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Glendale’s congested streets and heavy traffic mean rideshare accidents are all too common in the city statelawfirm.com. Whether you were a passenger, driver, or pedestrian, an Uber/Lyft crash can be life-altering. At State Law Firm, our Glendale car accident attorneys have decades of experience getting justice for accident victims statelawfirm.com. We understand the unique challenges in Uber and Lyft cases, and we’re here to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents in Glendale
In Glendale, heavy traffic on highways and busy downtown streets contributes to many rideshare crashes statelawfirm.com. Rideshare accidents often involve:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers using GPS apps or smartphones can take their eyes off the road. Distractions are one of the leading causes of Uber/Lyft crashes statelawfirm.com.
- Fatigued Driving: Rideshare drivers often work long hours to meet demand. Fatigue and drowsiness greatly increase accident risk statelawfirm.com.
- Reckless Driving: Speeding, aggressive lane changes, or running red lights by impatient drivers can lead to serious collisions statelawfirm.com.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Failing to maintain brakes, tires, or lights makes any vehicle – including an Uber/Lyft – more prone to crashes statelawfirm.com.
In Glendale’s stop-and-go traffic, these factors combine with road conditions and aggressive commuter behavior to spark accidents. State Law Firm has handled many of these wrecks – from rear-end crashes on the 134 Freeway to collisions around the Glendale Galleria – and we know what causes them and how to fight for victims.
Liability Challenges with Rideshare Companies
One of the toughest parts of an Uber/Lyft case is figuring out who is legally responsible. In a standard car accident, you usually sue the at-fault driver. But with rideshares, multiple parties can share liability statelawfirm.com. For example, if a rideshare driver is on-duty, Uber or Lyft’s insurance may apply, whereas if the driver is off-duty, their personal insurance might kick in (and many personal policies exclude “for hire” driving). California law classifies Uber/Lyft drivers as independent contractors, not employees statelawfirm.com. This means the company often tries to shift blame to the driver or insurer.
Determining liability can depend on whether the driver had accepted a ride request at the time of the crash statelawfirm.com. If so, Uber/Lyft’s commercial policy likely governs; if not, it can be much more complicated. The bottom line is that rideshare companies use a complex web of contracts and insurance tiers to limit their own responsibility. An experienced attorney knows how to untangle this and identify all liable parties, whether it’s the driver, the rideshare company, or another negligent motorist statelawfirm.com.
Navigating Insurance Coverage Nuances
Rideshare accidents also involve unusual insurance rules. For example, Uber provides up to $1 million in liability coverage when a driver has accepted a passenger’s ride request statelawfirm.com. This policy covers third-party injuries and damages, and even uninsured/underinsured motorists during the trip. In plain terms, if you’re injured while riding in Uber, that policy protects you (up to its limits) regardless of fault statelawfirm.com. Lyft’s insurance is similar – it covers injuries to both passengers and third parties during a ride in progress statelawfirm.com.
However, coverage drops dramatically at other times. When a driver is merely logged into the app but has not yet accepted a ride, insurance is much lower. And when the driver is off-duty (not logged in), only their personal auto policy applies – which often excludes commercial use. Understanding these differences is crucial. Our Uber/Lyft accident lawyers know how to navigate the layers of coverage and make sure you get every dollar available under the policy statelawfirm.com.
Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident
After an Uber or Lyft crash, the steps you take can greatly affect your case. State Law Firm strongly recommends you:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health comes first. Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor immediately statelawfirm.com.
- Gather Evidence: Take photos of the scene, your vehicle, and any visible injuries. Collect names and contact info of witnesses statelawfirm.com.
- Report the Crash: Call 911 and file a police report. Notify the rideshare company through the app or website as soon as you can statelawfirm.com.
- Consult an Attorney: Speak with a qualified rideshare accident lawyer before discussing the case with insurers statelawfirm.com. Insurance adjusters often ask questions to downplay your claim. An attorney can protect you.
Following these steps – medical care, documentation, official reports – preserves evidence and supports your claim. A lawyer can help you collect phone data or app logs, and communicate properly with Uber/Lyft’s insurers. Remember: do not give a recorded statement to the company or insurer without legal advice statelawfirm.com.
Why You Need an Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer
Handling a rideshare injury claim on your own can be overwhelming. The rules are complex and the stakes are high. A specialized Uber/Lyft accident lawyer brings critical advantages. Attorneys at State Law Firm are “well-versed in the intricacies” of rideshare law statelawfirm.com. We understand how to prove fault when the usual rules don’t apply, and we know how to work with Uber/Lyft’s insurers.
Our lawyers provide expertise and advocacy: they investigate the crash, negotiate with insurers, and fight for the full value of your case statelawfirm.com. This often means maximizing your compensation. Studies show that injured victims who hire attorneys typically recover more than those who don’t. In short, a lawyer lets you focus on healing while we handle the legal battle. Our clients gain peace of mind knowing seasoned attorneys are protecting their rights statelawfirm.com.
Why State Law Firm Stands Out
State Law Firm has earned its reputation through results and experience. Rideshare accidents are literally our “bread and butter” – we have over 40 years of legal knowledge in personal injury and insurance matters statelawfirm.com. Our founding lawyers, Eddie Tehrani and Arnold Gross, have decades of trial experience. Mr. Gross is even an AV-rated attorney and a California Super Lawyer year after year statelawfirm.com. This means we know how to win complex cases.
Importantly, we make representation accessible. We take Uber/Lyft crash claims on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we win statelawfirm.com. We advance case costs and don’t collect fees until you recover. State Law Firm is also deeply rooted in Glendale. We’re proud to represent our neighbors here and keep Glendale residents informed every step of the way statelawfirm.com. When you work with us, you get a dedicated attorney (not just an assistant) who fights tirelessly for you.
Contact Our Glendale Uber & Lyft Accident Attorneys Today
State Law Firm offers a free case evaluation for Uber and Lyft accident victims, along with our “no fees until we win” guarantee statelawfirm.com. Our Glendale team has successfully helped many rideshare crash clients recover medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. If you or a loved one were hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident in Glendale, don’t wait. Call (818) 477-0773 or visit our website now for a free consultation. We will guide you through the process, answer all your questions, and work to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
