Rideshares like Uber and Lyft have transformed how we travel, providing a convenient way to get around Fresno. With high-traffic areas like Shaw Avenue, Herndon Avenue, and the bustling nightlife of Tower District, rideshare vehicles are frequent sights on these roadways.
Rideshare vehicles are not immune to accidents. Whether you were a rideshare passenger, a pedestrian, or in another vehicle, a rideshare accident can leave you feeling stressed and uncertain about your next steps.
The personal injury lawyers at Adamson Ahdoot understand how disruptive and painful the effects of accidents can be. Our job is to support you as you recover while fighting aggressively to secure the compensation you deserve. After a collision, speak to a Fresno rideshare accident expert by reaching out for a complimentary case evaluation.
Why Choose Adamson Ahdoot for Your Fresno Rideshare Accident Claim?
Experiencing a rideshare accident is difficult, especially when you’re scrambling to figure out medical appointments, missed work, mounting bills, and legal complexities. The legal team at Adamson Ahdoot is here to carry some of that burden so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery.
For over a decade, our law firm has stood up for accident victims across California, securing the justice and financial relief they deserve.
What sets us apart as a top choice for your Fresno rideshare accident claim? Here are just a few reasons clients feel confident putting their trust in Adamson Ahdoot:
- A Personalized and Compassionate Approach: No two cases are the same, and neither are the needs of our clients. We take the time to learn what really matters to you, building a strategy that reflects your unique circumstances and long-term goals.
- Aggressive Representation: We don’t back down from standing up to big insurance companies or corporations. Our team works tirelessly to maximize your claim, whether it’s through tough negotiations or taking your case to trial.
- Tech-Driven Precision: Adamson Ahdoot is one of the most technology-forward law firms in California. From document organization to trial preparation, we use cutting-edge tools to deliver better outcomes for our clients.
Your health, livelihood, and future matter to us. When you choose Adamson Ahdoot for your accident claim, you’re choosing a team that is committed to putting you first.
Who May Be Eligible to Make a Rideshare Accident Claim?
After a rideshare accident, it’s natural to feel unsure about whether you have the right to file a claim. The truth is, there are many parties who may be eligible. Accident claims can be made by anyone whose injuries were caused by another party’s negligence. Here are several examples of who might be able to file a claim in a rideshare accident case:
- Rideshare Passengers: If you were inside an Uber or Lyft during an accident, you could seek compensation as a passenger for injuries, medical expenses, and emotional distress.
- Other Drivers: If you were hit by a rideshare driver and they were at fault, you might be entitled to damages, regardless of whether you were in a private vehicle, a work vehicle, or on a motorcycle.
- Pedestrians or Cyclists: Were you walking or biking on Fresno roadways when a careless rideshare driver caused harm? Victims in these situations also have legal recourse.
- Rideshare Drivers: Even rideshare drivers themselves may file a claim if another vehicle caused the crash.
Determining eligibility for a claim can be confusing. That’s why our experienced Fresno rideshare accident lawyers are here to help you identify your options and fight for the compensation you deserve. Whether you were a passenger, driver, or pedestrian, we’ll stand by your side from start to finish.
How Does Insurance Work After a Fresno Uber or Lyft Accident?
Understanding how insurance applies to rideshare accidents can be tricky. With multiple parties and policies involved, the entire process can be stressful for accident victims. To simplify things, it’s important to know that the stage of the driver’s rideshare activity at the time of the accident plays a crucial role in how insurance coverage is handled.
- Offline or the App is Off: If the rideshare driver is not logged into the app and is simply driving in their personal capacity, then their own auto insurance is responsible for covering any damages. Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft typically do not provide any coverage during this period.
- Available or Waiting for a Ride Request: When the rideshare driver is logged into the app but hasn’t yet accepted a ride, they’re covered under the company’s supplemental liability insurance. For example, both Uber and Lyft offer coverage during this phase, including up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage per accident.
- On the Way to Pick Up a Passenger or During a Ride: The most comprehensive coverage kicks in when a driver is either on their way to pick up a passenger or actively driving with a passenger in their vehicle. During this stage, both Uber and Lyft provide liability coverage of up to $1 million. This can cover injuries to the rideshare passenger, other drivers, pedestrians, or cyclists involved in the accident.
However, just because coverage is in place doesn’t mean insurance companies will automatically pay you the compensation you’re owed. Handling rideshare insurance claims can be complicated, and insurance providers have been known to delay or deny claims. This is why it’s critical to have a dedicated rideshare accident lawyer by your side, advocating for you every step of the way.
Should I Accept the First Offer from the Insurance Company?
After a rideshare accident, the first offer from the insurance company might appear to be a simple solution. After all, you’re likely eager to move past this stressful chapter. However, accepting the initial settlement without consulting a lawyer can leave you undercompensated for your injuries and losses.
Why is this the case? Insurance companies, no matter how friendly their representatives may seem, are in the business of protecting their bottom line. Their goal is often to resolve claims as quickly and cheaply as possible. This can mean offering a low-ball settlement that fails to account for the full extent of your medical expenses, ongoing care needs, lost income, and the emotional toll of your experience.
Here are a few tactics insurance companies might use to minimize payouts:
- Downplaying the Severity of Your Injuries: They may argue that your injuries are not as serious as you claim or even suggest they are pre-existing conditions unrelated to the accident.
- Offering a Quick, Low Settlement: A speedy offer might sound appealing, but it often doesn’t reflect the long-term costs you may face due to your injuries.
- Pressuring You to Settle Before You Fully Understand Your Damages: Insurance adjusters know that the full impact of injuries can take weeks or months to reveal itself. By rushing you into a settlement, they aim to cut off your ability to claim additional damages later.
For these reasons, consult a knowledgeable Fresno rideshare accident attorney before agreeing to any settlement. Our lawyers will evaluate your claim thoroughly to ensure your rights are protected, and we’ll negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to make certain you receive the compensation you truly deserve.
Compensation Available to Fresno, California Rideshare Accident Victims
After a rideshare accident, victims may be entitled to several types of compensation depending on the circumstances of their case. While every claim is unique, here’s an overview of the damages typically available to victims in Fresno, California, rideshare accident cases:
- Medical Costs: This includes ambulance rides, emergency room visits, surgeries, medications, ongoing therapy, and any future medical expenses related to your injuries.
- Lost Wages and Income: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be able to recover compensation for lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and professional setbacks caused by your inability to perform certain tasks.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages like physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, or depression resulting from your accident are also compensable.
- Property Damage: If your vehicle, bicycle, or other personal property was damaged in the accident, you might recover repair or replacement costs.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from enjoying activities you once loved, this diminished quality of life may be included in your claim.
At Adamson Ahdoot, we’re committed to fighting for every penny you are entitled to under the law. We understand the profound impact serious injuries can have on your finances, well-being, and future, and we do everything in our power to secure the compensation you need to move forward.
Fresno Rideshare Accident Claim FAQs
We’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions victims have to help guide you through this challenging time.
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 pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid attorney’s fees if we win your case and secure a settlement. Our goal is to make exceptional legal representation accessible, no matter your financial situation.
What if I’m Partly to Blame for the Accident?
California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule. This means you can still seek compensation even if you were partially at fault. However, your total damages will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. A skilled lawyer can help minimize your liability and maximize your compensation.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Rideshare Accident Claim?
California law generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, certain factors, such as government involvement in the accident, could shorten this timeline. It’s best to act quickly to protect your legal rights.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Rideshare Accident?
Your safety and health come first. Seek medical attention right away, even if you think your injuries are minor. Then, gather evidence at the scene (photos, witness information, etc.), report the accident to the rideshare company, and contact a rideshare accident lawyer to guide you through your next steps.
Do I Need a Lawyer if the Insurance Company Has Already Contacted Me?
Yes. Insurance representatives may try to get you to say things that could hurt your claim or accept a low settlement offer. An experienced lawyer will act as your advocate, ensuring you avoid these pitfalls and maximize your payout.
Contact Our Experienced Fresno Rideshare Accident Lawyers Today
Recovering from a rideshare accident isn’t just about healing physically. It’s about reclaiming your financial stability, exploring treatment options, and finding a sense of closure. With so much at stake, you need a lawyer who will stand by you throughout the legal process.
Here are just a few ways Adamson Ahdoot’s Fresno rideshare accident lawyers can help ease the burden of this process for you:
- Investigating the accident and gathering evidence to strengthen your claim.
- Negotiating with stubborn insurance companies on your behalf.
- Ensuring all deadlines for paperwork and filings are met.
- Calculating the full extent of your damages, including long-term costs.
- Representing you aggressively in settlement negotiations or in court if necessary.
Our dedicated and compassionate legal team understands the challenges you’re facing and will fight tirelessly to help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
Don’t wait to get the help you need. Contact Adamson Ahdoot today at (800) 310-1606 or through our online form for your free, no-obligation case consultation. We’re here to listen, support, and fight for you every step of the way.
