Carlsbad Lyft Accident Lawyers
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Our Carlsbad Lyft Accident Lawyers Offer Experience And Knowledge To Injured Victims
If you’re injured in a rideshare crash, our Carlsbad Lyft accident lawyers are here to review your case. We can discuss your rights so you can decide what to do next. To contact Arash Law, dial (888) 488-1391 for a free, no-obligation initial consultation.
Carlsbad is 35 miles north of Downtown San Diego and 87 miles south of Los Angeles. With all the activities in store for those who visit and reside in Carlsbad, many choose Lyft as their primary mode of transportation. The rideshare service is also popular among employees, who would rather relax as passengers than drive and look for a parking spot at their place of work.
Lyft completes thousands of rides per day, but not all of them end safely. If you are injured in a Lyft accident, you may have the right to pursue compensation. Although Lyft provides insurance coverage, filing a claim may not be straightforward. There is a legal process that needs to be carried out, which can often get complicated.
If you wish to understand it better, connect with our knowledgeable Lyft accident lawyers in Carlsbad. Arash Law, an established law firm in California operating under the guidance of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., has assisted numerous clients in seeking compensation.
A farm worker, suffered multiple broken bones and other orthopedic injuries resulting from an auto accident where the defendant driver attempted to make a left turn in front of our client in heavy fog.– ARASH KHORSANDI
Do You Need Experienced Carlsbad Lyft Accident Lawyers?
After evaluating your case, our experienced Lyft accident lawyers can assess whether you can seek compensation for medical costs, lost income, and other losses, like pain and suffering.
Here are other reasons to consult our Carlsbad attorneys about your Lyft accident case:
- We are knowledgeable about the ridesharing industry and personal injury laws. Our attorneys are well-versed in related insurance requirements, liability rulings, and prior court decisions and can explain how they may apply to your case.
- If you have physical injuries, our team can connect with medical professionals to assess their extent and estimate the potential value of the damages you can seek as a result.
- Our lawyers can conduct an independent investigation of your accident and gather evidence to support your case.
- We understand how to negotiate with insurance companies and can advocate for your interests when discussing potential settlement offers with them.
The legal processes following a Lyft crash can be challenging to handle alone. Our team of Carlsbad Lyft accident lawyers can help you understand it and discuss how you may seek compensation given the facts of your case.
How Our Lyft Accident Attorneys Help Clients
Our Carlsbad Lyft accident lawyers can offer assistance as you explore your legal options. However, you may face further challenges if you’re eligible to file a personal injury claim. In this case, our lawyers can provide further support if you choose to work with us.
To illustrate, our Lyft accident lawyers often help clients with the following:
- Identifying who is liable for paying damages.
- Gathering proof to establish the at-fault parties’ negligence.
- Preparing receipts and supporting documents to demonstrate the extent of a client’s injuries.
- Negotiating settlements with insurance companies.
- Representing cases in court if necessary.
Given how much more complex rideshare injury claims can be compared to traditional car accident cases, our committed Carlsbad personal injury lawyers can help level the playing field. By working with us, we can help advocate for your right to file a claim.
Common Causes Of Lyft Accidents
Driver error is among the leading factors behind most traffic accidents. Here are the common causes of Lyft accidents in Carlsbad:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a dangerous factor in Lyft accidents, just like in other car crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), collisions involving distracted drivers claimed 3,275 lives in 2023.
Using a navigation system, sending texts, making phone calls, and eating are a few common distractions that drivers engage in. Any of these distractions has the potential to put the driver, their passengers, and other road users at risk.
Our Carlsbad Lyft accident lawyers have seen several cases wherein the at-fault driver was distracted for even just a few seconds.
Speeding
Though anyone behind the wheel can end up speeding, Lyft drivers may be more likely to exhibit this behavior since their earnings depend on the number of rides they complete. However, doing so significantly increases the risk of accidents. Speeding drivers usually find it difficult to react quickly to changing traffic signals, merging cars, crossing pedestrians, and other road hazards.
Speeding is one of the most dangerous forms of reckless driving, leading to numerous injuries and fatalities on the road. In 2021, speeding was a contributing factor in 12,330 traffic-related deaths.
If a speeding driver injures you, call our Carlsbad Lyft accident lawyers. We’ll gather evidence, like traffic citations, data from red light cameras, and their vehicle logs, if any, to study how they may be held accountable.
Driving Under The Influence
Driving under the influence is strictly prohibited under California law. Lyft also has specific policies against it. Yet, some drivers may continue to do so for various reasons, such as attempting to stay awake while driving or dealing with the stress of their jobs. Many also take drugs for recreational purposes, disregarding how these substances heavily affect their driving skills.
An impaired driver might display the following:
- Reduced reaction time
- Blurred vision
- Decreased attention
- Heightened aggression
- Increased risk-taking behaviors
According to the NHTSA, 12,429 people died in preventable traffic accidents involving alcohol-impaired drivers in 2023. Our Carlsbad Lyft accident lawyers actively advocate against impaired driving and can assist DUI victims in filing a claim if they have a case.
Disregarding Traffic Signs And Signals
All drivers are expected to follow traffic signs and signals. These rules and regulations exist to keep everyone safe on the road. A driver who disobeys traffic laws may be held accountable for any injuries they cause. Drivers may intentionally or accidentally violate traffic laws by:
- Changing lanes without signaling
- Running a red light
- Failing to yield the right of way
If you have injuries from a Lyft accident caused by any of these violations, talk to our Carlsbad Lyft accident lawyers to discuss your legal options.
Reckless Driving In Inclement Weather
Although bad weather can contribute to accidents, driver negligence can heighten the associated risks. Driving appropriately in the given circumstances is part of fulfilling one’s legal obligation to keep others safe.
Drivers are expected to adjust and reduce their speed, be extra cautious, and make smart decisions depending on the situation. Otherwise, they might lose control of their vehicles, skidding unexpectedly and causing collisions.
If you want to know whether you have a valid claim against a driver in a weather-related rideshare crash, talk to our Lyft accident lawyers. We can also identify other potentially liable parties, if any, to help you seek damages from those responsible for your injuries.
Failing To Maintain Vehicles Properly
Regular car maintenance is necessary to keep private and Lyft vehicles safe for both drivers and passengers. It may be more important for the latter, as they may deteriorate faster than regular cars. They travel more miles per day and spend longer hours on the road. Ignoring maintenance can result in serious problems like tire blowouts or braking issues, which may lead to Lyft and Uber accidents.
Driving In Dangerous Road Conditions
Potholes, cracks, rough or uneven surfaces, poor drainage, a lack of signage, and obstructions on the road are a few examples of driving hazards you might encounter. These circumstances can be dangerous for Lyft drivers, motorists, passengers, and other road users.
These road conditions not only damage the car but may also result in collisions that cause injuries or deaths. If you are injured in a Lyft accident due to a road hazard in Carlsbad, you can seek assistance from our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys when deciding what to do next.
Typical Lyft Accident Injuries
Lyft accident victims commonly sustain the following injuries:
- Cuts & Lacerations — Lyft accidents can cause wounds or rips in the skin. To avoid infection and encourage healing, stitches or medical attention may be needed.
- Whiplash — These injuries happen when the head swings violently in one direction, putting strain on the ligaments and muscles in the neck. If left untreated, whiplash can potentially cause long-term problems and disabilities.
- Back Injuries — Collisions can result in sprains, spinal cord injuries, and ruptured discs. Our experienced Lyft accident lawyers in Carlsbad have represented many victims suffering from chronic pain, paralysis, and other life-changing conditions due to these injuries.
- Crushed & Amputated Limbs — Serious accidents can result in crush injuries or severe limb damage, requiring major reconstructive surgery or amputation.
- Broken Bones—– Fractures often require extensive medical care for recovery. The injured might need casts or surgery to let their bones heal.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) — TBIs result from trauma to the head during collisions, potentially causing memory loss and cognitive impairment.
- Loss of Vision — Eye injuries from collisions can potentially result in partial or total blindness, making it hard for the person to work and carry out everyday duties.
- Internal Organ Damage — Penetrating injuries or blunt force trauma from Lyft accidents may cause internal bleeding, organ failure, and other complications. These injuries can be expensive to treat and may impose a significant financial burden on victims.
- Wrongful Deaths — In worst-case scenarios, accidents may claim a life, leaving the victims’ families to face financial and emotional consequences.
Regardless of the severity of your injuries, the compensation you pursue through a claim should ideally be enough to cover your medical fees and treatment costs due to the accident. Get help from our skilled Lyft accident lawyers, who can assist in estimating the extent and value of these injuries when negotiating a settlement for your losses.
What Damages Can I Seek After A Lyft Accident?
With the help of our Carlsbad Lyft accident lawyers, you may be able to pursue compensation for the following:
- Economic Damages — These are monetary losses that can be verified with tangible proof, such as bills, receipts, invoices, and payslips. These damages include:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation and treatments
- Lost wages and future earnings
- Repair or replacement costs of damaged or lost property
- The costs of hired services, like cleaning and childcare
- Non-Economic Damages — These refer to compensation for subjective, intangible losses, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental trauma and emotional distress
- Disfigurement
- Permanent or temporary disability
- Punitive Damages — These are granted as punishment for the liable party, aiming to discourage grossly negligent behavior. Punitive damages are rarely awarded in California, often arising from situations like:
- Intentional injury
- Reckless injury
- Fraud and accident cover-up
For wrongful death claims, the surviving family members may be entitled to seek damages on the deceased victim’s behalf. Doing so may involve pursuing compensation for funeral and burial expenses, as well as the loss of financial support and companionship.
Our Carlsbad lawyers for Lyft accident cases can advocate for your right to pursue compensation reflecting your injuries.
What Happens If I Am Injured While Riding A Lyft?
If the Lyft driver’s negligence caused the accident, you may likely be entitled to seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s auto insurance provider or Lyft’s third-party liability coverage, whichever is applicable.
If another driver or a third party is to blame, then you’ll have to file a claim against their policy. In some cases, more than one party is liable for an accident, which means they may all be responsible for compensating you.
The process following a Lyft accident can get complicated quickly. If you are injured in a collision, consult with our Lyft accident attorneys in Carlsbad. Our attorneys can explain the available legal avenues you can take. If you have a case and decide to work with us, our team can also advise you on the appropriate course of action and represent you when negotiating a settlement
Who Is Responsible For A Lyft Accident?
To assess who may be responsible for compensating you, our Carlsbad attorneys can investigate your Lyft accident. We’ll identify the parties that displayed negligence and might have contributed to the crash. Below are the potentially liable parties in a Lyft crash:
- Lyft Driver — If the driver’s reckless actions or inactions caused the accident, you may be entitled to file a claim against them.
- Ridesharing Company — Lyft could be held liable if it were directly negligent. However, if only its driver were involved, the company might provide third-party liability coverage only.
- The Ridesharing Vehicle’s Owner — If the driver was using a vehicle they didn’t own, the owner could share responsibility for an accident involving that car.
- Another Third Party — When an accident resulted from a faulty component, the carmaker, the parts manufacturer, or the maintenance provider could also be at fault. In other circumstances, other motorists and even pedestrians might have some level of contribution.
December 2016: $22M+ verdict in a mild traumatic brain injury case. The entire details of the case can be found in the public record filings by the defendant entity that sued its defense.– BRIAN BEECHER
Proving Negligence In A Lyft Accident Case
To be able to file a claim for compensation, you must be able to prove the at-fault party’s negligence. To do so, your Carlsbad Lyft accident lawyers must establish that:
- You were entitled to a duty of care from the liable party.
- They breached this responsibility.
- Their negligence led to the accident.
- You incurred damages as a result of the accident.
All of these must be established in a claim. If not, the liable party may not be legally liable for compensating the victim.
Here’s an example of how these elements work when a Lyft driver is the defendant:
Drivers have a natural “duty of care” to operate their vehicles carefully. They must avoid causing harm to other road users, cyclists, and pedestrians. In hazardous or any other given conditions, they are expected to react reasonably and appropriately.
When they engage in negligent behaviors that can potentially harm others, they breach their duty of care. In a car accident, some examples of driver negligence per se (or presumed negligence) include:
- Texting or using the phone while driving.
- Running a stop sign.
- Speeding.
- DUI (driving under the influence).
This breach of duty may or may not lead to an accident. If it does, and the driver injures another person or causes damage, they will likely be held liable.
Proving negligence isn’t easy, as you’ll need a lot of evidence. The defendant can also try to deny their liability as much as possible, such as claiming your injuries didn’t result from the accident or that you had underlying medical conditions.
Our Carlsbad Lyft accident lawyers can help evaluate the at-fault party’s negligence to see whether you have a case. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to see how we can assist you in pursuing compensation from those who may be responsible.
How Are Lyft Insurance Coverage Periods Determined?
Our Lyft accident lawyers can help identify the period during which the collision occurred. This will help us understand which insurance policy may cover the accident.
Here’s a breakdown of the different periods of Lyft accidents:
Period 0 — During this period, the driver has not yet logged into the Lyft app. Lyft’s insurance will not cover them, as they are presumed to be driving for personal reasons. If you’re injured, you may be able to file a claim with the driver’s auto insurance provider.
Period 1 — The driver is now waiting for a booking after logging into the app. During this period, Lyft’s limited insurance may apply with the following coverage amounts:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 per accident for property damage
Period 2 — The driver is now en route to pick up the passenger after accepting a ride request. In an accident at this stage, Lyft’s third-party liability insurance, which includes the following, may apply:
- $1 Million for total liability
- First-party coverage, including uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage
Period 3 — The driver is now traveling to the passenger’s destination after picking them up. The coverage for this period is the same as in Period 2.
Our Carlsbad Lyft accident lawyers can discuss these policies in more detail and explain how they may apply to your case. If you have any legal concerns, feel free to contact our office.
Steps To Take After A Lyft Accident
Knowing what to do in case of a car accident involving Lyft can help you stay calm and keep your focus on ensuring your safety. After moving to a safe location, some steps you can take may include the following:
- Check yourself for injuries. If you’re able, check on your companions and other people as well.
- Call 911. Local law enforcement officers will be dispatched to your location to manage the traffic and investigate the accident. They will also create an incident report, which can support your claim later.
- Ask for medical assistance. Put your health and safety first by submitting to a check-up by the paramedics, even if you believe you aren’t significantly hurt. It’s also crucial to get a more comprehensive medical evaluation later to determine the full extent of your injuries.
- Record the situation. Take time-stamped pictures of the accident scene from several angles, including the intersection layout, traffic signs, skid marks, vehicles involved, weather, injuries, and property damage.
- Get the necessary information from each driver involved. These can include their insurance cards, license plates, and driver’s licenses.
- Note down the contact information of any witnesses. Ask them if they can provide testimony to the police, and if you can contact them later to testify if needed.
- Consult a ridesharing accident attorney. Our Carlsbad Lyft accident lawyers can help you explore the claims process.
Lyft Accident Statistics
Lyft safety accidents are statistically quite rare. According to the company’s Community Safety Report, more than 99% of rides from 2017 to 2019 were completed without any safety incidents.
The report also mentioned that the most serious safety incidents, such as motor vehicle fatalities and assaults, occurred on just 0.0002% of rides. However, it doesn’t go into detail about the actual number of accidents and assaults involving Lyft drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Sue Lyft After An Accident?
Yes, you may have the right to sue Lyft if it displayed negligence that directly resulted in the accident. The following are some situations in which Lyft may be held accountable:
- The company lets a driver keep their job after receiving a DUI citation.
- The company hires an applicant with a history of reckless driving.
- The company fails to enforce safety measures.
In many cases, however, you may be suing the driver rather than the company itself. Lyft’s insurance policies provide coverage for its drivers; thus, you may be qualified for compensation.
If you have a case, you can get the help of a Lyft accident lawyer to file your claim and manage the entire process. Call us and let’s discuss whether you have a valid claim against the rideshare company.
Will My Lyft Case Go To Trial?
Not all Lyft accident cases proceed to trial. Often, you can have your Lyft accident or personal injury claim resolved out of court.
Our goal as Lyft accident lawyers is to help clients seeking compensation through negotiations with the at-fault parties and their insurers. If we cannot agree to a settlement during these discussions, we can take the case to trial. In the event that your claim reaches this point, our experienced litigation attorneys for Lyft accidents can advocate for your rights in front of a jury.
What If I Wasn't Wearing A Seatbelt At The Time Of The Accident?
If you weren’t wearing a seatbelt during the accident, you might sustain more severe injuries. Moreover, when it’s time to claim damages, the court may reduce your compensation.
According to California’s Motor Vehicle Safety Act, everyone 16 years of age or older is required to wear a seat belt when operating a vehicle or traveling as a passenger. Failure to do so is an infraction punishable by a fine.
Since it’s your legal duty to wear a seatbelt when riding a car, you may be held partially responsible for your injuries.
At-fault parties could try to argue that your failure to use a seatbelt was the sole cause of your injuries. They might also claim that your injuries would have been less severe if you were wearing one. If they successfully argue their case, you will share liability, and your claim may be reduced accordingly.
Even so, you may still be eligible to claim damages if the accident occurred due to someone else’s negligence. Our Carlsbad lawyers for Lyft accident cases can review your claim and see what you may still be able to pursue despite not wearing a seatbelt when you were injured.
Can I Pursue Compensation If I Was Partially Responsible For The Lyft Accident?
Even if you share some of the blame for the accident, you may still be able to collect damages under the pure comparative negligence statute. In California, injured victims may still be eligible to pursue compensation even if they are up to 99% at fault. However, the percentage of their liability will directly reduce their compensation. For instance, they may only get 40% of their total damages if they are found to be 60% at fault for their injuries.
This legal concept also holds all parties partially responsible for the accident. The court can split liability between all parties involved according to their level of negligence.
In these cases, you can consult with our Lyft accident attorneys. Even if you are partially responsible, we can see what we can do to build a well-supported case on your behalf.
If you want to know more about how comparative negligence relates to your case, call our Carlsbad Lyft accident lawyers for a free initial case evaluation.
How Much Is My Lyft Accident Worth?
The compensation you may pursue after a Lyft accident depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries. In many but not all cases, you may be able to pursue more compensation if your injuries are more severe, like irreversible conditions with a detrimental impact on your quality of life. Some other factors that could affect your compensation are:
- Your share of liability
- The extent of property damage
- Insurance policy limits
Speak with our Carlsbad lawyers who are proficient in Lyft accident cases to get an estimate of the damages you may be entitled to seek.
Call The Carlsbad Lyft Accident Lawyers Who Offer Experienced Support
If you’re thinking, “I need a personal injury lawyer for my Lyft accident,” consider working with our Carlsbad Lyft accident lawyers. Our attorneys are experienced in various personal injury cases, including car accidents, rideshare collisions, truck accidents, and more.
If you or a loved one is injured in a Lyft accident, you may be eligible to file a claim. Call (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation with Arash Law’s personal injury lawyers in Carlsbad.
Our Lyft accident lawyers also offer legal services throughout California. That includes Carlsbad’s neighboring locations, such as Dana Point, Oceanside, Vista, Encinitas, San Marcos, Solana Beach, Escondido, Fallbrook, Poway, San Clemente, Temecula, Murrieta, Ramona, and Wildomar.
