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Ventura Rideshare Accident Lawyers
Are You in Need of a Rideshare Accident Lawyer?
If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, the Ventura personal injury lawyers at NordstrandBlack PC can investigate what happened and pursue maximum compensation. A rideshare claim may involve several potential sources of recovery.
You should contact a rideshare attorney right away if:
- You suffered serious or life-altering injuries in the rideshare accident.
- The insurance company disputes who was responsible for the collision.
- Multiple drivers or other parties may share responsibility for the accident.
- You are facing substantial medical expenses, lost income, or other financial losses.
- The insurance company denied your claim or made a settlement offer that does not account for your losses.
- You want to understand your legal options before accepting a settlement or signing documents that could affect your claim.
Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident?
If negligence caused your Uber or Lyft accident, you may have options for recovering compensation. Call (805) 962-2022 for a free consultation.
Why Choose Us Over Other Rideshare Accident Attorneys in Ventura?
Attorneys Renée Nordstrand-Black and Doug Black at NordstrandBlack PC represents injured people and families who are dealing with the consequences of serious accidents. We understand how a major injury can create losses that extend far beyond your first hospital bills.
Accepting a settlement and signing a release can prevent you from seeking additional compensation later. A Ventura car accident attorney who knows how to properly evaluate your losses can help protect your rights.
Here’s what sets our law firm apart:
- Experience handling complex personal injury claims, including cases involving disputed responsibility, multiple negligent parties, serious injuries, and insurance disputes.
- Free consultations for injured individuals and families, providing an opportunity to discuss the circumstances of an accident and learn more about potential legal options without an upfront cost.
- 10.0 Superb Avvo Rating, recognizing the firm’s professional standing and commitment to representing clients.
- Experience representing people with catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and other serious injuries resulting from negligence.
- Renée Nordstrand-Black received the Deborah Talmage Attorney of the Year Award, recognizing her accomplishments and contributions to the legal profession.
- Responsive and personalized representation, with clear communication and ongoing updates to keep clients informed throughout their cases.
- Premium Rating by Lawyer.com, recognizing the firm’s professional reputation and experience handling personal injury matters.
- AV Preeminent® Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®, a peer-reviewed distinction recognizing high standards of professional ability and ethics.
How Negligence Causes Rideshare Accidents
Negligence causes rideshare accidents when a driver fails to exercise reasonable care and that conduct contributes to a collision. Just like other motorists, Uber and Lyft drivers must obey traffic laws and operate their vehicles safely.
Distracted Driving
Rideshare drivers depend heavily on smartphones. They may use their phones to receive ride requests, communicate with passengers, locate pickup points, and follow navigation directions. Looking at an app instead of surrounding traffic can prevent a driver from noticing a pedestrian, cyclist, motorcycle, stopped vehicle, or a red light.
Speeding
Speeding reduces the time a driver has to respond to changing traffic conditions and can increase the severity of injuries when a collision occurs. A rideshare driver may hurry to reach a passenger quickly or complete more trips.
Unsafe Pickups and Drop Offs
A driver may create a dangerous situation by stopping unexpectedly or choosing an unsafe location for a passenger pickup or drop off. Drivers should watch for surrounding traffic, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcycles before pulling toward the curb or reentering traffic.
Failure to Yield
A rideshare driver can cause an accident by failing to yield when turning, entering traffic, or approaching a pedestrian crossing. Failing to yield may result in a collision with another vehicle, bicyclist, pedestrian, or motorcyclist who has the right of way.
DUI Driving
Alcohol and drugs can impair a rideshare driver’s judgment, coordination, reaction time, and ability to recognize hazards. A driver who operates an Uber or Lyft vehicle while impaired is more likely to cause a collision cause a collision.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Checking a navigation app or searching for a pickup location can distract a driver from vehicles in neighboring lanes. An unsafe lane change can be particularly dangerous for motorcyclists and bicyclists.
Fatigued Driving
Fatigue can impair reaction time, attention, and judgment. A rideshare driver who works long hours or drives while excessively tired may place passengers and other road users at risk.
Who Can Be Injured in a Rideshare Accident?
Anyone harmed by a negligent driver may have a valid claim after a rideshare accident. You do not have to be an Uber or Lyft passenger to pursue compensation when a rideshare driver's negligence causes your injuries.
Rideshare Passengers
Rideshare passengers depend on their drivers to operate vehicles safely. An injured passenger may potentially have claims involving the rideshare driver or another negligent motorist. Determining who caused the accident helps establish which insurance policies may apply.
Pedestrians
Pedestrians can suffer devastating injuries when struck by an Uber or Lyft vehicle because they have almost no physical protection against the force of a collision. Pedestrian accidents can result in broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, neurologic injuries, internal injuries, and other serious harm.
Bicyclists
Bicyclists can be injured when rideshare drivers make unsafe turns, enter bicycle lanes, fail to yield, pass too closely, or open a vehicle door into a cyclist’s path. Under California’s Three Feet for Safety Act, drivers who are passing a bicyclist must maintain at least three feet of distance between the vehicle and bicycle. A driver who passes too closely may also strike a bicyclist or force the rider to take evasive action to avoid a collision.
Motorcycle Riders
Motorcycle riders may suffer catastrophic injuries when rideshare drivers fail to notice them in traffic. A driver distracted by navigation instructions may make an unsafe lane change or turn into a motorcycle's path. Because motorcycles provide little physical protection, riders may suffer traumatic brain injuries, fractures, spinal cord injuries, internal injuries, road rash, and permanent disabilities.
Drivers and Passengers in Other Vehicles
People in other vehicles may also be injured because of a rideshare driver's negligence. For example, an Uber or Lyft driver may rear end a vehicle while checking the app, run a red light, fail to yield, or make an unsafe lane change. Drivers and passengers injured under these circumstances may be able to pursue compensation through applicable insurance coverage.
Experience Makes the Difference
A serious rideshare accident can affect your health, income, and future. Call NordstrandBlack PC at (805) 962-2022 to discuss your claim today.
Who Is Liable for a Rideshare Accident?
Liability for a rideshare accident depends on who caused or contributed to the collision. The rideshare driver is not automatically responsible simply because an Uber or Lyft vehicle was involved.
The Rideshare Driver
An Uber or Lyft driver may be liable when negligent driving causes an accident. Examples include speeding, distracted driving, failing to yield, following too closely, making unsafe turns, or violating other traffic safety laws.
Another Motorist
Another driver may be responsible for an accident involving a rideshare vehicle. For example, a motorist could run a red light and strike a Lyft vehicle carrying a passenger. Evidence establishing that driver's negligence can help an injured passenger pursue compensation from the appropriate insurer.
Multiple Drivers
More than one driver can sometimes contribute to the same collision. California follows a pure comparative negligence system, allowing fault to be divided among responsible parties. A complete investigation is important because identifying all responsible parties can also identify additional potential sources of compensation.
Other Liable Parties
Some accidents involve factors beyond the actions of individual motorists. Depending on the facts, another potentially responsible party could include a vehicle owner, an employer of another negligent driver, a maintenance provider, or another person or business whose negligence contributed to the accident.
Uber and Lyft Insurance Policies
When a rideshare driver is offline and using the vehicle for personal purposes, the driver’s personal automobile insurance generally applies. Rideshare insurance requirements begin once the driver logs into the app and becomes available to accept ride requests.
When the driver is logged into the app but has not yet accepted a ride request, California requires primary liability coverage of at least $50,000 for injury or death per person, $100,000 for injury or death per incident, and $30,000 for property damage. State law also requires $200,000 in excess liability coverage per occurrence during this period.
When the driver accepts a ride request and continues while the driver travels to pick up the passenger. During this period, California requires $1 million in primary commercial liability insurance.
Available Compensation After a Ventura Rideshare Accident
A serious injury claim should account for more than medical bills that have already accumulated. Injuries may require years of treatment, prevent someone from returning to the same occupation, or permanently change the person's ability to perform everyday activities.
Recoverable damages may include:
- Medical expenses and other losses like loss of income
- Future medical care and other losses like loss of income
- Hospitalization
- Surgery
- Rehabilitation
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
What Clients Are Saying About Us
Great Lawyer! -Anonymous (5-Star Avvo Review)
Renee was excellent! She is very organized and finished my case with the exact outcome that I wanted. I would recommend her to anyone for any case. Awesome job!
Exceptional professionalism-Thomas Felkay (5-Star Google Review)
Doug Black and his office staff handled my case with exceptional professionalism, promptly returning calls and following up on every opportunity to get the best possible outcome on a complex lawsuit. He is a master negotiator with vast experience. His calm and respectful attitude provided a safe refuge during a difficult time. Highly recommended!
Case Results
$80,000.00 Settlement. Motorist opened door in path of bicyclist
An Uber driver stopped along the roadway, and a passenger exited the vehicle into the path of our client, who was riding his bicycle nearby. Our client was struck and sustained injuries in the collision. After the insurance company made a low initial settlement offer, NordstrandBlack PC advocated for additional compensation and ultimately secured an $80,000 settlement on our client’s behalf.
Other Local Cities We Serve in California
Speak With an Experienced Ventura Rideshare Accident Lawyer
You do not have to determine which insurance company should pay your claim on your own. Instead, our attorneys can handle communications and negotiations with insurers while you concentrate on your recovery.
To find out how we can help, call (805) 962-2022 for a free consultation with a Ventura rideshare accident attorney.
Rideshare Accident FAQs
What does a rideshare accident lawyer do?
A rideshare accident lawyer investigates how the collision occurred, determines who may be liable, identifies applicable insurance coverage, and documents the injured person’s losses. An attorney can also communicate with insurers, negotiate a settlement, and pursue a lawsuit when appropriate.
When should I contact a rideshare accident lawyer?
You should consider contacting a lawyer as soon as possible after an Uber or Lyft accident, especially if you suffered serious injuries or liability is disputed. Prompt action can also help preserve app records, witness information, photographs, surveillance footage, and other evidence.
Who can file a claim after an Uber or Lyft accident?
Rideshare passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcycle riders, and drivers or passengers in other vehicles may potentially have claims. Your right to compensation depends on who caused the accident, the injuries and losses you suffered, and other circumstances surrounding the collision.
Who can be liable for a rideshare accident?
An Uber or Lyft driver, another motorist, or another negligent party may potentially be liable for a rideshare accident. More than one person can share responsibility, so an attorney can investigate the crash to identify everyone who may have contributed to it.
What insurance applies after an Uber or Lyft accident?
The applicable insurance coverage can depend on the rideshare driver’s activity when the crash occurred. Different coverage may apply when the driver is offline, logged into the app and waiting for a request, traveling to pick up a passenger, or transporting a passenger.
What compensation can a rideshare accident lawyer pursue?
Depending on the circumstances, compensation may be available for medical expenses and other losses like loss of income, future treatment, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, property damage, pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. The compensation available will depend on your injuries, losses, liability, and applicable insurance coverage.
Should I accept an insurance company’s settlement offer?
You should understand the extent of your injuries and losses before accepting a settlement or signing a release. A rideshare accident lawyer can evaluate an offer and determine whether it adequately accounts for your current and reasonably anticipated future losses.
Meet Our Rideshare Accident Lawyers
Renée J. Nordstrand-Black
Renée Nordstrand-Black is the founding partner of NordstrandBlack. She represents individuals and families affected by serious injuries and wrongful deaths caused by negligence. Her practice includes motor vehicle accidents, motorcycle crashes, pedestrian and bicycle accidents, trucking collisions, defective products, premises liability, and other personal injury matters. Renée approaches each case by carefully investigating the circumstances, evaluating potential sources of recovery, and helping clients understand their legal options while pursuing compensation for the financial and personal consequences of serious injuries.
Doug Black
Doug Black is a dedicated trial attorney and partner of NordstrandBlack PC. Before becoming an attorney, Doug owned and operated a local masonry contracting business for more than 30 years. As a Santa Barbara native, Doug brings local knowledge and practical problem solving skills to his representation of injured clients. He works to investigate liability, evaluate evidence, explain the legal process in understandable terms, and help clients pursue compensation when negligence causes serious injuries and financial losses.