Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized transportation in San Diego. However, the rise in ridesharing has also led to an increase in accidents involving these vehicles. At Kashou Law, APC, we represent victims of Uber and Lyft accidents. Justin S. Kashou brings experience and an understanding of the unique challenges presented by ridesharing accidents. At Kashou Law, we prioritize our clients’ well-being. We understand the significant impact an Uber or Lyft accident can have on your life, and we are committed to providing personalized legal support. As a San Diego native, Justin S. Kashou has a strong understanding of local laws and regulations that impact ridesharing accident claims. By choosing us, you are picking a team that is dedicated to getting our clients fair compensation. Contact our San Diego car accident attorney today for a free consultation. Call us at (619) 963-2030. Trust our dedicated team to provide the support and advocacy you need during this challenging time.
Kashou Law: Your Premier Choice for a San Diego Uber and Lyft Accident Claim
When involved in a San Diego Uber or Lyft accident, selecting the right legal representation can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Kashou Law, APC stands out as the premier choice for several reasons:
- Experience in Rideshare Accident Claims: Justin S. Kashou brings a wealth of experience in managing Uber and Lyft accident cases. Justin’s experience in handling intricate San Diego personal injury cases equips him with the skills necessary to handle these unique cases.
- Thorough Investigation and Gathering of Evidence: Rideshare accidents often involve multiple parties and complex evidence. At Kashou Law, APC, we conduct comprehensive investigations to gather critical evidence, such as driver logs, rideshare app data, accident reports, and witness statements.
- Client-Centered Approach: At Kashou Law, our client’s well-being is our top priority. We understand the significant impact an Uber or Lyft accident can have on your life, and we are committed to providing personalized, compassionate legal support.
- Accessible and Responsive: We believe in maintaining open lines of communication with our clients. Justin is one call away to address any questions or concerns. Our team will make sure that you are never left in the dark about your case’s progress.
The Value of a Lawyer in an Uber and Lyft Rideshare Accident Claim
Securing proper legal representation is vital when involved in an Uber or Lyft accident. Here’s how a skilled lawyer like Justin S. Kashou will provide value in your rideshare accident claim:
- Determining Liability: Rideshare accidents often involve various parties, including the rideshare driver, the rideshare company, other motorists, and potentially third-party contractors. Kashou Law will identify all liable parties and ensure that each one is held accountable for their role in the accident.
- Understanding Rideshare Insurance: Uber and Lyft provide different insurance coverages depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. Justin S. Kashou will make sure that the proper coverage is determined for your claim.
- Assessing Damages: Justin S. Kashou will accurately assess both the economic and non-economic damages in your claim, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future rehabilitation costs.
- Compliance with Statutory Deadlines: Our legal team will make sure that all legal documents are filed correctly and within the required time frames, preventing your claim from being dismissed due to missed deadlines.
Definition of a Transportation Network Company in a San Diego Uber and Lyft Rideshare Accident Claim
In San Diego, Uber and Lyft are defined as Transportation Network Companies (TNC). A TNC is defined in California Vehicle Code § 5431:
“§5431. For purposes of this article, the following terms have the following meanings: (a) “Participating driver” or “driver” means any person who uses a vehicle in connection with a transportation network company’s online-enabled application or platform to connect with passengers. (b) “Personal vehicle” means a vehicle that is used by a participating driver to provide prearranged transportation services for compensation that meets all of the following requirements: (1) Has a passenger capacity of eight persons or less, including the driver. (2) Is owned, leased, rented for a term that does not exceed 30 days, or otherwise authorized for use by the participating driver. (3) Meets all inspection and other safety requirements imposed by the commission. (4) Is not a taxicab or limousine. (c) “Transportation network company” means an organization, including, but not limited to, a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, sole proprietor, or any other entity, operating in California that provides prearranged transportation services for compensation using an online-enabled application or platform to connect passengers with drivers using a personal vehicle. (d) “Transportation network company insurance” means a liability insurance policy that specifically covers liabilities arising from a driver’s use of a vehicle in connection with a transportation network company’s online-enabled application or platform. (e) “Zero-emission vehicle” has the same meaning as in Section 44258 of the Health and Safety Code.”
What this means is that Uber and Lyft are defined as organizations that provide prearranged transportation services for compensation using an online-enabled application or platform to connect passengers with drivers using their personal vehicles. This definition allows for Uber and Lyft to be held to certain standards such as background driver checks, vehicle inspections, insurance coverage requirements, and maintenance of records. A failure to adhere to these guidelines can be grounds for establishing liability in the case of a San Diego Uber and Lyft Rideshare accident.
Insurance Requirements in a San Diego Uber and Lyft Rideshare Accident Claim
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) mandates specific insurance requirements for rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft to ensure the safety and protection of passengers and third parties. Under CPUC Decision 13-09-045:
“Period 1: App open – waiting for a match. Period 1 – TNCs shall provide primary insurance in the amount of at least fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) for death and personal injury per person, one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) for death and personal injury per incident, and thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) for property damage. TNCs may satisfy this requirement through: (a) TNC insurance maintained by the driver; (b) TNC insurance maintained by the TNC that provides coverage if a driver does not maintain the required TNC insurance, or if the driver’s TNC insurance ceases to exist or is cancelled; or (c) a combination of (a) and (b). TNCs shall also maintain insurance coverage that provides excess coverage insuring the TNC and the driver in the amount of at least two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) per occurrence to cover any liability arising from a participating driver using a vehicle in connection with a TNC’s online-enabled application or platform. TNCs may satisfy this requirement through: (a) TNC insurance maintained by the driver, if the TNC verifies that the driver’s TNC insurance covers the driver’s use of a vehicle for TNC services; (b) TNC insurance maintained by the TNC; or (c) a combination of (a) and (b). Period 2: Match accepted – but passenger not yet picked up (i.e. driver is on his/her way to pick up the passenger). Period 3: Passenger in the vehicle and until the passenger exits the vehicle. Periods 2 and 3 – TNCs must provide primary commercial insurance in the amount of one million dollars ($1,000,000). TNCs may satisfy this requirement through: (a) TNC insurance maintained by the driver, if the TNC verifies that the driver’s TNC insurance covers the driver’s use of a vehicle for TNC services; (b) TNC insurance maintained by the TNC; or (c) a combination of (a) and (b). Period 3 – TNCs shall also provide uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage in the amount of one million dollars ($1,000,000) during Period 3 (i.e., from the moment a passenger enters the vehicle until the passenger exits the vehicle). TNCs may satisfy this requirement through: (a) TNC insurance maintained by the driver, if the TNC verifies that the driver’s TNC insurance covers the driver’s use of a vehicle for TNC services; (b) TNC insurance maintained by the TNC; or (c) a combination of (a) and (b). The policy may also provide this coverage during any other time period, if requested by a participating driver relative to insurance maintained by the driver.”
The requirements can be summarized as follows:
- Period 1: App On, No Ride Accepted: $50,000 per person for bodily injury; $100,000 per accident for bodily injury; $30,000 for property damage. During this period, the rideshare company must provide primary insurance coverage that can be met through either the driver’s insurance or the company’s insurance, ensuring coverage if the driver’s insurance is insufficient or nonexistent.
- Period 2: Ride Accepted, No Passengers Yet: $1 million in liability coverage. Once a driver has accepted a ride request and is on their way to pick up the passenger, the insurance coverage requirement increases significantly to provide greater protection.
- Period 3: Passengers in the Vehicle: $1 million in liability coverage; $1 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This period covers the time when passengers are in the vehicle. The coverage includes both liability insurance and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to ensure comprehensive protection for all parties involved.
Contact Our San Diego Uber and Lyft Rideshare Accident Claim Lawyer Today
Don’t face the aftermath of a San Diego Uber and Lyft accident alone rideshare accident alone. If you have been involved in an accident, Kashou Law, APC is here to provide the dedicated support you need to secure the compensation and justice you deserve. Justin S. Kashou has a proven track record of handling complex commercial vehicle accident cases. We prioritize keeping you informed and supported throughout the legal process. Justin personally oversees each case to provide the dedicated attention you deserve. Whether negotiating with insurance companies or representing you in court, we strive to secure the maximum compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact us today contact Kashou Law today for a free consultation. Let us discuss your case, explain your rights, and outline how we can help you achieve justice and financial recovery. Call us at (619) 963-2030 to take the first step toward securing the support and compensation you deserve.