Berkeley Lyft Accident Lawyers
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Our Berkeley Lyft Accident Lawyers Offer Practical Legal Help To Injured Victims
Lyft offers a convenient way to get around, but Berkeley’s roads are still prone to accidents. Increased traffic congestion may result in Lyft crashes, often caused by driver negligence. If you’ve been injured in one, call our Berkeley Lyft accident lawyers at (888) 488-1391. We offer personalized legal support to help you decide on the next steps to take.
Whether you are strolling to find good places, avoiding expensive parking spaces, or wanting a hassle-free ride, Lyft can be an excellent alternative to traditional transportation in Berkeley. However, despite its benefits, another’s negligent actions on the road still have the potential to cause Lyft accidents.
If you are injured in one, reach out to our Lyft accident lawyers in Berkeley. We may be able to help you communicate with the authorities, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and file a personal injury claim. We know how overwhelming dealing with rideshare accidents can be, so we are here to guide you through the claims process.
Our client was a loyal rideshare driver involved in a hit-and-run. The at-fault driver struck our client and fled the scene. After years of litigating in Arbitration for the Underinsured Motorist policy, our co-counselor Kevin Levian set up the case perfectly for an arbitration trial. Ultimately, the case was resolved for the maximum policy limits one week before the arbitration.– BRIAN BEECHER
Why Bring Your Case To Our Lyft Accident Attorneys?
Our Berkeley Lyft accident attorneys can help you level the playing field against negligent parties and their insurance companies. Some insurance companies may offer lower settlements or deny your claim. If this happens, you can decline their offers and let our attorneys handle the negotiation.
We can guide you throughout the legal process, from seeking medical attention to determining the liable parties. Our Lyft accident lawyers know how to communicate with the other parties and advocate for your rights on your behalf.
Additionally, if you’re still recovering from the accident, our Berkeley Lyft accident lawyers can handle the paperwork. We’ll also secure evidence, communicate with the authorities, and file an injury claim for you if you have a case.
Our lawyers are committed to advocating for your rights. We aim to help you handle your case by studying whether and how you can seek fair compensation based on the available evidence.
What Are The Top Causes Of Lyft Accidents?
The most common causes of Lyft accidents are driver error and negligence. Even the most seasoned drivers can make mistakes or become negligent while driving on the road. These errors can lead to accidents involving Lyft vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, scooter riders, and other motorists. Whether you were injured by a negligent driver or not, our Lyft accident lawyers in Berkeley can work to hold the liable parties accountable.
According to the California Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), Speeding is one of the most common driver errors and a leading cause of road accidents. In 2021, it contributed to 3,290 traffic fatalities and injuries in Alameda. This figure represents around 38% of all traffic fatalities and injuries in the county that year, which totaled 8,753.
Aside from speeding, these are some other common causes of car accidents:
- Distracted Driving
- Driving Under The Influence
- Violating Traffic Laws
- Reckless Driving
- Fatigue Or Drowsy Driving
If Lyft drivers or other road users continue to make these errors, they may be held responsible for the potential consequences of their actions.
Negligence Of Other Motorists And Road Users
Lyft drivers are not always at fault, based on the cases our Berkeley Lyft accident lawyers have handled. No matter how defensively your Lyft driver drives, ridesharing accidents could still happen because of other drivers’ negligence. In this case, the motorist at fault should be responsible for your injuries and damages.
Your Berkeley lawyers will file a Lyft accident claim with the rideshare company’s insurance provider. However, in some cases, the rideshare company’s third-party liability insurance might also cover the resulting damages. Talk to a knowledgeable injury attorney to learn more.
Defective Vehicle Equipment
Rideshare drivers have a responsibility to maintain their vehicles for passenger safety. However, some may prioritize higher profits. If they neglect maintenance, they might face an increased risk of mechanical failures like tire blowouts, engine problems, and brake malfunctions. These failures can cause serious or fatal accidents.
In some cases, however, defects are due to inherent flaws in the vehicle’s design or manufacturing process. If you’ve been injured in a Lyft accident caused by a defective vehicle, our Berkeley attorneys can check if the manufacturer shares liability for the accident.
Dangerous Road Conditions
Potholes, large debris, and broken traffic lights can also cause Lyft accidents in Berkeley. Although drivers have no control over these issues, they still must practice safe driving by reducing their speed and paying attention. If they fail to show reasonable care, their vehicle might collide with other road users, resulting in injuries and other losses.
Furthermore, private owners or government entities responsible for maintaining the road may share some liability for your injuries and damages.
Inclement Weather Conditions
Our Lyft accident lawyers in Berkeley have also handled cases where the weather was a contributing factor. Poor visibility and slippery roads are common hazards, especially during winter when the city experiences a lot of rainfall. During these conditions, all drivers are expected to drive more cautiously, whether by lowering their speeds to 10 mph or using their signal lights.
Negligent Hiring Practices
Lyft considers its drivers independent contractors. This partnership means the company is not liable for any traffic accidents caused by its drivers. However, if unqualified and inexperienced drivers cause the crash, our attorneys who handle Lyft accidents in Berkeley may hold the company liable for the resulting injuries and damages.
To mitigate this risk, Lyft should strengthen its hiring process by conducting more thorough background checks on potential drivers. Doing this would help promote the safety of its customers and other road users.
What Are The Most Common Rideshare Accident Injuries?
No matter how minor they are, injuries caused by a Lyft accident could lead to high medical bills and long-term consequences. Here are some examples:
- Neck Injuries — These injuries are usually sustained when the head is forcibly moved backward and then forward, causing damage to the neck’s soft tissues.
- Back Injuries — The impact of a collision may damage the back and spinal cord, resulting in limited mobility, discomfort, and nerve damage. These injuries might have a long-lasting impact on the victim’s quality of life.
- Head and Brain Injuries — If your head hits the vehicle’s window, dashboard, or any hard surface after a severe collision, you could sustain head and brain injuries. These can lead to brain damage, fractured skulls, and other chronic problems.
- Broken Bones — Collisions generate enough force that they could fracture the bones of individuals involved in an accident. Broken bones commonly lead to severe pain, swelling, and difficulties in mobility. Typically, severe cases require extensive medical procedures, such as surgery and physical therapy sessions, to heal.
- Internal Injuries — Some internal injuries aren’t noticeable unless you undergo medical tests like X-rays or CT scans. These injuries include organ contusions, a ruptured spleen, and fractured ribs, which may require long-term medication.
- Wrongful Deaths — In many car accidents, the victims die upon impact or after battling the injuries they sustained. In these cases, the surviving family members can get help from our Lyft accident lawyers who handle wrongful death claims in Berkeley.
Our Lyft accident attorneys can connect you with doctors in Berkeley to determine the extent of your injuries. We can also help you secure your medical records, which could serve as evidence of the losses you incurred. If you’re eligible to pursue compensation, our attorneys can use them to negotiate your settlement amount.
What Compensation Can I Seek From My Lyft Accident Injury Claim?
If you were injured in a Lyft accident, you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim and pursue compensation for your losses. These damages can be divided into two categories: economic and non-economic.
Economic damages refer to losses with a specific monetary value, including:
- Medical Bills
- Property Damage
- Lost Income
- Loss Of Earning Capacity
On the other hand, non-economic damages are intangible losses. Some examples are:
- Pain And Suffering
- Emotional Distress And Trauma
- Losses Related To Disability Or Physical Impairment
- Losses Related To Permanent Disfigurement
- Loss Of Enjoyment Of Life
Our Berkeley Lyft accident lawyers can study whether you can pursue fair compensation based on your specific circumstances. We may be able to help you negotiate for a settlement offer that reflects the extent of your losses.
Who Can Be Liable For A Lyft Accident?
Identifying liable parties in a Lyft accident is a challenging ordeal, especially if one does not know California laws. Our Berkeley Lyft accident attorneys can study how to establish liability based on evidence and the law. We can also help build cases that aim to hold negligent parties accountable.
Here are some potentially liable parties:
- Lyft Driver — When a Lyft driver makes a mistake or acts negligently on the road, such as driving under the influence, recklessly, or violating traffic laws, they can be held responsible for the accident.
- Lyft — The rideshare company may also be liable if it fails to fulfill its duties, including enforcing safety measures and conducting thorough background checks on driver applicants.
- The Vehicle’s Manufacturer — Defective auto parts or manufacturing errors can also cause accidents involving ridesharing services. In such cases, the vehicle’s manufacturer or the parts supplier will bear responsibility for the resulting accident.
- Other Drivers — Other drivers’ recklessness or misconduct may cause Lyft rideshare crashes. When drivers breach their duty of care and cause an accident, they can be held liable for the victim’s injuries and damages.
Our Berkeley Lyft accident lawyers can work with you to assess liability in your case and identify potential defendants. We’ll investigate your case and gather evidence to support your claim.
How Lyft’s Insurance Coverage Works
Our attorneys handling Lyft accidents in Berkeley understand the insurance policies covering Lyft drivers and the company itself. There are four periods for determining coverage:
Period 0 — This is when the Lyft driver isn’t using the app to take ride requests. If an accident occurs due to their negligence, your Lyft accident lawyer might file a claim with the driver’s auto policy provider. Coverage amounts may vary, but at a minimum, their policy should cover:
- $30,000 Per Person For Injuries
- $60,000 Per Accident For Injuries
- $15,000 Per Accident For Property Damage
Period 1 — This period, also known as the waiting period, occurs when the driver is logged into the app but hasn’t accepted ride requests. If an accident happens during this period, Lyft’s third-party liability coverage may apply, including:
- $50,000 Per Person For Injury
- $100,000 Per Accident For Injury
- $30,000 Per Accident For Property Damage
Periods 2 and 3 — At these periods, the Lyft driver has accepted a ride request. They are either on their way to pick up the passenger or to the destination. In either case, Lyft must provide a $1 million liability insurance policy. This coverage is active until the rider exits the vehicle.
Do you need help determining if Lyft’s third-party liability insurance coverage applies to your case? Contact our Lyft accident lawyers in Berkeley.
California Laws For Lyft And Other Ridesharing Services
Ridesharing services like Lyft fall under the classification of Transportation Network Companies (TNC) under California law. These companies should comply with the following regulations, including:
- Licensing, permits, and certification requirements.
- Insurance requirements.
- The minimum driver age requirement is 21 years old.
- Annual background checks for rideshare drivers.
- Mandatory driver training programs.
- Zero tolerance policy for DUI drivers.
- Required vehicle inspections are annual or every 50,000 miles.
If ridesharing companies fail to comply with these rules, they could face penalties. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) accepts complaints from the public about any rideshare companies or drivers who violate any of the state’s TNC laws.
The ridesharing industry has many other specific rules and regulations to follow. Your Berkeley Lyft accident lawyers must have an in-depth understanding of these laws, as well as the legal framework governing personal injury and car accidents.
Our attorneys leverage their knowledge and understanding of applicable laws to build your case. We can work to find all instances where the rideshare company failed to perform its legal obligations in your particular situation.
Your Legal Rights As A Passenger
As a Lyft passenger, you have the right to safe transportation. Since you pay the company and its drivers, you should expect not only convenience but also a worry-free and comfortable ride. When your Lyft driver fails to perform reasonable care, they may be held liable for the injuries and damages they cause.
If you have sustained injuries in a Lyft accident, you may have the right to seek fair compensation. You can pursue potential claims, such as medical expenses, emotional distress, property damage, and wrongful death. However, some entities may try to pressure you into accepting a lower settlement value.
Our Berkeley Lyft accident lawyers can help you understand and protect your rights. We are ready to help you avoid issues caused by potential conflicts of interest and can work to negotiate a fair settlement after a personal injury accident.
Proving Negligence In Lyft Accident Cases
California follows a tort liability system, which means that when a collision occurs, the liable party is responsible for damages and losses. The plaintiff’s Lyft accident lawyer in Berkeley must prove the following elements to establish their negligence:
- The negligent party owes you a duty of care.
- The negligent party breached its duty of care.
- The breach of duty caused the accident.
- The Lyft accident resulted in injuries and damages.
There are instances when evidence and negligence are not enough to convince an insurer to compensate you fairly. That’s where our Berkeley Lyft accident lawyers can help. We understand California laws, including newer and more complex rideshare regulations, which we can use to negotiate fair compensation with potentially liable parties like Lyft. If diplomacy is not enough to make them settle fairly, our trial attorneys can also prepare to present your case to court.
Comparative Negligence Laws
Liability in a Lyft accident is determined through California’s pure comparative fault law. This system allocates damages based on the parties’ degrees of fault. If multiple parties share blame for an accident, they will all be responsible for compensating the victim.
The injured party can also be partially responsible for the accident. In such cases, they can still make a claim, but their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if they were found to be 40% at fault for their accident, they may still be awarded 60% of the damages.
Comparative negligence laws can be complex. Consider consulting with our experienced Lyft accident lawyers in Berkeley to learn more about how they may apply to your case.
What To Do In A Lyft Accident
If you or a loved one was injured in a rideshare collision, there are some steps that may be helpful to take afterward. These can include the following:
- Stay calm and assess your condition. If you or someone else sustains an injury, dial 911 to receive emergency care.
- After the accident, find a safe location away from traffic. Remember not to leave the scene, as this may hurt your chance of a favorable outcome in your case.
- Call the police and wait for them to arrive at your location. Upon their arrival, give them only accurate and factual information about the accident. Do not admit fault or apologize for the incident.
- Gather and secure evidence by taking pictures or videos of the scene. Make sure you capture the vehicles involved, injuries, and weather conditions.
- Ask for the names and contact information of the parties involved. You can also speak with witnesses and collect details from them.
- Report the incident to Lyft through their app or online form.
- Seek further medical attention and consult your doctor following the accident. Even if you think you do not have injuries, you still need to undergo a physical and mental assessment. Your medical documents can serve as evidence when filing an injury claim.
Call our Lyft accident lawyers. Our Berkeley attorneys, who handle Lyft accident cases, can help review your claim and file it if you have a case. We are a phone call away; dial (888) 488-1391.
FAQs About Lyft Accidents In California
Can I Sue Lyft After An Accident?
It depends on the circumstances of the accident. If the Lyft driver’s negligence directly caused the collision, the company will exclude itself from liability. This is because Lyft drivers are considered independent contractors and not employees.
On the other hand, if the accident was caused by negligence directly related to the company, Lyft may be held responsible. This means you may be able to file a legal action against the ridesharing company.
For a free initial case evaluation, reach out to our Berkeley Lyft accident lawyers. We’ll review the details of your case to assess whether you have a valid case against the company.
How Much Is My Lyft Accident Claim Worth?
It is difficult to determine how much you may be able to pursue after the accident. However, our Lyft accident lawyers can help you estimate the value of your compensation. Many factors affect the value of your claim, including (but not limited to) the severity of your injuries and their overall effects on your life. Our Berkeley attorneys will go into the details of your Lyft accident to calculate the potential worth of your Lyft accident claim.
What Is California’s Statute Of Limitations For Lyft Accident Claims?
California’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the Lyft accident. Failure to comply with the deadline will result in the dismissal of your case. This means you will lose the right to seek compensation for your injuries.
Working on your injury claim can be difficult, especially if you are still in recovery. With the help of our Berkeley Lyft accident lawyers, you can focus on healing while we study your claim. If you have a case, we can help with the paperwork and file your case within the statute of limitations.
What Should I Do If An Insurer Calls Me?
The safest thing to do is decline the conversation and let our personal injury lawyers in Berkeley communicate with them. Some insurance companies may call victims to investigate and then try to find ways to minimize their settlement offer. Our Berkeley Lyft accident attorneys can scrutinize all communications and offers you receive, evaluate whether they align with your interests, and help you respond accordingly.
Consult With Our Berkeley Lyft Accident Lawyers
There is no need to ask, “Do I need personal injury lawyers?” The answer is “yes” if you feel like someone’s negligence caused your accident. In this case, you may wish to pursue compensation and streamline the process of negotiating with insurance companies.
Our Lyft accident lawyers in Berkeley know how to navigate complex laws and insurance policies to handle your case. We may also be able to leverage our legal skills and professional networks in helping you pursue compensation.
Call (888) 488-1391 or reach out to us online for a free initial consultation with our Lyft accident lawyers.
Our Lyft accident law firm also extends our services throughout California, including nearby areas such as San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Thousand Oaks, La Loma Park, Berkeley Hills, Albany, North Oakland, Santa Fe, Emeryville, and Westbrae.
