Injured? We Fight for What You Deserve
Rideshare apps have completely changed how we get around, but they've also created a confusing web of liability when accidents happen. Maybe you were a passenger in an Uber, got hit by a Lyft driver, or were behind the wheel when a rideshare vehicle caused a collision. No matter which scenario applies to you, figuring out who's responsible for paying for your injuries is a real challenge. At My Lawyer Manwel, we help people understand the complicated insurance policies that come with Uber & Lyft accidents because these companies have built systems designed to protect themselves first. Multiple insurance policies may apply depending on whether the driver was logged into the app, waiting for a ride request, or actively transporting a passenger. Are you searching for a Lyft accident lawyer in Los Angeles, California? Keep reading to understand how rideshare insurance works, why these cases are more complex than typical car accidents, and what you need to do to make sure you're not left covering costs that someone else should pay.
Uber and Lyft both maintain commercial insurance policies, but the coverage that applies to your accident depends entirely on what the driver was doing at the exact moment of the crash. When a driver is completely offline and not logged into any rideshare app, only their personal auto insurance applies, and the rideshare companies have no involvement whatsoever. Both companies provide limited liability coverage once a driver logs into the app and starts waiting for ride requests. This coverage kicks in when the driver's personal policy either doesn't cover the damages or doesn't have sufficient limits. During the waiting period, you're typically looking at around $50,000 per person for bodily injury and $100,000 per accident. That sounds like plenty until you're facing serious medical bills and lost wages. The real coverage comes into play when the driver accepts a ride request and starts heading toward a passenger, or when someone's already in the car. Uber and Lyft step up with up to $1 million in liability coverage, along with uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Figuring out which phase applies to your case is important because it's going to determine which insurance policy you file against and how much compensation might be on the table.
Passengers generally have the strongest position when it comes to recovering compensation after a rideshare accident because they bear no fault for the collision, and multiple insurance policies exist to cover their injuries. If your Uber or Lyft driver caused the accident, you can file a claim against the rideshare company's $1 million policy that covers active trips, and this applies whether the driver hit another vehicle, lost control, or made any other mistake that resulted in the crash. If another driver caused the collision while you were a passenger, you have options to pursue that driver's insurance while also potentially accessing the rideshare company's uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage if the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance. An Uber accident lawyer in Los Angeles can review the specific circumstances of your crash and identify every available source of compensation so nothing gets left on the table. Many passengers assume the process will be simple since they obviously weren't driving, but insurance adjusters still look for ways to minimize payouts by disputing the severity of injuries, questioning medical treatment, or dragging out the claims process until injured passengers accept lowball settlements out of frustration. Your injuries deserve full compensation regardless of how the insurance companies prefer to handle their internal disputes about who bears financial responsibility.
Uber and Lyft don't treat drivers as employees. They've structured their entire operations to create distance between themselves and the people working on their platforms by classifying drivers as independent contractors instead. This classification isn't accidental because it allows both companies to argue they're merely technology platforms connecting riders with drivers rather than transportation companies responsible for the conduct of their workforce. When you try to file a claim after an accident, you'll encounter layers of bureaucracy designed to exhaust you before you reach anyone with authority to resolve your case. A rideshare accident attorney in Los Angeles knows how to cut through the delays that discourage injured victims from pursuing what they're owed. Both companies require accident reports through their apps, but the information you provide gets filtered through their claims departments before reaching the insurance adjusters who actually handle payments. They'll request medical records, accident reports, and documentation while simultaneously running out the clock on your ability to gather evidence and build a strong case. The corporate playbook relies on the assumption that most people will give up or accept inadequate settlements rather than fight through a system that's designed to protect company profits.
The actions you take immediately after a rideshare accident can make or break your ability to recover fair compensation. Insurance companies count on injured people making errors that weaken their claims. Don't leave without documenting everything first. Memories fade and evidence disappears quickly, so get pictures of all the vehicles involved, traffic signs, and any visible injuries before you leave. You also need to get medical attention right away. If you don't, it creates gaps in your records that adjusters love to exploit. They argue that your injuries either didn't happen in the accident or aren't nearly as serious as you claim. Giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters without professional legal guidance puts you at risk because these conversations are designed to get you to say something that undermines your case, and anything you say can be used to reduce or deny your claim entirely. Many people also make the mistake of accepting the first settlement offer without understanding the extent of their injuries or the long-term costs they'll face. A rideshare injury attorney can help you avoid these pitfalls and build documentation from day one that supports the maximum recovery available under the applicable insurance policies. Working with a rideshare injury attorney early in the process gives you the advantage of professional guidance before you accidentally compromise your own case.
If you've been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, don't wait to get legal help while the insurance companies build their defenses against your claim. Contact My Lawyer Manwel now for a consultation where we'll review your case, explain your options, and help you understand what your claim is worth. An experienced Uber accident lawyer in Los Angeles handles rideshare cases against both major platforms and knows exactly how to counter their delay tactics. We're ready to fight for every dollar you deserve.
At My Lawyer Manwel, we fight for your rights in personal injury and employment law. See what our clients say about working with us.
I contacted My Lawyer Manwel for help with an employment dispute, and I’m very pleased with the service I received. He was knowledgeable, honest, and supportive throughout the entire process. Manwel kept me informed and handled negotiations with confidence and professionalism. He made a difficult situation much easier to manage and achieved a positive resolution. I would not hesitate to recommend My Lawyer Manwel to anyone needing experienced and reliable legal representation.
My Lawyer Manwel was incredibly helpful during my personal injury case. After my accident, I felt stressed and unsure of what to expect. Manwel explained everything in simple terms and was always available to answer my questions. He handled the legal details with professionalism and care, allowing me to focus on recovery. The settlement he secured helped cover my medical expenses and eased my financial worries. I truly appreciate his dedication and highly recommend his services.
I had a great experience working with My Lawyer Manwel on an employment law matter. He listened carefully to my concerns and provided clear, honest advice. Manwel was always responsive and made sure I understood every step of the process. He handled my case professionally and worked hard to protect my rights. The outcome was fair and allowed me to move forward with confidence. I’m very grateful for his help and would recommend My Lawyer Manwel to anyone facing workplace legal issues.
My Lawyer Manwel provided excellent support during my personal injury case. From the beginning, he was professional, patient, and very knowledgeable. He took the time to explain my rights and the legal process clearly, which made me feel confident and informed. Manwel handled all communication with the insurance company and kept me updated throughout the case. His dedication and attention to detail truly stood out. Thanks to his hard work, my case had a positive outcome. I highly recommend My Lawyer Manwel to anyone needing a trustworthy personal injury attorney.
Don't sign without carefully reviewing all of the terms, including release of claims, non-disparagement clauses, and confidentiality provisions. You usually have the right to consult with an attorney who can negotiate better terms on your behalf.
Enforceability varies dramatically by state, with some banning them entirely and others enforcing them when reasonable in scope and duration. Recent legal trends have moved toward limiting these agreements. Having an attorney review your specific agreement is essential.
Most discrimination claims must first be filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or your state's equivalent agency before pursuing a lawsuit. Strict deadlines apply, often within one hundred eighty to three hundred days of the discriminatory act.
Misclassification occurs when employers label workers as contractors to avoid providing benefits owed to employees. The determination depends on factors like company control over your work, schedule flexibility, and who provides tools and equipment.
Numerous federal and state laws protect employees who report illegal activity, safety violations, or fraud from employer retaliation. Whistleblowers may be entitled to reinstatement, back pay, and other remedies if they face adverse employment actions.
Generally speaking, employers have some flexibility to modify duties and compensation, but they can't make any changes that violate contracts, discriminate, or constitute retaliation. Sudden changes following a complaint or protected activity may raise legal concerns.
A hostile work environment exists when unwelcome conduct based on a protected characteristic is pervasive or severe enough to create an intimidating or abusive workplace. This goes beyond occasional rudeness and must materially affect your ability to do your job.
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, the majority of employees working more than forty hours per week must receive overtime pay at one and a half times their regular rate. However, certain exemptions apply based on salary level and job duties, which employers sometimes misapply.
Wrongful termination happens if an employee is fired in a way that violates federal or state laws, employment contracts, or public policy. Examples include being fired due to discrimination, retaliation for whistleblowing, or refusing to engage in illegal activities.
Federal and state law prohibit employers from retaliating against employees who report illegal conduct or file discrimination complaints. Retaliation can include termination, demotion, or creating a hostile environment. If you experience retaliation, you may have an additional legal claim.
Document every incident in detail. That includes dates, times, witnesses, and what occurred. Report the harassment through your company's internal complaint process and keep copies of all communications. If internal channels don't resolve the issue, consulting with an attorney is an important next step.
Workplace discrimination occurs when an employer treats someone unfavorably because of a protected characteristic like race, gender, age, religion, disability, or national origin. This can include hiring and firing decisions, promotions, pay, job assignments, and harassment.
If your health insurance paid for any treatment that's related to your injury, they may have a right to reimbursement from any settlement through a process called subrogation. Your attorney can often negotiate these liens down to maximize what you keep.
A settlement is an agreement that is reached outside of the court, where the at-fault party agrees to pay compensation in exchange for releasing liability. A verdict is a decision that's made by a judge or jury after a trial determines the outcome.
While you can represent yourself, insurance companies often take advantage of unrepresented claimants with lowball settlements. Studies show that injured individuals who hire attorneys recover significantly more compensation even after paying legal fees.
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of your case, the severity of injuries, and whether it settles or goes to trial. Simpler cases may resolve in a few months, while complex litigation can take several years.
You may still have options, including your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage if the incident involved a vehicle. An experienced attorney can identify all of the potential sources of compensation available to you.
Fault is normally established by examining evidence like police reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony. Your attorney will investigate the circumstances to build a compelling case. In some states, you may still recover damages even if you were partially at fault.
First, get medical attention even if you feel okay, as some injuries don't show symptoms right away. Document everything, including photos of the scene and witness contact information, and avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies before talking to an attorney.
Most personal injury cases are settled out of court via negotiations with insurance companies or the opposing party. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, taking your case to trial may be necessary to obtain the compensation you deserve.
Most personal injury cases are settled out of court via negotiations with insurance companies or the opposing party. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, taking your case to trial may be necessary to obtain the compensation you deserve.
Victims can recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, pain, and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving egregious conduct, punitive damages may also be available to punish the wrongdoer.
Every state has a statute of limitations that sets a deadline for filing personal injury lawsuits, typically ranging from one to four years depending on where you live. Missing this deadline almost always means losing your right to pursue compensation, so consult with an attorney as soon as possible after your injury.
A personal injury case is when someone suffers harm because another party was negligent, reckless, or engaged in intentional misconduct. A few examples include car accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, and workplace injuries. If someone else's actions led to your injury, you may have grounds for a claim.