Anaheim Lyft Accident Lawyers
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Our Reliable Anaheim Lyft Accident Lawyers Are Dedicated To Making You Stronger
If you are injured or a loved one is killed in a crash, our Anaheim Lyft accident lawyers can help you get maximum compensation for damages. Contact Arash Law today at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation and learn about your legal rights and options.
Is parking always an issue wherever you go? Using ridesharing services like Lyft can avoid limited parking spaces and expensive fees. However, while Lyft promises safe and convenient rides, they don’t always end well for passengers.
Lyft has become a normal part of life in large cities like Anaheim. It’s accessible to tourists and locals who want a more convenient, affordable, and comfortable way to travel. Countless Lyft drivers prioritize safety above all else, but some negligent drivers rather choose to earn more profit at the risk of their passengers’ lives. Worse, they also endanger the lives of other people on the road.
If you or a loved one is injured in a Lyft accident, our Anaheim attorneys can help you file a claim against the company and its drivers. If you have questions or concerns about Lyft accidents, our team of experts can answer them and ensure you are well aware of your rights and every aspect of your case.
Our client suffered serious injuries after he was run over by a speeding vehicle. Aside from achieving a monumental financial recovery, our firm was able to secure the best medical care and treatment to ensure that he recovered from his injuries with the best medical team in the nation. We are happy to deliver closure and peace to a nice family.– BRIAN BEECHER
Why Do You Need To Hire Our Anaheim Lyft Accident Lawyers?
Claims involving Lyft can be more complicated than a typical car accident. Our Anaheim Lyft accident attorneys will be your advocates throughout the case. Having us by your side makes navigating the complex nature of rideshare incidents easier. We’ll guide you through the process of filing a claim or lawsuit, which is stressful and time-consuming, especially for someone recovering from their injuries like you.
As your legal counsel, we will handle all the necessary paperwork and communicate with the other parties involved, including the defendant, Lyft, and insurance companies. The at-fault party, especially their insurers, will always find ways to minimize your payout, so having us advocate for your interests is crucial.
Additionally, our attorneys will relentlessly negotiate for the maximum compensation on your behalf, even if your case goes to trial. If you have any questions about the process, you can call us any time of the day.
How Can Our Lyft Accident Attorneys Support Your Case?
Hiring our Lyft accident lawyers in Anaheim gives you a better chance of getting the maximum restitution possible. They are well-versed in the laws governing rideshare services and personal injury, thereby helping you build a strong case.
Our personal injury lawyers can support your case and help you win a fair settlement by:
- Investigating Your Accident – To recover compensation, it’s vital to gather evidence of the at-fault party’s negligence. However, gathering proof will require a thorough investigation, and that’s where we can expertly use our resources.
- Calculating Your Losses – Insurers may attempt to offer you the most minimal amount, hoping you will settle for less. To avoid accepting lowball offers, we will consider all your compensable losses when negotiating for a proper settlement.
- Allowing You To Focus On Recovery – You don’t have to worry about the legwork. Our Anaheim lawyers for Lyft accident cases will file all the necessary documents to jumpstart your claim. Let us handle all the mundane tasks so you can focus on your recovery.
- Advocating For Your Rights – We will tirelessly fight for your rights, even against a massive corporation like Lyft. Our accident attorneys will ensure your interests are protected at the negotiating table or in court.
- Providing Litigation Support – We can offer our expert opinion and help you decide whether to accept, deny, or go to trial. Should you move on to court, we will represent you and ensure the most favorable outcome.
- Offering Top-Notch Legal Assistance For Everyone – We aim to help victims of negligence, no matter their economic status. Our Anaheim Lyft accident lawyers offer legal services on a contingency fee agreement, meaning clients don’t have to spend anything upfront. Instead, our fees will come from their compensation.
Typical Causes Of Lyft Accidents
Human error is the leading cause of traffic accidents. There are several ways that negligent behavior from different parties can result in Lyft accidents in particular, including:
Speeding
Similar to other car accidents, speeding is a common cause of Lyft collisions. In Anaheim, speed limits range from 25 to 50 mph. Highways and freeways have speed limits of 55 to 60 mph across California. Going beyond these numbers makes it harder for drivers to control the car. They have less time to react properly to road obstacles and hazards. If a crash happens, the impact is more severe, causing life-threatening injuries.
Many Lyft drivers overspeed to complete their rides faster and get more matches to earn more. Unfortunately, doing so risks their lives and that of their passengers, other motorists, and pedestrians.
Speeding is a misdemeanor, but it can turn into a felony offense in extreme cases. When it contributes to an accident, causing injuries and other damages, the driver could face civil or criminal charges.
If a speeding driver harms you, feel free to reach out to our Anaheim Lyft accident lawyers. We will hold them accountable for your losses.
Distracted Driving
Another common cause of Lyft accidents is distracted driving. Drivers connect with their passengers via the Lyft app. They also use apps to navigate the streets and reach their destinations. For these reasons, rideshare drivers are more likely to get into an accident while distracted. Using their phones to use apps already requires half of their attention most of the time; doing anything else while driving significantly increases accident risks.
During investigations for distracted driving-related collisions, our Lyft accident attorneys in Anaheim will gather evidence to determine negligence. We can request phone data to see whether the Lyft driver was talking to or texting someone while driving.
Inexperienced Drivers
Anyone can apply to be a Lyft driver as long as they have a driver’s license. Other than a background check, Lyft does not really require any special training, which means some Lyft drivers are probably not suited to the job but get to drive for the company anyway.
Lyft drivers have many things to do. In addition to driving safely, they need to manage ride requests using the company’s app and navigate unfamiliar roads. They also have to make multiple trips every time they log into the app. An inexperienced driver may find it hard to manage all these and make driving mistakes that can cost them their lives.
In these cases, who would be responsible? The inexperienced driver or Lyft, the company that hired them? Liability in ridesharing cases is complicated, so it’s best to talk to our Lyft accident lawyers instead.
Navigating Unfamiliar Locations
Another challenge Lyft drivers face is unfamiliar locations. Because they are new to the area, drivers may get lost or venture into one-way streets. They could make dangerous maneuvers, like suddenly making a U-turn once they realize they missed their stop.
Most of the time, they use navigation apps to get around Anaheim, which already causes distractions. In some cases, the destinations are not yet available on map apps, which can lead to dangerous situations, like driving over broken bridges or poorly maintained roads.
Fatigued Driving
Driving for Lyft is a side gig for many drivers with full-time jobs. They usually juggle both daily, which means they are most likely tired when they decide to log into the app. However, they severely underestimate the negative effects of fatigue on driving.
Drowsy driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving. Both impair the senses, making it hard to judge how fast the car is going and in which direction. Fatigue also makes it hard to react properly to road hazards. Worse, it may cause drivers to fall asleep behind the wheel.
Driving while fatigued isn’t illegal, but it’s still negligence. If the driver causes an accident, the victim will then have to prove they were impaired. Working with our Anaheim Lyft accident lawyers makes it possible to get the driver’s logs. We can check whether they were working another job before signing in for Lyft or if they have been driving for a long time without rest.
Disobeying Traffic Rules
Some Lyft drivers disobey traffic rules to reach their destinations faster. They may run red lights because they can’t wait a minute or two at the intersection or make illegal U-turns because the next spot is still a couple of miles away.
Traffic rules are here for a reason: they make our roads safer. Another motorist disobeying them could cause an accident involving a Lyft car. Just one driver breaking these rules could lead to a chain reaction of accidents. Our Lyft accident lawyers commonly see multiple vehicle crashes in big cities like Anaheim because there is more traffic than in smaller towns.
Experiencing Vehicle Issues
Drivers with newer cars are more likely to be hired than those with beaten-up, old vehicles. Additionally, Lyft usually chooses damage-free cars. Applicants must also have a vehicle inspection completed by a licensed mechanic. These requirements help ensure that the vehicle is in safe running condition.
Still, there is no telling if the driver will keep up with maintenance after getting hired. Since rideshare drivers typically make multiple trips in a day — some long distances — their cars and car parts deteriorate faster. They need to maintain their vehicles regularly to avoid problems like brake failures or tire blowouts and prevent accidents.
Our Anaheim lawyers for Lyft accident cases can check maintenance records. If the driver fails to have their cars checked regularly, we may pursue a claim against them. However, some issues can be the result of a bad car design or feature. In this case, we may also hold the car manufacturer accountable.
Parking In Inappropriate Spots
Lyft drivers often make unsafe parking choices for a quick pick-up. If they see their passengers on the side of the road, they usually just park beside them and let them in, not caring whether they’re blocking a main road, an intersection, or a bike lane. In some cases, they don’t even bother using their signals to communicate with other drivers or pedestrians. These actions show no regard for the safety of other road users and their passengers, increasing the risk of collisions.
Driving In Bad Weather
Driving in Anaheim can sometimes be challenging, especially during inclement weather. Rain can reduce visibility and create slippery surfaces, while fog can obscure the driver’s vision. Orange County also regularly faces strong Santa Ana winds, which can create hazardous driving conditions. The strong gusts can topple trees and structures along the road, creating dangerous obstacles.
Accidents that occur in these conditions could be difficult to navigate. After all, who are we going to sue over natural disasters? Even so, our Anaheim Lyft accident lawyers will look at every angle to determine if your injuries could have been preventable.
For instance, the driver possibly did not pull over even when the danger was imminent, causing the vehicle to skid and crash into a wall. In another scenario, a motorist failed to see a pothole due to low visibility and collided with another vehicle. Due to the foreseeable risks caused by the weather and poor road conditions, the authorities should have fixed that pothole. As such, the city or the owner of the private road could be held liable for failing to maintain it properly.
Encountering Road Hazards
Dangerous road conditions could cause single-car crashes or pile-ups. Lyft drivers have to exercise reasonable care when navigating these conditions, especially if they’re unfamiliar with the road. If they get into an accident, they could be held liable.
Maintenance issues, like cracked asphalt or unfixed potholes, can cause hazards. If they contribute to an accident, the entity responsible for maintaining safe roads might face liability.
Whatever the cause is, our Lyft accident lawyers in Anaheim will investigate to determine the liable parties. We’ll identify the possible factors that contributed to the incident and then use them to establish negligence.
Common Injuries Lyft Accident Victims Sustain
Our Anaheim Lyft accident lawyers have helped countless victims recover compensation for the following moderate to severe injuries:
- Whiplash – This neck injury is usually either a sprain or a strain. Most of the time, it’s treatable and short-lived, but it can also cause chronic effects, affecting your mobility and ability to work for months or years.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – TBIs affect brain cells and tissues, leading to short- or long-term cognitive consequences. The negative effects are broad, affecting the victim’s physical, psychological, and mental well-being.
- Cuts and Lacerations – Sharp objects or blunt force trauma break or damage the skin. Cuts are painful and may require stitches. Meanwhile, severe cases can lead to blood loss, which may require intensive care. Such treatments can lead to higher medical bills.
- Fractures – In a collision, bones may break partially or completely. Treatment and recovery time depend on the severity of the fracture. In the most severe cases, the victim will need surgery and physical therapy, and it may take years to heal completely.
- Internal Injuries – Most of these injuries are extremely dangerous because they fly under the radar. It might take a few days or weeks to notice something is wrong, and by then, the issue would have worsened. Some examples include a ruptured spleen and a collapsed lung. If left untreated, they can cause organ failure and, ultimately, death.
Our Lyft accident lawyers can connect you with some of the best medical providers in and around Anaheim. We can also help you find a way to pay for your treatments while waiting for a settlement, such as through Medi-Cal.
Can You Recover Compensation For A Lyft Accident?
Yes, you may be entitled to recover compensation if you are suffering from injuries in a Lyft accident. According to California law, victims can recover damages for the economic and non-economic losses they incurred.
Economic damages are the victim’s monetary losses. They are easier to calculate because they have specific dollar equivalents. Our Anaheim attorneys, specializing in Lyft accidents, will use bills, invoices, and receipts to prove them.
On the other hand, non-economic damages are the victim’s subjective and intangible losses. These damages are harder to quantify since they don’t exactly have numbers attached to them. Instead, their value depends on their impact on your life.
Although we can’t use receipts to prove them, our Lyft accident attorneys will use certain methods to determine a dollar amount that accurately represents them. We will also work with credible experts like psychologists, life care planners, and economists. Their expert opinions will help us determine a fair value and support your claim.
In general, our Lyft accident lawyers in Anaheim will help you recover the following economic and non-economic damages:
- Past, present, and future medical expenses
- Lost and reduced income
- Property repair or replacement
- Pain and suffering
- Isolation
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety and depression
- Loss of consortium
- Reduced quality of life
Does Lyft Have An Insurance Policy For Accidents?
The big question after a Lyft accident is whether the company will compensate victims. The answer depends on when the accident happened. Our Lyft accident attorneys in Anaheim will investigate to see which period applies:
Period 0
During this period, the driver is signed out of the app, so their auto insurance policy would apply if they cause an accident. You can hire a Lyft accident lawyer to file a claim with their insurer. Since Lyft and its drivers are on a “partnership,” meaning drivers are independent contractors, the ridesharing company will have no liability during this period.
Period 1
This period is when the Lyft driver signs in to the app and is ready to match with a passenger, but no passenger has matched yet. If an accident happens, Lyft has third-party insurance coverage in the following amounts:
- $50,000 in bodily injury per person
- $100,000 in bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 in property damage per accident
Period 2
If a Lyft driver has been matched with a passenger and is en route to meet them, Period 2 starts. The ridesharing company offers the following insurance coverage if an accident happens during this period:
- $1 Million insurance policy
- Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage
Period 3
This period refers to when the Lyft driver has picked up the passenger. When an accident happens while the trip is ongoing, Lyft offers the same insurance as period 2.
Our Anaheim Lyft accident lawyers will investigate your case to determine which period applies and whether you can pursue a claim against the ridesharing company. If it displays negligence, you can expect us to go after Lyft and make sure it’s held accountable for your injuries.
Common Challenges In Lyft Accident Claims
Lyft accident claims start the moment you report the event, but they require more than submitting forms. During the entire process, victims typically face these unique challenges:
- Proving Who Is At Fault – Lyft accident cases potentially involve multiple liable parties, such as the rideshare driver, a third-party driver, Lyft as a company, and other businesses. All of them would be trying to evade responsibility and blame it on another—maybe even you, the victim. Having good Lyft accident lawyers by your side makes sure your rights are protected and you don’t get pressured into taking the blame.
- Dealing With Insurance Companies– Negotiating with insurers without a lawyer is not a good idea, as they will try everything to minimize your payout. They will dispute their client’s liability, the severity of your injuries, and the necessity of certain medical treatments, among others. If you don’t have legal representation, you may say or do something that could jeopardize your claim. Expert guidance from our injury lawyers guarantees that every step strengthens your case further.
- Navigating Complicated Ridesharing Laws – If you don’t hire Anaheim attorneys to help with your Lyft accident claim, you’ll definitely have a hard time understanding how each law applies to your case. Ridesharing services are fairly new, so the laws governing them are still evolving.
Liable Parties In A Lyft Accident
Many Lyft accidents can be attributed to the negligence of multiple individuals or companies. When investigating, our Lyft accident lawyers may uncover liability among the following potentially involved parties:
- A Lyft accident is usually the fault of the Lyft driver. They might have been speeding, not paying attention to the road, or disobeying traffic rules. If the accident happened during period 0, victims can only pursue compensation from the driver’s insurance company.
- Lyft may also share some liability, especially if they neglect their duty of care. They might have hired a driver with a history of drunk driving or hit-and-run, and that same driver caused your accident.
- Other motorists on the road may be held liable if their negligent actions contributed to the accident and your injuries.
- Vehicle malfunctions may also cause Lyft accidents. In these cases, the car manufacturer may face liability.
- Lyft accidents also happen due to poorly maintained roads, a lack of traffic signs, or defective traffic lights. In these cases, the government entity that maintains them could share the blame.
Knowing who is responsible for your damages and losses is an important part of the claims process. Our Lyft accident lawyers in Anaheim will gather the necessary evidence to establish negligence, support your claim, and ensure that you get the monetary reparation you deserve.
Settlement in a heavily disputed Truck v. Truck case. Our client was blamed by the insurance company from day one and was always told that they would never take responsibility for the collision that injured our client’s lower back. After years of litigation, Benny and the team were able to secure the full policy limits for our client months before trial.– BENNY KHORSANDI
How Does California’s Comparative Negligence Affect Your Case?
California is a pure comparative negligence state. If there are multiple parties liable for the victim’s injuries, the court will determine each party’s percentage of fault, which will also determine how much they’ll pay.
For example, a Lyft driver was 80% at fault, while another driver was at 20%. If the settlement award is $100,000, the Lyft driver needs to pay you $80,000. Then, the remaining $20,000 will come from the other liable party.
This law also states that the plaintiff may be partially liable if they shared fault in the accident. If they are partly responsible, the court will reduce their settlement according to their percentage of liability. So, if an injured victim were 20% at fault, they would only receive 80% of the award.
Unfortunately, liable parties would take advantage of this law to avoid paying the plaintiff the full amount. They would try to minimize their liability or push all the blame on you. Nevertheless, our Anaheim Lyft accident lawyers won’t let them get away with it. We will not let them trample on your right to fair compensation.
Statute Of Limitations For Lyft Accidents
The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in California is two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within the allotted time can bar you from pursuing a financial recovery later. To ensure you don’t miss the deadline, we recommend hiring our personal injury lawyers in Anaheim, who handle Lyft accidents, as soon as possible. We will take care of the legwork so you can focus on your recovery.
However, there are exceptions to the rule. For one, if the victim was a minor at the time of the accident, the statute of limitations will be paused until they reach 18. Once they reach legal age, they have two years to file a claim. The same goes if the victim is mentally incapacitated. The statute of limitations won’t run until they regain their mental capacity.
If you have questions about your case’s deadline, you can call our Lyft accident lawyers anytime, any day. Our staff is available 24/7.
What To Do After A Lyft Accident
There are a few things you can do to ensure your safety and establish your right to fair compensation. Here are the steps you can take after a Lyft accident:
- Get to safety, but do not leave the scene.
- Call 911 immediately after the accident to ensure the police and medical responders are dispatched to the scene.
- Get immediate medical attention when paramedics arrive. Relay important information, including where you feel pain or discomfort. Be sure you get checked even if you feel fine or see no visible wounds.
- Exchange information with the Lyft driver and other parties involved. Get their names, addresses, policy details, and IDs.
- Note the plate numbers of all the cars involved, along with their make and model.
- Gather evidence, such as photos and videos of the accident and injury. Photograph the surroundings to show the weather, location markers, skid marks, and traffic signs.
- Take note of anything that can be useful later, such as CCTV locations. If you see a witness, ask them politely if they are willing to testify. Then, get their contact information.
- Report the accident to Lyft. You can use the website or the app to submit the form.
- Get further medical care. Make sure you see your doctor for a full assessment of your injuries. Follow their treatment plan carefully.
- Keep a journal of your whole experience, noting all the pain you feel and your thoughts. Also, keep any receipts, invoices, bills, or documents related to your accident.
- Consult with our Anaheim Lyft accident lawyers. We will review your case for free and help you get maximum compensation. Call us today at (888) 488-1391.
Lyft Accident Statistics
According to the US National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), the introduction of ridesharing services has contributed to the increase in annual traffic fatalities. Based on their study, there had been a 3% increase in these deaths, translating to around 980 deaths each year.
However, based on Lyft’s safety report for 2017 to 2019, 99% of the millions of trips they made occurred without safety incidents. There were 105 Lyft-related fatalities over a three-year period, which is way lower than the national average. But despite a seemingly low number, there were still 105 lives lost. Their families had to deal with the pain and suffering of losing a loved one.
If you were injured or lost a loved one to a similar incident, our Anaheim Lyft accident attorneys can help you get justice from these big corporations. We’ll guide you from start to finish and help you get the resources you need to rebuild your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anaheim A Dangerous City?
Anaheim is a relatively safe city to live in and visit, but crimes and accidents still happen in the area. No matter where you go, negligent people can put you in danger. As a motorist or pedestrian, Anaheim can be quite dangerous because of its heavy traffic. Road accidents involving cars, trucks, Lyft, and Ubers are commonly reported in areas near tourist destinations like Disneyland.
How Much Is A Lyft Accident Settlement In California?
It’s hard to say how much your Lyft accident settlement would be without looking at its details. The amount of the settlement award depends on certain factors, such as the severity of your injuries and when the accident happened. It can range from thousands of dollars to millions.
After reviewing your case, our Lyft accident lawyers can estimate its worth. Rest assured, our team will fight for the maximum amount.
Which Is Safer, Uber Or Lyft?
Is It Safe To Take Lyft At Night?
Yes, it is generally safe to take a Lyft at night. Using a rideshare service is a better option than driving tired or after a night of drinking. By using Lyft, you can keep yourself safe as well as prevent accidents that might injure others. However, your Lyft driver may not have the same mindset. If you have been matched with a negligent driver and got injured in a crash, our Anaheim lawyers for Lyft accident claims can take on your case and help you win a favorable settlement.
What If The Lyft Accident Victim Died?
If the victim dies in an accident, their immediate family members or legal heirs may file a wrongful death claim. They can then get compensation for medical bills, funeral and burial fees, loss of consortium, grief, and loss of financial support, especially if the victim is the family’s primary earner.
To learn more about this process and secure financial recovery, contact our Lyft accident lawyers in Anaheim, who also specialize in wrongful death claims. We know no amount of money can replace a loved one, but not worrying about your finances while you mourn is a step toward healing.
Consult The Reliable Lyft Accident Lawyers Anaheim Depends On
With the promise of a safer and more convenient ride, Lyft passengers expect to reach their destinations safely. That’s why getting injured in a Lyft accident is confusing, painful, and shocking. Many victims don’t know what to do — if they ever pursue legal action, would they have to deal with Lyft itself?
You don’t have to deal with the trauma of this accident alone. If you’re thinking, “I need a personal injury lawyer in Anaheim,” hiring Arash Law is the best choice you can make. The best Lyft accident lawyers Anaheim relies on will answer any questions you have. We will guide you through the legal maze, advocate for your best interests, fight tirelessly to protect your rights, and negotiate fiercely for the compensation you deserve.
Headed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., our Lyft accident attorneys have recovered over $500 Million in settlements for thousands of clients. We can help you achieve the same outcome. Call Arash Law today at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
Our good personal injury law firm also helps Lyft accident victims in neighboring locations, including Santa Ana, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Yorba Linda, Brea, Garden Grove, Cerritos, Lakewood, Norwalk, Whittier, Downey, and Compton. Arash Law also helps victims across California, including San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose.
