Fresno Ridesharing Lawyers

OUR FIRM HAS RECOVERED MILLIONS OF
DOLLARS FOR MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT VICTIMS THROUGHOUT CALIFORNIA.

25+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

When you hire us, you’re adding unmatched experience to your team, ensuring you get the best possible outcome.

99% WIN RATE

Our firm maintains an impressive 99% win rate, even while accepting difficult cases other law firms have turned away.

NO UPFRONT FEES

We are not afraid of trial, and insurance companies know this. If it’s in your best interest, we are always trial ready.

When a Rideshare Experience Turns Tragic

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft provide convenient transportation options for Fresno residents and visitors alike. The ease of securing a ride online via an app makes these services popular for passengers, and profitable for drivers and their rideshare companies.

Unfortunately, an ordinary rideshare booking in Fresno can turn tragic under a variety of circumstances. When negligence is the cause of your rideshare accident injuries, pursuing a Fresno ridesharing claim and lawsuit is a complex process. At The May Firm, we help accident victims in Fresno and the surrounding region pursue the justice and compensation they deserve. To learn how we can help you, contact our Fresno ridesharing lawyers at The May Firm today for a free case consultation.

The May Firm Fights for Fresno Car Accident Victims

Rideshare accident victims are just one part of our client base.

The following examples of our case results do not guarantee the same outcome for your case as ridesharing cases differ in details and results:

  • $2.3 million for clients rear-ended by a utility vehicle
  • $1.9 million wrongful death case involving a pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle
  • $1.5 million for a car accident victim who suffered a traumatic brain injury
  • $800,000 for a motorcyclist who suffered lower back injuries

These are just a few examples of our past success on behalf of our clients. At The May Firm, we hold insurance companies accountable when they attempt to deny a claim. One of Uber’s cases is one example of when an insurance company disputed liability. Our team stood firm and aggressively made a case for compensation, resulting in a $1,000,000 policy limit offer for damages.

It is impossible to predict the outcome of your case. The sooner a member of our team can review your information, the faster we can get to work for you. We acknowledge the fact that the time following a car accident is chaotic and stressful. Our team wants to help ease your burden by managing the details of your claim and lawsuit for you.

For us to help you, you must help us by contacting us as soon as possible. The statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit in Fresno is two years—the same time limit for wrongful death cases. If you fail to file your case within the required timeframe, you stand to lose your chance to fight for compensation forever.

Community Involvement

At The May Firm we strive to be involved and connected to our local community. For example, this past holiday season we organized bicycle and Christmas tree giveaways for individuals in our community. Our goal is to be a positive force for good in the local community and give back in some small measure to those we can serve. We receive satisfaction and joy from serving our clients and will continue to look for ways to be of assistance to the community as a whole. We receive positive energy from the community when we are involved.

We have listed a few of the local organizations we support and look forward to growing our outreach in the future. If you have any suggestions for ways we can be of service or support, please reach out to us.

Where Compassion Meets Experience

We take pride in working hard for each of our valued clients and will help you recover from your injuries and losses, including lost wages, mental anguish, future earning potential, disability or continued health care needs and lost or damaged property.

Our Fresno injury lawyers stay well-informed and up-to-date on all applicable legal changes, so you can be confident that you will always receive relevant, current legal advice.

If you have suffered a personal injury or are a victim of an accident that is not your at fault for, contact our award winning Fresno attorneys 24/7 to schedule your free case consultation. You can also call our Fresno office at 1-(559)-385-2090. Let us be your personal injury and accident advocate.

“My number one goal is to help others. When you step foot into our firm, you’ll be treated like family, period.”
Robert May, Attorney | Founder

Rideshare Drivers and Liability in Fresno

One particularly confusing element of rideshare accidents is who covers what. Uber and Lyft hire drivers as independent contractors, and require that they carry liability insurance.

When an accident happens due to driver negligence, the driver’s insurance, the rideshare company’s insurance, or a combination of both may pay your damages. The complexity of such a case is why contacting our office for representation can reduce your stress. As Fresno’s rideshare lawyers, we are familiar with the rideshare industry, its rise in popularity, and the risks it poses to our Fresno community.

A rideshare driver may engage in hazardous behavior. For example, a rideshare driver may arrive for your trip in one or more of these conditions:

  • Intoxicated: Many Californians hail a rideshare driver to avoid risking harm to others and to avoid a drunk driving charge. The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of a rideshare driver is illegal at just .004 percent. This is lower than the .08 percent for other drivers.
  • Angry: Congested traffic can cause even the most patient driver to lose their cool. A rideshare driver may engage in aggressive driving, including speeding, purposely tailgating, and road rage.
  • Distracted: Rideshare services app-driven, making the driver reliant upon his smartphone for the next customer. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), distraction includes looking away from the road, taking your hands off the wheel, and allowing your mind to wander. A rideshare driver who drives distracted by his or her app or navigational devices places you at risk for serious harm.
  • Drowsy: Fatigued driving is hazardous as drivers fall asleep behind the wheel. Long shifts and multiple jobs can contribute to a rideshare driver’s drowsiness. Other contributing factors include medications and an undiagnosed sleep disorder.

There is no way to know what condition your rideshare is in. If you suspect your driver is too impaired to drive, report them and secure a different ride. Should you experience life-altering injuries due to a rideshare driver who was negligent due to one of the items listed above, contact The May Firm for help. We can investigate your case and pursue the best possible outcome for your damages.

Types of, Fresno Rideshare Accidents Injuries

A rideshare accident can affect anyone —from passengers to pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists. An Uber or Lyft driver who fails to share the road responsibly can cause catastrophic injuries or fatalities.

For vulnerable road users, the lack of protection places them at risk for catastrophic injuries. According to Car and Driver magazine, pedestrian deaths in a recent year were the highest record since 1988. The Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA) report referenced in the article demonstrates the growing problem of distracted driving and the continuation of dangerous behaviors like drunk driving.

If you experience a rideshare accident, seek immediate medical assistance. Do not let the absence of visible harm such as cuts or bleeding prevent you from going to the hospital. A silent and potentially deadly injury may lurk under your skin and out of sight. Seeking medical attention may save your life, and it established important documentation for a ridesharing claim and lawsuit.

These rideshare accident injuries can occur whether you are a passenger, a pedestrian, a bicyclist, or riding your motorcycle:

  • Traumatic brain injury: The CDC defines a traumatic brain injury as a bump, blow, jolt, or penetrating head injury that disrupts normal brain function. The results are often devastating for you or a loved one. Changes can include an inability to remember basic skills, a loss of certain sensations, and/or changes in emotions and behavior.
  • Spinal cord injury: A spinal cord injury is either complete or incomplete. A complete injury refers to no sensation or movement below the point of injury. An incomplete injury generally involves limited sensation or movement below the injury. Spinal cord injuries typically result in some form of paralysis, making a power chair essential for mobility. Replacing the chair throughout the years, home modifications for the chair, and accessible transportation such as a modified van are costly.
  • Broken bones: A bone fracture can penetrate the skin and possibly require multiple surgeries. The pain of physical therapy and your need for personal care can prevent you from working. The slow heal of bones makes your situation stressful as the medical bills start with no end in sight.
  • Road rash: Vulnerable road users like bicyclists or motorcyclists are especially at risk for road rash. Striking the unforgiving pavement of a Fresno street can cause a painful friction burn or skin abrasion. Immediate medical attention is necessary to determine the extent of damage to your skin. Cleaning the wound of debris such as dirt and rocks is also important for preventing infection.

These are a few examples of the types of injuries that can change life as you know it. Instead of your favorite activities and your career, your time is now spent seeking relief from pain and managing multiple medical appointments. This is not fair, and holding the driver, the rideshare company, or perhaps both accountable is where a member of our team can help you.

If your injuries prevent you from coming to us, we can come to you. We can review the evidence associated with your case and plan the best course of action for your ridesharing claim and lawsuit.

The Civil Claim and Lawsuit Process: How a Fresno Ridesharing Lawyer Protects Your Best Interests

The complexity of a rideshare accident is very real due to issues involving liability. Filing a civil lawsuit within the required statute of limitations is necessary for protecting your options if we can’t settle your case out of court. Whether your case will involve a lawsuit against Uber or Lyft depends upon the details of your case.

The May Firm consists of skilled ridesharing and wrongful death attorneys. Our team has the experience necessary for taking on insurance companies who only want to protect their best interests.

The negotiation process involves firm and aggressive positioning on behalf of you, our client. We know all too well the games insurance companies try to play to protect their best interests. While many rideshare accident claims settle without going to trial, our team is ready if necessary.

Insurance companies want to protect their time and profits. Settling without a trial is in their best interests. Settling with a rideshare accident victim before they have a chance to contact The May Firm is what an insurance company prefers.

If an insurance adjuster can convince you to accept a settlement offer before securing a lawyer, they can close your claim for the least amount possible. An initial offer may tempt you due to your financial stress. What many accident victims do not realize is that accepting a settlement offer prohibits you from future legal action, should your medical needs change.

A ridesharing lawyer from our team will work to hold the insurance company accountable for the compensation you deserve. Paying out of pocket for your damages is not an option. The responsible rideshare driver and possibly the company should pay for your damages. Let us help you through this difficult time by contacting us today for a free case consultation.

Fresno Rideshares and Your Safety

Uber and Lyft are popular and useful when you need transportation; however, one dangerous rideshare driver can change your life. You trust that the driver who arrives to transport you is a safe and responsible driver.

The same is true as you cross a busy street, ride a bicycle or a motorcycle. Sharing the road is the responsibility of all Californians. If a rideshare driver is responsible for your injuries or loss, let us help you.

We can investigate your accident to determine the best path to possible compensation. A member of our team will keep you updated as we negotiate with insurance companies for fair compensation. If your case must go to trial, we possess the skills and experience necessary to present your case before a jury and judge.

Contact The May Firm Regarding Your Rideshare Accident Injuries

A traumatic car accident that leaves you seriously injured or without a loved one forever demands justice. If you hailed a rideshare service for safe transport, only to experience life-altering harm, we can help you fight for compensation.

The expenses that result from your rideshare accident injuries or loss can add more stress to an already stressful situation. An inability to work or a loss of income compounds this stress as you deal with medical bills and basic household expenses.

This stress is unexpected and unfair for you and your family. When you hire us to represent you, it saves you the precious time you can spend with your family and your recovery. instead of legal paperwork and phone calls.

Personal injury law is what we do, and The May Firm takes great pride in representing clients in Fresno and throughout the region. Our commitment to you is to stand by your side, so you are not alone. We do not back down or shy away from tough cases. To learn more about how The May Firm can assist you during this time of uncertainty and anxiety, contact us today for a free case consultation.

Fresno Rideshare Accidents: Frequently Asked Questions

A rideshare accident is a confusing and tragic event. The chaos of first responders and your painful injuries can overwhelm you. What you do immediately following such an event is important for how and when you pursue a civil case. From collecting important evidence to saving your medical records, each step is important for your ridesharing claim and lawsuit. A free consultation with The May Firm can help you to better understand your options for pursuing compensation for your damages.

The May Firm: Helping Fresno Accident Victims Seek Justice

Rideshare apps and the service provided are a large part of the growing gig economy. The independent contractors who use their personal vehicles to transport passengers must drive safely and responsibly. Failure to do so can result in serious harm for innocent passengers and others.

No one expects a rideshare experience to turn tragic. A driver can lose control in a split second, forever changing your life. The realization that your life or that of a loved one may never be the same is sad and unfair. Had the rideshare driver used care, you would not face financial hardship and devastating injuries or loss.

Determining liability for your rideshare accident is sometimes challenging. At The May Firm, we carefully review your case to decide if the liable party is the driver, the rideshare company, or perhaps both. The complexity of such cases is where legal knowledge and experience are beneficial for the best outcome possible.

You do not have to fight your case alone. Our friendly and caring team of Fresno professionals is happy to answer your questions and address your concerns. We stand by your side and do not let insurance companies get away with unfair tactics.

Let us put our experience to work for you. Take the first step toward your pursuit of fair compensation by contacting The May Firm for a free case consultation. You can contact us any time of night or day, online or by phone at (559) 385-2090. The May Firm is here for you as you seek justice for your rideshare accident.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers provided by Fresno Ridesharing Lawyer courtesy of The May Firm
to some frequently asked questions we receive from clients.

Rideshare drivers may engage in reckless behavior behind the wheel, placing their passengers and others at risk for injuries or death. As independent contractors, many drivers work as drivers for Uber or Lyft to make additional income.

The fact that their pay depends upon passengers can cause them to make dangerous decisions that change the lives of others forever, including:

  • Falling asleep behind the wheel: drivers with more than one job or are otherwise sleep-deprived may lose control of the vehicle
  • Driving under the influence of drugs: Illegal, prescription, and over-the-counter medications can impact a driver’s reaction times and judgment
  • Drunk driving: the blood alcohol concentration level for a rideshare driver is .04 percent or higher
  • Distracted driving: a driver may focus on their smartphone instead of the road, resulting in a serious accident
  • Aggressive driving: rideshare drivers may speed in hopes of reaching your destination sooner and obtaining another passenger faster

There are various reasons why a rideshare driver may take careless risks. Their decision to do so can cause you physical, emotional, and financial stress. Holding them accountable for their actions is where The May Firm can help you. We will investigate your accident and build a strong case for fair compensation.

You may feel fine immediately following the rideshare accident. Despite no visible signs of harm, such as bleeding, cuts, or pain, seeking immediate medical attention can prove vital for your health.

Sometimes accident victims experience no outward signs or symptoms of harm when they have internal injuries. The shock of the accident can leave victims convinced that they suffered no injuries and therefore do not need to seek medical attention.

Seeking medical attention—regardless of how you feel —is critical following your rideshare accident. The primary reason is that only a medical professional can determine if you are uninjured. Additionally important are the medical records and documented costs for your treatment.

The records detailing your injuries and the costs associated with your care are valuable evidence for your case. Always seek immediate medical attention following a rideshare or another type of car accident—it just might save your life.

When a rideshare driver loses control of their vehicle, they place you at risk for catastrophic injuries.

Your life may never be the same following one or more of the following types of injuries:

  • Brain injury: A severe traumatic brain injury disrupts normal brain function, making simple tasks difficult and your care expensive
  • Spinal cord injury: The permanent paralysis that results requires major life changes, like using a power chair and home modifications for chair use.
  • Injuries to your back, limbs, or neck: From broken bones to muscle damage, your recovery may involve therapies and multiple surgeries, making work impossible.
  • Internal bleeding: This type of injury can prove fatal if left untreated and one of the top reasons to seek immediate medical attention
  • Skin abrasions or road rash: Pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists are at risk for road rash when their body strikes the pavement, resulting in painful skin tears.

Other injuries may occur in addition to those listed above. The extent of your injuries depends upon a variety of factors. If your injuries prevent you from enjoying everyday life or returning to a career you once loved, fight for the justice you deserve. The May Firm is ready to assist you with your fight.

While there is never a guarantee of compensation for your injuries, the following types are sometimes possible in Fresno ridesharing cases:

  • Reimbursement for medical expenses: the costs associated with your medical transport, hospital services, and doctors’ fees
  • The cost of continuing care: ongoing expenses relating to severe or permanent injuries, including rehabilitation or a skilled nursing facility
  • Lost income: compensation for the wages you missed earning due to your injuries
  • Potential income opportunities: the income possible had your injuries not prevented you from returning to your career

The tragic loss of a loved one due to driver negligence can devastate your entire family. It is sometimes possible to pursue a wrongful death claim and lawsuit, depending upon your relationship with the decedent.

A member of our team can determine if you qualify and review the details of your case. Your loss is a highly emotional time, and it is our honor to represent you by managing the legal details on your behalf.

The stark reality of your expenses and loss of income can make legal action necessary.

There is no way to predict the outcome of your case; however, we typically fight for the following compensation in wrongful death cases:

  • Funeral costs: A funeral is an unexpected expense that can costs thousands
  • Final medical expenses: The medical bills for life-saving attempts for your loved one
  • Income damages: Lost wages and potential future earnings are commonly included in cases
  • Non-economic losses such loss as companionship

If you lost a loved one due to a negligent rideshare driver in Fresno or the surrounding region, contact us. You can learn more about whether you have a case, how we can help you, and the legal process. You have nothing to lose by reaching out to us today.

As wrongful death attorneys, our work with Fresno families throughout the years resulted in many successful outcomes. Compensation is worth pursuing when your loss was preventable. Negligent rideshare drivers must face accountability for the actions that resulted in your loss.

Our team is compassionate with our clients, yet firm with insurance companies. We stand by you as you grieve and protect you from unnecessary interruptions from insurance companies.

No. Negotiating with an insurance adjuster alone places you at risk for accepting less than you deserve. Insurance companies tend to approach accident victims when they are most vulnerable. Making an important decision regarding a settlement without a lawyer can harm your future.

Insurance companies may not tell you that accepting their offer leaves you no options to pursue additional funds later. Should you develop complications from your injuries after accepting the settlement, you may not pursue another claim or lawsuit.

Insurance companies want to do what is best for them. As for-profit businesses, they strive to pay accident victims the least amount of compensation possible. They may even attempt to blame you for the accident. Attempts to negotiate with them alone may leave you with limited or no compensation for your damages.

Do not fall for their confusing tactics. Protect your best interests for fair compensation by contacting The May Firm for help. We know how to counter insurance company tactics by negotiating for a fair settlement. Once you secure our services, refer aggressive insurance adjusters to us. This removes the stress of their contact from your shoulders and places it in our experienced hands.

Your smartphone may contain valuable information for your claim and lawsuit. For example, a screenshot of your app use is documentation of the service. If possible, take photos and video of the accident scene. Should your injuries prevent you from doing so, ask someone to help you.

Witnesses may stop to render aid. Eye-witnesses are especially important if you can’t remember the accident. Asking those who help for their contact information, such as name and phone number. Your lawyer may want to interview them soon after the accident.

A police report contains information valuable for your case, including accident details and determination of fault. In some cases, an accident may require further investigation to determine fault. If so, our team will investigate and review the final decision by law enforcement.

The May Firm wants you to rest and recover. Dealing with serious injuries or permanent loss is exhausting and leaves you no time for phone calls and paperwork. Our team will keep you informed so that you know the progress of your claim and lawsuit.

You must act quickly. The statute of limitations clock begins ticking when you suffer your injury or a loved one dies due to their injuries.

Twenty-four months is not much time, as civil claims and lawsuits require careful examination and preparation. We understand how overwhelmed accident victims and their families feel as they deal with injuries or plan a funeral. Add the pressure of aggressive insurance companies, and your stress can cause you many sleepless nights.

When your Fresno rideshare accident results from driver negligence, let us get to work on your behalf. We can protect your best interests against large insurance companies who seek to deny or underpay your claim.

Delaying a call for a free case consultation can result in missed opportunities for filing a claim and lawsuit. While you may feel confused about what to do next, know that a call to us sooner rather than later is important.

In today’s busy world, time passes in the blink of an eye. Managing doctors’ appointments, healing from procedures, and other outcomes of your accident are more than enough. The May Firm is ready to pursue compensation for your damages today.

Call Us for a Free Consultation

Contact us to get started. It is important to have the proper legal representation on your side if you’re involved in a motorcycle crash. Often wrongful blame is placed on the rider in a multi-vehicle collision due to the increased risk that comes with riding a motorcycle. Insurance companies are reluctant to side with the motorcyclist and oftentimes will attempt to place the full or partial blame on them. Don’t accept that blame and the legal repercussions that come with it.

Call (866) 619-6679 to schedule a free consultation with our award-winning motorcycle accident lawyers. We’ll help determine the viability of your case based on your testimony and help you determine the best way to proceed. Working on a contingency fee means our lawyers are only compensated when your case or settlement is won, and our extensive experience and case history allow us to settle most claims out of court, giving you a faster resolution to your case and allowing you to focus on your recovery process. We factor in every possible expense when building your settlement: Medical bills, wage loss, property damage, and emotional suffering are all considered. Our goal is to help you put your life back in order to the best of our ability.

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