In the event that you are harmed in a collision while using a rideshare service, such as Uber or Lyft, in Bakersfield, California, you’ll need an experienced Bakersfield rideshare accident lawyer by your side. These crashes typically lead to more complex cases than standard car wrecks, in large part due to the unique insurance and liability issues that arise.At Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, we understand the kind of stress you’re likely to be under in such a scenario, which is why our seasoned Bakersfield personal injury lawyer team will work will work tirelessly to investigate your claim, protect your rights, and pursue full compensation for your injuries, all while you can focus on healing.
At Kuyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, Your Case Is Our Number One Priority
When you turn to Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers to take on your rideshare crash claim, you’re placing your trust in a team that’s served Bakersfield and its surrounding communities for over forty years. Suffice it to say, we know how the local courts work and how insurers will size up your case.
From the moment you reach out, our rideshare lawyers will look into every detail — gathering police reports, talking to witnesses, and consulting experts — all so you are not left to carry any burden alone in the aftermath of your crash. Furthermore, our rideshare car accident lawyers will stay by your side through negotiations, pushing for a settlement that reflects the full impact the accident has had on your life.
What Are Some Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Bakersfield?
Rideshare accidents can happen for the same reasons as any car crash, but Uber and Lyft drivers often face unique risks, such as:
- Distracted Driving: GPS checks, ride alerts, and passenger conversations can all take a driver’s focus off the road
- Driver Fatigue: After long or irregular shifts, drivers can be less alert
- Reckless Maneuvers: Speeding, abrupt lane changes, or running stop signs
- Mechanical Failures: Due to skipped maintenance on brakes, tires, or lights
- External Factors: Bad weather or poor roadway conditions
Our rideshare accident attorneys will analyze all of these aspects with regard to your Bakersfield crash to establish what happened and why.
Who Is at Fault in a Rideshare Accident?
California uses a negligence standard to determine fault. In other words, the person whose careless actions caused the crash will be deemed responsible. If your Uber or Lyft driver was negligent and thus caused the collision, they will be at fault.
In that scenario, you may pursue compensation from the driver’s insurance and even the rideshare company itself, depending on the exact details of the incident. If another motorist’s actions caused the accident, that motorist will be at fault, and their insurance should cover your damages.
Determining Fault in a Rideshare Accident in Bakersfield
As California also operates under a pure comparative fault system, responsibility can be divided among several drivers in a multi-vehicle accident. Each person’s financial recovery will be reduced by their percentage of fault, but you can still recover from others even if you were partly at fault. Our team of Lyft and Uber accident lawyers can help track down witness statements, official police reports, and traffic-camera footage to solidify your case.
California Assembly Bill No. 5
In 2019, California AB No. 5 set the “ABC test,” which presumes a worker is an employee unless they’re free from company control, perform work outside the company’s usual business, and run an independent trade.
Under the bill, rideshare drivers could have been classified as employees of the companies they drive for. And that would have made said companies automatically liable as “common carriers” for their drivers’ actions. However, voters later passed Prop 22, exempting app-based drivers from many AB 5 requirements, and allowing Uber and Lyft to keep drivers classified as independent contractors as a result.
Still, even as contractors, at-fault drivers and their insurers remain responsible for crashes under California law, and you can pursue claims against them. Therefore, if you’re searching for an “Uber accident lawyer near me” or a “rideshare accident lawyer near me,” you’ll find attorneys who are more than capable of handling such cases.
The Various Different Types of Rideshare Apps People Commonly Use
Our firm handles all kinds of app-related accidents, including the following:
Uber & Lyft Accidents
Just to reiterate, Uber and Lyft drivers use passenger cars, SUVs, or vans to give rides. Both companies require commercial liability insurance when a driver is on the clock, but coverage levels differ by status.
E-Scooter Accidents
California law treats e-scooter riders much like other vehicle drivers, so if you collide with a scooter, you may have claims against the scooter rider, the scooter company (in the event of manufacturing defects), or even the city if a pothole or unsafe road contributed to the accident.
Food Delivery Accidents
When dealing with the fallout of a food delivery driver accident, figuring out who was at fault can be complex. Several parties and insurance policies can overlap, which means you need an attorney who knows how to pursue every avenue.
Some platforms that have gotten attention in recent years for an uptick in accidents include the following:
Grubhub
Accidents involving Grubhub drivers have raised specific questions about worker classification and insurance coverage. Our attorneys are familiar with the contractual relationships between drivers and Grubhub and how they impact liability in accident cases.
Instacart
Delivery drivers for the online grocery shopping platform, Instacart, face unique challenges, including lifting heavy objects and tight time constraints. These conditions can result in driver fatigue and distractions, both of which increase the likelihood of accidents.
Doordash
Like Grubhub, DoorDash has quickly become one of the most well-known food delivery platforms in Bakersfield. Our lawyers, therefore, have a lot of experience with DoorDash accident cases; we know the insurance coverages that DoorDash drivers have and how to file claims against the company itself.
Amazon Flex Delivery Accidents
Amazon Flex drivers use their personal vehicles to deliver shoppers’ packages. Amazon provides a commercial auto insurance policy (up to $1 million liability) for these drivers while on the job, so if one crashes into you while making a delivery, that policy will often cover your losses. If the driver was off-duty, you would go through their personal insurer.
Bikeshare
Programs like Lime Bike, Bay Wheels, or Jump offer rental bicycles and e-bikes. Accidents involving these vehicles are treated similarly to any bike accident; if a motorist hits a bikeshare rider, the driver is usually at fault, and their auto insurance will pay the victim. If a defect in a rented bike (such as a set of faulty brakes) caused the crash, the bikeshare company or manufacturer might be liable instead.
What Should I Do if I’m Involved in a Rideshare Accident While Riding as a Passenger?
Immediately following a rideshare crash, follow these steps:
- Prioritize your well-being; check for injuries and get medical help right away
- Call the police, making sure to obtain the officer’s name and report number
- Exchange names, contact details, license plates, and insurance information with everyone involved in the accident
- Take photos or video of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, debris, and visible injuries
- Report the crash through the Uber or Lyft app (or their claims hotline) to trigger their insurance coverage
- Save every piece of evidence you can
Finally, reach out to an Uber accident attorney who can help you talk with insurers, gather additional proof, and make sure you get every dollar you deserve. That way, you can focus on healing while someone else handles the legal work.
Who Is Liable After a Rideshare Accident in California?
Liability depends on whose negligence caused the crash and what insurance applies. Here are the key points:
- If the rideshare driver’s negligence caused the crash, their commercial liability insurer covers your claim
- When another motorist runs a light or makes an unsafe maneuver, you pursue compensation through that driver’s insurance
- If that driver lacks sufficient coverage, either the active Uber/Lyft policy or your uninsured motorist benefits will kick in
Whatever the case, turn to the best rideshare accident lawyers in Bakersfield can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Filing an Insurance Claim After a Rideshare Accident
How you file a claim depends on whether the driver was in any of these three scenarios:
En Route or Transporting a Fare
If the Uber/Lyft driver was actively on a trip (either with a passenger in the car or driving to pick someone up), you will work with Uber or Lyft’s insurance carrier.
App On, Waiting for a Request
If the driver’s app was on and they were waiting for a ride but had not yet picked up a passenger, Uber/Lyft offer only limited liability coverage (commonly $50,000/person and $100,000/accident for injuries). It’s still best to file a claim with the rideshare company, but be aware that your maximum payout will be much lower.
App Is Off
If the Uber/Lyft driver’s app was not on (they were off duty), a crash would be treated like an ordinary car accident. You will file a claim with the driver’s auto insurance just as you would if any other motorist hit you.
When to Hire a Bakersfield Rideshare Accident Lawyer
You should consider calling a rideshare lawyer right away if any of the following apply:
- You’ve suffered serious injuries or major vehicle damage
- Fault is unclear or disputed
- Multiple vehicles or parties are involved, and your case requires sorting out comparative fault
- Uber, Lyft, or their insurers deny or delay your claim
- The insurer’s settlement offer falls short of your medical bills, lost income, or pain and suffering
Ultimately, it’s best to retain an Uber or Lyft accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and strengthen your claim.
Why Is It Important to Work With a Bakersfield Rideshare Accident Lawyer at Kuyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers for Your Claim?
Rideshare accident cases have many moving parts. Here are a few reasons why Bakersfield victims turn to Kuyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers to handle these matters:
- Local Experience: Built over 40 years in Bakersfield’s courts and insurance markets
- Rideshare Experience: We are familiar with pulling trip data and handling Prop 22 insurance rules
- Personalized Communication and End-to-End Support: From crash reconstruction and expert witness testimony to either a settlement or trial, we’re here for you every step of the way
Working with us means tapping into decades of experience, local insight, and the commitment of a rideshare accident law firm that treats your claim as a priority.
Contact a Bakersfield Rideshare Accident Lawyer Today — Free Consultations!
In California, you must act quickly or risk losing your right to compensation. At Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, we offer free, no-obligation consultations. Contact us today, and let our Bakersfield ride-share accident lawyers review your case and explain your options.
Rideshare Accident FAQs in Bakersfield, California
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Rideshare Accident?
In California, the deadline (statute of limitations) for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of injury, so it’s important to contact a ridesharing accident lawyer as soon as possible after your crash.
How Much Will It Cost to Hire a Ride Share Accident Lawyer?
At Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means there’s no initial, out-of-pocket cost to you. Furthermore, our Lyft and Uber crash attorneys will only get paid if they successfully recover money for you.
Can I Still Recover Compensation if I Was Partially at Fault?
Even if you bear some responsibility for the crash, you can still recover compensation from the other at-fault parties; however, your total award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
