Monterey Park Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Rideshare Accident Attorney in Monterey Park, CA

When you get into a rideshare, like a Lyft or Uber, you never expect to end up in an accident. Unfortunately, rideshare accidents happen more often than you might realize. In many cases, the rideshare driver is at fault for the accident. If you are an injured passenger in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages, such as medical expenses. Talking to a Monterey Park rideshare accident lawyer can shed light on your case.

Hire a Rideshare Accident Lawyer With Experience

George A. Gallegos of Gallegos Law Firm is an established Monterey Park rideshare accident attorney with over 20 years of experience helping local residents receive worthwhile compensation for their car accident injuries. He is highly skilled at negotiation tactics and knows how to advocate for a favorable offer. His aggressive approach is effective and straightforward, which makes him a top Monterey Park rideshare accident lawyer.

California Rideshare Accident Laws

Over the past decade, rideshares have become a popular alternative means of transportation when other options are not available. They are convenient, efficient, and usually ready to go at a reasonable price. In fact, there are over 800,000 rideshare drivers in California alone. As a result of the rising popularity of this industry, California has enacted several laws to regulate it. Some of these are listed below.

Mandatory Rideshare Vehicle Insurance

Transportation network companies, also called TNCs, like Uber and Lyft, are required by law to carry specific insurance coverage for their drivers while they are logged in to the company’s software platform. The California Public Utilities Commission, or the CPUC, sets the following required minimum amounts for rideshare coverage:

• Commercial liability. The CPUC requires coverage of $1,000,000 for injury, death, and property damage that covers the ride from the moment the passenger enters the vehicle until the passenger is dropped off and exits the vehicle.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist. The CPUC requires coverage of $1,000,000 during active rides.
• Another $1,000,000 of coverage is required for the time when the driver accepts the ride and picks the passenger up.
• $50,000 for injury and death per person, up to two people, and $30,000 coverage for property damage is required for the time a driver is logged onto the platform but is idle and waiting for their next ride.
• Drivers must also carry valid personal vehicle insurance coverage.

Despite the number of active rideshare drivers, surprisingly, most are not experienced as rideshare operators. In fact, according to the Legislative Analyst’s Office, the majority of rideshare drivers only work part-time and for less than a year. Thus, the turnover rate is fairly high, and the driving skills of many drivers may not be advanced. As a result, these accidents may occur, especially with drivers who aren’t as experienced as they should be.

Why You Need a Monterey Park Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Anyone who is involved in a rideshare accident should hire a rideshare accident lawyer immediately. These cases are not like typical car accidents and require specific legal knowledge to navigate. As a passenger, you might find it difficult to have a clear memory of what occurred. You might also need help communicating your side of the story.

In addition to determining liability, rideshare accidents are more legally complex. This is because they usually involve multiple insurance policies and multiple insurance companies. The complicated app-based rules regarding driver status can be difficult to comprehend. Because of this, determining which insurance applies is complicated.

Determining Rideshare Accident Liability

One of the most complicated aspects of rideshare accidents is determining liability and whose insurance is responsible for paying the claims filed by injured parties. If a rideshare driver is found liable for personal injury claims that result from the accident, the driver’s status at the time of the collision can affect coverage. Whether the driver was logged in or out of the rideshare platform, as well as whether they were waiting on a ride or actively transporting a customer, matters.

A qualified Monterey Park rideshare accident attorney can effectively analyze trip logs and app data to determine if the proper coverage was applied to your accident claim. It could mean an enormous difference in your settlement. If liability is questioned, your attorney can also do the following on your behalf:

• Analyze the police report
• Contact witnesses
• Obtain records from the rideshare company
• Review any video surveillance available
• Employ a trustworthy accident reconstructionist, if necessary

Whether your rideshare accident occurred near one of the most active rideshare spots in Monterey Park, California, like Union Station or the Citadel Outlets, or a suburban area like Ramona Acres, speaking to an attorney can expedite your rideshare accident claim. A Monterey Park rideshare accident lawyer can help you file your claim, gather crucial evidence to support your claim, and provide intel regarding the status of your case.

Having an attorney who is based locally can also be to your advantage. An attorney who is familiar with local traffic patterns and accident-prone roadways can be useful in working through disputes with insurance adjusters. It can also help a case move more quickly when your attorney knows local court procedures and rideshare laws and has familiarity with local rideshare insurance providers.

Ultimately, having professional, local legal representation can get insurance adjusters to take you more seriously. Instead of being pushed to accept their lowest offer, your attorney can negotiate to get the amount you actually deserve. If negotiations fail, a good attorney can prepare your case for trial. Having a Monterey Park rideshare accident lawyer who has handled cases similar to yours is important.

Connect With a Local Monterey Park Rideshare Accident Attorney

Don’t waste time and money traveling to meet an attorney downtown when you have a reputable Monterey Park rideshare accident lawyer right here in your own community. George A. Gallegos provides big-city legal services to his hometown neighbors. Trust your rideshare accident claim to a recognized Super Lawyer, an esteemed acknowledgment given to only 2.5% of California lawyers. Contact our office to schedule an appointment with George A. Gallegos.