Multi-Vehicle Crash on 101 Freeway Injures Several
Downtown Los Angeles was the site of another serious accident when several vehicles collided on the southbound 101, near North Broadway. The multi-vehicle crash involved as many as six vehicles, including an 18-wheeler and, according to early reports, an Uber or Lyft rideshare carrying passengers. The violent freeway accident took place around 2 a.m. on Saturday morning, when fire fighters and emergency responders rushed to the scene.
According to California Highway Patrol, if it weren’t for the giant water barrels strewn along the highway – which buffered the impacts — the accident could have proved much more damaging. As it was, at least three injured victims were rescued from the wreckage and taken to local hospitals. Fire fighters extinguished flames that ignited in two of the vehicles, while another vehicle was partially demolished after being shoved onto an embankment.
Details on the crash and accident injuries have yet to be confirmed as authorities begin investigating possible causes. The crash halted all traffic on the southbound 101 for at least two hours as emergency personnel worked to help victims and clear the lanes.
The crash raises issues of legal repercussions facing ridesharing drivers for Uber and Lyft who are carrying passengers at the time of an accident.
Can ride-sharing companies like Lyft and Uber be held liable for their driver’s actions if they contribute to an accident? The short answer is yes. People who are injured during a Lyft or Uber trip can recover compensation under various circumstances.
Liability issues with a Lyft or Uber accident
Both Lyft and Uber have insurance for auto accidents that covers damages up to $1 million dollars. This policy goes into effect when a ridesharing passenger is harmed because of the negligence or wrongdoing of the driver. In addition, both companies provide uninsured/underinsured coverage that kicks in when an accident is caused by a negligent driver without sufficient auto insurance. While this seems encouraging, it is not uncommon for popular ridesharing companies to dodge responsibility, especially in cases involving multiple vehicles, as was the case this past Saturday.
Uber and Lyft conduct background checks before hiring drivers, but this is no guarantee of passenger safety. Even when evidence of reckless or distracted driving is clear-cut, insurance companies work hard to avoid costly payouts.
Taking on deep-pocketed rideshare companies is no easy task, but with the skill of an experienced personal injury lawyer at Ellis Injury Law, victims stand a much better chance of recovering fair compensation after an Uber or Lyft accident. Monetary damages may help cover the cost of medical and hospital bills, lost income during recovery and even counseling for emotional suffering.
Ridesharing accidents are complicated to navigate on your own. Our award-winning Los Angeles car accident lawyers are dedicated to client success, and consistently deliver favorable settlements and verdicts. Schedule a free consultation with a personal injury attorney by calling 310-641-3335.
Additional Resources:
- ABC News 7, 3 hospitalized in violent multi-vehicle crash in downtown LA http://abc7.com/3-hospitalized-in-violent-multi-vehicle-crash-in-dtla/3027990/
- Time, My Uber Got Into a Wreck. Can I Sue? http://time.com/money/4851877/my-uber-got-into-a-wreck-can-i-sue/
- Fortune, Here’s what happens when you get in an Uber crash http://fortune.com/2015/10/13/uber-crash-insurance/