Calaveras County Lyft Accident Lawyers
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Calaveras County Lyft Accident Lawyers Offering Injured Victims Legal Support
Ridesharing services like Lyft have become an important component of the way people travel in Calaveras. However, as the popularity of ride-hailing services increased over the years, accidents involving them have also risen.
Did you get injured or lose a loved one in a collision involving Lyft? Our Calaveras County Lyft accident lawyers can assess whether you can pursue compensation for your losses. Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 for a free case review.
In Calaveras County, you can enjoy nature in its most awe-inspiring setting, as the county is part of the Eastern Sierra region. With ridesharing now dominating the transportation industry, getting around the county is easier than it has ever been. Unfortunately, the risks of traffic accidents are still present.
In the unfortunate event of a Lyft collision, injured victims may wish to know about their legal rights. The Lyft accident lawyers at Arash Law can guide you as you explore your legal options. We also offer clients legal representation at no upfront costs.
Why Consulting An Attorney Could Help A Lyft Accident Case
After a Lyft accident, you’re probably thinking, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer near me?” You might dismiss the need for one, thinking Lyft accidents are just like other auto accidents. If the collision was minor, perhaps getting an attorney is unnecessary. However, Lyft accidents are often complicated due to the involvement of multiple parties and complex insurance policies. This could be especially true if you’re seriously injured or sustain significant property damage. You may need legal representation from skilled lawyers for Lyft accidents.
Handling an injury claim by yourself means having to deal with stringent legal procedures. This often involves communicating with insurance companies, which can be challenging if you’re unfamiliar with negotiating a settlement.
Our skilled Calaveras County Lyft accident lawyers can explain your rights, help you navigate the claims process, and seek damages. If you choose to proceed with a claim or lawsuit, we can take care of all the legalities involved. We can look into what happened, gather proof, file the necessary paperwork, and take your case to court if it eventually comes to that.
We are committed to providing comprehensive, personalized services when handling a case.
Our client was parked on the side of the road and was struck by the defendant driver traveling at a high rate of speed– ARASH KHORSANDI
How Our Calaveras County Lyft Accident Lawyers Can Help
Our Calaveras County injury law firm is experienced with the ins and outs of the laws concerning personal injury and ridesharing. We will help clarify the legal intricacies, including understanding your rights, applicable regulations, and options. Here’s how our Lyft accident lawyers could assist with pursuing compensation on your behalf:
- Investigate the Accident — Among the first things your Lyft accident lawyer will do is to investigate the accident to identify who was negligent. They can build your case using police reports, witness testimonies, surveillance footage, and other crucial pieces of evidence they gathered.
- Establish Liability — Varying circumstances determine who is at fault for a Lyft accident. Possible liable parties include the Lyft driver, the company itself, or a third party, potentially making Lyft cases complicated. Your attorney can identify and work to hold the responsible parties accountable.
- Calculate Damages — You can incur various damages from the accident and the injuries you sustained, including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and emotional distress. A skilled Lyft accident lawyer can calculate your losses and aim to pursue compensation that closely aligns with their potential value.
- Negotiate with Insurance Providers — Our lawyers can review the settlement offers you receive so you can decide whether to accept or counter them. If you opt for the latter, we can negotiate for another settlement on your behalf.
- Represent You in Court — If negotiations don’t result in a settlement, our Calaveras County Lyft accident attorneys can assess whether it’s feasible to take your case to court and present it before a judge or jury. We can leverage our courtroom experience to assist with litigation if necessary.
Understanding Ridesharing And Lyft Accidents
Lyft, Inc. provides ride-hailing and other related services in the U.S. and Canada. After Uber, Lyft is the second-largest ridesharing company in the country. The rideshare giant gets commissions from the fare it sets based on a ride’s route, type, availability, and demand. When requesting a ride, you are shown fare estimates to know how much you can expect to pay.
Ridesharing has drawn criticism and legal concerns over the years. Uber and Lyft have increased traffic congestion as well as car ownership and dependency while reducing public transport use. Fatalities have also increased by about three percent annually since their inception. Since Lyft classifies its drivers as independent contractors, it could escape liability when it comes to accidents caused by its drivers.
In California, Vehicle Code Section 522 defines ridesharing as “two or more persons traveling by … carpooling, vanpooling, bus pooling, taxi pooling, jitney, and public transit.” Multiple parties can be involved in a rideshare or Lyft accident, including drivers, passengers, other vehicles, the rideshare company itself, and insurance providers. As a result, determining liability can get complicated. Should you pursue a claim against the driver’s insurance or Lyft’s? Did the accident occur while you were a passenger or at a different time? How does the driver’s status affect your claim?
If you were injured in a rideshare collision, speak to our Calaveras County Lyft accident lawyers. We can guide you in understanding how Lyft’s insurance policy works to help you make informed decisions throughout the claims process.
How Lyft’s Insurance Works
California laws require Lyft drivers to exercise the highest duty of care by following traffic laws and practicing defensive driving to ensure the safety of their passengers. When someone gets into an accident and sustains injury due to a driver’s actions while on the job, the employer can be held liable. However, Lyft drivers are independent contractors, which means there are fewer scenarios where accident victims can file a claim or personal injury lawsuit against the company.
Lyft and other transportation network companies (TNCs) have insurance policies to cover accidents involving their drivers. Coverage can vary depending on the specifics of the accident. Our Lyft and Uber accident lawyers in Calaveras County can help you understand which ones may apply to your case.
You need to understand insurance policy limits, as they can affect the compensation you may be able to pursue. However, take note that the amount you could seek will likely differ from the policy limits mentioned below. Four periods describe the driver’s status at the time of the accident and the type of applicable insurance coverage.
Period 0
Period 0 is the period when the driver is not logged into the Lyft app. Instead, they use their vehicles for personal reasons. Any accident that happens when the driver is offline is covered by the driver’s auto insurance.
Period 1
Period 1 starts when the Lyft driver logs into the app but has not accepted requests yet. Activating the app indicates the driver is online and ready to accept a ride request. Lyft provides insurance coverage for accidents in this period of up to:
- $25,000 for property damage
- $50,000 for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident
Period 2
Period 2 starts the moment the Lyft driver accepts a ride request and is on their way to pick up the passenger from their location. If an accident occurs during period 2, Lyft may provide the following liability coverage:
- $1,000,000 for third-party liability.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
- Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage.
Period 3
Period 3 applies to any ride in progress. If an accident happens when the Lyft driver is actively transporting a passenger, Lyft may provide the same coverage in Period 2. It’s crucial to remember that Lyft’s $1 million insurance only covers accidents that happen when the driver is actively working. It’s also dependent on the driver retaining an auto insurance policy.
Top Causes Of Lyft Accidents
Lyft accidents are similar to those handled by our car accident lawyers in at least one way: driver error commonly causes them.
Our Lyft rideshare accident lawyers in Calaveras County recognize that there are several contributing factors to road accidents, including:
- Distractions — Drivers encounter different types of distractions when driving. The app Lyft drivers use to accept ride requests and navigate to destinations could divert their attention from the road, for example.
- Exhaustion — Driver fatigue among Lyft drivers can result from extended work hours, as some have other jobs. However, fatigue can impair any motorist’s focus and reaction time, increasing accident risks.
- Speeding and Reckless Driving — A lot of traffic incidents are caused by reckless driving, such as speeding and making abrupt lane changes. Lyft drivers may be more likely to drive aggressively to reach destinations faster and complete more rides.
- Traffic Rule Violations — Disregarding traffic signs and signals, especially at or near intersections, endangers other drivers and road users. In an effort to reach their destination quickly, a Lyft driver might run a red light, potentially causing a T-bone collision.
- Lack of Experience — Drivers who lack experience might find it challenging to drive in difficult or dangerous conditions. This inexperience makes them more prone to accidents.
- Poor Maintenance or Defective Parts — Since Lyft vehicles are used more often, both for personal and job-related reasons, they tend to be more susceptible to significant wear and tear. Also, a defect in the car’s design or component during manufacturing could lead to a vehicle breakdown, causing an accident.
Our Calaveras County lawyers handling Lyft accidents can investigate your accident to understand what caused it and who may be at fault. Whatever the case, traffic accidents are likely to result in injuries, which vary from moderate to catastrophic.
Hurt in a Lyft Accident?
Usual Injuries Sustained By Lyft Accident Victims
The type and severity of injuries victims can sustain depend on many factors. For instance, truck collisions tend to have devastating consequences due to the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles. Our truck accident lawyers have helped victims who sustained catastrophic injuries that have permanently affected their quality of life.
Accidents involving Lyft can also lead to serious injuries. Some of these injuries are immediately obvious, while others can take hours or days to appear.
Our Calaveras County Lyft accident lawyers have helped victims pursue damages resulting from the following injuries:
- Facial Injuries — Some facial injuries might cause temporary discomfort. In contrast, others can lead to the need for extensive and costly medical treatment, significantly impacting the overall expenses in a personal injury claim.
- Fractured Bones — Severe cases or more complex fractures may require surgical intervention.
- Neck Injuries — Torn tendons or ligaments, neck fractures, and muscle damage are among the most common neck injuries Lyft accident victims may sustain.
- Back & Spinal Injuries — Spinal cord injuries are particularly dangerous, potentially leading to loss of sensation or control over certain bodily functions and paralysis. The cost of rehabilitation and possible long-term care may substantially elevate the overall expenses associated with the claim.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries — Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can lead to memory loss, mood and personality changes, coma, or death. TBIs can affect victims for the rest of their lives and likely need to be duly accounted for in a Lyft accident claim.
- Burn Injuries — Burns, ranging from first to fifth degree, can result from vehicle fires, exposure to hazardous chemicals, steam or hot metal, and explosions.
- Amputations — Traumatic amputation happens when a limb is severed, crushed, or pinned at the scene of the accident. Amputations can also be surgically necessary if the damaged limb is beyond repair or severely infected.
- Wrongful Deaths — Some accidents result in fatal injuries. Our Lyft accident lawyers handling wrongful death claims are here to help surviving relatives learn whether they can pursue compensation after the passing of a loved one.
Parties Responsible For Your Injuries In A Lyft Accident
In a Lyft accident, identifying who is to blame and establishing their accountability for your injuries requires a careful investigation. The experienced attorneys working on rideshare accidents at Arash Law have the resources and experience needed to assess the details of your crash and identify who may be the responsible party.
Our Calaveras County lawyers handling Lyft accidents can potentially hold one or more of the following parties responsible:
Lyft Driver
You may hold the Lyft driver liable if their negligence or recklessness resulted in the accident and your injuries. Your Lyft accident lawyer might pursue compensation from the driver’s auto insurance or Lyft’s insurance coverage, depending on the details of the accident.
Lyft
An accident might have occurred because your Lyft driver was intoxicated. Lyft’s recruiting team might have neglected to perform a thorough background check and failed to discover that your driver has a prior DUI conviction. In this case, the rideshare company could be directly liable for its negligence in hiring drivers.
A Third-Party Driver Or Road User
Perhaps your Lyft driver was driving defensively when another motorist ran a red light and crashed into your Lyft vehicle, or a pedestrian suddenly darted across the street. Your damages in this case could be sought from the third party’s insurance, with Lyft offering additional coverage.
Vehicle Manufacturer
The accident may have been due to a malfunctioning part. Auto defects are commonly due to flaws in design or manufacturing, making the manufacturer strictly liable.
Local Government
Calaveras County has around 1,100 miles of maintained roadway, including State Routes 4, 12, 26, and 49. However, missing traffic signs, poorly maintained roads, and other external factors still cause many traffic accidents, including those involving Lyft vehicles. In such cases, you could pursue a claim against the responsible government agency.
How To Prove Negligence In A Lyft Accident
In a fault state like California, holding someone liable for an accident and the resulting injuries requires establishing their negligence first. If you can prove that the driver’s negligence (Lyft or a third party) caused the collision, you can hold that driver responsible for your injuries and damages. To help you pursue compensation, our Calaveras County Lyft accident lawyers can help you prove the at-fault party’s negligence by establishing the following elements:
- The responsible party owed you a duty of care, such as to drive defensively and follow traffic rules to prevent harm.
- The responsible party breached their duty of care by acting negligently or recklessly.
- The accident and your injuries happened as a direct result of the breach.
- You suffered actual damages due to the injuries.
When operating a vehicle, drivers have a basic “duty” to take reasonable care and watch out for other vehicles, obstructions, and pedestrians. They should also have the speed and movement of their vehicles under control. Negligence occurs when they fail to use reasonable care when driving. The process of establishing negligence may seem straightforward, but as the plaintiff, you have the burden of proof. Our Lyft accident lawyers can help you build a case by collecting the necessary evidence to back up your claim.
Types Of Compensation Victims Can Seek After A Lyft Accident
Under California law, injured victims of accidents may be entitled to compensatory damages for their losses. Following a traffic collision caused by a Lyft driver, you could potentially seek damages such as your medical costs, lost wages, and emotional suffering, among others. If you need help with identifying your losses and understanding their full extent, consider consulting our Lyft accident lawyers in Calaveras County.
There are two types of compensatory damages you could seek in a personal injury claim or lawsuit:
- Economic or Special Damages — These damages are meant to cover a victim’s tangible and easily calculable losses. They include current and future medical bills, lost wages, reduced or loss of earning ability, and repair or replacement costs for property damage directly related to their injuries.
- Non-Economic or General Damages — These subjective damages cover the injuries’ impact on the victim’s life and are more difficult to calculate. They include pain and suffering, emotional distress, temporary or permanent disability, loss of consortium in a relationship, and decreased or lost enjoyment of life.
Additionally, punitive damages may be awarded in rare cases, particularly when the responsible party intentionally caused harm or demonstrated gross negligence. The court usually grants punitive damages to set an example and deter others from committing equally heinous acts.
What To Do After A Lyft Accident In Calaveras County
In pursuing a personal injury claim, Lyft accident victims can take certain steps starting at the scene of the collision. Provided you’re still able, you could take actions such as the following:
- Move to a safe location if possible, but do not leave the scene.
- If anyone’s injured, call 911 and request law enforcement officers and emergency responders. For non-emergencies, you can file a report online.
- Get medically evaluated at the scene, even if you feel fine, and go to a hospital afterward to fully assess your condition. Make sure to follow your treatment plan.
- Simply state what happened when talking to the police. Do not make any assumptions or apologize. Obtain the police report afterward.
- Request contact, license, and insurance details from every driver involved. Politely gather witness details, such as phone numbers.
- Take photos and videos of the accident scene, noting any property damage, traffic signs, skid marks, and injuries. Take note of the weather and road conditions.
- When talking with insurance providers, do not take the blame, sign any documents, or make recorded statements without legal counsel.
- Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 and talk to experienced Lyft accident attorneys in Calaveras County.
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
Statute Of Limitations For Lyft Accident Lawsuits
The statute of limitations dictates how long you can file a lawsuit for personal injury. The two-year statute of limitations in California begins on the date of the accident or the discovery of the injury. The court can dismiss your case if you fail to submit it within this timeframe.
Certain special situations allow for the deadline to be tolled or paused, such as when a minor plaintiff, mentally incapacitated injured victim, or out-of-state defendant is involved. On the other hand, the state gives you only six months to file a claim against a government agency.
As an accident victim, you might not want to pass up the opportunity to pursue financial compensation if you’re eligible. Our Calaveras County Lyft accident lawyers can help you meet critical deadlines if you have a valid claim.
Lyft Accident Statistics
Traffic accidents nationwide that resulted in bodily harm and deaths have increased by 3% as ridesharing gained popularity. That percentage equates to almost 987 people losing their lives every year. Moreover, according to Lyft’s recent Safety Transparency Report:
- Safety incidents only occurred in 0.0002% of rides between 2020 and 2022.
- A total of 111 motor vehicle fatalities were reported. This is a 14% increase in the rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled and a 31% increase in the incident frequency rate from their previous report.
Ride-hailing contributed to the increase in vehicles traveling on the road, which in turn contributed to a spike in collisions, injuries, and fatalities among all road users. With Lyft having nearly two million active drivers and 20.3 million riders in the U.S. and Canada in 2022, the risk might only increase further.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I See A Doctor After A Lyft Accident?
Even if you don’t feel hurt or you think your injuries are minor following a Lyft accident, you should still see a doctor for the following reasons:
- Certain injuries do not show immediate symptoms, such as whiplash, concussion, and soft tissue injuries. Seeing a doctor right away helps uncover and treat these injuries before they worsen.
- A comprehensive medical assessment documents your injuries and connects them to the accident. Doctor visits provide official records of injuries that Calaveras County Lyft accident attorneys can use in your case. These may be particularly helpful when you have preexisting conditions, as they could assist with resolving any disputes that may arise during the claims process.
- Seeing a doctor may help ease your mind. Even if you are seriously injured, you can trust that your medical provider will address them, including underlying medical conditions that could worsen due to the accident.
What Happens If Lyft Rejects My Accident Claim?
Your Lyft accident attorney in Calaveras County could raise certain points to appeal Lyft’s decision to reject your claim:
- Lyft Driver’s Record — How is the Lyft driver’s driving record? Do they have a history of traffic offenses and criminal charges? Have they had issues with Lyft before? Are their backgrounds checked extensively?
- Lyft Safety Practices — Do Lyft drivers receive adequate online or in-person safety training? Does the company monitor how many hours they work? Do its drivers get enough sleep? Or are they pressured to engage in unsafe driving practices to maintain their jobs?
- Lyft Vehicle Safety — Are Lyft vehicles safe and reliable? How often are these vehicles regularly inspected?
If subsequent settlement negotiations prove unproductive, your Lyft accident attorney is prepared to take your case to court if necessary.
Can I Sue Lyft For My Accident?
You can file a lawsuit against Lyft (and the driver) under certain situations. Lyft must thoroughly screen the drivers it recruits, including examining their driving records and criminal histories. The company can be sued if a driver with a bad record gets hired and causes an accident. After assessing whether Lyft (in addition to the driver) is directly responsible for your losses, your Lyft accident lawyers in Calaveras County could help you pursue compensation from the rideshare company.
What If I Was Partially At Fault?
Under California’s pure comparative negligence rule, if you were partly at fault, your compensation might be reduced. If the court finds you partially at fault for the damages you are claiming, you will lose a portion of your claim based on the percentage of fault assigned to you. For instance, if you are pursuing $100,000 in total compensation but are found to be 20% at fault, you would only be able to seek 80% or $80,000.
Comparative negligence may result in liability disputes in personal injury cases, perhaps exaggerating your share of blame. If you think you’re partially at fault, our skilled Lyft accident attorneys in Calaveras County can help find evidence to support your true share of responsibility in an accident.
How Long Does It Take To Resolve Your Case With Lyft?
Resolving your case with Lyft following an accident can take up to six months. However, this timeline can vary based on a number of factors, including the amount being claimed, whether liability is contested, and the severity of your injuries and damages. It’s important to remember that negotiation and litigation processes can extend this period further.
How Much Is My Lyft Accident Claim Worth?
The state’s personal injury laws allow you to pursue compensation for the losses you incurred due to someone’s negligence. After a Lyft accident, you may be able to get monetary reparation for your medical bills, lost earnings, property damage, and even emotional suffering.
It’s hard to estimate how much your claim is worth, as some damages are subjective and difficult to calculate. Having Lyft accident lawyers handle your case in Calaveras County may allow you to come up with an approximate amount that addresses your present and future needs.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Lyft Accident Attorney In Calaveras County?
The cost of hiring a Calaveras County Lyft accident lawyer depends on the specifics of your case. If it needs extensive preparation or needs to be brought to court, for example, you may be charged more. However, you likely won’t have to pay hourly legal fees. Our Lyft accident attorneys take cases on contingency, so clients only have to pay us if they’re awarded a settlement. Other than this, they may only have to cover some other case-related costs. This payment structure aims to help injured victims access legal services at zero upfront costs.
Who Can File For A Personal Injury Claim Or Lawsuit After A Lyft Accident?
Anyone injured in a Lyft crash caused by negligence has the right to pursue compensation by filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. No one can use your age, gender identity, immigration status, or ethnicity to challenge your claim. Even if you’re an undocumented immigrant, the law allows you to seek damages for a personal injury or the wrongful death of a family member. If you’d prefer speaking a language other than English, we can arrange for translation services so we can assist you better.
Call Our Dedicated Calaveras County Lyft Accident Lawyers
Even if you believe your claim is simple, having legal guidance on your side can be helpful. Our Calaveras County Lyft accident lawyers can help review your case, explain relevant rideshare regulations and insurance policies, and help you pursue compensation if you have a valid claim.
Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 or complete our “Do I Have A Case?” form. We offer a complimentary, no-obligation first consultation to discuss the merits of your case.
Our Lyft accident lawyers also serve Calaveras County’s neighboring cities and communities, including Camanche Village, Camanche North Shore, Buena Vista, Sunnybrook, Martell, Jackson, Scottsville, Bonnefoy, Clinton, Pine Acres, Pine Grove, Pioneer, Volcano, Buckhorn, Amador Pines, Lockwood, Bear Valley, Lake Alpine, Oakdale, Stockton, Lodi, Modesto, Sonora, Jamestown, Farmington, Peters, Linden, Clements, Lockeford, and Victor. We also assist injured victims throughout the rest of California.
