Ridesharing has had a quick rise in popularity and is now regularly used by many people across the state of California every day. To see just how prevalent rideshare accidents are, we can look at California rideshare accident statistics.
With more and more rideshare vehicles on the road, it stands to reason that there has been an increase in the number of rideshare accidents that occur. California has even taken measures to address this risk by requiring rideshare companies to have specific insurance coverage for rideshare drivers, their passengers, and anyone who could be injured by the rideshare vehicle.
California Rideshare Accident Statistics
Rideshare statistics, particularly related to accidents, can be challenging to gather. The primary reason for this is that major reporting agencies are not specifically identifying and gathering data on whether or not an accident involves a rideshare vehicle or not.
The California Office of Traffic Safety does not separate rideshare accidents from other accidents. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics under the United States Department of Transportation also does not identify rideshare accidents separately.
Uber and Lyft used to offer their own reports that were helpful in identifying ridesharing safety, but neither has released a report since 2020 and 2021, respectively. Very few parties seem interested in identifying the relative likelihood of ridesharing accidents compared to other vehicles.
There has been some research, however, into the impact of ridesharing on accidents. For instance, one study found that ridesharing did appear to reduce the level of DUI accidents that drivers were involved in. However, it was less clear what the impact of ridesharing was in general, and it appears to have been more neutral regarding total accidents.
What to Do if You Have Been in a Rideshare Accident
If you have been in a rideshare accident, it is always important to get appropriate medical treatment, which can include letting paramedics check you out at the scene of the accident, as well as getting a full medical examination to identify any possible injuries.
It can be important, if your injuries allow, to get the names and contact information of the parties involved. You may also want to get pictures of the damage, if possible.
Lastly, it is crucial that you speak with a lawyer soon after your accident. They can help you understand what your next steps should be and if there may be a need to file a claim.
FAQs
Q: Is Taking a Rideshare Safer Than Driving on My Own?
A: Taking a rideshare could be a safer option than driving on your own. To know for certain whether a rideshare is safer, we would need to be able to compare the rate of accidents per 1000 hours on the road for a rideshare compared to driving on your own. Even then, there is still variance between drivers.
However, generally speaking, there is something to be said for the idea that practice can increase safety, and rideshare drivers are often on the roads more, meaning they have the benefits that come with experience. It is true that a rideshare is almost always going to be the better option if you have consumed alcohol, and it is, of course, illegal to drive when under the influence.
Q: Can You Seek Compensation if You Have Been in a Rideshare Accident?
A: You can seek compensation if you have been in a rideshare accident. This compensation would need to be collected through personal injury law. Under these laws, if someone can be shown to have caused your injuries due to negligence on their part, you can collect restitution for the costs directly related to the injury. These costs include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and psychological costs such as pain and suffering.
However, collecting on these claims can often be challenging, and it can be helpful to work with a rideshare accident attorney.
Q: Who Could Be at Fault for a Rideshare Accident?
A: Those who could be at fault for a rideshare accident are roughly the same as who could be responsible in any car accident. In most cases, there is a driver who is at fault for the accident due to some kind of error or failure to follow the rules of the road. If a driver is acting in a business capacity, it is possible that their employer could be liable.
Even though rideshare drivers are independent contractors, there are still some situations when the rideshare company could be at fault. Other parties, such as the government in charge of the roads, may also be found liable as well.
Q: If I Have Been Injured in a Rideshare Accident, How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
A: If you have been injured in a rideshare accident, you will typically need to file a claim within two years of the accident. This is the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim in California.
There may be some circumstances where the deadline could be shifted slightly. For instance, if you are seeking to file a claim against the government because an issue with the roads was to blame for the accident, that claim would need to be filed sooner. A lawyer can be helpful in understanding the deadlines that you will need to be aware of for your claim.
Seek Help for Compensation for Your Rideshare Injuries
Rideshare accidents, like other car accidents, can result in significant injuries for those involved. While those injuries lead to medical expenses, there may be other significant costs as well, such as damage to property or lost wages. These costs, along with the psychological impact of the accident, are the responsibility of those who caused the accident, and a California rideshare accident lawyer can help you seek compensation for your injuries.
Kreeger Law Firm has been helping those with personal injuries seek restitution for their injuries for more than three decades. We have helped those who have suffered because of a rideshare accident fight for the compensation that they are owed. In some cases, we have been able to negotiate fair and full compensation, but we are always comfortable with arguing before the courts when necessary.
If you have been hurt in a rideshare accident, contact us to discuss what we may be able to do for you.
