Del Norte Lyft Accident Attorneys
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Life Moves Fast. Accidents Happen. Del Norte Lyft Accident Attorneys Can Help.
Did you suffer serious injuries after getting into an accident with a Lyft? If you were involved in one due to negligence, our Del Norte Lyft accident attorneys can help you explore your legal options. Call (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Del Norte County is a place for nature lovers, adventurers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Lyft provides locals and tourists with a reliable alternative to driving around the area, offering convenience and flexibility. However, with more vehicles on the road, the risk of traffic collisions increases. When accidents occur, the consequences may include physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial burdens.
Seeking legal guidance after a rideshare accident can help you better understand your rights and potential avenues for recovery. Our attorneys can review the details of your situation, explain how California law may apply, and answer questions about the claims process. Taking this step may provide clarity and direction as you move forward.
How Our Del Norte Lyft Accident Attorneys At Arash Law Can Help
Our attorneys in Del Norte can assist you if you want to pursue legal action after a Lyft accident. Here are some of the ways we may offer support:
- Investigating Your Accident — Our team can gather evidence that may support your claim, including medical records, witness accounts, and available photos or video footage of the accident. These pieces of evidence can help establish liability and illustrate the extent of your damages.
- Identifying Potentially Responsible Parties — We examine the circumstances of your car accident to identify all parties that may share responsibility. In addition to drivers, this review can include Lyft, the vehicle manufacturer, maintenance providers, or other agencies.
- Reviewing Insurance Coverage — We carefully review the insurance policies involved to identify what coverage may apply to your situation. This step helps consider all available sources of potential recovery.
- Presenting Your Case in Court — If a reasonable settlement cannot be reached with the other parties, our attorneys in Del Norte County may suggest taking your case to court.
Gomez v. PG Transportation (settled on 8/11/2023) – settlement involving a man who was struck by a car resulting in a mild traumatic brain injury as well as other orthopedic injuries.– TINA ESHGHIEH
Understanding Lyft Insurance Coverages
Transportation network companies (TNCs) like Lyft are legally required to maintain commercial liability insurance to protect their drivers and riders. Coverage and limits depend on the driver’s status on the app, which may fall within one of the following periods.
Period 1
Once the driver has logged onto the app and begins waiting for a ride request, Lyft’s insurance takes effect. During this period, Lyft’s insurance has the following coverage limits:
- $50,000 for bodily injury per person.
- $100,000 for bodily injury per accident.
- $25,000 for property damage per accident.
Period 2 And Period 3
Once the driver is en route to pick up the passenger, Period 2 begins, and Period 3 starts when the passenger is picked up until the latter is dropped off at their destination. The coverage limits for these periods are as follows:
- $1,000,000 third-party liability.
- Uninsured/Underinsured (UM/UIM) motorist coverage.
- Contingent comprehensive and collision (up to the vehicle’s actual cash value with a $2,500 deductible).
Our Del Norte Lyft accident attorneys understand how insurance coverage rules may apply in these cases and can help you review which policies could be relevant to your situation. However, please remember that what you may be able to pursue may not be equal to the coverage limits Lyft provides in certain scenarios. As such, we can also assist clients by communicating with insurance adjusters and discussing the courses of action available to them.
Additional Rider Protection Under California Laws
Other regulations are in place to protect rideshare passengers. Lyft’s driver requirements include the following:
- Driver applicants should pass Lyft’s background checks.
- Lyft and other rideshare companies should disqualify applicants with felony convictions, violent crime records, and sexual offenses.
- Lyft and any other rideshare company should also not contract any driver who has been convicted of any of the following within the last seven years:
- Acts of terrorism.
- Fraud-related, theft, or property damage offenses.
- Driving under the influence.
- The rideshare company’s logo must be displayed on the front and back windshields of the vehicle, particularly when the driver is online. The logo provides a level of assurance to passengers that they are getting into an authorized Lyft vehicle, not a random car.
- Lyft drivers must not discriminate against persons with disabilities, including those who use assisted mobility devices.
- Lyft vehicles must meet all inspection and safety requirements.
Lyft may be negligent in hiring or retaining drivers when it fails to exercise reasonable care in ensuring that its drivers are qualified, competent, and trustworthy. Our Del Norte Lyft accident lawyers can help you evaluate whether Lyft’s negligence contributed to the accident and your damages. Contact our Del Norte injury law firm for a free case review.
Common Causes Of Lyft Accidents
Lyft accidents can occur due to various factors. Driver error is one of the top contributors to these collisions. Here are the common causes that our Del Norte Lyft accident attorneys also often observe in these cases:
- Lyft Driver’s Error — Lyft drivers can cause accidents through risky behaviors like distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, and recklessness, endangering themselves, passengers, and others on the road.
- Lyft’s Negligent Hiring Procedures — Our team can examine whether Lyft may share responsibility for your accident. If the at-fault driver has a recent driving arrest or has been convicted of a heinous crime, then they shouldn’t be allowed to drive for the company. In such cases, Lyft’s hiring and oversight practices could be an important factor in a claim.
- Another Motorist’s Driving Mistake — Even if a Lyft driver is cautious, accidents can happen due to another driver’s negligence. If you’re injured as a passenger in such a collision, the at-fault driver is responsible for damages. Should their insurance fall short, Lyft’s insurance might cover the remaining costs.
- Vehicular Problems — Rideshare accidents may also happen due to vehicular problems, such as tire blowouts and brake failures. If the problem was due to neglect in maintenance, then the driver’s or Lyft’s insurance will pay for the damages. If the defective part was a manufacturing error, our Lyft and Uber accident lawyers in Del Norte can help you file a product liability claim.
- Poor Road Conditions — Poor road conditions, including potholes, unclear traffic signs, and rockslides, can complicate a journey and may lead to a Lyft accident. In such cases, the entity responsible for road maintenance (be it government or private) could be liable for any damages incurred.
Common Injuries Sustained In Lyft Accidents
It’s important to know the various injuries Lyft accident victims can face to make a detailed claim. The kind of injuries and how serious they are play a big role in figuring out compensation. This includes not just the immediate medical costs but also long-term care, rehabilitation, and potential loss of income, among other factors.
Our Del Norte Lyft accident attorneys can review your situation and may consult with medical providers to better understand the scope of your injuries. Among the common injuries sustained in Lyft accidents are:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) — Ranging from mild to severe, they can impact cognitive functions and quality of life, underscoring the need for compensation that addresses long-term care and potential loss of earnings.
- Broken Bones — While some may only require a splint or cast, severe cases needing surgery can lead to substantial medical bills, making it crucial to accurately assess and claim these costs.
- Burns — These injuries can lead to permanent scarring and disfigurement. If they affect the victim’s emotional well-being and ability to work, they may be accounted for when pursuing compensation.
- Back and Spinal Cord Injuries — These can result from the force of a collision and may require expensive surgeries and long-term rehabilitation, significantly increasing the financial burden on the victim.
- Amputation — The loss of a limb can drastically reduce mobility and independence, necessitating compensation for medical costs, prosthetics, and adapting living spaces, as well as for emotional impact.
Proving Negligence In Lyft Accidents
To pursue a Lyft accident claim, our attorneys in Del Norte will work to demonstrate that the responsible parties were negligent. This involves proving the four key elements of negligence:
- Duty of Care — The first step is to show that the responsible party owed a duty of care. For example, Lyft drivers are expected to follow traffic laws and ensure passenger safety.
- Breach of Duty — Next, it must be demonstrated that the responsible party breached their duty of care. Evidence such as impaired driving may be used to prove that the driver failed to meet this standard.
- Causation — It must also be established that the breach of duty directly caused the accident. For instance, if the driver was impaired, it can be shown that this contributed to the crash.
- Damages — Finally, the victim must prove that they suffered damages as a result of the accident. This could include medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional or psychological trauma.
Compensation You Can Pursue
As an accident victim, you may have the right to pursue monetary compensation for the losses you sustained. Our experienced Del Norte Lyft accident attorneys can help you assess the extent of those losses to see whether you can seek any of the following types of damages.
- Economic damages are actual, tangible damages or expenses. They typically include the following:
- Current and future medical-related expenses.
- Repair and replacement costs of damaged property.
- Lost wages or diminished earning capacity.
- Non-economic damages are subjective and intangible losses. They include:
- Emotional pain and mental suffering.
- Psychological trauma and emotional distress.
- Loss of relationship or consortium.
- Diminished quality of life.
In very rare cases, the court may also award punitive damages. This compensation is awarded to the plaintiff as punishment for the defendant. The judge may order the defendant to pay you punitive damages if their actions were grossly negligent, intentional, or malicious.
The judge or jury will decide on the amount based on the evidence and losses presented. However, they will consider the victim’s contributory negligence, or if the victim was also partly responsible for their injuries. Since California is a comparative fault state, any settlement awarded to them may be reduced in proportion to their percentage of fault in causing the accident.
What You Should Do After A Lyft Accident
Any motor vehicle accident could leave you confused and disoriented. You might start asking, “Who should I call?” or “Do I need a personal injury lawyer?” To ensure your safety and protect your rights, you can take steps such as the following:
- Prioritize safety. If you’re a passenger, ask your driver to move the vehicle to the side of the road if it is safe to do so.
- Assess yourself for injuries. Immediately call 911 if you or anyone involved in the accident needs emergency medical assistance. Cooperate with the police and the paramedics once they arrive.
- Take photos of the accident, including the injuries you sustained, the extent of vehicle damage, road conditions, and weather. See if there are any witnesses. Ask for their names and contact information if you can.
- If you were a passenger, screenshot your Lyft ride details. That should include the driver’s name, as well as their vehicle model and make. Ask for the driver’s insurance information.
- Report the accident to Lyft and the proper authorities, such as the CHP or the DMV.
- Seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, you should still see a doctor to ensure that you do not have any hidden injuries.
- Consult with experienced Del Norte Lyft accident lawyers, especially if you intend to file a claim. We can also guide you through what to say to your insurance provider to protect your rights.
To the naked eye, this case was a simple rear-end auto crash where our client suffered a disc herniation in his lumbar spine requiring two epidural pain management injections to help him with his pain. But our team managed to secure the maximum policy limits of the at-fault party due to the lifelong pain and future medical care he would require.– BENNY KHORSANDI
Time Limit For Filing Your Lyft Accident Claim
The statute of limitations, or the time limit, for filing personal injury claims in California is two years from the accident date. However, for claims involving government entities, you only have six months. When you fail to file your claim during this period, you may no longer be allowed to pursue any claim related to the accident. Contact our experienced Lyft accident attorneys in Del Norte so they may discuss what exceptions may apply to your case and help you meet all necessary deadlines.
Lyft Accident Statistics
Researchers from the University of Chicago and Rice University have noted an increase in accident rates after rideshare services entered the U.S. market. Specifically, there has been a 3% rise in fatal accidents, equivalent to almost a thousand more deaths every year. Accident rates in major cities have also increased to a total of 3.5 per 100,000 people from 2 per 100,000 people. The same increase in bicycle and pedestrian accidents has also been observed.
Additionally, Lyft published its Safety Transparency Report covering the years 2020 to 2022. It reported 111 motor vehicle fatalities. This represents a 14% increase in the rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled and a 31% increase in the incident frequency rate compared to that of the previous report.
Lyft maintains that safety incidents during trips are relatively rare. However, they do still happen. Our Del Norte Lyft accident lawyers are committed to helping these victims explore what they can legally do after such events. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need A Lawyer For A Lyft Accident Claim In Del Norte County?
Technically, you don’t need to have a lawyer to file a Lyft accident claim in Del Norte or anywhere in California. However, an attorney can help you navigate the complexities of the claims process. Our Del Norte Lyft accident attorneys can represent your interests and assist with negotiations involving insurance companies.
Although some may doubt the need for personal injury attorneys, many clients have found value in having them on their side.
“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)
Should I File A Claim With Lyft After My Accident?
If you sustained serious injuries or your loved one died in a preventable Lyft accident, then you may have the right to file a claim. With California’s comparative fault principle, you may do so even if you’re partly responsible for the accident. You can schedule a free initial consultation by calling our Del Norte Lyft accident lawyers at (888) 488-1391.
How Much Is My Rideshare Accident Claim Worth?
To put it simply, we can’t determine the value of your claim because each one is different. However, our experienced Lyft accident lawyers in Del Norte County can estimate its worth and may work with experts such as economists and medical specialists to calculate your damages. We will take into account current and future expenses, as well as long-term intangible damages.
How Long Will It Take To Settle My Lyft Accident Claim?
In a similar vein, it’s difficult to tell how long it will take to pursue a claim. These can depend on multiple factors, like the time needed to investigate your accident and negotiate with insurance companies.
In general, civil claims are settled privately to save time and money. However, if a settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, experienced Lyft accident attorneys in Del Norte are prepared to take your case to court. A trial may prolong the timeline of your claim.
I Don’t Feel Any Pain After My Lyft Accident. Should I See A Doctor?
After a Lyft accident, or any vehicular accident for that matter, you should see a medical professional right away. Some injuries can be masked by adrenaline and endorphins, so you won’t notice the symptoms right away. However, these injuries can worsen if not treated immediately.
Furthermore, seeking medical attention for your injuries will generate necessary medical records. Our Del Norte Lyft accident lawyers can use these documents as evidence in your claim.
Who Can File A Lyft Accident Claim In California?
In California, any individual injured in a Lyft accident potentially has the right to file a claim, with no exceptions based on personal circumstances such as immigration status, race, gender, and more. Our team of Lyft accident attorneys in Del Norte is committed to seeing that no one discriminates against you based on these factors as you pursue your claim. Additionally, we offer alternative ways to communicate if English isn’t your first language. Let us know what you’re more comfortable speaking in, and we’ll aim to provide the necessary translation services during our meetings.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Lyft Accident Attorney?
This also depends on the circumstances of your case. You may be charged more if it’s complex, such as if it involves multiple defendants or needs to be taken to trial.
However, you might not be charged these costs upfront if you decide to work on a valid claim with our Del Norte Lyft accident attorneys. We work on a contingency fee basis. This means that our clients only shoulder attorney fees if they’re awarded a settlement. Some litigation costs may still apply outside of this payment system, but we communicate these to them before we start working on their cases.
Consult With Experienced Lyft Accident Lawyers In Del Norte
Arash Law can help you investigate your case and identify all potentially liable parties. Our Del Norte Lyft accident lawyers can also gather key evidence to strengthen your case. We are committed to pursuing the compensation that may be available to you, based on the evidence.
Schedule a free initial consultation by calling us at (888) 488-1391 or filling out this form. Our experienced attorneys also offer legal assistance throughout Del Norte, including Klamath, Gasquet, Requa, Smith River, Fort Dick, Hiouchi, Yontocket, and Crescent City. We further extend our services to other counties and cities in California, such as Shasta County, Siskiyou County, Humboldt County, Los Angeles, Bakersfield, Riverside, San Diego, and Clearlake.
