Costa Mesa 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.
Experienced Costa Mesa Lyft Accident Lawyers Who Are Advocates For Injured Victims
For Costa Mesa residents, ridesharing services like Lyft are a vital part of everyday life, offering a convenient way to get around, whether for work, errands, or social events. Unfortunately, with the growing popularity of ridesharing services, the likelihood of accidents also increases. If you or a loved one is hurt in a Lyft collision, we are here to help. Call our Costa Mesa Lyft accident lawyers at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
We understand that recovering from such accidents can be challenging. Our attorneys are here to see how we can support you. Arash Law, an established personal injury law firm based in California, has assisted many clients across the state with their personal injury claims. Our team will work to leverage that experience when reviewing your case.
Reasons To Consult Arash Law’s Costa Mesa Lyft Accident Lawyers
From dealing with medical bills to navigating the complexities of rideshare accident laws, the claims process for Lyft cases can be challenging. Our team of skilled Costa Mesa Lyft accident attorneys is here to provide you with the support you may need to understand and pursue compensation. Here are some of the reasons to consider bringing your Lyft accident case to Arash Law:
- Transparency — Our Costa Mesa Lyft accident lawyers will be honest with you from the start. We will work to clearly communicate the strengths and challenges of your case to help you form a realistic understanding of what to expect. If you have a case, we can also provide direct updates and keep you informed as we work on your claim.
- Experience — Rideshare accidents can be tricky because there are often multiple parties involved, including the Lyft driver, other drivers, and Lyft, Inc. The applicable insurance policies can be difficult to navigate. Our attorneys can use our knowledge of rideshare regulations and insurance protocols when assessing and pursuing related claims.
- Accessibility — We work on a contingency fee basis, which means clients only pay attorney fees if they’re awarded a settlement, and not up front. Keep in mind that there might still be case-related costs they have to shoulder. Through this arrangement, our team is dedicated to making legal support more accessible to injured victims facing financial challenges after an accident.
Our client was driving with his wife and son on a two-lane highway when a drunk driver crossed the double yellow lines, causing a head-on collision that claimed the life of a loving wife and mother.– ARASH KHORSANDI
How An Attorney Can Help After A Lyft Collision
A Lyft accident in Costa Mesa could cause serious injuries. Apart from the physical pain, you may also be burdened by medical expenses and other damages. Our Costa Mesa Lyft accident lawyers can help by:
- Investigating your Lyft accident to determine its cause.
- Collecting evidence to prove the cause of the Lyft accident and who may be liable for your damages.
- Documenting the losses you incurred to inform how you respond to settlement offers from insurance companies.
- Filing the insurance claim.
- Negotiating a settlement with insurance companies on your behalf.
Our experienced Lyft accident attorneys are ready to review your case and see how we may advocate for your interests. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule your free first meeting with one of our lawyers.
What Clients Say About Arash Law’s Accident Lawyers
Our Costa Mesa Lyft accident lawyers bring years of experience and our knowledge of rideshare laws to every case. Our commitment to providing clear representation has earned us these client testimonials:
- “I appreciate Arash Law firm for their invaluable assistance in my Lyft accident case.
The team’s guidance at every step was commendable. A special shout-out to my amazing Case Manager America for keeping me consistently updated throughout the entire process. Their professionalism and support made a challenging situation much more manageable.”
— Jimmique P. (Google Reviews)
- “I highly recommend Arash law firm for any type of vehicular accident.
The process is simple and easy and smooth. I basically start the process from home with their team of professionals. The law firm guided me from the start to the completion of the case without any difficulties and or complication. Every aspect of the case were handled at my convenience as I recover from the accident. The law firm cater to my situation were everything handled from the comfort of my home. Thank you very much to Arash Law from the bofrom of my heart.”
— Edgar A. (Yelp)
Common Causes And Types Of Lyft Accidents
Lyft accidents can happen for many reasons, and the circumstances often determine who is at fault and how liability is assessed. Some of the most common causes of Lyft accidents are:
- Speeding — Though anyone behind the wheel can speed, Lyft drivers may feel more pressured to complete rides quickly to maximize their earnings, which can lead to high-speed collisions. Reckless maneuvers or speeding on sharp turns can cause single-vehicle or multi-car crashes.
- Distracted Driving — Many drivers rely on their smartphones for navigation. Lyft contractors also use them for ride notifications and communication with passengers. Accidents like rear-end collisions can happen when a driver takes their eyes off the road and fails to notice traffic slowing ahead.
- Fatigued Driving — Lyft drivers often work long hours, sometimes driving late at night or early in the morning. Fatigue can cause them to veer into other lanes, leading to sideswipe accidents. However, any road user may exhibit this behavior and cause accidents.
- Unsafe Pick-Up/Drop-Off Points — Lyft drivers may have to stop in dangerous places, such as busy intersections, highways, or bike lanes, to quickly pick up or drop off passengers. If they don’t warn other drivers to anticipate such sudden stops, accidents may occur. In addition, passengers who open their vehicle doors on the roadway may hit passing bicyclists or motorcyclists.
- Inadequate Vehicle Maintenance — Poor vehicle maintenance could lead to engine issues, tire blowouts, or brake malfunctions.
- Reckless Driving — Failure to yield the right of way, tailgating, ignoring traffic lights/signs, and improper lane changes can lead to the likes of head-on collisions and T-bone crashes.
Our Lyft accident attorneys in Costa Mesa are dedicated to building well-supported cases on our clients’ behalf. We use evidence, expert testimony, and strategic legal approaches to identify the accident’s cause and assign potential responsibility for their losses.
Hurt In A Lyft Accident?
Determining Liability After A Lyft Accident
To pursue compensation for your injuries, you must prove that someone’s negligence caused the accident. You might be asking, “How can I help prove negligence for my Lyft accident?” The answer lies in establishing these four key elements:
- Duty of Care — The at-fault party has the responsibility not to cause harm to another person.
- Breach of Duty — The at-fault party breached their duty of care.
- Causation — The breach of duty was the direct cause of the accident.
- Damages — The accident, which was caused by the breach of duty, caused injuries and losses to the victim.
Costa Mesa, like the rest of California, follows the pure comparative negligence rule for personal injury cases. Under this doctrine, even if the victim is partially responsible for the accident, they can still seek damages. However, compensation will be reduced depending on the victim’s percentage of fault.
For example, you are the victim, but the court decides that you are 25% at fault for the accident. So, if the total damages amount to 100,000 dollars, you may only be awarded 75,000 dollars.
If you need assistance determining how comparative negligence affects your case, speak with our Costa Mesa Lyft accident lawyers. We can analyze the specifics of your case, assess the degree of fault, and help you decide if you should pursue compensation.
Lyft Insurance Periods
California has specific insurance requirements for Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) like Lyft that affect how liability is determined and how coverage applies. Lyft’s insurance coverage is divided into these different time periods:
- Period 0 — The driver is not using the Lyft app. In the event of an accident, Lyft will not provide coverage. Victims will have to file a claim with the driver’s auto insurance company.
- Period 1 — The driver has not accepted a ride but is currently logged in to the Lyft app. In the event that the Lyft driver is at fault, Lyft will cover liability up to:
- $25,000 for property damage.
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury.
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury.
- Period 2 — The Lyft driver has accepted a trip and is on the way to the passenger. If the Lyft driver causes an accident, Lyft’s liability coverage goes up to $1 million.
- Period 3 — The driver is actively transporting the passenger to their destination when the accident happens. In this case, Lyft offers up to $1 million in coverage, along with uninsured motorists’ coverage and limited coverage for damage to the driver’s vehicle.
Our Costa Mesa Lyft accident lawyers can help explain which coverage period and limits apply to your case. Contact us by filling out our “Do I Have A Case?” form.
Identifying The Responsible Party
Determining liability in a Lyft accident can be complicated. Thorough investigation and careful analysis of the evidence are needed to identify what factors led to the collision and who is responsible. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, our Lyft accident attorneys in Costa Mesa may help you hold one or more of the following parties accountable for your injuries:
- Lyft Driver — The Lyft driver may be at fault if their negligence contributed to the accident. Examples include distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence.
- Another Driver — Other drivers involved in the accident may also be held liable. For example, you were a passenger involved in a collision caused by another driver’s negligence (e.g., running a red light or reckless driving). You may be able to pursue damages from the at-fault driver’s auto insurance.
- Lyft, Inc. — While Lyft often claims its drivers are independent contractors, the company may still bear some responsibility under certain circumstances. For instance, Lyft failed to conduct a thorough background check on a driver with a history of DUIs. If that driver causes an accident, the rideshare company may be held accountable.
- Government Entities or Private Property Owners — Poorly maintained roads, inadequate traffic signs, or faulty infrastructure can lead to car accidents. If evidence shows that a government agency, municipality, or private property owner neglected its duty to maintain safe road conditions, one of our car accident lawyers may be able to help you file a claim against them.
- Vehicle/Auto Parts Manufacturers — Defective vehicles or malfunctioning auto parts can also cause Lyft accidents. For instance, a brake failure or tire blowout due to a manufacturing defect may shift liability to the vehicle or parts manufacturer. These cases often fall under product liability law.
Lyft accidents can involve multiple layers of liability and insurance coverage, which is why you may wish to seek experienced legal representation. Speak with our Costa Mesa personal injury attorneys to study who may be responsible for causing your accident.
Strategies To Support A Lyft Accident Case
Establishing a successful Lyft accident claim requires careful preparation and attention to detail. The following strategies are key to building a case:
- Preserve Necessary Evidence — Accurate evidence and proper documentation can help back the validity of your case and assist with tasks like proving the negligence of at-fault parties. Some important pieces of evidence are:
- Lyft app data.
- Police report/documentation from any authorities who responded.
- Traffic camera or dashcam footage.
- Images/videos of the accident scene.
- Phone records of the suspected distracted driver.
- Arrests or citations for any reckless driving behaviors or violations.
- Statements from witnesses.
- Immediately Seek Medical Attention — Prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional ensures that your injuries are diagnosed and treated. It also creates an official medical record that links your injuries to the Lyft accident. Waiting too long to seek treatment may weaken your claim by making it harder to prove that your injuries are related to the accident.
- Work With Costa Mesa Lyft Accident Lawyers — Once you’ve gathered all the evidence and received medical attention, our team can study if and how they may take the lead in building your case. Doing so can involve filing the claim on your behalf, negotiating with insurance companies, and communicating with other involved parties.
Potential Damages In Lyft Accident Cases
Our Lyft accident attorneys in Costa Mesa can also assist in identifying and calculating the damages you suffered. What costs should be compensated? Here are some of them:
Economic damages are intended to compensate you for tangible financial losses that directly result from the accident. These are often easier to calculate because they involve actual costs and losses. Examples include:
- Lost Wages or Loss of Earning Capacity — If you are unable to work due to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income. This includes both your salary and any additional earnings, such as commissions, bonuses, or benefits. In case of permanent disability due to the accident, you can also seek compensation for the loss of possible income.
- Ongoing And Future Medical Costs — Compensation for current and future medical costs, including hospital bills, surgery, rehabilitation, medication, chiropractic care, and therapy. If you suffer from relatively minor injuries (such as sprains, bruises, or cuts), the compensation you seek may reflect your lower medical expenses. In contrast, severe injuries like broken bones, head trauma, spinal cord damage, or internal injuries often entail higher medical costs, which means additional compensation may be pursued to cover them.
- Property Damage — This covers the repair or replacement of a vehicle, as well as any other personal property damaged in the accident.
Non-economic damages pursue compensation for the non-physical impacts of the accident, including pain, suffering, and emotional distress. These can be more challenging to quantify, but they are equally important for acknowledging the full impact of your injuries.
Steps To Follow After A Lyft Accident
If you’re involved in a Lyft accident, taking steps like these may be beneficial for your immediate safety and future ability to file a claim:
- Move Away From Traffic — Ensure your safety and move to a safe location away from incoming traffic.
- Call The Authorities — Call 911 for emergency assistance, especially if anyone’s injured. The police report can serve as crucial evidence in your case. You should get checked by the paramedics even if you don’t feel injured. Medical records help establish the link between the accident and your injuries.
- Gather Important Evidence — If possible, take photos and videos of the accident scene. Collect contact information from witnesses. Keep records of police reports and medical visits.
- Report the Incident to Lyft — Notify Lyft about the accident as soon as possible. This helps confirm the timeline and initiates the claims process. You can use the app or this online form.
- Contact A Lyft Accident Lawyer — Before accepting any settlements or speaking with insurance companies, contact our Costa Mesa Lyft accident attorneys at (888) 488-1391 so we can go through your legal options.
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 Accidents
In California, the general deadline for filing a personal injury case is two years from the date of the accident. If you fail to file within this time frame, you may lose the right to seek compensation for your injuries.
However, some exceptions may apply depending on the circumstances of your case. To understand what deadlines the statute of limitations may impose on your claim, consult with our Costa Mesa Lyft accident lawyers. We may also assist you with filing a valid claim within the required time limits.
Lyft Accident Statistics
A University of Chicago study examined U.S. accident rates before and after rideshare vehicles became prevalent. Researchers found that when the rideshare business model took off, the number of injuries and fatalities in yearly traffic accidents increased. They also noted that there was a 3% spike in fatal accidents, which is also equivalent to almost 1,000 people dying in collisions every year.
The analysis also showed that prior to the rise of rideshare vehicles, the accident rates in major cities were around two accidents per 100,000 people. When ridesharing apps became popular, the average annual accident rate rose to 3.5 accidents per 100,000 people. Impact rates for pedestrians and bicycles similarly increased.
According to the 2020–2022 Lyft Safety Transparency Report, there were 111 motor vehicle fatalities, representing a 14% rise in the rate per 100 million vehicle miles driven. It is also a substantial increase of 31% compared to the previous report.
If you’ve been involved in a Lyft collision, don’t hesitate to reach out for knowledgeable legal support. Our car accident attorneys, who have previously handled cases involving Lyft vehicles, are here to help victims in Costa Mesa understand their options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need A Personal Injury Lawyer For A Lyft Accident?
You are not legally required to hire a personal injury lawyer, and you can handle your Lyft accident claim on your own. However, without a clear understanding of insurance policies, legal procedures, and liability issues, you may find it more challenging to go through the claims process.
Our Costa Mesa Lyft accident attorneys can handle your Lyft accident case from evidence gathering to the actual filing of the claim. We can also negotiate with the insurers on your behalf and work to agree on a settlement that closely reflects the value of your losses.
What Is The Value Of My Lyft Accident Injury Claim?
There is no definite answer to this question, as various factors can affect the value of any Lyft accident claim. These may include:
- The severity of your injuries.
- Types of injuries you sustained.
- Your ability to work/earn money after the accident.
- The current and anticipated expenses you incurred due to the incident.
- Whether or not you are partly responsible for the collision.
That said, claims with severe injuries or fatalities may involve seeking higher compensation, but it’s not the only aspect a lawyer will consider when assessing the impact and potential value of your damages. As a result, this does not mean that you shouldn’t pursue your claim if your injuries are minor. Our Costa Mesa Lyft accident lawyers can help you calculate your losses following a Lyft accident.
Should I Settle My Claim If I Have Been Injured In A Lyft Accident?
The answer depends on the circumstances surrounding your Lyft accident. Our Costa Mesa Lyft accident attorneys can help you assess your options, carefully weigh the pros and cons, and inform your decisions on how to respond to settlement offers based on the details of your case.
How Long Will It Take To Pursue A Lyft Accident Claim?
The timeline for a Lyft accident claim depends on several factors, including how long it takes for both parties to agree on the settlement terms, the complexity of the case, and whether there are any disputes regarding liability or the value of the claim. If a resolution cannot be reached, our Costa Mesa Lyft accident lawyers may recommend taking your case to court, which can extend how long it will take to resolve it.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Costa Mesa Lyft Accident Lawyer?
It usually depends on the complexity of your case, as well as the billing policies of your lawyer or the law firm you are about to work with. Our Costa Mesa Lyft accident lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, which means clients do not have to pay anything up front. They are only charged attorney fees if they are awarded compensation. This arrangement, as well as the other litigation costs that may still apply outside of it, are discussed by our lawyers before they agree to take on a case.
Can I File A Personal Injury Lawsuit If I’m Not A Legal Citizen?
Yes, in California, you can file a claim even if you are not a legal citizen. California personal injury laws protect all victims, regardless of their citizenship or immigration status. These protections ensure that individuals who are injured, whether in a Lyft collision or another type of incident, can seek compensation if they have a valid claim.
Additionally, families who have lost a loved one in a wrongful death accident are also entitled to pursue claims with the same legal protections in place. Immigration status will not prevent relatives from seeking justice and compensation for their loss. If you want to learn more about your rights and options, get in touch with our Costa Mesa Lyft accident attorneys.
Reach Out To Our Experienced Costa Mesa Lyft Accident Lawyers
When a Lyft vehicle is involved in a crash, the complexities of rideshare laws can make pursuing compensation more difficult. Lyft accidents come with unique challenges. For example, the fact that its drivers are classified as independent contractors significantly impact liability and the claims process.
At Arash Law, our goal is to help you understand how to seek compensation in these circumstances. Having gained experience in handling Lyft accident cases for injured clients, we are ready to review your case.
Our lawyers also handle other personal injury claims involving Uber crashes, truck accidents, and more. We serve clients in Newport Beach, Fountain Valley, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Santa Ana, Tustin, Garden Grove, Westminster, Orange, Laguna Beach, Stanton, Laguna Woods, Anaheim, and Aliso Viejo, as well as other victims injured in accidents throughout California.
