Santa Maria Lyft Accident Lawyers
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Determined And Relentless Representation From Our Santa Maria Lyft Accident Lawyers
Requesting a ride from Lyft means entrusting your safety to a stranger. Despite Lyft’s promise of prioritizing your safety before, during, and after your ride, many accidents still happen under its watch. If you’re recently injured in a Lyft, our Santa Maria Lyft accident lawyers can help you file a claim. Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
The city of Santa Maria has three main highways—the 101, 135, and 166—where accidents frequently happen. Most people use these routes when they pass by or drive to and from the city, which means the roads are often congested and pose a higher risk for traffic accidents.
Rideshare services are no exception to this. In fact, there have already been many Uber and Lyft accidents in these areas of Santa Maria. Some of these accidents go unreported, and many injured victims don’t get properly compensated for their pain and suffering,
Don’t let Lyft or insurance companies get away from their responsibility of paying for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Consult our award-winning team of Santa Maria personal injury attorneys to make sure you get the justice you deserve!
Gil v. Anderson Plumbing: verdict by a Los Angeles County Superior Court jury in Van Nuys awarded to a man who was injured when his vehicle was struck from behind by a large commercial plumbing van. Benny was part of the trial team that obtained this verdict.– BENNY KHORSANDI
Why You Need Santa Maria Lyft Accident Lawyers To Represent You
The legal process can get complicated, and it will be hard to navigate on your own on top of getting treatment for your injuries. Our lawyers will clearly explain every step of the process so you can make informed decisions about your case. We’ll handle all the legal legwork while you focus on getting better.
Our lawyers are experienced in collecting relevant evidence that helps us build a solid claim. From conducting witness interviews to preserving physical evidence, we’ll leave no stone unturned in securing the pieces you need for a successful resolution.
Insurance companies will always try to minimize their payouts. They may resort to aggressive tactics to get their way. By hiring our lawyers, you can make sure your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation. We’ll leverage our strong negotiation skills to effectively advocate for your best interests and reach a fair settlement with the at-fault party.
If the liable party refuses to settle, our Santa Maria Lyft accident attorneys are prepared to file a lawsuit on your behalf. We have the resources to take your claim all the way and ensure you get justice for the damages you’ve suffered in an accident that wasn’t your fault.
Additionally, studies have shown that injured victims represented by legal counsel have a higher chance of winning their cases and securing greater compensation. By working with our Lyft accident lawyers in Santa Maria, you can rest assured that your case is in good hands. We will use our knowledge and skills to get the most favorable result for your claim.
Why Hire Our Lyft Accident Attorneys For Your Claim
Our experienced lawyers offer determined and relentless representation for all victims injured in Lyft accidents in Santa Maria, California. We’ll aggressively protect your rights so you can get maximum compensation for the damages you suffered.
Here’s what you can expect when you choose to work with our Santa Maria lawyers for your Lyft accident claim:
- High-Quality Service — Arash Law provides top-notch legal services from the initial consultation to the day you receive the final settlement. We also tailor our strategies to the specific needs of every client to maximize the chances of success.
- Dedicated Legal Experts — Every client is important to us, so we do everything we can to secure the most favorable outcome for you. Through our dedication and expertise, we have recovered over $750 Million in compensation for our clients thus far.
- Aggressive Representation — Our Santa Maria Lyft accident attorneys will pursue your claim to its conclusion, even if it means going against a big company like Lyft. While we aim to resolve claims as soon as possible so you can focus on your recovery, we won’t settle for lowball offers that undervalue your claim.
- Flexible Arrangements — We will work around your schedule and meet you where it’s convenient. We will also respect and follow your preferred mode of communication, whether it’s in-person meetings, texts, phone calls, or video calls.
Arash Law works on a contingency fee basis, which means we will only charge you for our services after we win your case. Otherwise, you won’t owe us anything!
Types Of Lyft Accident Cases Our Lawyers Handle
There are several types of Lyft accident cases. While passengers are typically the plaintiffs (those filing the claim) and Lyft drivers are often the defendants (the party being sued), this isn’t always the case.
Here are the Lyft accident cases our Santa Maria lawyers handle:
- A Lyft passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian filing a claim against a Lyft driver
- A Lyft passenger or Lyft driver filing a claim against another driver
- A Lyft passenger filing a claim against both the Lyft driver and another driver
- A victim’s relative filing a wrongful death claim against a Lyft driver or another driver
- Injured victims filing a claim against Lyft itself for inadequate compensation
Regardless of the nature of your Lyft accident, our Santa Maria lawyers will be able to provide the legal representation you need. We will protect your rights and be your voice against the liable parties who may try to take advantage of you.
Top Causes Of Lyft Accidents
The leading causes of Lyft crashes aren’t that different from car accidents. The common culprits remain to be speeding and driving while distracted, fatigued, or intoxicated. However, the specific circumstances tend to be unique when it comes to the rideshare service.
Here are the most common causes of Lyft accidents, as observed by our Santa Maria lawyers:
Distracted Driving
Lyft drivers have to access their apps so they can accept ride requests and find their way to their destinations. Unfortunately, this can divert their attention from the road, increasing the risk of accidents. Pedestrians who get struck by a crashing Lyft can sustain injuries even in low-impact collisions.
Drivers can also get distracted while they’re looking for the passengers they need to pick up. Some drivers also strike up conversations with their passengers in the hopes of securing a perfect 5-star rating. However, they can get too caught up in these conversations and lose focus or fail to notice road hazards that could lead to accidents.
Reckless Driving
Speeding is also a common issue with Lyft drivers. Rideshare drivers tend to go over the speed limit so that they can complete more trips and earn more. This pressure to perform quickly can also lead to other reckless driving behaviors, such as failing to yield the right of way, making improper turns, running red lights, and more.
These negligent behaviors are enough reasons to file a claim if you get injured in an accident. Whether it’s the Lyft driver or another driver who caused your injuries due to their recklessness, our Santa Maria Lyft accident lawyers will be able to help you seek compensation.
Driving Under The Influence
Anyone who still drives while under the influence of alcohol or drugs poses a serious safety concern. Lyft does not require pre-employment drug tests for its drivers or conduct regular drug testing. Additionally, there seems to be no current system in place to ensure drivers are sober before starting their shifts. Lyft only takes action against drunk or drugged drivers after an accident—once the damage has been done.
Poor Navigational Skills And Coordination
Lyft drivers sometimes have to navigate unfamiliar areas while en route to pick up or drop off a passenger. Even with GPS or navigation assistance, they might still miss turns or take the wrong route. This can lead to accidents as drivers attempt to correct their errors with illegal U-turns or sudden lane changes.
If you’ve been injured in a Lyft accident caused by a driver’s navigation mistakes, our team can help you investigate and gather evidence. Our Lyft accident lawyers in Santa Maria can obtain the driver’s trip details, GPS data, and dashcam footage to establish the route and what transpired during the incident.
Driver Fatigue
Most drivers work their full-time jobs or other side hustles before driving with Lyft for the day. To earn extra income, they may prioritize accepting and driving passengers over getting enough rest. Lyft doesn’t have limits to the number of hours their drivers can continuously work, either.
Unfortunately, working overtime may cause drivers to fall asleep behind the wheel and get into accidents. Like drunk driving, drowsy driving affects a driver’s alertness and reaction time, making them more prone to crashing into another car, a stationary object, or a pedestrian.
If you were injured in an accident caused by a drowsy Lyft driver, the physical, emotional, and financial toll can be tough to deal with alone. This is when you might find yourself thinking, “I need a personal injury lawyer.” And you couldn’t be more right. Our Santa Maria Lyft accident lawyers can guide you through the legal process and ensure you have the resources you need to move forward.
Insufficient Vehicle Maintenance
Some Lyft accidents occur because of vehicle defects or mechanical issues, such as faulty brakes, misaligned tires, or shaky steering wheels.
Lyft does not require its drivers to undergo mandatory vehicle maintenance or inspections; instead, it relies on the drivers themselves to handle this responsibility. Unfortunately, not all drivers prioritize ensuring their vehicles are safe. As such, many issues go undetected or unaddressed until it’s too late.
If you get injured in a Lyft accident in Santa Maria for this reason, our personal injury lawyers can help you file a claim against whichever party is responsible.
Most Common Injuries In Lyft Accidents
Among the most common injuries that victims suffer in Lyft accidents are cuts, bruises, whiplash, fractures, and concussions. However, many other injuries are often more serious, complicated to treat, and have a life-long impact on victims.
Here are a few of the most common injuries that our lawyers have seen helping Lyft accident victims in Santa Maria:
Facial Injuries
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Blunt force trauma to the head due to the impact of the crash may lead to brain injuries. The brain is a vital organ, and even a mild concussion can significantly affect your balance, concentration, memory, and, consequently, your quality of life. If left untreated, concussions may develop into more serious traumatic brain injuries that could lead to a coma or even death.
Our Santa Maria lawyers also specialize in Lyft accident cases involving TBIs. We will make sure you receive maximum compensation for catastrophic injuries that impact how you live your life after the accident.
Whiplash Injuries
Broken Bones
Spinal Cord Injuries
Internal Injuries And Organ Damage
A Lyft accident may also cause damage to internal organs. Victims often suffer abdominal pain due to the bleeding of their liver or spleen. One thing to note about internal injuries and organ damage is that they cannot be thoroughly assessed at the scene right after the accident. You would need further tests to determine the severity of these injuries and how to treat them.
Death
In high-impact Lyft crashes, some victims are killed immediately, while others succumb to complications from their injuries within days or weeks. If you’ve recently lost a loved one in a Lyft accident in Santa Maria, our lawyers will be able to help you file a wrongful death claim.
California Laws That Apply To Lyft Accidents
California laws aim to regulate Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) and make the rideshare experience safer for drivers, passengers, and other road users.
Assembly Bill 1289, for example, aims to ensure the safety of riders by regulating the drivers that rideshare companies hire. This law prohibits Uber and Lyft from hiring or retaining drivers who:
- Are currently registered on the U.S. Department of Justice National Sex Offender Public Website
- Have been convicted of any terrorism-related or violent felony at any point in their lives
- Have been convicted of misdemeanor assault or battery, a domestic violence offense, driving under the influence, or other felonies within the last seven years
This law immediately weeds out rideshare applicants with bad driving records or who are likely to put other people’s lives at risk.
Another example is Vehicle Code § 23152(e) VC, which aims to reduce accidents that occur due to drunk or drugged driving. This law states that the maximum allowable blood alcohol level for rideshare drivers is 0.04%. Prior to this, rideshare drivers were allowed to drive with a maximum blood alcohol level of 0.08%—the same standard as other drivers 21 years of age or older.
Our Santa Maria Lyft accident attorneys are well-versed in these laws related to rideshare services. When you come to us with your case, we will be able to identify the laws that have been violated and, therefore, figure out how to build a solid case against the liable party.
Factors That Make Lyft Accident Cases More Complex
Rideshare drivers are independent contractors, meaning they’re neither employees nor regular drivers. This makes rideshare accidents more complex to process since a different set of rules and policies apply.
Here are the unique factors involved in handling Lyft accident cases:
- Involvement Of Multiple Parties– Several parties can be involved in a Lyft accident, which makes determining liability more challenging.
- Insurance Coverage– Lyft offers insurance coverage for drivers, passengers, and third parties injured in an accident. However, the amount of coverage differs depending on the time of the accident.
- Driver Status– Whether the driver was offline, waiting for a ride request, en route to pick up a passenger, or driving to the destination affects liability and insurance coverage in Lyft accident cases.
- Trip Information– Lyft records each trip’s data, including the date, time, pick-up point, route, drop-off point, and ride duration. Having access to this official information will be valuable in reconstructing the accident and building evidence against at-fault parties.
- Official Lyft Accident Report – It’s important to notify Lyft of the accident as soon as possible. Without an official report from the company, filing a claim and recovering compensation becomes difficult.
If you’re looking to file a claim after a Lyft accident in Santa Maria, our lawyers can take some of the stress off your plate. We will handle complex legal matters, such as determining liability and collecting evidence so that you can focus on recovering from your injuries and losses.
Lyft’s Insurance Policy
There are three different periods when Lyft’s insurance policy applies, and the coverage varies depending on which period an accident happens. Here’s a closer look at these insurance coverage periods:
Period 0: When The Driver Is Offline
A driver’s personal auto insurance policy applies when they get into an accident while their Lyft app is closed or when they’re not logged into the app. California law mandates all drivers, including rideshare drivers, to carry the minimum amount of insurance coverage, specifically:
- $15,000 for bodily injury per person
- $30,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $5,000 for property damage
If your accident falls during this period, you’ll need help from the best Santa Maria Lyft accident lawyers. They can make sure that you get the maximum settlement for your losses.
Period 1: When The Driver Is Online And Waiting For A Request
Lyft provides insurance coverage as soon as the driver goes online or logs into the app. If the driver gets into an accident while actively waiting for a ride request, Lyft’s third-party liability insurance coverage is as follows:
- $50,000 for bodily injury per person
- $100,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
Period 2: When The Driver Is On The Way To Pick Up A Passenger
When a Lyft driver gets into an accident while on the way to pick up a passenger, Lyft’s $1 million insurance policy applies. Here’s what this policy covers:
- $1,000,000 for bodily injuries and property damage
- $1,000,000 for accidents caused by uninsured/underinsured motorists (also applies to hit-and-run accidents)
- Vehicle repair costs or actual cash value, with a $2,500 deductible (also referred to as comprehensive and collision coverage)
Both the UM/UIM coverage and the comprehensive and collision coverage are contingent. This means the coverage will only apply if the Lyft driver already had it in their personal car insurance policy prior to the accident.
Period 3: When The Driver And Passenger Are En Route To The Destination
As with Period 2, the same coverage kicks in from the moment the passenger steps into the vehicle to the time they get off. Only this time, the coverage also extends to the passenger.
If you have any questions regarding Lyft’s insurance coverage, our Santa Maria Lyft accident lawyers are more than willing to give you answers and explain the policy further.
Who Can Be Held Liable In A Lyft Accident?
Depending on the circumstances, the parties that could be liable in a Lyft accident are the Lyft driver, another driver, Lyft itself, the vehicle manufacturer or mechanic, and the government. Here are some instances where these parties are responsible:
- Lyft Driver – When a Lyft driver violates traffic rules and crashes into another vehicle or hits a pedestrian, they can be held liable.
- Another Driver – If you get injured as a passenger because another vehicle crashes into your Lyft, you can file a claim against the driver of the other vehicle.
- Lyft – If you can prove that Lyft hired a driver with a questionable background or retained them despite, for example, knowing they use illegal drugs, you can go after the ridesharing company itself.
- Car Manufacturer – Lyft accidents that occur due to vehicle defects may be attributed to the car’s manufacturer, but only if you can establish that the issue was present from the start.
- Mechanic – A car mechanic may be liable if the vehicular or mechanical issue that led to the accident arose after a routine maintenance check or recent car repair.
- Local Government – The government can be liable for accidents caused by damaged roads, malfunctioning traffic lights, missing warning signs, and similar issues. However, you’d need to prove they had sufficient time and resources to address the problem but neglected to do so.
Since California is a comparative fault state, there could be several parties liable for a Lyft accident. If you’re not sure whom you should seek compensation from, our Santa Maria attorneys can help you determine who is at fault for your Lyft accident.
Damages You Can Recover In A Lyft Accident Claim
There are two main types of damages you can recover after a Lyft accident: compensatory and punitive damages. All injured victims can claim compensatory damages, but only a few are also awarded punitive damages.
Compensatory damages are meant to compensate victims for the actual losses they’ve experienced. These could either be economic or non-economic.
- Economic Damages – Also called special damages, these are often tangible losses that are easy to calculate. Examples include:
- Past and ongoing medical expenses (ambulance fees, hospital bills, prescription medications, surgery costs, diagnostic tests, etc.)
- Future medical costs (physical therapy or rehabilitation, assistive devices, home care, doctor visits, etc.)
- Property damage (vehicle repair or replacement costs)
- Lost wages
- Non-Economic Damages – Also called general damages, these losses are harder to quantify because they’re subjective. Examples include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional and psychological distress
- Loss of earning capacity due to severe injuries
- Loss of consortium and companionship
- Reduced quality of life
- Economic Damages – Also called special damages, these are often tangible losses that are easy to calculate. Examples include:
Punitive damages are quite rare because they are meant to punish only extremely negligent behaviors. With these exemplary damages, the awarded amounts are significantly higher to underscore the gravity of the case and discourage others from doing the same thing in the future.
Our Santa Maria Lyft accident lawyers can evaluate your claim and give you an accurate estimate of the settlement amount you may receive.
Settlement in a premises liability case involving a fall due to a defectively placed aquarium within a classroom; the client suffered laceration injuries– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
Establishing Negligence In A Lyft Accident Case
To better understand how negligence is established in Lyft accidents, let’s look at a specific example:
A Lyft driver had picked up a passenger and was on the way to their destination. The light had just turned red as they approached the intersection, so naturally, they had to stop. However, the vehicle behind them failed to hit the brakes because the driver was texting while driving. This resulted in a rear-end collision, and the accident caused minor injuries to the Lyft driver and passenger.
If the passenger ends up filing a personal injury claim against the driver of the other vehicle, there are four things they need to establish:
- Duty Of Care – The other driver had a duty of care to keep them and other road users safe by obeying traffic laws and practicing defensive driving.
- Breach Of Duty – The driver of the other vehicle committed a breach of this duty by driving while distracted.
- Direct Causation – This breach directly caused the accident. More specifically, the accident happened because the other driver had their eyes on their phone instead of on the road.
- Damages – The accident caused injuries and losses. The victims’ medical records and other relevant documents can support this.
By establishing these elements, you can prove that the other driver was negligent and, therefore, responsible for compensating you for damages. Our Santa Maria Lyft accident lawyers will build your claim similarly, and we will be meticulous with the details so that we don’t miss anything.
What To Do After A Lyft Accident
There are some things you should keep in mind so that you don’t make mistakes in the crucial moments following an accident, especially from a legal viewpoint. Our experienced lawyers have come up with a list of what you should do after a Lyft accident in Santa Maria:
- Call 911. The first thing you should do after an accident is to check yourself for injuries. Get to a safe spot on the side of the road. From there, call 911. If you can’t do it yourself, ask someone else to call emergency services for you.
- Seek medical attention. As soon as the medics arrive, get yourself checked and given first aid. Your health and safety should be your priority in any accident.
- Report the accident. After calling 911, police officers will be dispatched to your location. Once the police arrive at the scene, they will ask questions about the accident. Recall the events as best as you can, and refrain from adding details that may not be true.
- Document the scene. Take pictures of your injuries, the accident scene, the plate numbers of the vehicles involved, any vehicle damage, and other things that detail the accident. This will be helpful in building your claim later on.
- Collect driver and witness information. Ask for the contact information and insurance policies of the drivers involved in the accident. You may also want to ask for the contact details of any possible witnesses.
- Consult the Lyft accident lawyers Santa Maria relies on. Talk to our lawyers as soon as possible after the accident. We can help protect your rights and make sure insurance companies don’t trick you into agreeing to a lower settlement.
Following these tips will help you maximize your chances of winning your claim and avoid costly mistakes that could unintentionally compromise it.
Lyft Accident Statistics
Lyft’s Community Safety Report shows that over 99% of their trips ended without any safety reports. For the 0.0002% of their rides that came with a safety report, the most common issues were traffic accidents, physical assault, and sexual assault.
In 2019, there were 49 Lyft reports involving motor vehicle fatalities. This showed an increase in fatal Lyft accidents from 34 reports in 2018, which could be attributed to the increasing number of Lyft users. Regrettably, this also implies that the more Lyft users there are, the greater the risk of accidents.
The possible reason for this increase in Lyft accidents is the company’s lenient hiring practices and overall policies. Lyft claims that they make safety a “top priority.” However, they don’t even meet with their drivers in person before hiring them. They don’t require a drug test, either, until after an accident or unless there is reason to suspect a driver of consuming illegal substances. The company also doesn’t require driver training, even though a small step such as this could greatly reduce the risk of accidents for their drivers.
Lyft does conduct annual background checks and continuously monitors drivers’ criminal and driving records. Even so, they could be much more proactive about improving their services. For a rideshare company that claims to prioritize safety and security, Lyft still has a long way to go in making its platform as safe as possible for all users.
If you’ve been injured in an accident due to Lyft’s negligence in screening, hiring, and monitoring their drivers, we can help. Our Santa Maria lawyers will help you demonstrate a strong causal link between Lyft’s inadequate policies and the injuries you sustained in the accident.
Frequently Asked Questions
What If Both The Lyft Driver And Another Driver Are At Fault For An Accident?
Does My Personal Car Insurance Policy Cover Rideshare Accidents?
Unfortunately, no. Your auto insurance policy only covers accidents you get involved in while using your own vehicle. It’s also accordingly priced based on this assumption. If you want to be covered in the event of a rideshare accident, you need to purchase additional coverage.
If you’re wondering how you can get the funds to cover any injuries or property damage caused by the accident, contact our Santa Maria Lyft accident lawyers. We can advise you on your options to get compensated for your losses.
Can I Sue Lyft For An Accident?
Yes, in some cases. Since Lyft drivers are independent contractors, Lyft isn’t directly responsible for their accidents. They offer insurance coverage, but that’s about as far as they go. If you want to sue Lyft for your accident, you need evidence that they’ve hired or retained a driver with a questionable background. Take note, though, that if you’re planning to sue Lyft, you would need expert legal assistance from the best Santa Maria Lyft accident attorneys who are not afraid to back down from a challenge.
How Much Time Do I Have After An Accident To File A Claim Against Lyft?
Get Legal Help From The Lyft Accident Lawyers Santa Maria Trusts
Arash Law prides itself on helping injured victims get justice after a Lyft accident. Whether it’s an insurance claim or a personal injury case, we will be able to provide the legal assistance you need.
Call our Santa Maria Lyft accident lawyers at (888) 488-1391 for a free consultation and case review. Our team of skilled attorneys, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., will look at the details of your case and discuss your options moving forward. You can count on us to be with you every step of the way, from the initial meeting to the day you receive compensation.
Our legal services extend to the nearby counties of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Kern, and Ventura. We also cater to clients in the following cities and towns: Bakersfield, Los Alamos, Thousand Oaks, and Santa Clarita.
