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San Carlos Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer

What Makes Uber and Lyft Accidents Unique in San Carlos

The rise of services like Uber and Lyft has completely changed how people travel in San Carlos—but it’s also introduced legal complexity when things go wrong. Unlike ordinary traffic accidents, rideshare crashes pull in large companies with complicated insurance rules and legal teams.

According to academic research from Rice University and the University of Chicago, Uber and Lyft usage correlates with a 2–3% jump in nationwide traffic deaths, adding up to about 1,000 lives lost per year.

Anyone hurt in a rideshare collision in San Carlos needs to act quickly to protect their case and seek maximum compensation.

Who’s Liable in an Uber or Lyft Accident in San Carlos?

Rideshare accidents are legally complex because responsibility changes depending on what the driver was doing when the crash occurred. Different insurance policies apply based on whether the driver had the app on, was en route, or actively transporting someone.

App Off:

The driver’s personal insurance applies.

App On (No Passenger):

Uber or Lyft provides limited third-party liability coverage (usually $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident).

App On (With Passenger or En Route):

The full $1 million liability coverage kicks in.

Our legal team pulls rideshare data, trip records, and time logs to pinpoint liability and apply pressure to the right insurer. We won’t hesitate to challenge coverage denials or take legal action against rideshare companies that deflect responsibility.

Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents in San Carlos

Uber and Lyft drivers are frequently navigating busy roads while managing ride requests, customer service, and app-based instructions. This environment can create unsafe driving conditions and result in preventable crashes.

Distracted driving (e.g., checking the app, GPS, texting)
Fatigue from long driving shifts
Speeding or aggressive driving to meet ride quotas
Inexperienced drivers unfamiliar with San Carlos roads
Unsafe pick-up or drop-off locations

While rideshare companies do conduct driver screenings and monitor activity, they still depend on a vast network of independent contractors with varying driving records. That’s why we investigate every detail — from the driver’s background to traffic conditions — to build the strongest possible claim.

What to Do After a Rideshare Accident in San Carlos

Getting injured in an Uber or Lyft crash means you need to take immediate action to preserve your legal options. That includes calling 911, seeking medical care, documenting the scene, and consulting an experienced attorney before speaking to insurers.

Call 911 and request medical assistance if needed.

Get the names, contact info, and insurance details of all parties involved.

Take screenshots of your Uber or Lyft trip, including timestamps.

Document the scene with photos or videos (vehicles, street signs, damage).

Do not accept early settlement offers or give recorded statements to insurance without legal guidance.

Rideshare companies may try to limit their financial exposure by shifting blame or delaying claim processes. Having a legal advocate from the start can protect you from tactics designed to reduce your compensation.

Frequent Injuries in Uber or Lyft Accidents

Rideshare crashes often occur in dense traffic or urban corridors, where even a low-speed collision can cause significant injury. We’ve represented San Carlos clients who suffered from:

Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
Broken bones and fractures
Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Spinal cord injuries
Internal bleeding or organ damage
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Even what seem like minor injuries might become chronic complications over time. Avoid letting an insurance company minimize what you’re going through — our attorneys work diligently so that every effect of your injury is well supported with evidence and fairly calculated.

Why Uber and Lyft Accident Cases in San Carlos Demand Aggressive Legal Action

Uber and Lyft rely on complex policies and legal maneuvering to reduce their financial responsibility after crashes. The level of coverage you’re entitled to depends on whether the driver was logged in, waiting for a ride, or carrying a passenger.

Without skilled legal help, victims often walk away with settlements that don’t begin to cover their losses. That’s why Boyadzhyan Law Firm takes an aggressive stance — holding these companies accountable and fighting for the compensation our clients truly deserve.

What You Should Do After a Rideshare Crash in San Carlos

If you’ve been involved in an accident with a rideshare vehicle, these steps are crucial to protect your legal and financial interests:

Get Medical Help Immediately

Even if injuries seem minor, documentation is essential.

Report the Accident to Authorities

Ensure police are called and a report is filed on the scene.

Document Everything

Photos, witness contact info, rideshare app screenshots, and vehicle damage.

Avoid Statements to Insurance Adjusters

Anything you say can be used to lower or deny your claim.

Contact an Attorney Quickly

Time-sensitive evidence and complex insurance policies require early legal intervention.

Even small mistakes — like not preserving app data or failing to identify the correct insurance tier — can cost you the compensation you deserve. Our team ensures every detail is covered from the very beginning.

Frequent Causes of Uber and Lyft Wrecks in San Carlos

Crashes involving Uber and Lyft drivers frequently happen with added concerns due to driver multitasking and pressure to complete rides quickly. Research and insurance data suggest the top contributors include:

Distracted Driving – Rideshare drivers constantly check their apps for routes, messages, and updates.
Fatigue – Many drivers work long hours or drive for multiple services, increasing the risk of exhaustion.
Unfamiliar Routes – Unlike professional drivers, rideshare operators often rely entirely on GPS navigation.
Rush to Accept Fares – Quick turnarounds between rides can cause reckless maneuvers or speeding.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance – Drivers are responsible for their own vehicle upkeep, and issues may go unreported.

According to respected university research linked rideshare services to a 2%–3% spike in traffic fatalities across major U.S. cities. This data illustrates the serious risks of placing speed and convenience over safety.

Understanding Uber and Lyft Insurance in San Carlos, California

Making sense of insurance coverage after an Uber or Lyft crash in San Carlos, California demands legal clarity. Both platforms offer third-party liability insurance, but the level of coverage hinges on what the driver was doing at the exact time of the accident. These activity periods matter — and in California, regional laws make them even more relevant.

Here’s a breakdown of the three distinct coverage periods:

Offline (App Off):

Only the driver’s personal insurance applies.

Available for Rides (App On, No Passenger):

Up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.

En Route or Transporting Passenger:

Up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage.

Accessing these insurance policies is rarely straightforward. Rideshare companies often deny driver status, delay over policy activation timing, or send victims in circles to personal insurers. At Boyadzhyan Law Firm, we cut through these tactics and construct a compelling case to prove liability, engagement, and damages.

How We Strengthen Uber and Lyft Claims in San Carlos

Boyadzhyan Law Firm employs a step-by-step strategy designed to streamline complicated rideshare cases. Since rideshare companies are notorious for lowball offers, we act immediately — securing driver data, reviewing trip histories, and building a rock-solid case.

Immediate Investigation: We gather crash reports, app screenshots, black box data, and rideshare platform logs.
Driver Background Checks: We examine whether the driver had any history of violations or prior accidents.
Medical Record Coordination: We work closely with healthcare providers to document the true scope of your injury.
Expert Testimony: When needed, we bring in accident reconstructionists and economists to strengthen your claim.

By controlling the narrative early, we stop the rideshare company from shifting blame and ensure your story is told clearly, accurately, and with the right legal framing.

Types of Damages You Can Claim After a Rideshare Crash in San Carlos

Victims of Uber or Lyft crashes may be entitled to multiple types of compensation under California law. At Boyadzhyan Law Firm, we take aggressive action to recover full financial and emotional recovery, including:

You may be able to recover compensation for:

Medical expenses (ER visits, surgery, rehab, prescriptions)
Lost income and reduced earning potential
Pain and suffering, including emotional distress and PTSD
Property damage
Loss of enjoyment of life or permanent disability

We don’t let the insurance company lowball your claim — we partner with economic and medical experts to accurately value your losses and pursue the maximum compensation available.

Talk to a Skilled Uber/Lyft Lawyer in San Carlos, California

Being hit by an Uber or Lyft shouldn’t leave you battling massive insurance corporations alone. At Boyadzhyan Law Firm, we manage the case from start to finish so you can prioritize your health. Our San Carlos, California attorneys have deep experience with rideshare injury claims and hold accountable big companies like Uber and Lyft.

We offer:

Free consultations with zero upfront costs

Contingency-fee representation — you don’t pay unless we win

Aggressive negotiation and litigation strategies

Compassionate support from day one through resolution

Time matters after a crash. Let Boyadzhyan Law Firm guide you through the process and help you navigate this complex legal terrain.

Providing compassionate legal assistance for you and your family.

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