Liability in Long Beach Rideshare Accidents

If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident in Long Beach, understanding liability can be complex. At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, we specialize in navigating the intricacies of rideshare crash cases to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Don’t navigate this alone; let our experienced team guide you through the process. Call us at 844-844-9119 today for a free consultation and take the first step towards justice.

With the increasing presence of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, navigating Long Beach has become more accessible and convenient. From picking up passengers near The Pike Outlets to traversing the 710 freeway, these vehicles offer an efficient way to travel. However, when accidents occur, determining liability can be a complex process.

If you find yourself injured in a rideshare accident, it's natural to have questions: Who is responsible for my medical expenses? Was the driver at fault? Could another vehicle have caused the incident? Which insurance policy is applicable? In this exploration of rideshare crash liability in Long Beach, we’ll clarify these important issues and highlight how a knowledgeable car accident lawyer can assist you in navigating the aftermath of such incidents.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Rideshare Accident?

Rideshare accidents can involve multiple parties. Any of the following may be liable:

• The Rideshare Driver: If the driver was speeding, distracted, or failed to follow traffic laws, they may be at fault.
• Another Driver: If a third-party driver caused the crash, they may be held responsible.
• Uber or Lyft: In some cases, the rideshare company’s insurance policy may be triggered, depending on the driver’s status at the time of the crash.
• A Government Entity or Road Hazard: If poor road conditions or a faulty traffic signal contributed, the city or state may share liability.

In rideshare cases, liability hinges heavily on the driver’s activity at the time of the crash.

Understanding Uber & Lyft’s Insurance Tiers

Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage that varies depending on what the driver was doing when the crash occurred. Here’s how it works:

1. App Off:

• If the driver wasn’t using the app, their personal auto insurance Uber and Lyft provide no coverage.

2. App On, No Passenger Yet:

• When the driver is waiting for a ride request, Uber and Lyft offer limited coverage:
  • $50,000 per person for bodily injury
  • $100,000 total per accident
  • $25,000 for property damage

3. En Route or During Trip:

• Once the driver accepts a ride and is on the way or has a passenger, Uber and Lyft provide $1 million in liability coverage, along with possible underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage.

Common Scenarios in Long Beach Rideshare Accidents

Here are some real-world examples of how rideshare crashes can play out in Long Beach:

• Rear-End on Ocean Boulevard: A rideshare driver stops suddenly to pick up a passenger, and a car hits them from behind. The rear driver may be at fault, but if the rideshare driver stopped unsafely, both may share liability.
• Intersection Collision in Downtown: A Lyft driver runs a red light at Pine Avenue and 4th Street and hits another car. Lyft’s $1M policy likely applies if the driver had a passenger.
• Passenger Injury on the 710 Freeway: A passenger is injured in a high-speed crash en route to the airport. Uber’s full coverage should apply to medical bills and lost wages.

Challenges with Rideshare Insurance Claims

Even when coverage exists, getting compensation can be tricky. Here’s why:

• Denials & Delays: Insurance companies may dispute which policy applies to personal versus rideshare services.
• Low Settlement Offers: Insurers may offer less than what your injuries or damages are truly worth.
• Driver Not Logged In: If the driver wasn’t properly signed into the app, there may be no rideshare coverage.
• Multiple Policies: You may need to deal with more than one insurer—yours, the rideshare driver’s, and the other driver’s.

An experienced personal injury lawyer can help sort out these layers and push back against lowball offers.

What Should You Do After a Rideshare Crash in Long Beach?

If you were injured in a rideshare crash, follow these steps:

1. Call 911 and request medical help if needed.
2. Document the Scene—photos, witness info, and rideshare app screenshots.
3. Report the Accident to the rideshare company through their app.
4. Get Medical Care even if you don’t feel pain right away.
5. Speak to an Attorney to understand your rights and who may be liable.

Long Beach accidents should also be reported to the Long Beach Police Department, especially if someone was injured or significant damage occurred.

How a Uber or Lyft Accident in Long Beach Can Help with Rideshare Crash Claims

Navigating rideshare liability requires legal skill and local knowledge. A Long Beach personal injury attorney can:

• Investigate who was at fault and which insurance policy applies
• Handle all communication with Uber, Lyft, and insurance companies
• Gather medical records and evidence to prove your claim
• Negotiate for full compensation or take your case to court if needed

Whether the crash happened on the 405, outside Belmont Shore, or near CSULB, a local attorney understands the unique traffic patterns and risks of Long Beach roads.

Let Countrywide Trial Lawyers Be Your Advocate

Rideshare accidents in Long Beach can leave you confused and injured. Perhaps you're struggling to cope with the pain, emotional distress, and uncertainty about the future. Don't face this overwhelming situation alone. Liability often depends on small details, and Uber and Lyft’s insurance rules are complex. Understanding your rights is the first step. With the help of a knowledgeable attorney, you can focus on recovery while your legal team handles the rest.

Countrywide Trial Lawyers is here to provide you with the experienced legal representation, compassionate support, and unwavering dedication you need to get back on your feet. With our deep knowledge of California's car accident laws, our proven negotiation skills, and our commitment to personalized service, we are confident that we can help you secure the full compensation you deserve.

Contact Countrywide Trial Lawyers today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us review your case, answer your questions, and explain your legal options. We will handle all aspects of your claim, so you can focus on what truly matters: healing and rebuilding your life. We serve the entire Long Beach area, including Belmont Shore, Bixby Knolls, Downtown Long Beach, and all surrounding communities.

Take control of your future and pursue the justice you deserve. Call Countrywide Trial Lawyers today and let us fight for you. Your recovery is our priority. If you’ve been hurt in a rideshare crash, don’t wait. Reach out to a rideshare accident lawyer in Long Beach today to explore your options and protect your future.