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Uber Accident Lawyer: Your Guide to Rideshare Injury Claims
Taking an Uber should make life easier, not turn it upside down. But when a ride ends in a crash, you’re left with pain, confusion, and questions about your next steps.
At Delfino Green & Green, we know how overwhelming this can feel. Our experienced team of Uber accident lawyers is ready to fight for you, from the streets of San Francisco to the courtroom.
Over the past decade, rideshare apps like Uber have transformed the way people move around San Francisco and the entire Bay Area. What started as a convenient alternative to taxis has become a massive industry, with thousands of drivers picking up and dropping off riders every hour.
But with more Ubers on the road than ever, there’s been a sharp rise in serious accidents involving rideshare vehicles. Injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in San Francisco? Here’s what you need to know right now.
Steps to Take Immediately After an Uber Accident
Your choices right after the crash can make or break your case. Acting quickly and carefully protects your health and your right to fair compensation.
Here’s what you should do if you’re involved in an Uber accident:
- Get medical help, even if you feel fine
- Call 911 to report the crash and make sure a police report is created
- Take photos of the accident scene, vehicles, injuries, and anything that could show what happened
- Write down names, phone numbers, license plates, and insurance details for all drivers and witnesses
- Screenshot your Uber ride details in the app, including driver information and trip time
- Notify Uber through the app or website to document the incident
- Avoid talking about fault or posting about the accident on social media
- Contact an Uber crash lawyer in San Francisco before giving statements to insurance adjusters
Don’t wait to protect yourself. Evidence fades fast, and Uber’s insurance team will start building its defense immediately.
Contact A San Francisco Lyft Accident Lawyer
Contact us online or feel free to call us today at 415-442-4646 to schedule a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable San Francisco Lyft Accident Lawyers.
What to Expect During the Initial Consultation
What does meeting an Uber accident lawyer in San Francisco look like? At Delfino Green & Green, we offer a complimentary, confidential, and personalized first consultation focused on you.
We’ll ask about:
- How the accident happened
- Injuries you suffered
- Medical treatment so far
- Insurance information for everyone involved
- Photos, videos, or other evidence you’ve gathered
You can also ask us anything, like how long your case might take or how financial compensation works. We’ll break it all down in plain language. An Uber accident attorney in San Francisco at our firm knows every case is unique, and we never rush accident victims or leave them in the dark.
Investigating and Gathering Evidence for Your Claim
A successful Uber accident case starts with digging up solid proof. Our team doesn’t just skim police reports. We go beyond the basics to find the details that can make or break your case.
When we investigate a rideshare accident, we look for:
- Dashcam, security, or traffic camera footage
- Uber app data
- Witness statements
- Vehicle maintenance records
- Insights from accident reconstruction experts
We know insurance companies often try to twist the facts in personal injury cases, downplay injuries, or shift blame onto innocent Lyft accident victims. Our lawyers know how to gather evidence that proves what happened and demonstrates the impact of the crash on your life.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents
Most Uber crashes don’t come out of nowhere. Knowing what leads to these accidents can help you spot where things went wrong and prove someone else’s mistakes caused your injuries.
We commonly see Uber accidents happen when drivers:
- Take their eyes off the road to check the Uber app for new rides, maps, or passenger info
- Push through exhaustion by driving long hours to chase surge pricing or bonuses
- Engage in aggressive maneuvers like speeding, cutting through traffic, or slamming on brakes to catch green lights
- Get lost or confused on busy streets, leading to sudden turns, swerves, or missed signals
- Skip essential vehicle maintenance, like changing brake pads or fixing worn tires, to save money or time
These factors can turn a routine ride into a serious crash, whether it’s a rear-end at a light, a sideswipe while merging, or a pedestrian struck at a crosswalk. But pointing out these causes isn’t enough. Injured victims need solid proof, like trip logs, witness statements, and expert analyses, to show what really happened. That’s where having an experienced lawyer can make all the difference.
Statute of Limitations for Uber Accident Cases
Time goes by faster than you think after an Uber accident, and waiting too long could cost you everything. In California, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. Miss that deadline, and you’ll likely lose your chance to get any compensation, no matter how strong your case is or how serious your injuries are.
Think it’s already too late? Don’t assume you’re out of options. There are exceptions to the two-year rule, and a Lyft accident lawyer can help you find out whether you still have a chance to hold the right people accountable for your injuries.
Understanding Legal Liability in Uber Accidents
Sorting out who’s responsible after an Uber crash can get messy. Uber drivers aren’t employees; they’re independent contractors. That means whether Uber’s insurance pays or not often depends on what the driver was doing when the accident happened.
Here’s how Uber’s coverage breaks down:
- Period 1: The driver is logged into the app but hasn’t accepted a ride yet, so only limited coverage applies
- Period 2: The driver accepts a ride and is heading to pick up a passenger, triggering Uber’s $1 million liability policy
- Period 3: The passenger is in the car, and the $1 million coverage stays active until drop-off
For example, say your driver accepts your ride, speeds off to pick you up, and rear-ends another car, causing a rideshare accident. Because they’re en route, Uber’s commercial insurance should cover injuries and damages.
But say your driver logs out after dropping you off, drives home, and crashes minutes later; only their personal insurance will apply. Details like these can completely change who pays, and they’re exactly why you need an experienced rideshare accident lawyer in San Francisco who understands how the system works.
Why Uber or Lyft Accident Cases Are Different
Most car accidents are straightforward. You deal with one driver, one insurance company, and a pretty standard claims process. An Uber or Lyft accident is a different story entirely. As a Lyft accident victim, if you don’t have help, it’s easy to get lost or taken advantage of.
Uber or Lyft accident claims come with challenges like:
- Confusing questions about responsibility since drivers aren’t employees; they’re independent contractors
- Giant insurance companies with teams focused on paying out as little as possible
- Crashes that involve multiple passengers, other vehicles, or pedestrians, turning them into complicated cases with competing rideshare accident claims
- Important records like trip logs, driver status, and exact GPS data that Uber controls and doesn’t hand over without a fight
All of this can leave injured passengers feeling stuck or overwhelmed. That’s why you need a San Francisco rideshare accident lawyer who knows how to demand the evidence, cut through the red tape, and make sure Uber’s insurance pays what you deserve.
Navigating Insurance and Seeking Compensation
When you’ve been hurt in an Uber crash in San Francisco, don’t be surprised if multiple insurance companies try to point fingers and avoid paying. You could end up dealing with:
- The Uber driver’s personal auto insurance coverage
- Uber’s commercial insurance policy
- Other drivers’ insurance if they were involved
- Your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage
A San Francisco Uber passenger accident lawyer knows how to coordinate these coverages, push back when insurers stall, and fight for what you’re owed.
Depending on what you’ve suffered, compensation might include:
- Ambulance rides, ER visits, and hospital stays
- Physical therapy and follow-up medical care
- Paychecks you lost if you couldn’t work during recovery
- Future lost income if you can’t return to your old job
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If a loved one died in the crash, families can also pursue compensation for funeral expenses, lost companionship, and lost financial support. Insurance companies make their money by denying or undervaluing Lyft accident cases, so don’t let them push you around.
Get a lawyer who knows how to make them pay what’s fair.
Litigating Your Uber Accident Case, if Necessary
Most Uber accident cases settle out of court, but sometimes the only way to get what you deserve is by going to trial. That’s where having a lawyer with real courtroom experience matters.
At Delfino Green & Green, we prepare every case like it could go before a judge. Our team:
- Drafts strong legal filings to support your Lyft accident claim
- Takes depositions of drivers, witnesses, and medical experts
- Uses accident reconstruction evidence to show how the crash happened
- Negotiates with insurance companies but refuses to back down if they won’t offer a fair settlement
- Represents you in court with aggressive, compassionate advocacy
Litigation can sound scary, but you won’t face it alone. We’ll keep you updated at every step so you always know what’s happening with your case.
Choosing the Right Uber Accident Lawyer
Not all lawyers have the experience, resources, or determination to handle the complexity of rideshare accident cases. Here’s what to look for when choosing an Uber accident attorney:
- Proven experience handling rideshare and other motor vehicle accident claims
- Knowledge of Uber’s insurance policies and how they apply in each period
- Strong negotiation skills to stand up to powerful insurers
- Trial experience in case your claim goes to court
- Personal attention so you’re never treated like a case number
Delfino Green & Green has helped countless injured victims across San Francisco and the Bay Area rebuild their lives after serious Uber crashes. Our dedication, attention to detail, and tireless pursuit of justice set us apart.ation.
Uber Accidents FAQs
Still have questions? You’re not alone. Here’s what our rideshare accident attorneys hear most often from our clients:
Can You Sue Uber if an Uber Driver Gets in an Accident?
Yes. If you’re hurt as a passenger or by an Uber driver’s negligence, you can sue Uber directly or file a claim with their insurance.
How Long Does an Uber Accident Settlement Take?
It varies, but many settle within several months. Complex cases involving severe injuries or disputed liability can take a year or more.
How Much Can I Get From an Uber Settlement?
Settlements depend on your injuries, medical costs, lost income, and other factors. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
What to Do if Your Uber Gets in an Accident?
Check for injuries, call 911, collect evidence, report the crash to Uber, and contact a rideshare accident lawyer.
What Happens if Multiple Parties Share Fault in the Uber Accident?
California follows comparative fault rules. Each party’s percentage of fault reduces or increases their share of compensation.
Is There a Difference Between Handling an Uber vs. Lyft Accident Legally?
The legal principles are similar, but each company’s insurance coverage has specific terms that affect coverage.
What Should I Do Immediately After Being Involved in an Uber Accident?
Prioritize safety and medical care, then document the scene, report the incident to Uber, and contact an Uber accident lawyer.
Can Passengers Injured in an Uber Ride File a Lawsuit?
Yes. Passengers can seek compensation for injuries caused by any negligent driver involved in the crash.
What if the Uber Driver Caused the Accident While Not Actively on a Trip?
If your Uber driver causes a crash but isn’t on an active trip (meaning they’re logged out of the app or driving for personal reasons), Uber’s commercial insurance won’t step in.
Instead, the driver’s insurance coverage is supposed to handle the injuries and damage. This can leave injured victims facing lower limits and more disputes over who’s responsible.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Uber Accident Cases in Florida?
Florida recently changed the statute of limitations for personal injury cases to two years from the date of the accident (for crashes after March 24, 2023). Don’t delay. Missing the deadline means losing your right to compensation unless specific exceptions apply.
Take the First Step Toward Justice Today
If you’re hurt after an Uber or Lyft accident in San Francisco, don’t let insurance companies or complicated laws keep you from the financial compensation you need. Delfino Green & Green is here to stand by you, explain your rights, and fight for every dollar you deserve.
When you call our team about your rideshare accident, you’ll speak directly with someone who genuinely cares, listens attentively, and knows the following steps to take. We’ll answer your questions, map out a plan, and guide you through each step of the process, allowing you to focus on improving.
There’s no pressure or obligation; just honest advice from experienced Uber accident lawyers who want to see you heal. Reach out now for a free, confidential consultation with our San Francisco Uber accident lawyers. Let’s get you on the road to recovery.
Words of Praise from Our Clients
“I had the pleasure of working with Sharon Delfino on my workmens comp case. She definitely had my best interest at hand. She was able to find me a great doctor and help me resolve my case. The staff there are always polite and friendly, never had an issue. It was a pleasure working with Delfino Green & Green !”
– Tabitha W“I’ve known the firm’s founder, Bill Green, for many years and I can say that he is one of the best attorneys I’ve had the pleasure of working with. He and his associates at Delfino Green & Green are hard-working, highly responsive, and very professional, and they get the job done, without excuses. Bill is a great communicator, both with clients, and in Court, and invests time and money to include visual storytelling in his trials and mediations. You won’t find an attorney who cares more about you, and getting you an outstanding result for your case. Bill is one of the “good guys” in the legal profession…a great person to have on your side when dealing with the craziness of litigation.”
– Tim M“A few years ago, I referred a friend of mine to the attorneys at Delfino Green & Green. He was extremely happy with the job they did on his case. He was severely injured when a car hit him when he was crossing a street and this event had the potential to ruin him in a number of ways – financially, physically, emotionally, etc. We kept in close contact during the lawsuit and he told me how great his lawyer and his assistant were throughout the process. Caring, compassionate and very knowledgeable. My friend ended up with a great result – fair financial compensation and great treatment for his injuries. Little did I know when I referred my friend that a few years later, I would need a lawyer for injuries I suffered, but I did. Based on my friend’s experience, I knew that Delfino Green & Green would be the right attorneys for me. So I hired Bill Green and his team to help and they jumped right into action. Now I can saw that I too have firsthand knowledge of just how great these guys are. They knew the law, they knew just how to handle my particular case, and they helped me get my life back after the horrible events that lead to my injury. I can’t imagine that you could do any better than hiring these folks. I’m so grateful for all they did for both me and my friend.”
– Evelyn A“The work Delfino Green & Green did on my case was beyond excellent. The final result was superb, but I also truly appreciated how Mr. Green and the team kept me up-to-date at every stage of the case. I was able to reach someone whenever I needed something or had something important to report and the firm always let me know what was going on in my case. That was very important to me because I hadn’t found that to be true with other attorneys. In short, really top flight work, great people and results that met all of my expectations above and beyond.”
– Byron HRequest Your Free Consultation Now
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