Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Palm Springs

If you were seriously injured in a rideshare accident in Palm Springs, you’re not alone. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become a staple in the Coachella Valley, providing convenient transportation options for residents and visitors alike. Whether you were a passenger, driver, or pedestrian, understanding your rights and the steps to take after a rideshare accident with injuries is crucial. 

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, from immediate actions to seeking compensation, and highlight the importance of having an experienced rideshare accident lawyer by your side.

Injured in a rideshare accident in Palm Springs or another part of the Coachella Valley? Call The Dominguez Firm today for a free consultation at (800) 777-7777.

What Steps Should I Take If I’ve Been Seriously Injured in a Rideshare Accident?

If you were seriously injured in an Uber or Lyft accident while riding as a passenger in Palm Springs, taking the right steps immediately after can significantly impact your ability to seek compensation later. Here’s what you should do:

1. Ensure safety and call 911: Check yourself and others for injuries. Even if injuries seem minor, call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance.
2. Document the scene: Take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries. This evidence can be crucial for your claim.
3. Gather information: Collect the names, contact details, and insurance information of all drivers involved, including your rideshare driver.
4. Obtain witness statements: If there are any witnesses, get their contact information and, if possible, brief statements about what they saw.
5. Report the accident through the rideshare app: Use the Uber or Lyft app to report the accident. This creates an electronic record of the incident.
6. Seek medical attention: You may feel fine but get a medical evaluation anyway. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
7. Contact a rideshare accident lawyer: Before speaking with any insurance companies, consult an experienced personal injury attorney who can protect your rights and guide you through the process.

Remember, the bustling areas of Palm Springs, such as Palm Canyon Drive, are hotspots for rideshare activity and, consequently, potential accidents. Being prepared and knowing these steps can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

What Are Some Common Rideshare Accident Injuries?

Rideshare accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to severe. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Whiplash: A soft tissue injury affecting the neck, often resulting from the sudden braking of a vehicle.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): These can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, potentially causing long-term cognitive and behavioral issues.
• Fractures and broken bones: Commonly affecting extremities and ribs, these injuries can lead to prolonged recovery periods.
• Soft tissue injuries: Including sprains, strains, and tears in muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
• Cuts and lacerations: Often caused by shattered glass or flying debris, these injuries can lead to significant blood loss and potential scarring.
• Internal injuries: The force of an accident can cause damage to internal organs, which may not be immediately apparent.
• Spinal cord injuries: These can result in partial or complete paralysis, dramatically altering a victim’s life.

It’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention following a rideshare accident, even if you think you feel fine. Some injuries, particularly internal ones, may not show symptoms immediately but can be life-threatening if left untreated.

How is Liability Determined in a Rideshare Accident?

Determining liability in a rideshare accident can be complex. It often involves multiple parties and insurance policies. Let’s break it down from three perspectives:

Injured Passengers

As a passenger in an Uber or Lyft, you’re in a unique position. Regardless of who caused the accident – your rideshare driver or another vehicle – you’re generally considered a victim and can seek compensation. Both Uber and Lyft provide substantial insurance coverage for passengers, which can be accessed regardless of which driver was at fault.

Rideshare Drivers

If you’re a rideshare driver involved in an accident, liability depends on your status at the time of the crash. Were you waiting for a ride request, en route to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting a passenger? Your status determines which insurance policy applies – your personal auto insurance or the rideshare company’s policy.

Other Drivers or Pedestrians Hit by a Rideshare Vehicle

If you were hit by an Uber or Lyft vehicle as another driver or pedestrian, liability determination follows standard California traffic laws. The at-fault driver’s insurance would typically be responsible for damages.

What if Both Parties Share the Blame for the Rideshare Accident?

California follows a “pure comparative negligence” system. This simply means that in an accident where multiple parties share fault, each can recover damages minus their percentage of fault. This percentage will be determined by the court.

For example, if you’re found to be 20% at fault for an accident, you can still recover 80% of your damages. This system applies to all types of auto accidents, including those involving rideshares.

Understanding Rideshare Company Insurance Policies

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft must maintain specific insurance coverage for their drivers. The coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident:

• App off: The driver’s personal auto insurance applies.
• App on, waiting for a ride request: Uber provides limited liability coverage (50/100/25 in California).
• En route to pick up a passenger or during a trip: Uber provides $1 million in third-party liability coverage, plus comprehensive and collision coverage.

Understanding these periods is crucial when determining which insurance policy applies to your accident claim.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents?

Several factors contribute to rideshare accidents in Palm Springs and the surrounding Coachella Valley:

• Aggressive Driving – The pressure to start and complete rides quickly can lead to speeding, tailgating, or unsafe lane changes.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI) – Palm Springs ranked fourth for victims injured and killed in impaired driving accidents among similarly-sized California cities in 2022. Unfortunately, 
• Distracted Driving – Rideshare drivers often interact with their phones for navigation or accepting new rides, leading to distraction.

Other common causes include driver fatigue, unfamiliarity with local roads (especially in tourist-heavy areas like downtown Palm Springs), and poor vehicle maintenance.

What Compensation Could I be Entitled to for My Palm Springs Rideshare Accident?

If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in Palm Springs, you could be entitled to various types of compensation. The most common are economic and non-economic damages. If the defendant’s actions were particularly malicious, you may also receive punitive damages. Punitive damages are rarely granted. When they are, it’s more as a deterrent. By making an example of the defendant, the court hopes to discourage similar behavior in the future.

Economic damages are meant to compensate you for your financial losses. Medical expenses resulting from the rideshare accident make up the bulk of a person’s economic damages:

• Emergency room bills
• Hospital bills
• All surgeries
• Physical therapy
• Rehabilitation
• Medications
• Long-term care
• Home modifications
• Mental Health counseling

Other economic damages include:

• Lost Wages – If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be compensated for lost income.
• Lost Earning Potential – For life-changing injuries, compensates the victim for the inability to make a living in the future.
• Property Damage – The cost to repair or replace any lost property.

Non-economic damages compensate you for the emotional toll your rideshare accident has had on you. These include:

• Pain and Suffering – This non-economic damage compensates for physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the accident and injuries.
• Loss of enjoyment of life – If you can’t take part in activities you enjoyed before your rideshare accident.
• Loss of consortium – For those with spouses, the loss of support, intimacy and companionship due to an accident injury.

California places no cap on the amount that can be awarded in non-economic damages, so it almost always makes up the largest portion of a rideshare accident victim’s compensation.

Why Should I Hire a Rideshare Accident Lawyer?

Navigating the aftermath of a rideshare accident can be overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with serious injuries. Here’s why hiring a seasoned rideshare accident lawyer is crucial:

• Handling Settlement Negotiations – Do you really want to negotiate with an aggressive Insurance adjustor during your recovery? They will likely try to pressure you into accepting the lowest amount possible, regardless of the extent of your injuries. An experienced accident lawyer can skillfully negotiate for you and fight for the compensation you’re entitled to.
• Preparing for Court Proceedings – Most cases settle out of court. However, some may require litigation. A skilled attorney can prepare your case for trial, gathering evidence, deposing witnesses, and presenting a compelling argument in court.

How to Choose the Right Uber Accident Lawyer

When selecting a rideshare accident lawyer in Palm Springs, consider the following:

• Experience and Expertise – Look for a lawyer with specific experience in handling rideshare accident cases. They should be familiar with the unique aspects of these cases, including the complex insurance policies involved.
• Local Knowledge – A lawyer familiar with Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley can provide invaluable insights into local traffic patterns, court systems, and potential biases that may affect your case.
• Communication and Comfort – Choose a lawyer who communicates clearly and makes you feel comfortable. You’ll be working closely with them throughout your case, so a good rapport is essential.

Call the Palm Springs Rideshare Accident Attorneys at The Dominguez Firm Today

Being involved in a rideshare accident in Palm Springs can be a traumatic experience, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. By understanding your rights, the steps to take immediately after an accident, and the importance of skilled legal representation, you can protect your interests and focus on recovery.

Remember, time is of the essence in these cases. If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Palm Springs or anywhere in the Coachella Valley, call The Dominguez Firm today for a free consultation at (800) 818-1818. We’re available 24/7.