Experienced and Trusted Rideshare Accidents Law Firm

Rideshare Accident Lawyers in San Diego

Protecting the Rights of Rideshare Accident Victims in San Diego

If you’ve been the victim of a rideshare accident and sustained serious injuries, Eugene Bruno & Associates is here to tackle your case. We’ll guide you through the complex legal process of pursuing compensation and protect your rights every step of the way. With a proven track record of success, we’ve served over 2,500 satisfied clients and recovered tens of millions in damages.

Our dedicated San Diego car accident lawyers provide aggressive yet compassionate representation, offering you personal attention and 24/7 access to legal support. Don’t face the aftermath alone; secure the experienced representation you deserve, and let us fight on your behalf for the justice you deserve.

We speak English and Spanish—call us today at 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) to schedule a free consultation.

What Is Ridesharing?

Ridesharing refers to a transportation service where individuals use a mobile app to request a ride from a nearby driver. The driver, often using their own vehicle, picks up the passenger and transports them to their destination for a fee.

The modern concept of ridesharing started around the early 2010s, and the pioneer in this industry was Uber. Following Uber’s success, several other companies entered the ridesharing market in the United States. Today, Uber and its competitor Lyft provide ridesharing services across the world.

The introduction of ridesharing services to the transportation market has been termed “disruptive” from a business sense. However, the phenomenon’s disruption of traffic safety is commensurate with its disruption of the transportation market.

Situations Causing Rideshare Accidents

Ridesharing services have introduced certain unique elements to the transportation landscape that can contribute to an increased risk of traffic collisions. While ridesharing offers many benefits, it’s essential to be aware of specific factors that may heighten the risk of accidents:

• Use of mobile apps: Rideshare drivers rely on mobile apps to connect with passengers and navigate to destinations. Interacting with these apps while driving can be a distraction, leading to inattention and a higher risk of collisions.
• Pickup and drop-off locations: Rideshare drivers frequently stop to pick up and drop off passengers in various locations, including busy streets, intersections, and designated pickup zones. These stops can contribute to traffic congestion and increase the likelihood of accidents, especially if drivers stop abruptly or in unsafe locations.
• Driver distraction: Both riders and drivers may engage in distracting activities within the vehicle, such as using smartphones, adjusting navigation settings, or engaging in conversations. This distraction can compromise the driver’s attention and reaction time.
• High mileage and extended driving hours: Rideshare drivers often cover high mileage and may work long hours to maximize earnings. Fatigue and extended driving hours can increase the risk of driver exhaustion, leading to impaired judgment and slower reaction times.
• Late-night and weekend operations: Rideshare services operate 24/7, and drivers often work during late-night and weekend hours. These timeframes may coincide with periods of increased traffic, impaired driving by other motorists, or higher accident risks.

Establishing Liability for Rideshare Accident Injuries

Rideshare accident cases involve a unique set of legal issues compared to typical car accident cases due to the distinctive nature of ridesharing services. Here are some special legal considerations that may arise in rideshare accident cases:

• Insurance coverage: Determining which insurance policy applies can be complex. Rideshare drivers typically have their own personal insurance, and rideshare companies provide additional coverage. The applicable insurance policy may depend on the driver’s status (e.g., whether they were actively engaged in a ride) and the specific circumstances of the accident.
• Driver classification: Rideshare drivers are classified as independent contractors rather than employees in many cases. This distinction can impact liability issues and affect the legal responsibilities of the rideshare company in the event of an accident.
• Rideshare company liability: Rideshare companies may be held liable for accidents caused by their drivers under certain circumstances. Issues related to the company’s duty of care, training programs, and supervision of drivers may come into play.
• Third-party liability: Accidents involving rideshare vehicles may also involve liability on the part of third parties, such as other motorists, pedestrians, or entities responsible for road maintenance.

What About Rideshare Assaults in San Diego?

Assaults by Uber or Lyft drivers are not uncommon, and handling these kinds of cases requires an attorney with specific knowledge and experience. Uber and Lyft claim to do background checks on drivers and may have charged you a bogus “Safe Ride” fee, but in many cases, driver screening and background checks are either not done or not done well enough to prevent assaults from continuing to happen.

Individuals with serious criminal records continue to drive for both rideshare companies and pose a danger to the public. In these cases, a criminal prosecution against the driver is only partial justice; it’s not full justice. If Uber or Lyft’s non-existent or negligent background check could have avoided the problem, full justice would require that the company compensate you for failing to keep you safe. Do you want full justice?

San Diego Rideshare Accident and Assault Attorneys You Can Count On

If you or a loved one have been injured in a rideshare accident or assaulted by a rideshare driver, working with an experienced San Diego rideshare accident lawyer at Eugene Bruno & Associates can help you get the full justice you deserve.

Our skilled attorneys have over 40 years of combined legal experience. We have helped thousands of clients and have recovered tens of millions in settlements and verdicts. If you are serious about protecting your rights after a rideshare accident in San Diego, our attorneys are standing by to evaluate your case. Call us today at 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) for a free consultation.