Bakersfield Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft have become an essential part of how people get around Bakersfield. Whether you’re heading downtown or catching a ride home after a night in the lively 18th Street area, these services offer convenience and accessibility.

However, with the increasing number of rideshare vehicles on the road, accidents involving these cars have also become more common. Key areas like Highway 99, Ming Avenue near the Valley Plaza Mall, and Chester Avenue often see heavy rideshare traffic, making them potential hotspots for accidents.

If you’ve been hurt in an accident involving a rideshare vehicle, you might feel overwhelmed and unsure about your next steps.

At Adamson Ahdoot, we want you to focus on healing while we focus on the legal details. With decades of experience, we’re here to stand by your side as you pursue justice and the financial compensation you deserve.

Contact a Bakersfield rideshare accident lawyer at our firm today.

Why Choose Adamson Ahdoot for Your Bakersfield, CA Rideshare Accident Claim?

Being involved in a rideshare accident can feel like your world has been turned upside down. You might be managing medical appointments and expenses, dealing with lost income, and trying to piece your life back together. At Adamson Ahdoot, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents can take, and we’re here to help you through every step of the process.

Here’s why we stand out as the law firm of choice for Bakersfield accident victims just like you:

• Personalized Care with Proven Results: Every case is unique. That’s why we dedicate time to listening to your story and understanding your needs. Our attorneys treat our clients like people, not case files. This commitment has helped us win over $500 million for accident victims across California.
• Deep Understanding of Rideshare Accident Laws: Rideshare accident claims can be more complicated than typical car accident cases. Liability often involves multiple parties, such as the rideshare driver, the company, and even other drivers on the road. Our team knows the nuances of these cases and is ready to fight on your behalf.
• We Prepare Aggressively: With one of the most technologically advanced infrastructures of any personal injury law firm in California, we leave no stone unturned when preparing your case. Whether it’s gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, or taking your claim to court, we’re ready to fight for the best possible outcome.
• No Upfront Costs: We handle cases on a contingency basis, which means you don’t pay us a penny unless we win your case. There’s no financial risk in contacting us for help.

When you choose Adamson Ahdoot, you’ll have a compassionate and experienced legal team advocating for your rights.

Who May Be Eligible to File a Rideshare Accident Claim?

After an accident involving a rideshare vehicle, you might be wondering whether you’re eligible to file a claim. Rideshare accidents can affect multiple parties in different ways, which is why it’s essential to understand your rights and how they apply to your unique situation.

You may be eligible to file a rideshare accident claim if you fall into any of the following categories:

• A Passenger in the Rideshare Vehicle: If you were a paying passenger in an Uber or Lyft when the accident happened, you may have a strong claim for damages. Rideshare companies’ insurance policies often provide coverage for passengers during active rides, ensuring you’re protected if an accident occurs.
• The Driver of Another Vehicle: If a rideshare driver caused a crash that involved your vehicle, you may be eligible to file a claim against the rideshare company’s insurance policy, particularly if the driver was actively engaged in work (either waiting for a ride request or transporting a passenger).
• A Pedestrian or Cyclist: Pedestrians and cyclists frequently share busy roadways in areas like downtown Bakersfield and around Kern River Parkway. If you were hit by a rideshare vehicle, you have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries, pain, and suffering.
• Family Members Who’ve Lost a Loved One: Tragically, some rideshare accidents result in wrongful death. If you’ve lost a loved one due to the negligence of an Uber or Lyft driver, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim to seek justice on their behalf.

Sometimes, determining eligibility and liability can be a complex process, especially in rideshare accidents where various insurance policies and legal obligations come into play. By working with a knowledgeable Bakersfield rideshare accident attorney at Adamson Ahdoot, you can ensure that every aspect of your claim is handled thoroughly with care.

How Does Insurance Work After an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Rideshare accidents can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to navigating the complicated world of insurance. One of the biggest questions you may have is, “Who’s responsible for covering my damages?” At Adamson Ahdoot, we know how confusing this can be, and we’re here to help make sense of it all.

Insurance coverage in rideshare accidents largely depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash. Here’s a breakdown of how these scenarios play out:

Offline or the App is Off

If the rideshare driver wasn’t logged into the Uber or Lyft app at the time of the accident, they’re deemed to be off duty. This means their personal car insurance policy is the primary coverage. Unfortunately, many personal insurance policies do not cover accidents if the car is being used for commercial purposes.

If you were harmed in a crash under these circumstances, it’s essential to have a Bakersfield rideshare accident lawyer on your side to ensure your rights are protected.

Available or Waiting for a Ride Request

When rideshare drivers are logged into the app and waiting to accept a ride request, their employer offers limited liability coverage. For both Uber and Lyft, this typically includes:

• Up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury.
• Up to $100,000 per accident for bodily injury.
• Up to $25,000 for property damage.

If you’ve been injured by a driver in this situation, the rideshare company’s insurance will typically come into play, but only after the driver’s personal insurance policy has been exhausted. Sorting through layered policies like this can be complex, but our skilled attorneys know exactly how to handle these claims.

En Route to Pick Up a Passenger or During a Ride

Once the driver accepts a ride request or has passengers in the car, Uber and Lyft provide their most comprehensive coverage. This includes up to $1 million in liability coverage and, in some cases, coverage for uninsured or underinsured motorists. Whether you were a passenger in the rideshare vehicle, a pedestrian, or the driver of another car, this policy is designed to protect victims like you.

Knowing your rights under these different insurance scenarios is the first step. The next is working with a Bakersfield rideshare accident lawyer who can ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve. At Adamson Ahdoot, we’re ready to guide you through each phase of your case.

The Insurance Company Offered Me a Settlement. Should I Take It?

It’s natural to feel the urge to accept an early settlement offer from the insurance company. After all, you’re dealing with mounting medical bills and maybe even lost income. But before you agree to anything, you should understand this critical truth: insurance companies are not on your side.

Their goal is to settle your case as quickly and cheaply as possible. They might pressure you to accept an offer before you’ve even completed your medical treatment, hoping to close your case before you realize the full extent of your injuries. This tactic can leave you on the hook for expenses they should have covered, including future treatments or ongoing care.

By consulting a Bakersfield rideshare accident lawyer before accepting any offer, you will not leave money on the table. Our attorneys will review the details of your case, calculate the true value of your losses, and negotiate aggressively to secure the compensation you deserve. Don’t settle for less than what you need to rebuild your life.

Compensation Available to Bakersfield Rideshare Accident Victims

If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to significant compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial damages you’ve endured. At Adamson Ahdoot, our lawyers fight tirelessly to recover full and fair compensation for our clients. While every case is unique, the types of damages you may be able to recover include:

• Medical Expenses: This includes everything from emergency care and hospital stays to physical therapy and future medical treatments. Even minor injuries can lead to major medical bills over time.
• Lost Income and Reduced Earning Capacity: If your injuries have caused you to miss work or impacted your ability to do your job, you can seek compensation for your lost income and any diminished earning ability going forward.
• Pain and Suffering: The physical pain and emotional distress caused by your accident can’t be erased, but they can be compensated. A lawyer can help ensure these intangible losses are accounted for.
• Property Damage: If your car, bike, or other property was damaged in the accident, you may be reimbursed for repairs or replacement costs.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Serious injuries can prevent you from participating in activities you once loved. This loss is another factor that can be included in your claim.

Our legal team will carefully review every aspect of your case to ensure that no stone is left unturned. We’re committed to getting you the full compensation you’re entitled to so you can move forward with your life. We conduct thorough investigations to ensure no responsible party is overlooked.

Bakersfield Rideshare Accident Claim FAQs

Here are answers to some of the most common questions we hear from rideshare accident victims:

How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?

The personal injury lawyers at Adamson Ahdoot work on a contingency-fee basis. This means you don’t pay us anything upfront, and we only get paid attorney’s fees if we win your case. Our payment comes from a percentage of your settlement or verdict, so there’s no financial risk.

What if I’m Partly To Blame for the Accident?

Even if you share some fault, you may still be eligible for compensation thanks to California’s comparative negligence laws. Your total award may just be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if the court assigns you 20% of the blame, you’ll be entitled to recover 80% of the damages.

How Long Do I Have To File a Claim?

California law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, it’s crucial to act quickly so that evidence can be preserved, and witnesses’ memories remain fresh.

What if the Rideshare Driver Was Uninsured or Underinsured?

Both Uber and Lyft carry uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage while a driver is actively working. If the driver who caused your accident doesn’t have sufficient insurance, this policy can help cover your damages.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer To File a Rideshare Accident Claim?

Having an attorney handle your rideshare claim can significantly increase your chances of recovering maximum compensation. A Bakersfield rideshare accident lawyer can handle the legal aspects of your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and build a strong claim on your behalf.

Contact a Bakersfield Rideshare Accident Lawyer at Adamson Ahdoot

When you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, finding the right legal representation can make all the difference. The dedicated attorneys at Adamson Ahdoot can guide you through this challenging time with compassion and dedication.

Here’s how we can help:

• Handle all communication with the insurance companies, so you don’t have to.
• Investigate the details of your accident and gather evidence to support your claim.
• Negotiate aggressively to secure a fair settlement or take the matter to court if necessary.
• Provide personalized attention and keep you informed at every step of the process.

You’ve already endured so much. Now, it’s time to focus on your recovery while we fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact Adamson Ahdoot today at (800) 310-1606 or through our online form to discuss your case during a free consultation. You pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation in your case. Take the first step toward rebuilding your life by contacting us now.