Pacoima Lyft Accident Lawyers
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Dedicated Legal Advocacy From Our Pacoima Lyft Accident Lawyers
Lyft accidents often come with various challenges, including painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and complicated insurance claims. Our Pacoima Lyft accident lawyers are here to support you and advocate for your rights. Call (888) 488-1391 to learn what your possible legal options are.
Lyft is a popular transportation option in Pacoima. However, the convenience of hailing a ride through an app may come at the expense of safety. Passengers, motorists, and other road users can get into an accident caused by a negligent Lyft driver in the blink of an eye.
If you or a loved one is injured in a Lyft accident, our attorneys in Pacoima are here to help. We offer a free initial legal consultation where you can learn more about your rights, options, and next steps. Our team will listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide personalized guidance.
How Our Pacoima Lyft Accident Lawyers Can Help
We represent victims injured in Lyft accidents in the challenging task of facing the rideshare company. Lyft and its insurers may contest liability in injury claims. Even when you’re not at fault for the Lyft accident, pursuing a claim can feel like an uphill battle.
Hiring one of our injury lawyers can help you navigate the complicated claims process. Insurers often conduct thorough investigations to verify the claims they receive. In certain cases, they may find reasons to challenge or dispute them. Our Pacoima Lyft accident attorneys can help you gather evidence that can support your claim. We can negotiate with insurers, advocating for your interests throughout the process.
Our Pacoima injury law firm can represent victims without upfront lawyer fees. We only get paid if we are able to get compensation on our client’s behalf. Nevertheless, certain case costs may still apply regardless of the result. We can explain our fee structure during your consultation.
Our client was driving with his wife and son on a two-lane highway when a drunk driver crossed the double yellow lines, causing a head-on collision that claimed the life of a loving wife and mother.– ARASH KHORSANDI
Common Causes Of Lyft Accidents
A variety of factors can cause Lyft accidents, and understanding each one is crucial when building a personal injury case. Identifying the causes can help determine who may be liable for your damages. Consult our Pacoima Lyft accident lawyers. We can investigate the incident and uncover contributing factors.
Rideshare accidents can be caused by many factors, including:
Driver Error
Accidents are likely to occur when drivers are negligent on the road. The risks are higher for Lyft drivers, who don’t get specialized training to transport passengers. They are also prone to making errors, as they could get distracted by the notifications on their phones and their passengers while driving.
Additionally, some drivers might rush to complete rides quickly so they can accept more orders and make more money. They might engage in risky behaviors like speeding, running red lights, or driving recklessly, potentially resulting in accidents.
However, even if the driver follows all safety precautions while operating the vehicle, a crash could still occur due to another motorist’s carelessness. Accidents involving Lyft can occur due to:
- Tailgating or following too closely.
- Changing or merging lanes recklessly.
- Turning unsafely.
- Driving under the influence.
Our Lyft accident attorneys in Pacoima will investigate who the negligent driver is. In cases where multiple drivers are at fault, we can collect additional evidence to assess their liabilities.
Vehicle Equipment Breakdowns
Another possible cause of Lyft accidents is vehicle malfunction. In contrast to taxi companies, Lyft does not conduct safety inspections or upkeep on the vehicles that drivers use. The responsibility for routine maintenance and getting inspections falls entirely on the driver. If the driver neglects this duty, they could be held liable for a resulting accident.
However, not all breakdowns result from poor maintenance. If a defective product design or manufacturing error caused the malfunction, your case might fall under product liability instead. In this scenario, the company that made, distributed, or sold the faulty vehicle part could be held responsible for your damages.
To pinpoint the possible cause, our Pacoima Lyft accident lawyers can work with experts and engineers. They can provide valuable insight and evidence, supporting your claim.
Road Hazards
Car accidents involving Lyft could also occur due to road hazards, such as potholes, uneven pavement, or debris. These conditions typically result from poor maintenance, but external factors could also contribute. One notable example happened on Paxton Street in Pacoima, where heavy rain damaged the pavement and caused a four-foot pothole to form.
Establishing liability in accidents involving these factors can be complicated, but our Pacoima Lyft accident lawyers can handle this process. We will carefully evaluate who failed to uphold their responsibilities, whether it’s the government for poor road maintenance or a motorist who failed to drive safely over or around a road hazard.
Company Negligence
Lyft categorizes its drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. This classification allows the company to deny responsibility for accidents caused by drivers. If a Lyft driver is involved in a rideshare accident, the company can argue that it isn’t responsible for their actions.
However, there may be cases where Lyft itself demonstrates negligence that contributes to an accident. For example:
- Negligent Hiring — Lyft hired a driver with a history of traffic violations, and that driver caused an accident resulting in injuries to a passenger.
- Lack of Safety Protocols — The company knew or should have known that its app encouraged or enabled drivers to use their phones illegally while driving.
There are many reasons why a Lyft accident could happen, and these will determine what laws may apply and who is potentially liable. Our Pacoima Lyft accident lawyers can thoroughly consider relevant factors when building your case.
Potential Liable Parties In Your Lyft Accident
Under the state’s fault-based statute, whoever is responsible for a vehicle accident is legally liable for your damages, including medical expenses and property repairs. In a Lyft accident, the following parties may be responsible:
- Lyft driver
- Lyft, Inc.
- Government
- Vehicle manufacturer
- Another driver
- Another third party
However, identifying the potentially responsible parties in Lyft accidents can be complicated. Furthermore, the parties involved may try to minimize or deny their liability. Our Pacoima Lyft accident lawyers can help you establish their liability by gathering crucial evidence. Contact us to learn more about your possible options in pursuing damages.
Hurt In A Lyft Accident?
Lyft’s Insurance Coverage For Accident Victims
If the Lyft driver is at fault for your accident, you may be able to file a claim with Lyft. However, the coverage depends on the time the accident occurred, which is categorized into different periods:
Period Zero
Lyft doesn’t provide coverage if the driver is not logged into the app. For accidents occurring during Period 0, the driver’s auto insurance should cover the resulting damages.
Period One
At this stage, the driver is logged into the app and waiting for a match. If you’re injured during Period 1, you can file a claim with the Lyft driver’s auto insurance first. If it’s not enough, Lyft’s insurance coverage steps in and provides up to:
- $50,000 for bodily injury per person.
- $100,000 for bodily injury per accident.
- $30,000 for property damage.
Period Two
The trip enters Period 2 once the driver accepts a ride and makes their way to the passenger’s pickup location. California requires ridesharing companies to maintain commercial insurance coverage of at least $1 million for their drivers. This policy can cover passengers, pedestrians, or other parties injured in accidents that occur during this period.
Period Three
The third and last period begins when the driver picks up the rider. Lyft’s $1 million coverage extends into this period. However, if an uninsured third-party driver causes the accident, Lyft drivers and passengers are covered by Lyft’s uninsured/underinsured motorist (UI/UIM) insurance.
If you’re unsure which period your accident falls into, let our Lyft accident lawyers in Pacoima handle it on your behalf. Once we identify the applicable insurance policies, we will also take charge of the succeeding steps, such as filing paperwork and negotiating.
Typical Injuries Resulting From A Lyft Accident
Injuries from Lyft accidents can range from mild to catastrophic, each bringing a unique set of challenges. When filing a claim, it can help to understand how the injuries affect your life and how much your losses are to address the consequences. Here are some common types of injuries:
- Scrapes, cuts, and lacerations
- Soft tissue injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Internal damage
- Neck injuries
- Amputation
- Broken bones
- Head and traumatic brain injuries
Regardless of the severity, any physical harm resulting from an accident caused by someone else is compensable through a personal injury claim. Since the impact and ensuing costs differ for each victim, you can speak with our Pacoima Lyft accident attorneys to help you seek compensation for your treatment, long-term care, and more. Our team will assess all the losses you incurred due to your injuries.
Types Of Compensation From Lyft Accidents
As a victim of someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to pursue compensation for your accident-related expenses and losses. You can seek damages against negligent parties for the harm they’ve caused. Our Pacoima lawyers for Lyft accidents are here to assist you in the process of pursuing compensation. Depending on the details of your case, these losses may include:
- Your past and future medical expenses.
- Damaged property.
- Lost wages and earning opportunities.
- Travel costs related to the accident.
- Physical pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress.
- Psychological impacts, like PTSD.
- Reduced quality of life.
Speak to our Pacoima Lyft accident lawyers before accepting any settlement offer. We can assess your damages and pursue compensation on your behalf, whether in or out of court.
What To Do In A Lyft Accident
If you get into a Lyft accident, there are ways to protect your rights and start building your case from the beginning. Take the following steps while you’re still at the scene of the accident:
- Stay calm and remain at the scene. Assess yourself for any injuries before assisting others.
- Call 911. When the authorities arrive, cooperate and relay what happened. Stick to the facts, but avoid admitting fault or blaming others.
- If you’re able, take photos and videos of the accident scene and important details, such as your injuries, vehicle damage, debris from the crash, etc.
- Note the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses.
- Report the crash to Lyft via the app. If you were not a passenger at the time of the incident, you can file a report through Lyft’s website.
Get further medical evaluation after the accident. Keep in mind that some injuries don’t show any signs at all. The adrenaline and fear could also hide pain and discomfort. People with certain types of brain damage are especially at risk because they might not even know they’re in a critical state.
Next, consult our Lyft accident lawyers in Pacoima; we can evaluate your case. We can help you understand the legal implications of the accident and guide you through the process of filing a claim. Our experience in personal injury and rideshare regulations can be instrumental in pursuing compensation that reflects your losses.
What initially seemed like a routine rear-end collision, commonly known as a “fender bender,” turned into a significant settlement with high maximum limits for a client who suffered lower back disc injuries. The case was resolved just two weeks before the scheduled trial commencement.– BRIAN BEECHER
Establishing Negligence In A Lyft Accident
One of the most important duties of a lawyer is establishing the other party’s negligence, which is a requirement for filing a valid claim. They must demonstrate that:
- The at-fault party owed you a duty of care. For example, Lyft drivers are held to the highest standard of care when transporting passengers. They must follow traffic laws and use the utmost caution on the road to prioritize the safety of their passengers.
- They breached their duty by not doing what’s expected of them in a given situation. In our example above, this could mean that the Lyft driver caused an accident by violating a traffic law or failing to drive appropriately in a dangerous situation.
- The breach of duty directly caused the accident. This means the defendant’s action or inaction contributed to the injuries you sustained. As an example, the Lyft driver’s choice to drive too fast or run a red light directly led to the collision, in which you sustained injuries.
- The accident resulted in injuries and damages, such as medical bills, property repairs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Demonstrating each element requires a thorough understanding of the legal system. Turn to our Pacoima Lyft accident lawyers for help. We will build your case by gathering and preserving different forms of evidence, including accident reports, photos and videos of the scene, and eyewitness testimony.
Our team will also collaborate with various professionals to collect documents and information that can further support your claim. For example, we can work with accident reconstructionists, who can help illustrate how a breach of duty might have occurred or how it led to the event. We might also engage with medical professionals to substantiate the extent of the injuries you sustained.
The Deadline For Filing A Claim
For Lyft accidents in Pacoima, you generally have two years to bring a case to court. However, there are some cases where the timeframe may be paused or tolled. The deadlines and possible exceptions are outlined in California’s statute of limitations, which can be challenging to navigate for those without legal guidance.
For example, if you were unaware of your injuries, the statute of limitations might begin from the date of discovery. Speak to our Lyft accident lawyers in Pacoima. Our team can help you navigate the legal system. We will assist with deadline compliance and pursue compensation on your behalf.
Rideshare Accident Statistics
Lyft is linked to a spike in fatal traffic accidents across the country. According to the University of Chicago, the introduction of rideshare services correlated with a 3% increase in deaths annually. In major U.S. cities, the rate of accidents rose from 2 per 100,000 people to 3.5 per 100,000 people.
Unfortunately, fatalities related to Lyft are still increasing. From 2020 to 2022, the company recorded 111 motor vehicle accidents. This figure represents a 14% increase in rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled and a 31% increase in frequency rate from the 2017 to 2019 data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need A Lawyer For A Lyft Accident?
If you are injured by a rideshare in an accident, you are not legally obligated to hire an attorney. However, attempting to handle the case on your own can be difficult, especially when you’re still healing from your injuries. Moreover, extensive knowledge of the applicable laws and strict procedural rules can be necessary to manage a claim.
Our Pacoima Lyft accident attorneys can handle personal injury claims in California, and we can guide you through the legal system. Legal representation can help you navigate the complex claims process.
Can I File A Claim If I’m Partly At Fault For A Lyft Accident?
If you are injured in an accident that’s partially your fault, you can still seek compensation from the other party. Pacoima follows California’s pure comparative negligence statute, in which someone can be responsible in an accident and still file a claim. However, the amount you can pursue will be reduced by your percentage of liability.
Even if you’re partially to blame, you may still have a valid claim for damages. However, there could be challenges when dealing with other parties. Our Pacoima Lyft accident lawyers can advocate for a fair assessment of liability when there is comparative negligence.
Do I Have To Go To Court For My Lyft Accident?
In most cases, you don’t have to proceed to trial. Most civil cases end in a settlement, which saves both time and money for all parties involved. However, this is only possible if you and the other party reach a mutually agreeable resolution.
There are times when litigation is the only option left to get a fair outcome. This will likely depend on how your case unfolds and what your lawyer thinks. It’s recommended to discuss this option with your Pacoima Lyft accident attorney, who can then explain the advantages and disadvantages of going to court.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Lyft Accident Attorney?
Most personal injury attorneys, including Lyft accident lawyers in Pacoima, operate on a contingency fee basis. In other words, clients are not required to pay attorney’s fees unless they obtain compensation through a settlement or court award. Still, certain case-related expenses may still apply. You can discuss this fee structure with your attorney during consultations.
This arrangement lessens your financial risk if you want to exercise your rights and file a claim. It also allows our attorneys at Arash Law to make our dedicated legal representation more accessible for the injured.
Call Our Pacoima Lyft Accident Attorneys
Our lawyers have the knowledge and experience in personal injury cases and are dedicated to providing legal access for injury victims. Although Lyft and other rideshare services are still fairly new, we keep track of changes and updates in California laws and regulations. This allows us to provide professional legal representation, advocate for victims’ rights, and push for accountability from potentially liable parties.
Our Pacoima Lyft accident lawyers are committed to providing support throughout your case and legal experience with our firm. From the very beginning, we strive to make the process as smooth as possible for you. Call (888) 488-1391 to learn more about what we can do for you. The initial consultation is free.
Our law firm provides legal services beyond Pacoima, such as in Arleta, Mission Hills, Panorama City, Sun Valley, Sylmar, San Fernando, Burbank, Santa Clarita, Glendale, La Cañada Flintridge, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Altadena, Calabasas, Pasadena, Culver City, Santa Monica, South Pasadena, and San Marino.
