Fresno Lyft Accident Lawyers
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Experienced Fresno Lyft Accident Lawyers Who Offer Legal Support To Injured Victims
Rideshare services like Lyft present a convenient alternative to public transportation. These companies have asserted that their services enhance street safety by reducing the presence of potential drunk drivers.
Despite these claims, it’s essential to recognize that rideshare vehicles can still be involved in car accidents. Arash Law’s Lyft accident attorneys in Fresno are knowledgeable about relatively new and complex rideshare laws and can help review your case. Call (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation with our team.
Depending on various factors, such as the nature of the accident and whether you sustained injuries or experienced the loss of a loved one, you may be eligible to pursue compensation after a Lyft accident. This could come from the insurance of the rideshare driver, the rideshare company, a third party, or a combination of these sources.
You likely have numerous inquiries regarding your rights after a collision involving Lyft or another rideshare vehicle. To gain a deeper understanding, contact our team for a no-cost, no-obligation first meeting.
If you have a case and wish to engage our services at Arash Law, you won’t be charged attorneys’ fees unless you’re awarded compensation, as we operate on a contingency fee basis. Some additional costs may still apply, which we can discuss further during your consultation with us. Contact us or complete our online form to start your legal journey.
Gomez v. PG Transportation (settled on 8/11/2023) – settlement involving a man who was struck by a car resulting in a mild traumatic brain injury as well as other orthopedic injuries.– TINA ESHGHIEH
Why Engage The Services Of Lyft Accident Lawyers In Fresno, CA?
Accidents involving Lyft can lead to challenges in assigning responsibility. Despite Lyft maintaining $1 million in liability coverage for car crashes, the full amount of its policy will not apply in all cases.
For instance, Lyft drivers must be aware that while the company coverage includes liability, it may not cover the total costs of vehicle damage or medical expenses if they are found at fault for the accident. In other cases, responsibility may be shifted to other drivers or even to the passengers themselves. Retaining the services of Lyft accident lawyers in Fresno may help you hold the responsible parties accountable for your losses.
For a timely consultation, reach out to Fresno’s knowledgeable Lyft accident attorneys. Given the evolving rules and regulations regarding rideshare services, which are often influenced by technology, our personal injury lawyers can help you understand your rights before you take further action.
How Our Fresno Lyft Accident Lawyers Can Help Manage Your Claim
At Arash Law, our Fresno Lyft accident attorneys serve a variety of clients who have been injured in rideshare collisions. We’ve handled a wide range of cases, from minor to those involving complex liability issues and catastrophic injuries, and we understand the challenges that may arise afterward. We aim to use this experience when reviewing claims and assessing whether they can be filed.
If you choose to have us help with a valid case, we may be able to connect you to the medical treatment you need, handle communication with insurance companies, collect and review evidence from your Lyft accident, and include your medical bills in any potentially awarded settlement. Our goal is to advocate for our clients throughout the claims process.
When determining the value of your damages, we consider factors ranging from the temporary and permanent restrictions imposed by your injuries to the impact on your overall quality of life. Hospital bills alone often fail to capture the full extent of your losses. We’ll work to leverage our knowledge in personal injury and insurance law when negotiating settlements for our clients.
Services Our Lawyers At Arash Law Offer After A Fresno Lyft Accident
Arash Law is familiar with how to address a range of complex issues and unique challenges associated with Lyft accidents that are not encountered in other types of incidents. As such, we offer the following services to our clients:
Fault Determination
Determining the cause of a Lyft collision can be challenging, especially when multiple parties are involved. We can analyze traffic camera footage, witness statements, and police reports to potentially establish fault in a collision.
Dealing With Insurance Policies
After a collision with a Lyft driver, various insurance policies from different companies may become applicable. Multiple plans can potentially cover a Lyft accident, each with its own priority order. Our Fresno Lyft accident lawyers can help identify which parties might be able to compensate our clients, depending on the specific circumstances of each case.
Fair Settlement Negotiation
Negotiating for a settlement is common after Lyft accidents, especially when the fault is clear. Even in disputed liability cases, settlements are a standard resolution. However, negotiating for a certain amount requires strategic efforts. Our Fresno Lyft accident lawyers can do so on behalf of our clients. We will consider the extent of their losses, as well as the results of our investigations into their accidents, when making this determination.
Litigation Preparation
In some cases, filing a lawsuit may be necessary, particularly if a claim cannot be settled. Litigation handled independently may pose risks to a case, especially if it goes to trial. Our Fresno Lyft accident lawyers can help clients navigate this process and provide personalized representation in court, if necessary.
Does Lyft Offer Insurance Coverage For Accidents Caused By Its Drivers?
Lyft provides insurance coverage for collisions and accidents caused by its drivers. However, this coverage becomes applicable only when the at-fault driver’s personal insurance policy has been exhausted. The specifics of the accident play a crucial role in determining the type and amount of coverage available to injured victims. It’s important to acknowledge that Lyft categorizes its drivers not as “employees” but as “independent contractors.” This distinction grants them legal leeway to potentially disclaim liability after an accident.
In the event of an accident involving a Lyft driver, potential compensation may include:
- Up to $50,000 in bodily injury per person and up to $100,000 in bodily injury per accident when the driver has the app turned on but hasn’t accepted a ride.
- Up to $30,000 in property damage per accident when the driver has the app turned on but hasn’t accepted a ride.
- Up to $1 million in bodily injury, death, and property damage when the driver has the app turned on and has accepted a ride, regardless of whether a passenger is present.
When Lyft drivers don’t have the app turned on, the rideshare company’s insurance does not cover them. If you were injured in an accident with a rideshare driver not actively working for the company, you may only be able to pursue compensation by filing a claim against the driver’s private auto insurance provider. Our Fresno Lyft accident attorneys can clarify whether and how Lyft’s policies or those of its drivers may apply to your case.
Who Is Liable For Damages In A Rideshare Accident In Fresno, CA?
This depends on whose negligence caused your crash. Depending on the circumstances of your case, at-fault parties may include Lyft, its drivers, other road users, car parts manufacturers, and even government agencies responsible for public road maintenance.
In particular, holding Lyft accountable for your accident by naming them a defendant may pose challenges. Lyft and Uber have undertaken extensive legal efforts to establish their drivers, who use the apps and receive payment for passenger pickups, as independent contractors rather than employees. This classification shields employers from liability for accidents caused by their drivers.
As a result, employers may not be held responsible for rideshare accidents caused by those independent contractors. Their insurance coverage often has strict limitations, making it challenging to pursue legal action for damages that exceed the provided coverage. As your Lyft accident attorneys in Fresno, we are here to assist you in identifying who may be at fault for your crash and how you might be able to seek compensation from them.
Suing The Rideshare Driver In Fresno, CA
As a Lyft rideshare passenger injured in an accident in Fresno, you may have the right to seek compensation from your driver. However, pursuing legal action against Lyft itself may be more difficult. In some cases, agreeing to a rideshare company’s terms of service implies consent to a “mandatory arbitration agreement,” potentially waiving your right to a jury trial.
Essentially, you might find yourself participating in a binding dispute resolution process known as arbitration to address your claims. Nevertheless, certain exceptions exist to the arbitration clause. Our Fresno Lyft accident attorneys can study your claim to see whether these exceptions apply, which may allow you to file a lawsuit if negotiations prove unproductive.
Notably, the arbitration clause doesn’t extend to injured third parties. If you were an occupant of another vehicle and suffered injuries due to the negligence of a rideshare driver, you might be able to sue the company. Since you haven’t entered into any contract with the company, you may have more leeway to seek damages in a lawsuit.
How Do Rideshare Accidents Happen?
A rideshare accident is essentially a typical car collision with the added factor of someone functioning as a rideshare driver during the incident. Acts of negligence, such as drunk driving or speeding, can lead to rideshare accidents. Lyft drivers actively work while driving and rely on an app to pick up new fares. Integrating an app inside the car during driving can increase the risk of a collision due to driver distraction, surpassing that of an average vehicle. Rideshare drivers may also face heightened risks of distraction from conversing with passengers. However, they are not the only parties that can potentially cause a rideshare accident.
Common Causes Of Lyft Rideshare Car Accidents
Common causes of Lyft rideshare accidents include:
- Drowsy Driving — Operating a vehicle while fatigued or excessively sleepy can impair reaction times, decision-making, and overall driving ability.
- Driving Under the Influence — This can compromise coordination, judgment, and the ability to operate a vehicle safely.
- Distracted Driving — Engaging in activities that divert attention from driving, such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using in-car entertainment systems.
- Road Rage — Aggressive or violent behavior exhibited by a driver in response to road-related stressors potentially leads to dangerous driving actions and confrontations.
- Disregard for Traffic Laws or Carelessness — Not adhering to traffic regulations or displaying a lack of attention and consideration for the safety of oneself and others on the road.
The potential for additional stress while driving sets Lyft drivers apart from most other drivers. Their livelihoods depend on tips and evaluations of their driving performance, which may create pressure to entertain passengers and divert their attention from the road.
Additionally, they might take risks to expedite their arrival at the destination in pursuit of a five-star rating. Lyft drivers also have to contend with potentially unruly or even dangerous passengers. These circumstances may lead Lyft drivers to engage in risky behaviors, such as speeding, which can result in motor vehicle collisions.
However, not all Lyft accidents result from the driver’s actions. Other parties, such as another motorist, hazardous road conditions, or a faulty vehicle component, can contribute to accidents. In some instances, drivers may neglect proper vehicle maintenance in accordance with Lyft standards, leading to potential hazards such as tire blowouts during trips.
In the face of these increasing incidents, Arash Law’s Lyft accident lawyers are prepared to assist clients in navigating these complex cases and discuss how they can protect their interests.
Common Types Of Injuries Sustained In Lyft Accidents
After a collision involving Lyft, the following injuries are commonly observed:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) — Lyft accidents often result in TBIs, particularly when the victim is not wearing a helmet. This type of injury can significantly impact various aspects of a person’s life, including focus, memory (short- or long-term), and emotional control.
- Nervous System Concussions — The intricate network of neurons along the spinal column connecting the brain to the body can lead to a substantial loss of movement patterns, control, and even total paralysis if the spinal column is completely severed.
- Cervical and Spinal Injuries — Victims may experience migraines, dislocations, musculoskeletal problems, and nerve loss due to accidents resulting in cervical and spinal injuries.
- Mutilation — Limb loss can be a consequence of Lyft accidents, with crushed limbs requiring amputation or, in some cases, deterioration leading to patellofemoral surgery.
- Fractured Bones — Whether Lyft collides with the pavement or another vehicle, fractures are common outcomes. Some may heal independently, while others may require surgery or intensive physical therapy, which can impact daily activities and prolong recovery.
- Road Rash — Skin abrasions caused by friction against asphalt, commonly referred to as road rash, can result from Lyft accidents. Proper protective clothing can prevent road rash, and severe cases may require skin grafting for recovery.
Beyond the physical pain, victims of Lyft accidents also grapple with the financial and practical consequences of their injuries. It is thus common for injured individuals to explore whether another party can be held responsible for the accident. Our Fresno Lyft accident attorneys can help assess the extent of your injuries and factor that into your claim.
What To Do After A Lyft Accident
Taking certain steps following an accident may help secure your well-being and rights to compensation. Some actions to consider after a Lyft accident include:
- Gather comprehensive information from all drivers involved, including their license information and, in the case of those working for Lyft, their rideshare app profile.
- Interview eyewitnesses, such as individuals in other vehicles or pedestrians, to uncover any information that might support your case.
- Immediately report the accident to Lyft using their app or by calling, explicitly mentioning that you were injured. You can also report the incident to the Fresno police.
- Seek medical attention on the same day as the accident, even if you feel fine, to uncover any hidden health issues and potentially establish a clear link between your injuries and the collision in your medical records.
- Engage the services of Lyft accident attorneys in Fresno, who can guide you on initiating a claim and determining potential defendants in your case.
What Is The Time Limit For Filing Fresno Lyft Accident Claims?
In California, a personal injury lawsuit for damages must be filed within two years from the day the victim was injured. However, this statute of limitations may be shortened or extended depending on the accident’s circumstances, such as the victim’s age or if the lawsuit involves a government institution. Failure to file a claim within the designated time frame may result in losing your right to pursue compensation.
You may thus want to look into filing a claim soon after your accident, as the time it takes to resolve a case varies based on the circumstances. These include the number of parties involved, the extent of disagreement on liability or damages, and the approaches of the accident lawyers, insurance companies, and parties involved.
Since considering and acting on these factors can take time, you can consult with our Fresno Lyft accident lawyers shortly following your accident. We can help estimate how long it might take to process a valid claim, tell you when you may have to file it, and help you do so within the necessary legal deadlines.
April 2019: $14M settlement in a traumatic brain injury case involving a defective piece of equipment at a factory.– BRIAN BEECHER
Lyft Accident Settlements In Fresno
Settlements are one of the most common ways to resolve rideshare accident cases. Our Fresno-based Lyft accident attorneys have experience negotiating with insurers and rideshare companies, including Lyft, and can work to pursue a settlement on your behalf. However, if one cannot be agreed upon, we can explore the possibility of pursuing your case through the legal system.
Lyft Accident Statistics In Fresno
While Lyft emphasizes the quality and safety of its services, data from the Transportation Network Company Division of the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) reveals real risks associated with using ridesharing platforms. Undoubtedly, ridesharing plays a pivotal role in reducing incidents of drunk and reckless driving, with 43% of users relying on Lyft and Uber for transportation to dinners or events, resulting in a noteworthy 15% to 62% reduction in drunk driving accidents.
However, the surge in rideshare trips corresponds with an increase in accidents. Statistics indicate ridesharing services are linked to one in four accidents in medium and large U.S. cities. Approximately 25% of the country’s population uses Lyft at least once a month. The substantial growth in recent years is evident in the percentage of vehicle miles traveled (VMT). In 2016, ridesharing vehicles represented just 1% of VMT in the country. Presently, VMT from Lyft and Uber cars surpasses 14% in numerous states, with a national average of 6%.
The University of Chicago Booth School of Business has validated the theory concerning the increased incidents and fatalities on the road. In particular, the introduction of Lyft and Uber has contributed to a 3% surge in overall car accident fatalities. This implies that, due to the widespread use of ridesharing services, approximately 1,000 people are killed in car accidents each day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is Covered In The Event Of An Accident With Lyft?
Lyft may offer insurance coverage for different people injured in rideshare accidents, such as passengers, drivers, people in other vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists, as long as they meet the policy’s terms and conditions. This coverage might also include rideshare drivers under specific circumstances.
In the event of an injury, a rideshare driver must initiate a claim with their insurance provider. If the driver lacks a rideshare endorsement on their policy, the claim may be rejected due to the commercial operation of the vehicle during the accident, rendering their coverage void. Subsequently, Lyft’s coverage may come into effect.
Will My Lyft Accident Claim Be Taken To Court?
Under California law, settlements for Lyft accident lawsuits typically occur outside court. In essence, this is the standard procedure. A settlement often involves the paying party being released from liability in exchange for the victim receiving compensation, effectively concluding the case. If such discussions don’t result in a settlement, your case may have to be taken to court.
Due to the unpredictability of the claims and lawsuits process, you may wish to collaborate with our Fresno Lyft accident lawyers. We regularly handle these cases and can use our litigation experience to represent clients in court if needed.
What Happens If I Am Unsure Whether A Lyft Accident Was My Fault?
In the aftermath of a sudden Lyft accident, determining fault may become a concern. It is necessary to approach this situation by refraining from admitting fault or apologizing, as such actions might be misconstrued as an admission of guilt.
Instead, you can avail yourself of the services of our Fresno Lyft accident lawyers to establish liability. During your free first consultation, our attorneys can help investigate the matter to identify which parties may be held accountable for your injuries.
Contact Our Lyft Accident Lawyers For A Free Initial Consultation
If you’re the victim of an accident with a Lyft vehicle in Fresno or the surrounding areas, including Clovis, Sanger, Selma, Kerman, Parlier, Kingsburg, Reedley, Madera, Dinuba, Orange Cove, Hanford, Lemoore, Mendota, Chowchilla, and Visalia, you can consult with Fresno Lyft accident attorneys experienced in handling such cases.
While the process may share similarities with typical car accident claims, Lyft cases often involve more specific statutes and legal requirements. Seeking compensation after a rideshare accident can be difficult, and having a lawyer familiar with the process and relevant legal precedents can help you decide what to do next.
At Arash Law, our team is ready to guide you through this process. Our Fresno Lyft accident attorneys have managed numerous rideshare claims for injured victims, and we can use that experience to help you pursue compensation for your injuries.
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