Westminster Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Experienced Rideshare Accident Attorney in Westminster, CA
Thousands of people in Westminster and throughout Orange County use rideshare services like Uber and Lyft every day. Whether you take an Uber down the I-405 or for a short trip downtown, it is vital to know your legal options if you are injured in an accident. Depending on who caused it and other factors, you may have several avenues of recovery available to you, and an experienced Westminster rideshare accident lawyer will be a crucial asset to your case.
Representing Rideshare Accident Victims in Westminster, CA
The attorneys at Bentley & More LLP have successfully helped many injured accident victims recover in Westminster and the surrounding communities of California, and we know the unique legal challenges that rideshare accident cases can present. When you hire our team to represent you, you will have a dedicated legal representative ready to answer your questions, explain what to expect as your case unfolds, and guide you through every step of your proceedings.
The California Office of Traffic Safety reported that in 2023, there were 562 victims of vehicle accidents, either injured or killed, in Westminster. While it remains unclear whether the popularity of rideshare services has increased or decreased accident rates, the fact is that when you ride in an Uber or Lyft, your driver is an ordinary person driving for a job; they are not a trained professional. You also can never anticipate how other motorists might behave.
The aftermath of any accident can be confusing, but rideshare accident cases are especially likely to raise difficult legal questions that only a skilled Westminster personal injury lawyer can answer for you. You will need help proving liability for the accident, and fault will dictate your recovery options. You can trust the team at Bentley & More LLP to listen to your story and determine your most efficient options for recovering compensation for your damages.
Proving Liability in a Rideshare Accident Case
California upholds a fault-based system for resolving car accident cases. This means that the party responsible for causing an accident absorbs liability for the resulting damages, and you will need to prove fault for your recent Uber or Lyft accident before you can claim any compensation. If you were riding as a passenger in a rideshare, it is unlikely that you could be found partially at fault, but if you were driving your own vehicle, comparative fault may come into play.
The pure comparative negligence law in California dictates that when multiple parties share liability for causing an accident, each liable party is assigned a percentage of fault. If a plaintiff in an accident case is found to share liability with the defendant, the plaintiff’s fault percentage is subtracted from their total compensation. Your Westminster rideshare accident attorney can explain whether this could come into play in your case.
Your attorney will be an essential asset for gathering the evidence you need to prove fault for your accident. You may need photos of the crash scene, statements from eyewitnesses, police reports, drivers’ cell phone data, and traffic camera recordings. Additionally, your attorney may help you obtain records from the rideshare company, which could be valuable evidence in some of these accident cases.
Claiming Compensation for a Rideshare Accident in Westminster
California law requires every driver to have auto insurance, but rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft are also required to have additional coverage that can come into play after some accidents involving their drivers. When a covered driver causes an accident, their policy can pay for any resulting damages to others, but a rideshare company’s insurance could also come into play depending on the circumstances of the accident.
When a rideshare driver is using their vehicle for personal reasons and is not logged into their driver app, their own insurance would apply if they have an accident. Once they log in, the first level of coverage applies if they cause an accident, acting as third-party liability coverage. Once the driver picks up a passenger, the second level of coverage applies until they drop the passenger off at their destination.
This second level of coverage is equivalent for Uber and Lyft, and it can provide up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage. If you were injured as a passenger in a rideshare, then this insurance could apply to your damages if the at-fault driver’s insurance cannot fully compensate you. However, you will need to hire a rideshare accident lawyer to help you navigate all of the complex insurance claim-related issues you could face after your accident.
You may need to build a personal injury case to recover your losses. If you suffered severe injuries, your Westminster rideshare accident lawyer at Bentley & More LLP can help you gather the evidence needed to prove liability and then calculate the total damages you are eligible to claim from the defendant who caused the accident. If your attorney can successfully establish liability, you may recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including long-term treatment costs if you sustained a severe injury that will require ongoing care.
- Lost wages, including lost future earning capacity if the accident left you unable to return to work.
- Pain and suffering. You have the right to claim monetary compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering you have experienced because of the accident.
Rideshare accidents can be just as damaging as any other accident, but they typically create more complex legal issues for injured victims. If you or a loved one has been hurt in such an accident, it is crucial that you hire a rideshare accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident to help you prove liability and claim compensation for your damages.
Hire a Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Westminster Today
The team at Bentley & More LLP has years of proven experience helping injured vehicle accident victims in Westminster and throughout Orange County, and we are prepared to put this experience to work in your rideshare accident case. You have a short time to gather the evidence you need to prove fault, and you could face a series of difficult interactions with multiple insurance carriers.
Our firm will listen to your story, determine your recovery options, and prepare you for the challenging proceedings ahead. You have a short time to pursue accountability and compensation for your damages, so contact Bentley & More LLP today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Westminster rideshare accident lawyer.
About Westminster, CA
Westminster features the historic Blakey Historical Park, preserving local history and offering serene green space for community gatherings. However, transportation risks persist across busy Orange County corridors, where California Office of Traffic Safety statistics recorded 562 victims of car accidents in Westminster during 2023. In response, municipal authorities and law enforcement continue enhancing traffic enforcement and roadway safety initiatives. Westminster remains deeply dedicated to protecting its residents and ensuring a safe, connected community for everyone.
Client Testimonials
“I can’t thank Bentley & More enough, especially Steve. After my dad’s passing in a car accident, they secured a settlement we are so grateful for. From the start, they made sure we were taken care of, handling everything so we didn’t have to worry. Steve went above and beyond, always there when we needed support, and it was such a relief knowing we were in good hands. If you’re looking for a firm that truly cares, Bentley & More is the one. Highly recommend them!” – Kevin Jimenez ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bentley & More LLP Office
Address: 4931 Birch Street Newport Beach, CA 92660
Phone: (949) 870-3800
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