As life slowly returns to normal after the COVID-19 pandemic, people once again feel safe using rideshare programs. One of the most popular transportation methods in the country, residents of Long Beach can use Uber or Lyft to get to their next destination. However, many people do not consider the risks of a car accident while being a passenger in a rideshare vehicle. Before popping in someone else’s vehicle, it is important to understand what happens if you are in a rideshare accident and the right time to pursue a Long Beach rideshare accident attorney.
How Likely Are You to Get in a Long Beach Car Accident in a Rideshare?
Current rideshare safety statistics for Uber and Lyft are difficult to find. Uber released its latest safety report in December 2019, covering crashes from 2017 to 2018 only. It reports there were 107 Uber-related deaths in a total of 97 accidents. Lyft reports 56 fatalities from 2017 to 2018. However, they claim that only 0.0002% of rides end in such incidents.
In a study from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, they saw a 3% increase in fatality numbers from car accidents by comparing the roll-out dates from the apps and the reported national fatalities. Large cities had the most significant increase in fatalities, as well as an increase in new car registrations.
What about Long Beach itself? According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, 3,113 Long Beach car accidents lead to an injury or fatality in 2019. While we can’t know how many of those Long Beach car accident reports involved rideshare programs, we can infer that some of these crashes would involve a rideshare program due to their popularity.
When to Consult With a Long Beach Lyft Accident Lawyer
What happens if your Lyft driver crashes depends on which driver is at fault for the crash. If the Lyft driver is at fault, the insurance is often split between the driver’s insurance and Lyft’s insurance. In the case of the other driver being at fault, their third-party insurance policy should cover any repairs and injuries. Lyft drivers are independent contractors in California, meaning Lyft is less likely to be considered at fault for any car crashes. This makes it more difficult to sue the company itself.
But, can you sue Uber? Just like Lyft, Uber employees are considered independent contractors. Due to this, Uber is less likely to be at fault or liable. Therefore, the responsibility of the crash will fall to those in the parties involved in the crash and their insurance, in addition to Uber’s liability insurance in the case of the Uber driver being at fault.
Those involved including the rideshare driver, passenger, and other drivers involved in the crash should all consult with a Long Beach accident attorney. At Avrek Law, we have worked on over 45,000 cases, recovering more than $1 billion for our clients. Contact us to get a free consultation with a Long Beach rideshare accident attorney.
