Child & Jackson can help you through the aftermath of a car accident in Folsom. They happen in all kinds of ways, with all kinds of drivers in all kinds of vehicles. Sometimes, these accidents involve drivers that are working for rideshare services like Uber, Lyft, and others. We can help you untangle everything and guide you through a claim. Set up a free consultation today.
When there’s a car accident, certain things always happen—like confusion, uncertainty, pain, car repairs, and doctor’s appointments. That doesn’t change when the other driver is working for a rideshare service, but it does make things even more confusing. That’s usually the point when talking to our team makes sense. We can help you by:
But we also help in other crucial ways with these kinds of accidents:
Most importantly, we work to understand the full impact the accident has had on your life. We know that the days and weeks after a rideshare accident can be stressful. Our goal is to make things as straightforward as possible so you can focus on getting better.
Probably the biggest source of confusion when there’s a rideshare accident is legal responsibility. That’s not all that different from a regular car accident, but the fact that the driver was “on the clock” is going to factor into figuring out responsibility—although not in the way you probably think.
Rideshare drivers are “independent contractors”, not employees. Because of this, they don’t work directly for the rideshare company. Even if they’re actively carrying a customer, them being an independent contractor means that their own personal car insurance coverage applies. And they’re legally responsible for any accident they cause through negligence.
At the same time, the rideshare driver may not be the only person responsible for the accident. That means others could share some of that responsibility, including:
So basically, there’s a lot of moving parts when there’s a rideshare accident. But the outcome—and what you’re left dealing with—is the same. That’s where the claims process comes in.
Once there’s liability, the focus shifts from what happened to what your “damages” are. This is just the legal term for what the accident has cost you financially, emotionally, and physically. In other words, filing an injury claim gives you financial support for these damages. But to get them, you have to either:
Everything usually starts with an insurance claim, which can provide a faster resolution. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, filing a lawsuit is the next step. It takes more time and effort, but it gives you acces to fuller financial support for your:
In tragic situations where a rideshare accident results in a death, your surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim. This can provide financial recovery for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and costs relating to the loss of your loved one’s companionship and guidance.
Every accident is different, but understanding the damages that the law makes available to you can help you make more informed choices about moving forward. But there’s an even more telling marker—information.
In terms of information, there’s a lot about a rideshare accident that’s the same as any other car accident. It’s about getting pieces of information that show what happened and how hurt you are. But there’s other facets of a rideshare accident that you’ll also need. Taken together, here’s what to focus on:
One of the challenging things about rideshare accidents in Folsom is that they can happen almost anywhere. Whether you’re taking an Uber home from Historic Folsom, catching a Lyft near the Palladio, heading down East Bidwell Street, or traveling along Highway 50, an accident can happen when you least expect it. And because rideshare vehicles spend so much time picking up passengers, dropping them off, and making their way through heavy traffic areas, the risk of an accident is always there. Most of the time, they include:
No matter how your rideshare accident happened, the aftermath can leave you with a lot of unanswered questions. The good news is that you may have options for recovering financial support for those losses. And our team will be with you from the very beginning.
Using Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare service is a convenient way to get around Folsom and the surrounding Sacramento area. However, when an accident happens, that convenience can quickly turn into frustration, confusion, and unexpected expenses.
At Child & Jackson, we know how frustrating one of these accidents can be. But you don’t have to go through it alone. We’ll be there to explain your options, help you get the right information, and file a claim that gets you the financial support you need to get better. Set up a free consultation today.
Under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years. Typically, this is the standard deadline, but a shorter period may apply if a public entity is involved. For instance, claims for death, personal injury, or damage to personal property usually need to be made within six months of the incident. Seeking legal advice early helps preserve key evidence and ensures deadlines are met.
You may still have a claim even though you were not driving either vehicle. In many rideshare crashes, the passenger is the one least involved in how the accident happened, but still ends up dealing with the injuries, medical bills, and missed work that follow. Depending on the facts, the claim may involve the rideshare driver, another driver, available insurance coverage, or multiple sources of recovery.
It is generally advisable to consult an attorney before accepting any offer. Initial proposals might overlook ongoing treatment, future medical expenses, or the overall effect on your life. After signing a release, seeking further compensation is not possible, and your claim will effectively be closed.
