Rideshare Accident Attorney in Encino

Legal Help After An Uber Or Lyft Crash

A rideshare crash can turn an ordinary trip across the Valley into a confusing and painful experience. One moment you are riding through Encino, the next you are dealing with injuries, app notifications, and calls from insurance companies. In this situation, you may not know where to turn or who is responsible for your losses. In these cases, our rideshare accident attorneys in Encino are ready for you.

Law Offices of Colleen O'Hara represents people hurt in Uber and Lyft collisions, including passengers, rideshare drivers, and occupants of other vehicles. The firm brings significant courtroom background to these complex claims, with experience in more than 200 trials and a history of substantial personal injury settlements. This trial-tested approach matters when you are up against well-funded rideshare insurers.

If you were injured in a rideshare crash in the Encino area, you do not have to sort this out alone. Our team works to guide clients through each step of the legal process while they focus on medical care and rebuilding their lives. 

To discuss your situation directly with a rideshare accident attorney in Encino, you can call (213) 996-0529 or contact us online.

Why Colleen O’Hara Law Is Different

Choosing a lawyer after a serious Uber or Lyft collision is not just about hiring someone who handles car accidents. These cases can involve multiple insurance policies, corporate defendants, and defense teams that work hard to minimize payouts. You need a firm that is comfortable in high-pressure settings and prepared to take a case as far as it needs to go.

At Law Offices of Colleen O'Hara, the lead trial attorney has participated in more than 200 trials, including over 50 before even becoming licensed. This depth of courtroom experience means the firm does not shy away from difficult liability questions or aggressive opposition. When rideshare companies and their insurers realize a case can credibly go to trial, settlement discussions often become more serious.

The firm’s work includes dismissals, acquittals, and substantial personal injury settlements. While every case is different and results cannot be guaranteed, this history shows a consistent ability to build strong narratives and challenge opposing arguments. Those skills apply directly to rideshare injury claims, where fault is sometimes disputed and insurers may try to shift blame onto passengers or other drivers.

Clients often turn to Law Offices of Colleen O'Hara because of referrals rather than advertising. That word-of-mouth foundation reflects a hands-on, personalized approach to representation. The team works to keep clients informed, answer questions promptly, and involve them in key decisions, which can be especially important when you are recovering from injuries and trying to protect your future.

Rideshare crash cases call for creativity and persistence. Insurance coverage can change based on whether the app was on, a ride was accepted, or a passenger was already in the car. Our team of rideshare accident lawyers in Encino evaluates these details carefully and develops tailored strategies designed to pursue the best possible outcome under California law.

Rideshare Accidents In Encino

Encino sits along some of the busiest transportation routes in the San Fernando Valley. Rideshare drivers regularly use Ventura Boulevard for pick-ups and drop-offs and rely on nearby access to U.S. Route 101 to move between neighborhoods. With constant traffic, congestion, and frequent lane changes, Uber and Lyft drivers can be involved in collisions even when they are trying to navigate carefully.

Common scenarios include passengers injured when a rideshare vehicle is rear-ended at an intersection, drivers struck while merging onto the freeway, or collisions that occur when a driver stops suddenly to pick up or drop off a rider. People may receive initial treatment at medical facilities in or around Encino and then face follow-up appointments, physical therapy, or specialist visits across Los Angeles.

Rideshare accidents introduce legal questions that do not always arise in a typical crash. Insurance coverage often depends on the driver’s status in the app at the time of impact. If the driver had the app off, their personal policy may be the primary coverage. If the app was on but no ride was accepted, a different level of coverage may apply. Once a trip is accepted or a passenger is in the vehicle, there is usually a higher amount of insurance available through the rideshare company, subject to policy language and California regulations.

Injuries from these collisions can range from whiplash and soft tissue harm to fractures, head trauma, or other serious conditions. Beyond physical pain, many people experience lost income, difficulties returning to work, and concerns about future medical costs. When you are trying to manage all of this, it is understandable to feel frustrated and overwhelmed by calls from different insurance adjusters who may offer quick, low settlements.

A rideshare accident attorney in Encino understands how local traffic patterns, enforcement practices by agencies such as the Los Angeles Police Department or California Highway Patrol, and statewide insurance rules intersect in these cases. That insight can become important when determining who may be responsible for paying damages and how to document your claim effectively.

What To Do After A Rideshare Crash? Our Rideshare Accident Attorneys in Encino Answer

The moments and days after a rideshare collision are often chaotic. Taking a few practical steps can help protect your health and your ability to seek compensation later. Every situation is different, but there are common actions that are generally helpful for many people in this position.

Safety should come first. If you can, move to a secure location and call 911 so law enforcement and emergency medical personnel can come to the scene. Even if injuries seem minor at first, it is wise to receive a medical evaluation as soon as you reasonably can. Some conditions, such as certain head or soft tissue injuries, may not show full symptoms immediately.

When officers respond, provide accurate factual information, but avoid guessing about details or accepting blame. The report they prepare can be an important piece of evidence. If you are able, gather information about the rideshare driver, other drivers involved, and any witnesses, including names, contact information, license plate numbers, and insurance details.

Rideshare trips involve digital records that can support your claim. Within the Uber or Lyft app, take screenshots that show the ride details, route, driver’s name, and time of the trip. Keep photos of vehicle damage, visible injuries, and the surrounding scene. These can help a Lyft accident attorney in Encino later when reconstructing what happened.

After the crash, you may hear from one or more insurance companies, including your own, the rideshare driver’s personal insurer, or a carrier that provides coverage for Uber or Lyft. Adjusters sometimes request recorded statements or push for quick settlements soon after a collision. Before agreeing to extensive questioning or signing documents, it can be helpful to speak with a rideshare accident attorney in Encino who represents your interests alone.

A lawyer can review the circumstances, explain your options, and communicate with insurers on your behalf. This allows you to focus more fully on healing while someone familiar with rideshare claims helps guard against missteps that could affect your ability to recover compensation.

How A Rideshare Lawyer Helps You

Handling a rideshare injury claim on your own can be challenging, particularly when multiple insurance policies and corporate procedures are involved. An experienced Uber accident attorney works to shoulder the legal burden so you can direct your energy toward recovery and daily life.

At Law Offices of Colleen O'Hara, the team begins by listening carefully to your account of the crash and reviewing available documents, such as the police report, medical records, and app screenshots. They work to identify all potentially responsible parties, which may include the rideshare driver, another motorist, or others whose conduct contributed to the collision. Determining which insurance policies apply is a key step, and the firm evaluates personal and rideshare coverage carefully.

Because the firm is comfortable in the courtroom, insurers know they may be required to justify their positions before a judge or jury. This trial readiness can influence negotiations. When a rideshare accident attorney in Encino negotiates on your behalf, knowledge of how a case might appear at trial can guide settlement discussions and help you make informed decisions about any offers.

Documenting the full impact of your injuries is another central part of the process. The firm works with you to assemble medical records, bills, and information about lost wages or reduced earning capacity. Your attorney may also explore how the injuries affect your daily activities, relationships, and future plans. This information helps present a more complete picture of your losses to an insurance company or, when necessary, to a court.

Communication is a priority. Clients often have questions about timelines, next steps, and what different legal terms mean. Law Offices of Colleen O'Hara strives to respond promptly, explain developments in straightforward language, and involve you in strategic choices. The goal is to help you feel informed and supported throughout your case.

Many injured people worry about the cost of hiring an Uber accident attorney in Encino. Personal injury firms often work on a contingency basis, which typically means attorney fees are collected only if there is a financial recovery. Fee arrangements can vary, so the firm will explain how costs work during your consultation, giving you a clear understanding before you decide how to proceed.

Throughout the claim, your lawyer coordinates with insurance representatives, manages deadlines, and prepares for the possibility of litigation. If negotiations do not lead to a fair result, a rideshare accident lawyer can file a lawsuit in the appropriate Los Angeles County court and present your case there. While many matters resolve before trial, being prepared for that path from the beginning helps protect your interests.

Call (213) 996-0529 to schedule a consultation with a rideshare accident lawyer in Encino.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Pays After an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Responsibility can depend on who caused the crash and the driver’s status in the app. Personal insurance, rideshare company coverage, or another driver’s policy may apply. Our team of rideshare accident attorneys in Encino reviews the facts, policies, and applicable rules to identify potential sources of compensation for your injuries.

Do I Really Need a Rideshare Accident Attorney?

You are not required to hire a lawyer, but rideshare claims often involve complex insurance and liability issues. An attorney can handle adjuster communications, build your case, and use trial experience to negotiate from a stronger position so you can focus on medical care.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire Your Firm?

In injury matters, fees are commonly based on a contingency arrangement rather than hourly billing. This usually means you do not pay attorney fees upfront. Specific terms depend on your case, and Law Offices of Colleen O'Hara will explain the fee structure clearly during your consultation before you make any commitment.

How Long Will My Rideshare Case Take?

Timelines vary based on factors like the severity of injuries, how quickly you complete treatment, and how insurers respond. Some claims settle in months, and others take longer, particularly if a lawsuit is filed. Our team keeps you updated so you understand what is happening at each stage.

What Will Your Team Do for My Case?

We investigate the crash, gather records, analyze insurance coverage, and build a strategy tailored to your situation. A rideshare accident lawyer from our firm handles negotiations, prepares for possible trial, and keeps you informed so you can make sound decisions about your future.

To learn how we can help in your situation, contact us today.