Riverside Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Riverside Rideshare Accident Attorney

Ridesharing has been on the rise in recent years thanks to the increased use of popular apps like Uber and Lyft. People use rideshare opportunities often, for transportation to and from work, and for personal purposes. Thus, it’s not uncommon for accidents to occur with vehicles on the road more often, especially in downtown areas of major cities like Riverside. If you are involved in one of these accidents, you need a Riverside rideshare accident lawyer on your side.

About The Law Office of Michael S. Johnson

Michael S. Johnson is a Riverside personal injury lawyer who focuses primarily on personal injury law and has successfully handled many complex cases. His knowledge in this area is unsurpassed, and he takes pride in being a hands-on attorney with a commitment to his clients to pursue full recovery.

He is compassionate, yet professional, and leads you through every phase of your case until a settlement is reached. Attorney Michael S. Johnson is tenacious and seeks justice in the courtroom. Many of his current clients are from referrals, as each client is treated with the utmost respect and dignity while working directly with him.

He gives his undivided attention to your case and can thoroughly review it to identify negligence and the cause of the rideshare accident.

A native of Riverside, California. Mr. Johnson previously worked as a defense litigator for well-known insurance companies and knows the tactics they use to avoid paying accident victims what they are due. He is active in the local and legal community and is the Director of the Board of the Consumer Attorneys of the Inland Empire.

Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents

Dangerous intersections in Riverside, like Magnolia Avenue and Tyler Street, are hotspots for motor vehicle accidents. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, 1,805 people died or were injured in a Riverside car accident in 2023. Unfortunately, this department combines all accidents and does not distinguish them from rideshare accidents.

Some of the common causes of rideshare accidents in Riverside are:

• Speeding
• Talking to passengers
• Navigating GPS
• Parking in illegal or poorly lit areas
• Being overtired

What Are Common Injuries in a Riverside Rideshare Accident?

As with any automobile accident, you can experience a range of injuries in a rideshare accident, too. Some individuals experience minor injuries, while others sustain severe injuries.

Common injuries you may experience after an accident include:

• Broken bones
• Whiplash
• Lacerations
• Spinal cord injuries
• Head trauma
• Emotional trauma
• Internal injuries

Getting immediate medical care is essential not only to your healing and recovery, but also to your Riverside rideshare accident case. The sooner you document the accident and the injuries you sustained, the more accurate your claim can be, and it can be used in court on your behalf.

How Rideshare Services Affect Accident Claims

Rideshare accidents can be a little different from the average car accident in terms of liability and insurance. Drivers are classified as independent contractors, which can complicate liability after an accident.

When it comes to insurance in a rideshare accident, coverage depends on the driver’s status when the collision occurs:

• The app is off. The driver’s personal insurance applies.
• The app is on, and the driver is waiting for a ride request. There is limited third-party liability insurance coverage from the rideshare company.
• The driver accepted a ride or was on a trip. The rideshare company typically provides substantial coverage. For instance, Uber provides at least $1 million in coverage for accidents where the Uber driver is at fault.

Multiple insurance policies may be involved in these accidents, so determining which insurer is responsible and how much coverage is available can be more complex than in a standard car accident case.

Why You Should Hire a Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Riverside

Today, around 36% of Americans have used rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft for their transportation needs. If you have been injured in a rideshare accident, you should hire a rideshare accident lawyer as soon as possible. Having a personal injury attorney on your side can help reduce stress so you can concentrate on recovering from your injuries.

Michael S. Johnson is experienced in the logistics of the Riverside court system, in addition to collecting evidence, police reports, and developing negotiation strategies when talking to the insurance companies.

FAQs

How Much Is the Settlement for an Uber Accident?

Unfortunately, there is no definite answer to how much you can receive in a settlement for an Uber accident. There are multiple factors that are considered and calculated. The settlement amount is personalized to the accident you were involved in.

Some of the factors that are evaluated for your settlement include:

• The extent of your injuries
• Whether the driver was online or offline
• Damage to personal property
• Insurance coverage and driver liability
• Who is at fault

Can I File a Legal Claim Against Uber if I Get in a Rideshare Accident?

Under certain circumstances, you can file a legal claim against Uber if you get in a rideshare accident. Uber drivers are independent contractors, so the company is not automatically liable for every accident that involves one of its drivers.

Direct claims against Uber may only be possible if there is evidence of misconduct, such as negligent hiring, improper driver screening, or policy issues that contributed to the accident.

What Is the Average Settlement for Whiplash in California?

The average settlement for whiplash in California covers a broad range. If you suffered soft tissue damage, the settlement may not be as high as you’d expect. On the other hand, if you have extensive damage to your nervous system, the settlement could be greater.

The whiplash settlement you could receive depends on your pain and suffering, medical expenses, other out-of-pocket expenses, and lost wages.

How Much Does a Rideshare Accident Lawyer Cost in California?

How much a rideshare accident lawyer costs in California depends on your settlement. Many personal injury lawyers offer a contingency plan. This means that you do not pay anything unless you are successful with your case. The percentage is based on the attorney’s experience, the difficulty of the case, and the insurance companies involved.

Reach Out to a Riverside Rideshare Accident Lawyer

If you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft accident, or if your vehicle was hit by an Uber or Lyft driver, contact The Law Office of Michael S. Johnson. You will speak to him directly, and he can listen to your concerns and answer your questions.

Contact his office today to schedule your consultation, located off Arlington Avenue, across from Notre Dame High School. Michael S. Johnson can give you individualized attention and offer support throughout the case.

Contact Our Riverside Law Office