San Mateo Rideshare Accident Lawyer

When you have been seriously injured in an accident, a San Mateo rideshare accident lawyer at Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos is ready to be your advocate. The aftermath of such a collision can shatter your sense of security, leaving you with catastrophic injuries and overwhelming uncertainty. But with a dedicated and experienced legal partner, you don't have to navigate these challenges alone.

Our San Mateo team is committed to handling the most difficult rideshare injury cases. We understand these incidents introduce unique issues. Our firm concentrates its abilities on cases involving catastrophic injuries, those that truly demand a robust litigation approach to secure fair compensation.

While you focus on your physical recovery, we meticulously investigate your claim, unravel the intricacies of rideshare liability, and aggressively pursue the financial recovery you deserve. We treat our clients like family, guiding them through every step of this difficult process.

Don't let the complexities of a rideshare claim overwhelm you. Talk with us about your San Mateo rideshare accident today. Your first conversation is free, confidential, and without obligation. Call Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos at (650) 345-8484.

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Experienced Representation for Rideshare Accident Victims in San Mateo

Rideshare accidents present unique challenges that demand a law firm with knowledge of their complexities. These incidents often involve multiple layers of liability, intricate insurance policies, and large corporations that aggressively fight for their own best interests. If you’re wondering when to hire an attorney after an accident, the answer is early, before insurers start shaping your claim.

Whether you were a passenger relying on a rideshare service, a pedestrian crossing a street, or a driver struck by a vehicle, our San Mateo rideshare accident team knows how to navigate these formidable obstacles.

At Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos, we focus on cases involving catastrophic injuries. These include life-altering conditions such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI), severe spinal cord damage, and tragic wrongful death. Such high-stakes claims demand experienced litigators who are prepared to take on major rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft, along with their powerful insurers.

With many years of experience in California personal injury law, our San Mateo personal injury attorneys understand the defenses and strategies rideshare companies use. We know how to build a strong case and prepare every aspect of your claim to pursue fair compensation for your losses.

Who May Be Liable in a Rideshare Accident?

Determining fault and identifying all responsible parties in a rideshare collision is rarely simple. The presence of the rideshare company’s app and the driver’s actions create a unique liability framework. Liability may fall on one or more parties, depending on the specific circumstances of your accident.

Consider the potential parties who may bear responsibility:

• Rideshare Driver: If the driver’s negligent actions directly caused the accident, they may be held primarily liable. Driver negligence may include distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence, or failing to obey traffic laws.
• Rideshare Company: In certain specific circumstances, the company’s insurance policy may apply to cover damages. This coverage is not always active and depends on whether the driver was logged on and using the vehicle in connection with the rideshare company’s app.
• Third Parties: Other individuals or entities may also share responsibility for the collision. This might include other drivers who contributed to the accident, vehicle manufacturers if a defect caused the crash, or even government entities if poor road design or maintenance played a role.

California’s Public Utilities Code and Insurance Code govern rideshare company operations. California Insurance Code Section 5430 requires rideshare companies to maintain specific insurance coverage when drivers are logged into the app or transporting passengers. However, these policies vary significantly based on whether the driver was:

• Period 0: Logged off the app. In this period, the driver’s personal auto insurance applies, and the rideshare company carries no liability coverage.
• Period 1: Logged into the app and waiting for a ride request. During this period, the rideshare company's contingent liability policy typically provides lower limits (e.g., $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 per accident, and $30,000 for property damage).
• Periods 2 & 3: En route to pick up a passenger (Period 2) or actively transporting a passenger (Period 3). In these periods, the rideshare company’s substantial $1 million third-party liability policy may activate.

An experienced San Mateo rideshare injury lawyer may investigate the specific "period" the driver was in at the time of the crash. This investigation may help them identify all liable parties and pursue every available source of compensation on your behalf.

How Rideshare Accident Claims Differ From Other Car Accidents

Uber and Lyft accidents differ significantly from typical car crashes in several ways. Some key differences include complex insurance coverage, independent contractor issues, high-value claims, and corporate defense. 

Complex Insurance Coverage

Unlike standard car accidents, where one or two auto insurance policies might apply, rideshare accidents involve a complex hierarchy of insurance coverage. Multiple policies may apply depending on the driver’s status in the app. This layered coverage system can be confusing and challenging to navigate without legal help.

Independent Contractor Issues

Rideshare companies often classify their drivers as independent contractors, not employees. This classification can complicate claims as companies try to distance themselves from driver actions. It may also affect vicarious liability, which means holding the company responsible for the driver's actions.

High-Value Claims and Corporate Defense

Catastrophic injuries in rideshare accidents demand aggressive litigation to secure full damages. Rideshare companies, which can have legal teams and vast financial resources, frequently mount robust defenses. It is crucial to have an equally formidable legal representative.

Our firm’s selective focus and experience with high-value, intricate cases positions us to handle these demands effectively.

What Damages Can You Recover After a Rideshare Accident in San Mateo?

If you suffered severe injuries in a rideshare accident in San Mateo, you may qualify for compensation. This financial recovery aims to cover not only your immediate losses but also the long-term impact on your life, including long-term costs from injuries such as future medical care, rehabilitation, and reduced earning capacity. Our personal injury attorney may help you understand and pursue available damages for your rideshare crash claim.

Some losses you may be able to recover include: 

• Medical Expenses: This covers all past and future medical costs. It includes emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, doctor visits, and ongoing rehabilitative therapies.
• Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may recover compensation for lost income. This also includes future lost earning potential if your ability to work is permanently reduced or eliminated.
• Pain and Suffering: This non-economic damage compensates you for the physical pain and discomfort caused by your injuries.
• Emotional Distress: Catastrophic injuries often lead to significant emotional trauma—anxiety, depression, PTSD, and loss of enjoyment of life. You may seek compensation for emotional trauma and other psychological impacts as part of your claim.
• Long-Term Care and Rehabilitation: For permanent or severe injuries, compensation may cover long-term care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, adaptive equipment, and necessary home modifications.
• Wrongful Death Damages: For families who have lost a loved one in a fatal rideshare collision, compensation may include funeral and burial expenses, lost financial support from the deceased, and loss of companionship and guidance.

We aggressively pursue full and fair recovery so our clients can rebuild their lives after these devastating, life-changing accidents.

What Should You Do After a Rideshare Accident?

After a rideshare accident, your focus shifts to recovery – physical, mental, emotional, and financial. Once you are safely back home, your actions can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Taking these steps could help protect your rights and strengthen your future claim.

Prioritize Medical Attention

Even if injuries seemed minor at first, some symptoms of serious conditions like traumatic brain injuries or internal bleeding may appear days or weeks later. See a doctor right away, and consistently follow all medical advice. Thoroughly documenting your injuries and treatment is vital for your health and your claim.

Make Sure the Accident is Reported

Confirm that the accident was reported to the police and that an official accident report exists. Also, report the incident to the rideshare company (like Uber or Lyft) through their app or designated safety channels as soon as you are able.

Gather Available Evidence

While at home, you can continue gathering crucial evidence. This includes keeping a detailed journal of your pain and recovery, organizing all medical bills and records, and saving any photos or videos you may have taken or received from the scene. Preserve all communications related to the rideshare service.

Avoid Speaking to Insurers Alone

Uber, Lyft, and their insurance providers will likely contact you. Their primary goal is to minimize payouts, and fighting insurance companies on your own can backfire. Do not give recorded statements or sign anything without first speaking with a rideshare accident lawyer in San Mateo. You may unknowingly harm your claim by providing too much information without legal guidance.

Call an Experienced Attorney

Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos may work to protect your rights from the very beginning. We handle all communication with insurance companies, investigate the accident thoroughly, and build a strong case for you. Our injury team works proactively to represent your interests, giving you time to focus on healing.

Why Choose Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos?

Choosing your attorney can make all the difference in your case's outcome. We are not a volume-based practice. Our injury lawyers take on select cases with catastrophic injuries that demand exceptional legal skill and a firm committed to litigation. When you hire our firm, you get a dedicated legal team focused on securing fair compensation and justice for your severe injuries.

Our commitment to our clients is demonstrated through:

• Decades of Trial Experience: Our legal team has a strong history of preparing every case for court. We approach each claim with the readiness and strategic foresight required for successful litigation, whether through negotiation or trial.
• Proven Results in Severe Injury Claims: We have a record of achieving significant recoveries for our clients, including multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements in complex injury claims. These results reflect our dedication to achieving justice for victims of severe accidents.
• Client-Focused Advocacy: We treat every client like family. Our approach combines aggressive legal representation with compassionate support. We understand the personal toll of catastrophic injuries and stand by you every step of the way.

Let us fight for the compensation you need to move forward after a life-altering rideshare accident.

Your Recovery Starts Here: Contact a San Mateo Lawyer Today

When a complex accident in San Mateo results in catastrophic or severe injuries, securing comprehensive compensation requires a law firm with a strong record in tough litigation. Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos stands ready to aggressively advocate for you, focusing on the high-stakes cases that truly impact lives. We fight tirelessly for fair compensation, allowing you to focus on your physical recovery.

Don't delay in seeking the justice you deserve. Contact Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos today. Call us now for a confidential consultation: (650) 345-8484.

Frequently Asked Questions About San Mateo Rideshare Accidents