Calaveras County Lyft Accident Lawyers
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Our Top-Rated Calaveras County Lyft Accident Lawyers Provide
The Representation That You Need
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 will fight for your rights to pursue the compensation you deserve. Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial 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 collision, Lyft users should know about their legal rights. It can be confusing and daunting to pinpoint who’s liable, especially when a big, powerful company like Lyft is involved. The Lyft accident lawyers at Arash Law can be your invaluable ally as you explore your legal options. We provide industry-recognized legal representation at no upfront costs.
Why Hiring An Attorney Is Beneficial For 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 is especially true when you’re seriously injured and entitled to substantial compensation. You will need legal representation from the best lawyers for Lyft accidents.
Handling an injury claim by yourself means having to deal with stringent legal procedures. Not to mention, insurance companies will try to take advantage of you to protect their bottom line. You can expect them to offer lowball settlements or entirely shift the blame onto you.
Our skilled Calaveras County Lyft accident lawyers can explain your rights, help you navigate the legal process, and fight for a fair settlement. If you choose to proceed with a claim or lawsuit, we will take care of all the legalities involved. We will look into what happened, gather proof, file the necessary paperwork, and take your case to court if it eventually comes to that.
We provide relentless and personalized service to each client, recovering over $500 Million thus far. Our track record of success has not gone unnoticed, as we have established ourselves as one of California’s premier law firms. Beyond the accolades and recognition, our compassion and dedication are the qualities that truly set us apart. Your case is personal to us. We will give you quality legal representation at zero upfront fees.
One of our clients, Jewick D., walked away happy and with a good settlement. “The results and service were excellent,” he said, “They have very personable and professional lawyers. I highly recommend Arash Law to everybody.”
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 an expert on the ins and outs of the laws concerning personal injury and ridesharing. We will help you navigate the legal intricacies, including understanding your rights, applicable regulations, and options. Here’s how our Lyft accident lawyers can obtain the maximum compensation on your behalf:
- Investigate The Accident — Among the first things your Lyft accident lawyer will do is to investigate the accident to determine who was negligent. They can create a compelling case through the 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, making Lyft cases complicated. Your attorney can identify and 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 all your losses and make sure the compensation you receive covers everything.
- Negotiate With Insurance Providers — Insurance companies can be difficult to work with. They might try to offer lowball settlements, deny your claim, or use tactics to reduce their liability. A lawyer will make them take your case seriously and increase your chance of fair compensation.
- Represent You In Court — If the insurers don’t budge in providing a reasonable settlement, our Calaveras County Lyft accident attorneys will not hesitate to take your case to court and present it before a judge or jury. Their extensive litigation experience will help achieve a favorable outcome for your case.
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 garnered 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 (which helps the company avoid providing stronger worker benefits and protections), it can 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 the Lyft accident lawyers Calaveras County residents rely on. We will guide you in understanding how Lyft’s insurance policy works and applies to you, ensuring 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 makes it hard for accident victims to 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. This complexity can be overwhelming for the average Joe, especially when they should be focusing on recovering from their injuries. You will need exceptional legal counsel from Lyft and Uber accident lawyers in Calaveras County.
You need to understand insurance policy limits, as they can affect the compensation you may receive. 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 happening 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:
- $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 this period 2, Lyft will 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 will 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
While convenient, riding a Lyft means having no control over the vehicle and the driver. It also goes without saying that you’re entrusting your life to a complete stranger. Lyft accidents are similar to typical car accidents 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 — Lyft drivers encounter different types of distractions when driving. The app they use to accept ride requests and navigate to destinations can divert their attention off the road.
- Exhaustion — Driver fatigue among Lyft drivers can result from extended work hours, as some have other jobs. Fatigue can impair their focus and reaction time, increasing accident risks.
- Speeding & Reckless Driving — A lot of traffic incidents are caused by reckless driving, such as speeding and making abrupt lane changes. Lyft drivers are often tempted to drive aggressively to reach destinations faster and complete more rides.
- Traffic Rule Violations — Disregarding traffic signs and signals, especially at or near intersections, endanger 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 — Lyft 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 will investigate your accident to determine what caused it and who’s at fault. Whatever the case, traffic accidents almost always 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 depends 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 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 for 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, which will cost the victim more.
- Neck Injuries — Torn tendons or ligaments, neck fractures, and muscle damage are among the most common neck injuries Lyft accident victims may sustain. This can significantly impact the overall expenses in your injury claim.
- 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 can 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 will 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.
- Amputation — 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 Death — Tragically, some accidents result in fatal injuries. Nothing can compensate for the loss of a loved one, but our Lyft accident lawyers handling wrongful death claims are here to help you recover financially and regain some control over your life.
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 require 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 determine the responsible party.
Our Calaveras County lawyers specializing in Lyft accidents can hold one or more of the following parties responsible:
Lyft Driver
You can hold the Lyft driver liable if their negligence or recklessness resulted in the accident and your injuries. Your Lyft accident lawyer can 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 can 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 can be covered primarily by the third-party’s insurance, with Lyft offering additional coverage.
Vehicle Manufacturer
The accident may 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 can 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 obtain 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 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 strong case of negligence by collecting the necessary evidence to back up your claim.
Types Of Compensation Victims Can Receive 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 can be eligible for compensation covering your medical costs, lost wages, and emotional suffering, among others. To ensure you receive a fair settlement, hire our Lyft accident lawyers in Calaveras County.
There are two types of compensatory damages you could receive in a personal injury claim or lawsuit. These damages aim to make you “whole” again after the accident:
- 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 will determine whether the defendant’s actions were so atrocious and grant 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 need to take crucial steps starting at the scene of the collision. Our Calaveras County Lyft accident lawyers encourage you to take the following step, provided you’re still able, to secure your well-being and improve your chances of getting a just settlement.
- 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 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, mentally incapacitated, 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, don’t pass up the opportunity to receive financial compensation. Our Calaveras County Lyft accident lawyers can ensure you never miss critical deadlines.
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 rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled and a 31% increase in 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 only increases 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. This is particularly helpful when you have preexisting conditions, as insurance companies will try to argue that the accident didn’t cause your injuries.
- Seeing a doctor gives peace of 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 will raise certain points to try to make Lyft consider its 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? Do they have 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?
Backed with compelling evidence, your Lyft accident attorney is prepared to take your case to court. Usually, filing a lawsuit is enough to bring Lyft back to the negotiating table even before a trial starts.
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 determining whether Lyft (in addition to the driver) is directly responsible for your losses, your Lyft accident lawyers in Calaveras County will not hesitate to face the company head-on just to hold it accountable.
What If I Was Partially At Fault?
Under California’s pure comparative negligence rule, if you were partly at fault, your award 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 set to receive $100,000 in total compensation but found to be 20% at fault, you will get 80% or $80,000.
The opposite party and insurance companies may try to use comparative negligence as a defense in personal injury cases, perhaps exaggerating your share of blame to reduce what they have to pay. If you think you’re partially at fault, our skilled Lyft accident attorneys in Calaveras County can protect you from being unfairly blamed. We will maximize your financial recovery and refute such claims by building a compelling case.
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 processes can extend this period further.
Our goal is to settle your Lyft accident case without resorting to court proceedings, as this approach not only expedites the compensation process but also saves time and money for all parties involved. Litigation, on the other hand, can be both costly and lengthy. However, should the need arise to go to court, particularly if a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached, having the support of one of the biggest personal injury law firms in California will greatly help streamline the claims process for you.
How Much Is My Lyft Accident Claim Worth?
The state’s personal injury laws entitle you to recover full compensation for all 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. Depending on the severity of your injuries, your settlement could range from tens or hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. Having Lyft accident lawyers handle your case in Calaveras County helps ensure you obtain an amount that fully addresses your present and future needs.
For instance, the $1,550,000 settlement we secured for a former client became the biggest motorcycle settlement in Tulare County in 2021. In this case, our client sustained wrist and spinal injuries in a motorcycle vs. rideshare accident. Another client received $1,125,000 after suffering a back injury. Our lawyers secured a healthy recovery even when faced with challenges during litigation.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Lyft Accident Attorney In Calaveras County?
Most injury lawyers handling Lyft accidents in Calaveras County understand that many victims cannot afford hourly legal fees. Our Lyft accident attorneys take cases on contingency, so you only have to pay us if we win. The fee is a percentage of the total compensation we recover for you. This payment structure gives injured victims access to quality legal services at zero upfront costs while encouraging the lawyer to pursue the highest possible settlement on their behalf.
Who Can File For A Personal Injury Claim Or Lawsuit After A Lyft Accident?
Anyone injured in a Lyft 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 recover damages for a personal injury or the wrongful death of a family member. If you can’t speak English, we have a multilingual staff and translators ready to assist you.
Call The Lyft Accident Lawyers Calaveras County Trusts
Even if you believe your claim is simple, having knowledgeable legal counsel on your side is crucial. A lawyer can ensure you’re not taken advantage of by big companies and that your case is taken seriously. Our Calaveras County Lyft accident lawyers, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., can take on the challenges of filing a claim and pursuing compensation. This allows you to focus on what matters most — your well-being and time with your family.
Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 as soon as possible or complete our “Do I Have A Case?” form. We offer a complimentary, no-obligation consultation to discuss the merits of your case. We can also provide complimentary transportation or come to your location — anytime, anywhere.
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.
