Ride-Sharing Apps Uber and Lyft Implicated in Accidents across California

The rise of car sharing apps in the last few years has been a great innovation for providers and consumers in California. Uber, Lyft, and Sidecar are the biggest apps in the marketplace. They allow anyone with a smartphone to “hail” a cab in a matter of minutes. However, this new convenience has not come without issues. The drivers employed by Uber, Lyft, and Sidecar are not traditional taxi cab drivers. In fact, these companies strongly maintain that they are not even employees. Traditional taxi cabs are heavily regulated and required to maintain high levels of insurance. There are no such regulations when it comes to ride sharing apps. The drivers are pretty much on their own. The fact that ride sharing drivers are unregulated and underinsured has led to calls by regulators to ban their use.

Recently, the city of Los Angeles taxi cab regulatory authority issued cease and desist orders to the major ride sharing apps. The city is arguing that the apps are engaging in the taxi cab business without the proper licenses. Uber issued a statement stating that they are not a transportation company. Instead, they are simply acting as an intermediary between the consumer and driver. The state and local authorities are not buying this argument. They are proceeding with litigation and regulatory actions to bring Uber, Lyft, and Sidecar in compliance with California and Los Angeles law.

While the authorities and ride sharing companies are sorting this mess out, every person using the roads is left in limbo. This makes it all the more important for anyone involved in an accident with a ride sharing driver to seek effective representation. The attorneys at Power Legal Group are well-versed in car accident litigation. We are here to get your car repaired, get your medical bills paid, and get you money for your pain and suffering.

What should you do if you’re involved in an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver? 

• Call an ambulance if anyone is injured.
• Call the police
• Write down the license plate number, the name of the other driver, address, insurance company information, and policy number.
• Take pictures of your car, the other car, and anything else which you think is relevant.

What should you do if you were a passenger and got injured in an Uber, Lyft, or Sidecar?

• Take down the driver’s information, license plate number, and insurance information before you start riding.
• Call an ambulance if you need one.
• Write down the license plate number, the name of the other driver, address, insurance company information, and policy number of the other driver (if there is one).

Do not expect that these companies will help you. They have already denied any liability in the past. Recently, a San Francisco woman was severely injured in an accident with a ride sharing driver. The company in question, Uber, is denying any liability. A lawsuit has been filed and litigation is proceeding. You need aggressive representation to fight for your rights. Do not stand by while your claim goes stale! Contact the attorneys at Power Legal Group today for a free consultation and case evaluation today.