Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become incredibly popular in recent years. However, with more rideshare vehicles on the roads, accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists are also on the rise. Between 2017 and 2018, 97 Ubers were involved in 107 fatal accidents, and between 2019 and 2020, there were 91 fatal accidents. If you’re hit by an Uber or other rideshare vehicle as a pedestrian or cyclist, it’s important to understand your legal rights and the best course of action.
Determining Liability
If you’re hit by an Uber as a pedestrian or cyclist, the first step is determining liability. There are a few key factors in assigning blame:
Seeking Compensation
As a pedestrian or cyclist hit by a rideshare vehicle, you can make an injury claim and seek compensation for damages including:
- Medical bills – Any hospital visits, treatments, medications, assistive devices, and rehabilitation.
- Lost income – Wages lost due to missing work during recovery.
- Property damage – Repairs or replacement for damaged property like bicycles.
Compensation can help cover all accident-related losses and get your life back on track. Depending on the severity and duration of your injuries, compensation can range from a few thousand dollars for minor injuries to hundreds of thousands for permanent disability or wrongful death. An experienced personal injury attorney can help calculate and negotiate fair compensation.
Settlement or Lawsuit
There are two main options to claim compensation after getting hit by an Uber:
- Settlement – You can negotiate a settlement directly with Uber’s insurance provider. It’s quick, simple, and avoids court.
- Lawsuit – If you can’t reach a satisfactory settlement, a personal injury lawsuit may be the next step. You’ll need an attorney to file in court and prove your case before a judge or jury, which is why it’s important to talk to an attorney from SLG. Jury awards often exceed settlement offers.
Factors like the severity of injuries, shared liability, and insurance cooperation will impact which option makes the most sense. Your attorney can advise the best route.
Cyclist and Pedestrian Safety Tips
While you have legal rights if you are hit by an Uber, it’s also important to prevent such accidents:
- Use crosswalks and obey walk signs – Don’t jaywalk or cross mid-block.
- Make eye contact – Ensure drivers see you before crossing streets.
- Use bike lanes when available – Separate bikes from cars on busy roads.
- Equip your bike with lights – Be as visible as possible day or night.
- Avoid riding on sidewalks – Drivers may not see you when turning.
- Wear reflective and bright clothing – Stand out so you catch drivers’ attention.
Staying alert, following traffic laws, and being visible and defensive can help avoid Uber accidents and make the roads safer. Safety tips for Uber and Lyft drivers include:
- Eliminate distractions – No phone use or manipulating the GPS while driving.
- Check blind spots – Watch for pedestrians and cyclists before turning.
- Drive slowly – Obey speed limits, especially around crosswalks.
- Give cyclists space – Change lanes fully when passing bikes.
- Get enough rest – Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as impaired driving.
Getting hit as a pedestrian or cyclist can cause severe injuries and losses. However, understanding your legal rights can empower you to seek justice and get the compensation you deserve. With the right evidence and approach, you can hold a negligent Uber driver accountable. Staying safe out there yourself is also key to avoiding rideshare accidents through defensive walking, biking, and driving. Being alert and following traffic laws helps prevent accidents and injuries. If you have been involved in an accident with an Uber, speak to one of our experienced attorneys. You can visit our offices at the following addresses:
- 21777 Ventura Boulevard Suite 263, Woodland Hills, CA 91364
- 15000 7th Street Suite 201, Victorville, CA 92395
- 8889 West Olympic Boulevard, 3rd Floor, Beverly Hills, CA 90211 Or call us today for a free consultation on (888) 922-8399.