Visalia Lyft Accident Lawyers
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Visalia Lyft Accident Lawyers Offering Personalized Legal Support After An Injury
As the demand for Lyft grows, so do incidents involving its vehicles and drivers. If you were injured in a traffic crash involving the ridesharing service, call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation. Our Visalia Lyft accident lawyers can determine if you have a case and assist you in filing a claim for your injuries and losses resulting from the accident.
Tourism plays a significant role in Visalia’s economic growth, thanks in part to Sequoia National Park, Mooney Grove Park, and Kings Canyon National Park, which attract thousands of tourists annually. However, nature isn’t all that Visalia has to offer. Locals also enjoy spending time on Main Street in downtown Visalia, a great spot to cool down with drinks and bar food. For a safe ride home, Lyft offers transportation.
Lyft has become a popular way to get around in Visalia. Many people find it much more convenient than taking metered taxis or driving their own cars. Aside from not having to worry about parking, they can relax even while their ride is stuck in traffic. It is essential to note, however, that ridesharing services do not guarantee safety.
Lyft accidents are on the rise, causing injuries to passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists. If you are injured in one, our Visalia Lyft accident lawyers will work to help support your claims. Our team of experienced accident attorneys has years of experience serving the City of Visalia and the entire state of California in a wide range of personal injury claims.
(No guarantee of outcome. Results displayed were dependent on unique facts of that case, and different facts will bring different results.)
Why Hire Our Experienced Lyft Accident Attorneys?
Were you involved in a Lyft accident and wondering, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer for my Lyft accident?” Consulting a lawyer can help you understand your options and allow you to focus on getting better while your claim is handled.
Although you can file a personal injury claim without a Lyft accident lawyer, having legal representation can help you manage the process. Here’s how our Visalia Lyft accident lawyers can support your claim:
Determining Liability — Determining liability can be complex, especially in rideshare accidents, as Lyft doesn’t have an employer-employee relationship with its drivers, making it difficult to determine Lyft’s accountability in the accident. There are also some other parties who may be held responsible, depending on the circumstances.
Filing a claim against the appropriate parties may require an understanding of the insurance policies and unique laws related to ridesharing services. Our Lyft accident lawyers in Visalia work to identify potentially responsible parties and help you hold them accountable for your injuries and losses.
Gathering Evidence and Establishing Negligence — Pursuing a Lyft accident claim requires collecting evidence to demonstrate negligence and document your damages. This can include medical reports, photos and videos, eyewitness statements, digital records, expert opinions, and more.
Our Lyft accident attorneys work to help gather these pieces of evidence and use them to support your claim.
- Negotiating With Insurance Companies — Insurance claims after a Lyft accident can be complex. Experienced Lyft accident attorneys understand how insurance companies operate and can handle negotiations on your behalf. We review settlement offers, communicate with adjusters, and help represent your interests throughout the process. This support can be especially important if any disputes arise, such as low settlement offers, delays, or claims denials.
How Can Our Visalia Lyft Accident Lawyers Help You Pursue Compensation?
Our Visalia lawyers for Lyft accident cases will meticulously review all evidence, consult with doctors and financial consultants, and calculate your damages to help determine the potential value of your claim.
Following an accident, the at-fault party’s insurance provider might contact you to investigate and offer an initial settlement. However, consider consulting an attorney first before accepting any offer. Avoid agreeing to anything, signing any documents, or providing recorded statements without legal advice.
Our attorneys help clients understand their options before responding to settlement offers. Some individuals may feel pressure to accept an initial offer without knowing the potential value of their claim. This can sometimes result in less compensation than their actual losses or, in some cases, no compensation for some damages.
If we can’t reach a reasonable resolution with the insurance company, we can escalate the case to court. Our personal injury attorneys have handled Lyft accident cases across California and work to prepare to advocate for your rights before the jury.
Our Lyft accident attorneys are committed to helping you with your case by:
Doing All the Legal Legwork — Many people think that filing a personal injury claim is a straightforward process, which is filling out a claim form and then receiving the settlement check right away. In reality, it involves extensive and time-consuming paperwork.
Managing these tasks while recovering from injuries can be challenging and may cause additional stress. Suffering injuries in an accident is stressful enough, both physically and financially. Imagine how exasperating it would be to file a claim all by yourself in a long queue on crutches or in a wheelchair with a neck brace on.
Our Visalia Lyft accident lawyers can manage the details of your claim and guide you through the legal process, allowing you to focus on getting better.
- Investigating the Accident Thoroughly — Our Visalia Lyft accident lawyers will meticulously investigate your case, gathering relevant evidence, exploring all possibilities, and interviewing witnesses to build a comprehensive understanding of the incident. With our extensive knowledge, skills, and all that we’ve gathered, we work to develop a well-supported claim on your behalf.
- Communicating With the Other Parties — Our attorneys will handle all communications with all the parties involved, including negotiations with their insurance company. This allows our Lyft accident lawyers to support your claim and represent your interests throughout the process.
Working on a Contingency Fee Basis — Our Visalia attorneys work on Lyft accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t owe us attorneys’ fees unless your case reaches a settlement or results in a verdict.
This payment arrangement enables injured clients to access legal representation without paying upfront costs. Although we work on a contingency fee basis, clients may still need to cover certain court costs or additional expenses, regardless of the outcome.
- Providing Personalized Attention — Our Lyft accident lawyers in Visalia will develop a strategy tailored to your specific needs and goals. Additionally, we will assign you a designated case manager whom you can contact at any time with questions or concerns regarding your claim. Our legal team is dedicated to providing comprehensive support throughout your case and is available to offer clear legal guidance.
Learn more about how our personal injury lawyers, handling Lyft and car accidents in Visalia, can help.
Typical Causes Of Lyft Accidents
Despite the benefits and convenience they offer, Lyft rides carry a significant risk of being involved in road accidents. Some might be unavoidable, but those that result from the negligence of others can otherwise be prevented. Generally, Lyft accidents stem from driver errors, which contribute to the inherent risks associated with ridesharing as a mode of transportation. These errors include:
Fatigue Or Drowsy Driving
A significant portion of Lyft drivers are part-timers. They often have full-time jobs before logging into the app to start accepting passengers. Some are even coming from a graveyard shift.
While there’s nothing wrong with working two jobs (or more) to make ends meet, the problem arises from not having enough rest. Driving while fatigued poses a significant risk to passengers and the general public. Drowsiness impairs a driver’s reaction times, alertness, and decision-making skills, increasing the likelihood of a collision. In a case that our Lyft accident lawyers have handled, a driver has fallen asleep while transporting a passenger, causing severe injuries and damages.
Driving Under The Influence
Since drowsy driving can be dangerous, some drivers resort to stimulants to stay alert. However, others make the risky choice of driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. These substances significantly impair driving ability by causing:
- Reduced Concentration
- Blurred Vision
- Heightened Aggression
- Increased Risk-Taking Tendency
- Altered Perception
- Decreased Motor Coordination Skills
Even if the driver’s goal is to alleviate some fatigue, the trade-off is not worth it. In 2023, around 2,117 people died in alcohol-involved crashes, where a driver had a BAC of 0.01 to 0.07 g/dL. Drug-related accidents in California led to 751 deaths in 2021.
If you get injured in a rideshare incident involving an impaired driver, call our Visalia Lyft accident lawyers. We will work to help establish negligence and help you hold the liable party accountable for your injuries.
Speeding
Lyft drivers are independent contractors and not regular employees of the company. They do not have fixed salaries. Instead, they base their income on the number of trips they complete every day. This payment structure, while flexible, inadvertently incentivizes speed over safety. To maximize their earnings, some drivers overspeed to complete rides as quickly as possible.
Speeding endangers not only the driver and their passengers but also other road users. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), speeding contributed to 29% of total traffic fatalities nationwide in 2022, claiming 12,151 lives that year, or 33 people a day.
Distracted Driving
Among all motorists, Lyft drivers are particularly prone to distracted driving because they frequently use their phones to check for passenger bookings, make or answer calls from passengers, use navigation apps, and perform other similar activities.
Our Lyft accident lawyers recognize that distracted driving isn’t solely attributed to distractions inside the vehicle. External factors, such as outdoor advertisements, the scenery, and traffic events, can also contribute to distracted driving.
As per the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), 140 people were killed in 2021 in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers, which is a huge 27.3% increase from the previous year.
Driving On Unfamiliar Roads
When Lyft drivers are not familiar with the roads, they could get confused and make mistakes, such as:
- Driving the wrong way.
- Making a careless U-turn.
- Slowing down to read the map.
These behaviors could result in accidents, especially since other motorists won’t be able to predict the driver’s maneuvers properly.
Failing To Maintain The Lyft Vehicle Properly
Lyft drivers use their own vehicles and are responsible for their maintenance. It is only necessary to submit a vehicle inspection report once during the application process. However, some drivers might mistakenly assume that maintaining their cars is not a big deal after that.
In reality, the opposite is true, as ridesharing vehicles are subject to more wear and tear than regular cars due to longer driving hours under various weather and road conditions, as well as constant door opening and closing, among other factors.
Tires and brakes are often neglected, as they might appear fine on the outside but are worn out on the inside. When a tire bursts or the brakes malfunction, the driver may lose control of the car, potentially causing serious injuries to passengers and nearby people.
Our Visalia Lyft accident lawyers work to determine if the malfunction was due to poor maintenance or a design flaw. If it’s the latter, we might have to file a claim against the manufacturer of the defective part.
Encountering Other Risk Factors
Our Lyft accident lawyers have also handled rideshare-related cases involving other factors, such as:
- Poor road conditions, like potholes and manholes.
- Construction zones.
- Other drivers’ negligence.
- Adverse weather.
Our Visalia attorneys for Lyft accident claims will investigate your case and gather evidence to determine the cause and identify who might be held liable for your damages and injuries. Alternatively, you can fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form here to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our car accident lawyers.
Common Injuries Victims Of Lyft Accidents Sustain
Victims in car accidents can suffer a range of injuries, varying in severity and long-term impact. In the accident cases our Lyft accident lawyers have handled across Visalia and California, lacerations and contusions are commonly reported. These injuries often require minimal recovery time, but they still result in medical expenses and pain. If the cut is deep, the victim might even have to get stitches, miss work, and deal with an unsightly scar.
Other injuries, however, demand more extensive treatment and rehabilitation. Here are some examples:
- Whiplash & Neck Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Head Trauma
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Back Injuries
- Broken Bones
- Amputations
- Internal Damage
Many victims also develop psychological trauma, such as adjustment disorders, anxiety, and depression. Severe cases of PTSD may require ongoing therapy sessions.
Additionally, some injuries might not manifest immediately. Our Visalia Lyft accident lawyers have helped clients pursue compensation for these types of injuries. We’ve worked to connect those injuries to the accident and help determine liability.
After any type of accident, it’s essential to consult a doctor. Then, consider reaching out to our legal team. We can discuss your options and help you pursue compensation for your medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and other related expenses resulting from your injury.
What Damages Are Available After A Lyft Accident?
If you’re injured, you might have a valid claim for compensation, depending on the specifics of your situation. Our lawyers handling Lyft accident cases work to help you seek economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages refer to losses with a specific monetary value, such as hospital bills, laboratory fees, therapy bills, medication costs, lost salary, car repairs, and other relevant expenses.
On the other hand, non-economic damages involve intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of a limb or bodily function, loss of companionship, reduced quality of life, and PTSD.
While non-economic losses are not easily quantifiable, our Visalia Lyft accident attorneys have specific methods to assess their value. We collaborate with medical professionals and financial analysts to help evaluate the full scope of your damages and assist you in seeking compensation to the full extent of the law.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, our Visalia Lyft accident attorneys can connect you with experienced medical professionals who can help with your treatment and create medical records that can help support your claim.
Who Can Be Held Liable For A Lyft Accident?
Determining liability in a Lyft accident can be more complex than in an ordinary car crash, as it may involve the rideshare company itself. While the driver is often blamed for negligence, other parties may also be held accountable for the incident.
Our Visalia Lyft accident lawyers will investigate and gather evidence to help determine potential liability from the following individuals or companies:
- Lyft
- Vehicle Manufacturer
- Car Mechanic
- Other Third Party (such as another motorist or a pedestrian).
- Government Entities
Consulting a Lyft accident lawyer can help identify potentially liable parties and help establish accountability for your injuries and damages.
Comparative Negligence Law In California
All parties contributing to an accident will share liability, which may include the victim. Nevertheless, California’s pure comparative negligence laws allow injured victims to pursue compensation, even if they were 99% at fault. The catch is that their percentage of fault will reduce their compensation.
Here’s an example of how comparative negligence affects cases and the compensation awarded to the victim:
A Lyft driver was waiting at the stoplight on the corner of Main Street and S. Conyer St. When the light turned green, the driver proceeded to cross the intersection. However, the car struck a pedestrian who suddenly darted across the street. As a result, the pedestrian suffered injuries.
Upon reviewing the CCTV footage, it became clear that the pedestrian had crossed the street irresponsibly. However, their attorney was also able to demonstrate that the driver was still liable for failing to avoid a potentially preventable collision. Ultimately, the court assigned 60% of the liability to the pedestrian and 40% to the driver.
Suppose the pedestrian requested $1,000,000 in compensation. After deducting $600,000 (corresponding to their assigned level of fault in the incident, which is 60%), they would only receive $400,000.
Feel free to ask our Lyft accident lawyers in Visalia about how comparative laws apply to your case. We will work to present the facts of your case clearly and represent your interests throughout the process. If you decide to move forward, our team will assist you in pursuing the compensation that may be available for your situation.
If you suffer injuries or lose a loved one in an accident and need assistance navigating your legal options, our accident lawyers in Visalia provide personalized guidance that caters to your specific needs.
Statute Of Limitations In Visalia, CA
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident or the date of discovery of the injury. Consulting Visalia Lyft accident lawyers may help preserve your ability to seek compensation and avoid missing this legal deadline.
This time limit offers several benefits:
- Allowing the court system to prevent backlogs, making it possible to operate efficiently, and resolve cases in a timely manner.
- Preserving evidence that could degrade or become lost over time.
- Ensuring that witnesses are still around to testify.
- Preventing plaintiffs from holding the threat of filing a lawsuit over the head of the other party.
However, there are exceptions to this rule:
- Minor Victims — If their guardians choose not to pursue the case, the minor can initiate the claim when they reach legal age. Their two-year deadline begins on their 18th birthday.
- Delayed Discovery of Injury — If the injury manifests much later than the accident, the statute of limitations begins from the date of diagnosis or discovery.
- Government Premises — If the accident occurred on government property or involved a government entity, the victim typically only has six months to file a claim.
To determine if your case qualifies for any exemptions or extensions, our Lyft accident attorneys in Visalia can help determine the applicable deadline for your case and assist you in filing legal requirements on time.
(No guarantee of outcome. Results displayed were dependent on unique facts of that case, and different facts will bring different results.)
Does Lyft Have Insurance Coverage For Accidents?
Lyft provides third-party liability insurance coverage for collisions involving its drivers, but this coverage doesn’t apply in all cases. Our Lyft accident lawyers will have to investigate what the driver was doing at the time of the incident to determine two things:- The applicable insurance policy.
- The extent of coverage.
- Period 0 — If the driver is not yet logged into the app, Lyft’s coverage won’t apply. Instead, the driver’s auto insurance policy would likely apply in compensating the victim.
- Period 1 — If the driver is logged into the Lyft app, waiting for a passenger booking, and gets into an accident, Lyft can provide coverage in the following amounts:
- $50,000 for bodily injury per person.
- $100,000 for bodily injury per accident.
- $25,000 for property damage per accident.
- Period 2 — If the driver accepts a ride request and is on their way to pick up their passenger, they have insurance coverage of up to $1,000,000 for total liability and up to $1,000,000 for underinsured and uninsured losses if an accident occurs during this time. Lyft provides additional coverage if a driver has comprehensive and collision coverage on their personal auto policy.
- Period 3 — If the accident happens when the driver has picked up the passenger and is on their way to their destination, the coverage is the same as in Period 2.
What To Do After A Lyft Accident
No one plans to get into a Lyft accident, but there is a risk whenever you are on the road. As such, being prepared can help lower the risk of being involved in a crash. Here are some steps you can take after a Lyft accident:- Prioritize Your Safety — Check yourself for pain or injuries. If there’s bleeding, use a cloth to apply pressure and slow it down. Ask the driver to move away from traffic to avoid further harm, but remain on the scene. If you’re on a freeway, stay inside the car.
- Call for Help — Call 911 promptly. Inform the dispatcher about your condition so they can provide you with instructions. Request police assistance.
- Collect Evidence — Cooperate with law enforcement and request information on obtaining a copy of the police report. If possible, take photos or videos of your injuries, any damage, and traffic conditions.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention — Consult a doctor or visit the emergency room for a thorough evaluation. Mention that you were in a car accident so they can check for potential injuries, such as concussions.
- Consult an Attorney — Learn your legal options by reaching out to our Visalia Lyft accident lawyers at (888) 488-1391.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Sue Lyft For Damages In A Car Accident?
Yes, but only in some cases. Lyft is not often directly liable for accidents involving its drivers, although it does provide third-party liability coverage for the people who drive for it. This means you’d initially file a claim with the insurance provider, not Lyft itself.
However, you may be able to pursue a claim against the company in some situations. For instance, if the incident happened as a result of the company’s carelessness in hiring drivers, you might have grounds to sue Lyft directly.
Contact our Lyft accident attorneys in Visalia to determine whether you have a valid case against the company.
What If I Was A Passenger In A Lyft Car During The Accident?
If you’re injured in a Lyft accident as a passenger, you might be able to file a claim for compensation from the company’s third-party liability insurance provider. This situation would fall under Period 3, which is covered by a $1 million total liability policy.
Rideshare insurance coverage is complicated to navigate. Consider seeking help from experienced Lyft accident lawyers who can navigate all related policies, laws, and regulations.
What Happens If I Am Partially Liable For A Lyft Accident?
If you are partially at fault for causing a Lyft accident, your portion of liability will affect the compensation you may be able to pursue. For example, if you are 30% responsible, then your claim will be reduced by 30%.
Even if you share some blame, you can still seek compensation, depending on the specifics of your case. Our Visalia Lyft accident lawyers can help address issues that may arise regarding responsibility for the accident or the amount of compensation sought.
What Happens If A Lyft Accident Is Fatal?
If a loved one dies in a ridesharing accident involving Lyft, their family may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. We understand this is an incredibly difficult time, and our Visalia Lyft accident lawyers are ready to help. We can assist you in pursuing compensation for the following:
- Medical bills incurred by your loved one before passing away.
- Loss of financial support the victim provided to your family (if applicable).
- Burial and funeral expenses.
- The emotional distress caused by this loss.
Is It Safe To Ride With Lyft?
Using Lyft is mostly safe, according to the company. In 2021, Lyft reported that 99.9% of trips from 2017 to 2019 ended without safety incidents. This figure is impressive, but we cannot ignore the fact that there are still motor vehicle accidents, sexual assaults, and physical assaults involving this rideshare service.
Reach Out To Our Visalia Lyft Accident Lawyers
If you’re injured in a crash, speak with our Visalia lawyers, who handle Lyft accident cases. Whether you’re a passenger, driver, pedestrian, or another motorist, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries and losses after a crash.
Let’s discuss your case in detail. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation. Our Visalia Lyft accident lawyers will evaluate the circumstances to see if you have a viable claim.
Our law firm also serves victims in nearby cities and communities, including Farmersville, Exeter, Tulare, Lindsay, Dinuba, Kingsburg, Hanford, Orange Cove, Reedley, Corcoran, Parlier, Porterville, Selma, Lemoore, Redbanks, and Sanger.
