Huntington Beach Lyft Accident Lawyers
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Huntington Beach Lyft Accident Lawyers With A Supportive Approach To Injury Cases
Did your Lyft ride take an unexpected turn? Accidents involving rideshare vehicles can leave passengers and other road users with serious injuries. Our Huntington Beach Lyft accident lawyers are here to help. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
Huntington Beach, affectionately known as “Surf City,” is a vibrant community, home to around 200,000 residents. Every day, countless people trust ridesharing services like Lyft to get them safely to their destination. Unfortunately, things can go wrong. An accident can potentially leave you injured, out of work, and facing mounting expenses.
You don’t have to go through this difficult time alone. Our team has years of experience in handling Lyft accident cases. We are dedicated to helping you pursue compensation for your losses, offering the guidance and representation you need to move forward. Reach out to us so we can discuss your rights and options after an accident.
Why Work With Our Huntington Beach Lyft Accident Lawyers
Our Huntington Beach Lyft accident lawyers offer skilled representation to injured victims and their families. We’ve handled multiple vehicular accident cases, including those that involve rideshare services.
Dealing with legal and insurance processes after a Lyft accident can be overwhelming. Even if insurance coverage is available, it can be difficult to seek compensation, especially without skilled representation. If you’ve been in an accident and are thinking, “I need a personal injury lawyer,” you can turn to the attorneys at Arash Law for guidance. Here are some reasons to consider working with us:
- Personalized Attention — We take the time to listen to your story and understand the full impact of your injuries. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized service throughout the claims process, with the goal of helping clients feel supported every step of the way.
- Decades of Experience — Our team has experience handling Lyft accident cases, helping clients seek just compensation under the law. We can review your case so you can better understand the legal and insurance-related complexities that may be involved.
- No Upfront Fees — We work on a contingency fee basis, which means clients don’t pay any attorney fees unless they’re awarded compensation. One of our attorneys can explain how fees and costs work during your consultation so you know what to expect.
We work to offer clients comprehensive support throughout their case, from filing to resolution. Contact our Lyft accident attorneys in Huntington Beach and schedule a free case review.
(No guarantee of outcome. Results displayed were dependent on unique facts of that case, and different facts will bring different results.)
How Huntington Beach Lyft Accident Lawyers Can Help With Your Case
As an injured victim, filing a claim for compensation against Lyft for your losses can be a challenging task. Assessing who may be liable for your accident alone can be complex and involve multiple parties, including rideshare services, their drivers, and their insurance providers.
By working with skilled Huntington Beach Lyft accident attorneys, you can focus on healing while we handle the legal aspects of your case. Our Huntington Beach injury law firm can work to represent your interests and advocate for your rights.
Here’s how we can help:
- Navigating Complex Insurance Policies — Rideshare insurance policies often involve multiple layers of coverage. Our team can interpret these policies and determine which kinds of coverage apply to your case.
- Evaluating Settlement Offers — Insurance companies may offer settlements that fall short of what is available to you under the law. Without legal representation, it can be difficult to determine the value of your claim. At Arash Law, we thoroughly assess all aspects of your injuries and losses to help you seek compensation that closely aligns with the amount you may need to recover.
- Dealing With Legal Issues — Managing your recovery, work, and home responsibilities can be incredibly stressful. We can handle the legal work for you. Our attorneys can assist with multiple aspects of a case, from gathering evidence and filing insurance claims to communicating with insurers and, if necessary, representing you in court.
- Establishing Liability — Because there may be several parties involved in a ridesharing accident, including the driver, the ridesharing company, and other motorists, demonstrating liability can be challenging. Our team will thoroughly investigate, gather evidence, and help you identify who may be at fault to build a well-supported case based on your specific situation.
Common Causes Of Lyft Accidents
Lyft collisions can result from a variety of factors, many of which are similar to those involved in the claims handled by our car accident lawyers. Some of the most common causes of Lyft crashes include:
- Rideshare Driver Error — No hands-on training is given to Lyft drivers on how to transport passengers. Like other drivers, they may thus make mistakes that lead to rideshare collisions. These can include distracted driving, texting and driving, drunk driving, speeding, aggressive or reckless driving, running red lights, disregarding traffic regulations, and other avoidable driving mistakes.
- Third-Party Driver Error — If a careless third-party driver collides with a Lyft vehicle, their car insurance may pay for the damages. If their coverage is insufficient, Lyft’s policy may cover the remaining costs.
- Mechanical Failures — Lyft drivers are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are safe to drive. Failure to maintain the vehicle properly can lead to accidents that result in injury or death. In an accident caused by mechanical failure, liability may fall on the driver, the vehicle owner, or even the manufacturer, depending on the cause of the failure.
- Dangerous Road Conditions — Lyft accidents can also be caused by dangerous road conditions like potholes, missing guardrails, poorly planned junctions, and broken traffic lights. In cases of accidents caused by hazardous road conditions, responsibility can lie with a number of parties, including local governments or private property owners responsible for road maintenance.
- Lyft’s Negligence — Although Lyft drivers are classified as independent contractors and not employees, the company can still be held accountable for collisions caused by its negligence. For example, if Lyft fails to conduct thorough background checks on its drivers, the company could be held responsible for any resulting accidents.
Our Lyft accident lawyers in Huntington Beach can conduct an independent investigation to understand the circumstances surrounding the crash and identify all contributing factors. Contact us to discuss your case during a free initial consultation.
Hurt In A Lyft Accident?
Lyft’s Insurance Coverage
Determining liability in a Lyft collision can be a complicated process. In a typical auto accident claim, if another driver is at fault, that driver’s insurance would cover your injuries. However, the involvement of rideshare companies like Lyft adds another layer of difficulty.
The unique aspect of Lyft is that, in contrast to taxis, drivers use personal vehicles to carry passengers. Lyft mandates that its drivers carry personal insurance. However, if the driver is working at the time of the accident, Lyft’s insurance policy is expected to cover the damages. The reason for this is that Lyft drivers are using their cars for commercial purposes.
Here is a breakdown of the available coverage:
- Period 0 — Lyft does not provide insurance coverage if the driver is not logged into the app. In this case, the driver is acting as a private individual, and their driving activity is unrelated to their role as a contractor for the rideshare company. The driver’s car insurance may cover damages for accidents that take place during this period.
- Period 1 — If the driver is logged into the Lyft app but has not accepted a ride request, Lyft may provide liability coverage if the driver’s auto insurance does not fully cover the claim amount. Lyft provides coverage of up to $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage in total.
- Period 2 — If the driver accepts a ride and is en route to pick up the rider, the liability coverage limit increases to $1 million.
- Period 3 — If the passenger is in the car, the same coverage applies as in Period 2.
Our Lyft accident attorneys in Huntington Beach can discuss which policy and coverage are applicable in your case.
Proving Negligence In A Lyft Accident Case
Negligence occurs when a party fails to adhere to the standard of care expected of them, resulting in harm to another person. To establish negligence in a Lyft accident claim, certain key elements must be demonstrated:
- Duty of Care — Every motorist has a duty of care to ensure the safety of others to varying degrees. For instance, a Lyft driver is required to exercise the utmost caution by adhering to traffic laws, being mindful of their surroundings, and implementing safety measures to prevent potential collisions.
- Breached Duty — A breach of duty occurs when the defendant fails to perform their duty of care. For example, a Lyft driver breaches their duty of care when they drive recklessly.
- Causation — The defendant’s breach of duty resulted in the accident and the victim’s injuries. For instance, the Lyft driver’s recklessness caused them to sideswipe an SUV.
- Damages — The victim must have suffered actual harm or losses as a result of the defendant’s actions. Damages can include medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and more.
Proving these elements can be challenging without legal experience. Reach out to our Huntington Beach Lyft accident lawyers for support.
Damages In Lyft Accident Claims
California law allows injured victims to seek compensation for their losses. In personal injury cases, including Lyft accidents, the severity of the victim’s injuries is a key factor in determining the amount of compensation they may pursue.
Soft tissue injuries like bruises or sprains generally result in lower compensation, as they often require minimal medical treatment and recovery time. Injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or amputations may result in higher compensation because they can lead to long-term or permanent disability and have a profound impact on the victim’s quality of life. However, it’s important to note that these are not hard and fast rules, as other factors can still influence the potential worth of your claim.
Our Huntington Beach Lyft accident attorneys can help you file a claim for certain types of damages, which may include:
- Economic Damages — Economic damages are designed to compensate for the tangible financial losses you incur as a result of the accident. These are measurable and often straightforward to calculate, as they directly relate to the financial impact of your injuries. Examples include medical expenses, lost wages or future income, property damage, and other out-of-pocket costs.
- Non-Economic Damages — Non-economic damages compensate for the more subjective, emotional, and psychological effects of an accident. These damages are more difficult to quantify because they don’t have a direct financial value. Some common examples are pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium.
In rare cases, the court may also award punitive damages if the defendant acted with gross negligence or knowingly caused harm.
What To Do After A Lyft Accident
Your actions immediately after an accident can significantly impact your health, safety, and ability to seek compensation. With this in mind, here are some examples of what you can do after a Lyft accident:
- Check for Any Injuries — Assess yourself for injuries. Call 911 immediately for emergency help and to report what happened.
- Move to a Safe Location — If it is safe and does not pose a risk of serious injury or significant damage, carefully move away from traffic to avoid additional collisions.
- Exchange Information — Exchange contact and insurance information with everyone involved in the accident, including the rideshare driver and other drivers. If there are witnesses, gather their contact information as well.
- Document the Scene — Take photos or videos of the accident scene, including property damage, license plates, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible casualties. This paperwork could serve as vital evidence in the future.
- Seek Medical Attention — Regardless of whether you believe your injuries are serious, you should get medical attention. Some injuries may not be immediately obvious. Failure to seek medical assistance for these injuries can lead to severe consequences. In addition, a medical report can help document your injuries and support your claim.
- Do Not Admit Fault — Avoid discussing or admitting fault with the other parties involved or their insurance providers.
- Contact Our Huntington Beach Lyft Accident Lawyers — If you were injured or sustained severe property damage, contact a lawyer who handles rideshare accidents for guidance. They can assist you with the claims process, help you protect your rights, and potentially pursue compensation on your behalf.
(No guarantee of outcome. Results displayed were dependent on unique facts of that case, and different facts will bring different results.)
Time Limit For Filing Lyft Accident Claims
The statute of limitations sets a deadline for bringing an injury claim. In California, victims generally have two years from the date of the collision or discovery of injury to file a case. Missing this deadline can result in losing your right to seek compensation.
Some deadlines might extend or shorten your case. For example, the statute of limitations only gives victims six months to file a claim against a government agency. That said, it’s crucial to act promptly.
While the statute of limitations may seem like a generous timeframe, delays can harm your case. Evidence can be lost, witnesses may forget details, and insurance companies may question the validity of your claim. Our skilled Lyft accident attorneys in Huntington Beach can help you handle your case and assist you in meeting the deadlines associated with it.
Lyft Accident Statistics
The University of Chicago conducted a study on U.S. accident rates before the rise of ridesharing services like Lyft. Researchers discovered that injuries and fatalities in road accidents increased considerably after the emergence of ridesharing services. The data revealed a 3% rise in traffic fatalities, equating to approximately 1,000 additional deaths annually.
Before the introduction of ridesharing services, the accident rate in major American cities was around two accidents per 100,000 inhabitants. After their introduction, it rose to 3.5 accidents per 100,000 inhabitants. Despite safety efforts, further action may be needed to reduce accidents involving Lyft vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What If Both Drivers Are At Fault For A Lyft Accident?
Determining responsibility and pursuing compensation can become complicated when both drivers are partially at fault for a Lyft accident. Under California’s pure comparative negligence system, each liable party is responsible for covering damages proportional to their degree of fault. This means the at-fault drivers, and potentially Lyft’s insurance, may share the cost of the victim’s medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Our Huntington Beach Lyft accident lawyers can investigate who may be at fault, whether it lies with the drivers, the ridesharing company, or both. We’ll gather key pieces of evidence, such as police reports, eyewitness accounts, and accident reconstruction analyses, to build a strong case. Our goal is to help clients seek accountability from the responsible parties and pursue compensation for their losses, even in complicated shared-fault scenarios.
What If I Contributed To An Accident Involving A Lyft Vehicle?
Even if you were partially at fault for an accident involving a Lyft vehicle, you might still be eligible for compensation. California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which allows injured parties to recover damages even if they are up to 99% at fault for the accident. However, any compensation you’re potentially awarded will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you are 20% responsible for the accident and your damages amount to $100,000, you may only be eligible to receive $80,000.
Contact our experienced Lyft accident attorneys in Huntington Beach to better understand your rights and compensation options.
How Long Does A Lyft Case Take To Settle?
The length of time it takes to settle a Lyft accident case can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the extent of your injuries, and the willingness of the parties to negotiate. On average, a Lyft accident case may take anywhere from a few months to over a year to settle, but this timeline can fluctuate based on the specifics of the situation.
Contact our Huntington Beach car accident lawyers, who also handle claims involving Lyft vehicles, for a free initial consultation. During our meeting, we can review your case and estimate how long it might take to settle.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Lyft Accident Lawyer?
There is also no set answer to this question, as costs will depend on how complicated your case will be to pursue. However, what we can answer is when you might need to pay your lawyer.
Arash Law, an established personal injury law firm in California, operates on a contingency fee basis. Under this arrangement, clients don’t pay any upfront fees. Instead, our fees are taken from a percentage of a settlement or verdict, and only if they’re awarded. The percentage depends on the complexity of the case and whether it goes to trial.
Our Huntington Beach Lyft accident lawyers can explain the fee structure in detail during your initial consultation to help you understand how it works.
Contact Our Lyft Accident Attorneys In Huntington Beach For Skilled Representation
If you have sustained injuries in a Lyft accident, consider seeking legal assistance. Our Huntington Beach Lyft accident attorneys can conduct an investigation into the cause of the Lyft accident that resulted in your injuries and which parties may be held accountable.
Although personal injury claims are typically settled through negotiations, we are ready to take Lyft accident cases to court to help clients pursue compensation. Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free consultation.
Aside from clients in Huntington Beach, we also help injured victims and their families throughout California, including neighboring areas such as Fountain Valley, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Westminster, Seal Beach, Garden Grove, Santa Ana, Stanton, Rossmoor, Cypress, Tustin, and Hawaiian Gardens.
