Irvine Lyft Accident Attorneys
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Our Irvine Lyft Accident Attorneys Are Here To Make It Right When You’ve Been Wronged
Taking a Lyft is one of the easiest ways to get around Irvine, California. However, it’s not always safe. If you are injured while riding in one, our Irvine Lyft accident attorneys can help you get compensation. Call Arash Law today at (888) 488-1391 for a free, no-obligation consultation and case review.
Whether you’re going home after riding the Great Park Balloon or looking to explore Tanaka Farms, you can consider using Lyft as a reliable mode of transportation in Irvine. Unfortunately, just like with any means of travel, the risk of getting into a traffic accident remains.
Lyft accidents are more common than you might expect. Although the rideshare company insists that it rarely encounters any safety incidents on its rides, this doesn’t mean its drivers won’t get into an accident at all.
Our law firm has helped injured victims and their families file claims for these rideshare accidents. We can provide the legal assistance you need to pursue justice and compensation for your injuries and losses.
Settlement in a Under Insured Motorist Claim against ride share company; client suffered spinal injuries– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
Why Hire Irvine Lyft Accident Attorneys From Arash Law
Our law firm has a proven track record of successfully recovering compensation for injured victims. We aggressively fight against insurance companies that try to lowball our clients and get away with the least possible payout. With our expertise and dedication, we have won over $750 Million in compensation for our clients.
Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., prides itself on providing top-notch legal services for its clients. When you hire our Lyft accident attorneys in Irvine, you can expect to receive the following:
- Free And Confidential Consultations – We offer free initial consultations over the phone or via virtual meetings for more convenience. During these meetings, we take extra measures to ensure any information you disclose stays secure and confidential.
- Access To The Best Medical Services – We want to make sure that all your injuries are treated properly and no symptoms go unnoticed. If needed, we can connect you with the top medical specialists in the state so you can get thoroughly examined after an accident.
- Regular Case Updates – We will keep you informed throughout the process, explaining each step or progress in your claim. Our lawyers are always ready to answer your questions and keep you updated on any developments.
- Compassionate Service – We understand that many victims think that hiring a lawyer can be costly while paying for their increasing medical bills. To help ease your financial burden, we offer our services with no upfront costs. Our lawyers take on cases on a contingency fee arrangement and we continuously work toward making our services more accessible to injured victims.
How Can Our Irvine Lyft Accident Attorneys Help You Get Maximum Compensation?
Our personal injury lawyers in Irvine have the extensive knowledge, skills, and decades of experience to help you recover the maximum compensation possible. We have handled cases involving rideshare companies, including Lyft, so we have a good grasp of the regulations governing transportation network companies (TNC). With our proven strategies, you can have better chances of maximizing the value of your Lyft accident claim.
Moreover, our Lyft accident lawyers in Irvine can help you with the following:
- Identifying who is at fault in the accident and who is responsible for compensating you
- Gathering evidence that proves another party’s negligence in the accident
- Compiling receipts and other documents proving the extent of your injuries
- Negotiating and communicating with insurance companies for a fair settlement
- Representing you in court if the case turns into a lawsuit
No two cases are the same. The best chance you have of getting the most money possible for an Irvine Lyft accident is by having our attorneys go over the facts of your case. We tailor our approach to every client so that we don’t overlook any details or miss opportunities for claiming damages.
Common Types Of Lyft Accidents
In a Lyft accident, there are often multiple parties involved: the Lyft driver, the passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian. The following are the most common cases of Lyft accidents:
- A negligent Lyft driver hit another vehicle
- A negligent third-party driver crashed into a Lyft vehicle
- Both Lyft and third-party drivers were responsible for the accident
- A Lyft driver ran over a pedestrian or bicyclist
- A Lyft accident caused property damage
When you consult your case with us, our Irvine Lyft accident lawyers can identify the type of accident you’ve experienced. We will also look into the cause of the accident and find out who is at fault, given the circumstances.
Typical Causes Of Lyft Accidents
Much like any other traffic accident, the typical reasons behind Lyft crashes and collisions are negligent behaviors, such as disobeying traffic laws or using phones while driving.
Here’s a closer look at Lyft driver errors that put the lives of all road users at risk:
Distracted Driving
Lyft drivers need to use the mobile app to accept and complete rides, meaning they have to keep their phones on as long as they’re accommodating passengers. Additionally, drivers tend to check the navigation guide on their phones while on a trip. These unique demands of the job can take away the driver’s full focus on the road, making them more likely to get into accidents.
Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of Lyft accidents our Irvine attorneys see. In 2022, 3,308 people were killed because of this dangerous road behavior.
Fatigued Driving
Lyft is more of a side hustle than a regular job for many of its drivers. It’s not at all rare to encounter drivers who drive for Lyft after their full-time jobs or other gigs. Unfortunately, these drivers might get into accidents after falling asleep behind the wheel due to exhaustion, especially during late-night or early-morning trips. In 2021, drowsy-driving-related crashes caused 684 fatalities.
Driving Under The Influence (DUI)
Drivers who are intoxicated cannot react quickly to avoid getting into accidents. While Lyft claims to have zero tolerance for the use of drugs and alcohol on the job, there is still more that needs to be done to at least curb drunk driving cases. DUI-related crashes claimed the lives of 13,384 people in 2021.
Reckless Driving
In an attempt to earn more by completing as many trips as possible in the least amount of time, Lyft drivers sometimes forget to prioritize safety. They might engage in reckless driving behavior, including:
- Going over the speed limit
- Running the red light
- Making improper or illegal turns
- Not yielding the right-of-way
Speeding is another common cause of Lyft accidents and other traffic incidents. In 2021, there were 12,330 speeding-related deaths across the nation.
You may be entitled to make a claim for any of these driver errors, which are all examples of negligent behavior. However, Lyft accidents aren’t always the fault of the driver.
Other Causes Of Lyft Accidents
Sometimes, Lyft accidents happen due to external factors, including:
- Auto defects and mechanical failures (faulty brakes, blown-out tires, steering wheel issues, defective airbags, etc.)
- Unfavorable weather conditions (slippery roads due to rain or snow, poor visibility because of strong winds, etc.)
- Dangerous road conditions (potholes, uneven roads, lack of warning signs, defective traffic lights, etc.)
Our Irvine Lyft accident attorneys can help you with the process of filing a claim and answering your questions along the way. We will make sure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, regardless of what caused your accident.
Usual Injuries Sustained In Lyft Accidents
Victims of Lyft accidents suffer a range of injuries, from scrapes and fractures to brain injuries or paralysis. Our attorneys have frequently encountered the following injuries while helping Lyft accident victims in Irvine, CA:
- Scrapes, cuts, and bruises
- Muscle strains and sprains
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Fractures and amputations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Internal organ damage
- Wrongful death
The treatment of these injuries can be costly, especially if further complications arise after the accident. Getting maximum compensation can help you deal with medical costs, and our Irvine lawyers for Lyft accident cases can assist you in your pursuit of justice.
Types Of Physical Trauma Victims Usually Suffer
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), victims’ injuries can be classified into three types of physical trauma: blunt force, penetrating, and deceleration trauma.
Victims of serious Lyft accidents often suffer any or all of these:
- Blunt force or non-penetrating trauma happens when a victim comes into contact with a dull object, and the force is strong enough to cause bruising, whether externally or internally. An example of this would be your body being flung onto a Lyft vehicle’s dashboard or car seats, leading to abdominal trauma.
- Penetrating trauma occurs when sharp objects, like glass shards, cut or penetrate the skin, resulting in open wounds. You might suffer this kind of trauma when the vehicle’s windshield breaks due to impact, and you get impaled by one of its shattered pieces.
- Deceleration trauma is caused when the vehicle comes to an abrupt halt in an accident. When your Lyft suddenly stops after hitting another vehicle or fixed object, your body absorbs the impact. Deceleration trauma usually affects internal organs, especially the brain.
Our Irvine Lyft accident lawyers can work with medical experts to assess the full extent of your injuries. We will look at the type of trauma you’ve suffered and the possible implications of these injuries on your quality of life.
Who Can Be Liable For A Lyft Accident?
- Lyft Driver – When a Lyft driver acts recklessly or violates traffic regulations and causes an accident, they will be held liable.
- Other Motorists – Drivers of other vehicles who commit negligent acts, such as tailgating or cutting off the Lyft vehicle, may be held liable in the resulting accident.
- Lyft – The rideshare company itself can also share liability if it hires a Lyft driver with a questionable background or allows them to work without proper clearance for the use of alcohol and other substances.
- Vehicle Manufacturers Or Mechanics – The professionals who make or maintain the car may also be liable for Lyft accidents caused by vehicle defects.
- Government – Local government agencies are responsible for keeping the roads safe for motorists. These agencies may be held liable for failure to fulfill this responsibility if roadway issues cause a Lyft accident.
Our Irvine lawyers are skilled at identifying the at-fault party in a Lyft accident. We will go over your case and determine who you should file your claim against. Once you hire us, we will use all our resources to help you prove the negligence of the liable party.
Establishing Negligence In A Lyft Accident
To recover compensation following an accident, you first have to prove the negligence of the at-fault party. Technically, there are four elements you need to prove to establish fault in a Lyft accident:
- Duty – The Lyft driver had a duty to care for passengers and other road users. They needed to follow traffic rules and drive cautiously to uphold this duty.
- Breach – The Lyft driver committed a breach of duty by acting negligently or failing to act cautiously. For example, they disobeyed the traffic lights.
- Causation – The driver’s negligent behavior directly led to the accident that harmed the victim.
- Damages – The passenger suffered serious injuries and losses because of the accident.
Simply put, you need to establish through compelling evidence that the at-fault party committed a negligent act that led to the accident that injured you.
Consider this example: As a passenger, you requested a ride through Lyft and are now on the way to your destination. When you were only five minutes away from the drop-off point, the Lyft driver ran a red light and crashed into another car at the intersection. You suffered several fractures and a back injury due to the impact.
Our Irvine Lyft accident attorneys will review your case and establish the negligence of the at-fault party. Call us at (888) 488-1391 so we can help you build a strong claim with solid evidence.
Recovering Compensation After A Lyft Accident
The whole point of filing a claim is to get compensated for your injuries and losses. Our Irvine lawyers, who specialize in Lyft accidents, can calculate the value of your claim. Here are several economic and non-economic damages you can recover:
Medical Expenses
These include all past, ongoing, and future expenses you incur for your medical treatment. Specifically, these expenses include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Ambulance fees
- Hospital bills
- Diagnostic tests
- Specialist consultations
- Prescribed medications
- Rehabilitation or physical therapy
- Home care facilities
- Follow-up appointments
These medical costs are fully reimbursable as long as you keep all receipts and documents related to them.
Lost Wages And Earning Capacity
Missing a few days from work while recovering from your injuries results in lost wages. The at-fault party is responsible for compensating you for these losses, as they would not have existed if you did not get injured in the first place.
The same applies to earning capacity. Some injuries are permanent, and no matter how much treatment you receive, you may never be able to regain your ability to earn a living as well as you used to. Compensation should cover this reduced or total loss of earning capacity. Our Irvine Lyft accident attorneys can help you recover your lost income, among other damages.
Property Damage
The at-fault party is responsible for compensating you for your property repair or replacement expenses. For example, a Lyft driver crashed into your car because they were distracted. The Lyft driver should compensate you for any repairs or replacements you have done to fix your vehicle.
You may also claim compensation if the Lyft crashes into your property and causes damage.
Pain And Suffering
Apart from physical injuries, victims suffer emotional losses and psychological trauma in an accident. Pain and suffering may lead to a loss of enjoyment or a lower quality of life. These damages are non-economic, and with no bills to quantify them, they’re quite difficult to put a price on. However, our Irvine attorneys, who specialize in Lyft accidents, can quantify these intangible losses based on how they have affected your life.
Loss Of Consortium Or Companionship
Suffering serious injuries, especially permanent ones, may result in a loss of consortium or companionship. Victims of Lyft accidents may not be able to provide love and care for their spouses and families the way they did before the accident. This loss takes a toll not just on the victim’s life but also on their loved ones, hence making it compensable damage that the at-fault party also has to pay for.
Punitive Damages
Some cases are the result of gross negligence or an utter disregard for the safety of others. In these instances, the court may award special or punitive damages to punish the at-fault party and discourage others from doing the same thing in the future.
Our lawyers, specializing in Irvine Lyft accidents, can help you identify all types of damages you can claim. We can also give you an estimate of how much you can receive based on the specifics of your case.
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
What You Should Know About Lyft’s Insurance Policy
Whether the Lyft driver is at fault or not, Lyft offers insurance coverage for its drivers and passengers injured in an accident. The actual amount varies, though, depending on the circumstances. Here are the different periods and the amount of coverage that kicks in:
Period 0 – When The App Is Off
When the Lyft driver gets into an accident while their app is off, their personal auto insurance applies. Lyft doesn’t share liability during this period.
Period 1 – When The App Is On But There Are No Active Ride Requests
The third-party liability insurance provided by Lyft covers drivers who are involved in accidents while their app is open and waiting for a ride request. In this policy, Lyft offers at least:
- $50,000 per injured person
- $100,000 for bodily injuries per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
Period 2 – When The App Is On And The Driver Is En Route To Pick Up A Passenger
Suppose the driver gets into an accident while on the way to pick up a passenger. They are covered by Lyft’s policy, amounting to at least $1,000,000. This amount covers all accident-related damages, such as injuries and property damage.
They also offer uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage for Lyft drivers and passengers who get injured by other drivers with inadequate or no insurance coverage.
Lastly, they offer comprehensive and collision coverage for their drivers, but only if they already have it in their personal auto insurance.
Period 3 – When The App Is On And The Ride Is In Progress
When the Lyft driver and their passenger get into an accident while en route to the destination, the same coverage as Period 2 applies.
Our Irvine Lyft accident attorneys can explain these to you in more detail. We will break down the technicalities of Lyft’s insurance policy and make sure you fully understand what applies to your specific case.
What Should You Do After A Lyft Accident?
The moments following a Lyft accident are overwhelming, but this time is also crucial for your claim. Here’s a list of things to do after a Lyft accident:
- If you can, get to a safer place, such as the side of the road. Be careful when moving so you don’t worsen your injuries.
- Call 911 and give them your location. They will dispatch emergency responders and the police.
- While waiting for the authorities, take pictures and videos of the accident scene. Capture anything that could give more details about the accident, such as license plates, skid marks, vehicle damage, injuries, and so on.
- Do not discuss the accident with anyone. More importantly, never apologize, as this may be interpreted as an admission of guilt.
- When the medics arrive, make sure you get first aid and the necessary immediate medical attention.
- Report the accident to the police when they arrive. Give only factual statements and refrain from adding your speculations or any details that may not be true.
- Get the contact details of the people involved in the accident. You should also ask possible witnesses for their contact information.
- Report the accident to Lyft. You may need to fill out an accident report on their app, which will take around 15 minutes to complete.
- Never give a statement or accept any settlement offers from insurance companies without a lawyer.
- Do not post about the accident on social media, as your words may be twisted, and this may be used against you later on.
- Speak with our Irvine Lyft accident attorneys as soon as possible so we can advise you on what to do next.
Filing A Lyft Accident Claim In Irvine, CA
You can file a claim if you were injured in a Lyft accident. The first thing you should do is report the accident via Lyft’s app or through their online form. Without this, you may not be able to recover any compensation for your injuries and losses.
After submitting a report, insurance negotiations can start. It is important to work with our Irvine Lyft accident attorneys so you can ensure the insurance company doesn’t offer you a less-than-fair settlement.
Your fight for justice and compensation will, unfortunately, not be smooth sailing. Insurance companies and Lyft will do just about everything to get out of paying you for the accident.
As such, you will need someone on your side who will fight for your rights. Arash Law, headed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., will aggressively advocate for your best interests and make sure you receive maximum compensation.
Statute Of Limitations When Filing A Personal Injury Claim
You have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit. However, it would be best to file a claim as soon as possible. Remember, time is of the essence, especially when filing a report with Lyft.
Failure to comply with the statute of limitations takes away your chance of getting compensation for your injuries. There may be exceptions, which our Irvine lawyers are well-versed in, but these only apply to very few Lyft accident cases. For example, if the victim is a minor, the statute of limitations is paused until they turn 18.
If you want to make sure you have a valid claim, consult any of our Irvine Lyft accident attorneys. We can help you meet all deadlines and submit the required paperwork promptly.
Rideshare Accident Statistics
Rideshare services have helped reduce alcohol-related traffic crashes by 6% in the United States. Instead of driving drunk after a night out, people now have an alternative and safe way to get home.
Unfortunately, it has its downsides as well. According to a study by the Becker Friedman Institute (BFI) at the University of Chicago, rideshare services account for a 3% annual increase in traffic fatalities in the United States. This is roughly equivalent to 987 more deaths per year.
This statistic is also supported by a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which revealed that rideshare services increase the burden of injuries in motor vehicle crashes. Motorists and pedestrians are more at risk with the growth of these rideshare services.
Lyft’s Community Safety Report shows that 99% of their rides occur without any safety report. As with Uber’s stats, only 0.0002% of their rides ended in a safety-related incident, which is “statistically rare.”
However, we have to take note that not all Lyft-related accidents are being reported. There’s a good chance that rideshare-related reports online are just the tip of the iceberg. Lyft may have safety policies in place to assure their users that their platform is secure, but the occurrence of these accidents says otherwise.
Most Dangerous Roads In Irvine, California
Irvine may be the safest city for its size, but its roads are still dangerous. According to City Data, most reported accidents have happened on Irvine’s interstate and state roads. Here are the specific roads where motorists and pedestrians should take extra caution when passing by:
- I-5
- I-405
- SR-133
- SR-73
- Jamboree Road
- Portola Parkway
- Irvine Boulevard
- Walnut Avenue
- Harvard Avenue
- Shady Canyon Drive
- University Drive
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Sue Lyft For An Accident?
Unless you can prove that Lyft acted negligently and, therefore, led to your accident, the rideshare giant wouldn’t be primarily liable. But they could offer you insurance coverage if you got injured during a Lyft ride. If there is sufficient evidence to go after Lyft in an accident claim, we will help you file a suit against it.
Consult with our Irvine Lyft accident lawyers to find out more about suing rideshare companies.
What Happens If A Rideshare Accident Is Fatal?
If a loved one dies in a Lyft accident, you can file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party. In this type of claim, you may be able to recover funeral and burial costs for the victim. Our Lyft accident attorneys in Irvine will be able to explain this to you further.
What Happens If I’m Partially Liable For A Lyft Accident?
If you were driving another vehicle, got involved in a Lyft accident, and were partially at fault, the award you receive will be reduced by your percentage of liability. For example, the awarded amount is $100,000, but you were found to be 40% at fault. As such, the court will reduce the amount you will receive to $60,000.
You can turn to our Irvine Lyft accident lawyers for a more thorough look at California’s pure comparative negligence laws and how they might apply to your case.
How Long Does It Take To Resolve A Lyft Accident Claim?
It could take anywhere from a few months to a few years, depending on the circumstances. These include negotiations and the time it takes for parties to agree on the settlement amount. If the at-fault party doesn’t settle, the case would then turn into a lawsuit, further extending the timeline.
Most of the cases our Lyft accident attorneys in Irvine handled were settled out of court. Rest assured, we will do our best to resolve your case as soon as possible so you can focus on your recovery.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Lyft Accident Attorney?
Arash Law, like most personal injury law firms, works on a contingency fee basis. We charge a percentage of the final settlement amount as payment for our services, which we’ll agree upon during your onboarding process. But you won’t pay us a single cent until you win. If we can’t secure compensation for your claim, you won’t have to pay us anything.
Free Consultation With The Top-Rated Lyft Accident Attorneys Irvine Trusts
You shouldn’t have to suffer because of someone else’s negligence. The best thing you can do following a Lyft accident is to seek justice by demanding maximum compensation from the at-fault party. They should take responsibility for the injuries and damages they caused you.
Your recovery is the number one priority after an accident, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pursue justice while you’re at it. We understand that filing a claim and going through a complex legal process may not be something you’d sign yourself up for.
With Arash Law, you can expect to have someone on your side who will help ease your burdens. Our Irvine Lyft accident attorneys will work tirelessly to make the process as seamless as possible for you. We will take care of the legal paperwork and legwork required in the claim filing process. When you hire us, we will work around your schedule and meet you halfway so you don’t have to worry about anything besides getting better.
If you’re ready to get justice for your accident, call us today at (888) 488-1391 for a free consultation and case review. You may also fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form and wait for one of our representatives to contact you.
We also serve the nearby areas of Tustin, Costa Mesa, Santa Ana, Orange County, Newport Beach, Fountain Valley, Lake Forest, Garden Grove, Laguna Hills, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, and Westminster. Our lawyers also help Lyft accident victims throughout California, such as in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose.
