for you in court if necessary.

Don't let an insurance company decide your future. Contact Highway Law Group today at 844-HIGHWAY (444-4929) or through our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case. Let us stand by your side and fight for you.