El Dorado County 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 El Dorado County Lyft Accident Lawyers Offer Guidance Rooted In Experience
A seemingly normal day of going to work or a fun day out in El Dorado can turn into a distressing experience because of a Lyft accident. Nevertheless, you can rely on our El Dorado County Lyft accident lawyers to guide you. Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
El Dorado County offers a diverse range of leisure activities for both residents and tourists. One of the most popular ways to get around the area, whether for fun, running errands, or commuting to work, is by car. In 2022, the county had an average of two cars per household. Yet, many residents and visitors lean towards using Lyft as an alternative to driving. This allows them to avoid the hassle of driving in congested traffic and parking issues commonly associated with heavy reliance on cars. However, this convenience comes with risks; passengers may get injured in Lyft accidents.
How Our El Dorado County Lyft Accident Lawyers Can Help
If you’re asking, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer for help?” There is a chance you do. Lyft insurance requirements can be complex, and an experienced lawyer can guide you through the process. Here’s what we can do for you:
- Build a Personalized Case — Our El Dorado lawyers will first meet with you to understand your Lyft accident case, needs, and goals. We’ll thoroughly investigate, gather key evidence like photos, videos, and eyewitness statements, and apply our knowledge of Lyft accidents to support your case.
- Establish Liability — Determining who is at fault after a Lyft accident can be challenging. Our Lyft accident attorneys in El Dorado County work diligently to establish fault and assist victims in seeking compensation through the legal process.
- Calculate Your Damages — Lyft accident claims are complicated, requiring an understanding of your expenses, losses, and entitled damages. Our experienced El Dorado Lyft accident lawyers can guide you through the process of pursuing compensation for your damages.
- Explore All Options for Compensation — Our firm is committed to guiding you by exploring all sources, including personal injury and product liability claims. We also address financial concerns by assessing immediate support options, such as insurance or government assistance, while your case is pending.
- Advocate for Your Rights — Having experienced legal representation can be beneficial for your claim, whether in settlement talks or in court. Our El Dorado Lyft accident attorneys are dedicated to helping you and prioritizing your interests. While we strive for a fair settlement, we’re prepared to take your case to court if it’s necessary.
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 Our Attorneys Help With Your Lyft Accident Case
At Arash Law, our attorneys have experience handling complex Lyft accident claims. Our law firm provides dedicated legal representation throughout El Dorado County and the rest of California.
Along with our passionate advocacy and thorough efforts, here are some other things we provide:
- Decades of Experience — Our personal injury lawyers have represented numerous clients over the years. We utilize our knowledge and experience to assist other clients in seeking compensation.
- Comprehensive Case Assessment — Our team reviews both the immediate and long-term impact of your injuries and losses. We consider every aspect of your situation when preparing your claim.
- Legal Guidance — We clearly explain your legal rights and options at every stage of the process and will answer any concerns you may have. This helps you stay informed and confident when making important decisions.
What Makes Lyft Accidents Different From Car Accidents
Lyft accidents are more complex than typical car accidents due to the potential involvement of the rideshare company. Key complications include the independent contractor status of Lyft drivers under Proposition 22, which limits Lyft’s liability. Another contributing factor to the confusion is the nuanced insurance terms that depend on the driver’s status at the time of the accident (logged into the app, open for bookings, or actively picking up/dropping off passengers). These factors make handling Lyft accident cases uniquely challenging.
Types Of Lyft Accidents In El Dorado
Lyft accidents can happen in the following ways:
- Rear-End Accidents — These collisions happen when one vehicle hits the back of another due to the driver being distracted, tailgating, or the lead driver stopping abruptly without giving enough notice for the following vehicle to stop safely.
- Head-On Collisions — In head-on accidents, two vehicles crash into each other’s front ends, which can result in severe injuries because the combined speed of both cars causes a greater impact.
- Intersection Accidents — Many collisions occur at intersections due to running red lights and failing to yield the right of way.
- Sideswipes — Two cars moving alongside each other might collide from the side because of carelessness from either or both of the drivers. While some of these sideswipe collisions can be minor, they have the potential to be devastating, especially when occurring at high speeds.
Lyft accidents can be unpredictable, resulting from the negligence of your driver, another motorist, or both. They can also occur without involving another motor vehicle. For example, your Lyft vehicle could crash into pedestrians or bicyclists, or get in a single-vehicle collision should the driver lose control of the vehicle.
Victims of any type of Lyft accident have the right to pursue compensation if they are proven eligible. The difficult part is identifying the liable party after considering the specific circumstances of the accident.
Hurt in a Lyft Accident?
Leading Causes Of Lyft Accidents
Understanding the causes of accidents is key to personal injury claims. Knowing what led to the accident helps establish liability. It provides clarity on who is at fault and the extent of their negligence. This evidence is crucial for negotiating a settlement or court proceedings. It may also establish accountability and support your pursuit of compensation for injuries and losses.
Our El Dorado County attorneys have experience with Lyft accident cases involving the following causes:
Driver Error
Lyft drivers are the same as regular drivers on the road. They’re not required to have a commercial driver’s license and don’t get special training to transport passengers around El Dorado. They’re also prone to make the same errors as other drivers, such as:
- Using their phone while driving.
- Driving too fast for the conditions.
- Drunk or drugged driving.
- Running red lights.
- Breaking traffic laws.
- Driving while fatigued.
Accidents involving Lyft vehicles can also result from the actions of other drivers on the road if they make any of the mistakes above.
Vehicle Equipment Breakdowns
Negligence that leads to accidents doesn’t only occur while driving. It can also happen before a vehicle hits the road, such as when a Lyft driver neglects regular maintenance. This is incredibly dangerous because their vehicles are subject to increased wear and tear due to frequent usage. Malfunctions can also arise from design flaws or manufacturing errors of faulty components, leading to an accident.
How do you determine who should pay for your injuries in a Lyft accident resulting from an auto defect? Our Lyft accident lawyers can investigate and find out if the crash is due to poor maintenance, defective parts, or both.
Dangerous Road Conditions
Many accidents in El Dorado County occur because of road hazards such as badly designed intersections, a lack of traffic lights or broken signals, potholes, and a lack of guardrails.
Traffic congestion is also a significant concern in the county due to its reliance on automobiles. In some parts, it occurs due to backups and pass-through traffic from major highways, like State Route 49 and U.S. Route 50. Local and state governments are responsible for maintaining road safety. If they fail in this duty, and that failure leads to an accident, they may share liability.
Company Negligence
Lyft may be liable if its negligence contributed to the accident. For instance, the company failed to conduct a thorough background check on a driver with a history of reckless driving. That driver later caused a collision that injured their passenger. In this case, Lyft could be held accountable as it could have prevented the accident by performing its duties diligently.
Proving Lyft’s negligence is necessary if you want to sue the company. It’s not directly responsible for the actions of its drivers, who are considered independent contractors rather than employees. If you want to know if you have a valid case, talk to our Lyft accident lawyers in El Dorado County. Contact us for a free consultation.
Typical Injuries Sustained In Lyft Accidents
In a Lyft accident, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists are at risk of sustaining various injuries, such as:
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Whiplash
- Cuts and lacerations
- Broken bones
- Amputation
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Internal organ damage
- Burn injuries
These injuries range in severity, some needing minor care and others requiring extensive treatment and rehabilitation. Certain conditions, such as TBI and spinal cord injuries, might lead to permanent disability. The impact on each individual will vary based on the nature of their injuries. It’s up to your medical team to provide a comprehensive assessment and treatment plan tailored to your situation.
Similarly, your El Dorado County Lyft accident lawyers will calculate all the damages you incur due to your injuries. These include medical bills, rehabilitation costs, medications, and other related expenses. Our attorneys meticulously assess your case and help you file a claim appropriate for your damages.
Elements Of Negligence In A Lyft Accident Claim
In any personal injury case, including a Lyft accident claim, you need to prove the four elements of negligence:
- Duty of Care — Each person has a legal obligation to prevent harm to others, with varying degrees of care. A Lyft driver, being a person who transports passengers for a fee, owes the highest degree of care to their passengers. They are expected to meet higher standards than regular drivers due to the nature of their work.
- Breach of Duty — If someone fails to exercise the level of care expected of them in a given situation, they breach their duty of care. An example is a Lyft driver recklessly endangering other road users or failing to avoid a foreseeable collision.
- Causation — Next, you must show that there’s a clear link between their breach of duty and the accident. For example, the Lyft driver sped through a red light, and that directly led to the collision in which you got injured.
- Damages — Lastly, you must prove you suffered losses from the accident. Some examples are medical bills, emotional suffering, lost income, and other damages. There would be no grounds for compensation if you did not sustain a loss.
These legal technicalities might sound confusing to the average person, but this is where our legal knowledge applies. Our Lyft accident lawyers in El Dorado County will handle each step of the process with diligence and care.
Liable Parties In A Lyft Accident
In California, the at-fault party and their insurance company are responsible for compensating the injured. In a Lyft accident, they could include:
- Lyft Driver — The Lyft driver would be liable for any injuries or damages if they caused the accident through reckless driving, speeding, or other negligent behavior.
- Lyft As A Company — Lyft could also be held responsible in specific situations. However, it must display direct negligence for it to be considered liable.
- Third-Party — If the accident was partially or fully caused by someone else, like a road rage driver or a mechanic who installed a part the wrong way, you may have options to file a claim with their insurance provider.
- Vehicle Manufacturer — If a defective part caused the accident, the manufacturer can be liable under product liability laws.
- Government Entity — The government can be responsible for accidents caused by the neglect of its duties, such as maintaining safe road conditions, fixing potholes on time, putting up traffic signs, or designing safe intersections.
To identify who’s liable for your accident, our El Dorado County Lyft accident lawyers can review the specifics of the incident. If the Lyft driver is to blame, we can also determine which insurance policy will apply. Moreover, our team will investigate thoroughly, as multiple parties may be involved.
Potential Compensation In A Lyft Accident Injury Claim
One type of compensation you can pursue is special damages, which refer to verifiable monetary losses. To understand potential compensation for these damages, you would calculate your losses and expenses related to the accident and injuries, though the final amount depends on various legal factors, such as:
- Medical bills
- Treatment costs
- Therapy sessions
- Medications
- Property repair or replacement
- Lost income
- Loss of earning capacity
Although adding these up might seem straightforward, certain damages are complicated to calculate. For example, the value of your reduced earning capacity would consider several factors, such as your current salary, career trajectory, economic climate, and age.
The other type of compensable damages is general damages or non-economic losses. They are more difficult to quantify because of their subjective nature. Examples include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Psychological trauma
- Disability and disfigurement
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of enjoyment of life
California generally does not impose statutory caps on non-economic damages in personal injury cases, though courts have discretion in determining appropriate awards. Your El Dorado Lyft accident attorneys will work to seek proper compensation based on factors such as the available evidence and the scope of your losses.
Understanding Lyft Insurance Coverage
Lyft’s accident insurance policy follows California’s insurance requirements for Transportation Network Companies (TNCs). It can be a bit complicated to understand and navigate, especially for those not familiar with it. Consider consulting our El Dorado Lyft accident lawyers to guide you through the process. We will give a thorough explanation regarding Lyft’s third-party liability coverage, which is divided into different periods:
Period 0
The period before the driver goes online on the Lyft driver app is classified as Period 0. During this stage, the driver’s auto insurance is in effect. You can’t file a claim with Lyft as the driver is not engaged in ridesharing activities at this time.
Period 1
Once the driver logs into the app and while waiting for a ride request, Lyft will provide limited coverage if the driver’s insurance is insufficient. The coverage amounts in case of a collision are:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury.
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury.
- $30,000 per accident for property damage.
Period 2
The next stage begins once the driver has accepted a booking and is on the way to pick up the passenger. During Period 2, Lyft’s third-party liability insurance will serve as the primary coverage. It provides a minimum of $1,000,000 for covered accidents.
Period 3
This period begins once the rider gets in the Lyft vehicle and ends when the ride is completed. The same coverage in Period 2 applies.
What To Do If You Get In A Lyft Accident
After a Lyft accident, it is important to stay calm, though that’s easier said than done. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, especially if you’re injured. Here’s a detailed list of steps to consider after an accident:
Ensure Your Safety
First, keep yourself safe from further harm. Move to a safe location away from traffic, if possible. Once you’re secure, check yourself for any injuries.
Call For Help
If you or anyone is seriously injured, call 911 immediately. If you’re incapable, ask bystanders or passersby to call on your behalf.
You can also contact safety specialists through the app if you’re a Lyft passenger. Lyft has partnered with ADT, a security and automation company, to provide live support. Click on Safety Tools > Tap Get Emergency Help > Choose an option. You can choose to receive a call from ADT, get a text from ADT, or alert 911 silently.
Report The Accident
Calling 911 alerts local law enforcement to the accident, police should come to the scene, and a report should be generated. If, for some reason, the police do not come, you can call the non-emergency hotline or visit the police station in person later on. You may also need to report the incident to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if there are injuries, a fatality, or if the property damage exceeds $1000. This report helps speed up the claims process and provides helpful information for your case.
You should also report the accident to Lyft through one of the two methods below:
- Via the App — If you are a passenger, you can report through the Help section.
- Online — You can file a report online if you’re a passenger or a third party.
Seek Medical Assistance
Go to your doctor or a hospital to get a full medical checkup right after the accident, even if you feel fine. This step is very important, as it can help:
- Diagnose any injuries that might not be immediately apparent but are life-threatening if not addressed.
- Create a trail of documentation that can link your injuries to the accident, helping you support your claim.
Consult A Lyft Accident Attorney
Talking to Lyft accident attorneys in El Dorado can help you handle the next steps. The ensuing process can be intimidating and confusing, especially since you’re already dealing with the challenges caused by the accident. To learn more about protecting your rights, seek help from Arash Law. You can reach us at (888) 488-1391.
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
Key Pieces Of Evidence To Support Your Lyft Accident Claim
Your claim will need to be substantiated by sufficient evidence to succeed. Our El Dorado County Lyft accident lawyers understand what evidence is needed and how to obtain it. We dive deep into every case, investigating every detail to find anything we can use to prove the other party’s negligence and substantiate the damages you have claimed. We will gather the following key pieces of evidence:
Photos And Videos Of The Accident Scene
Visual evidence is often compelling evidence in a case. It provides an objective account of the accident, the events leading up to it, and the immediate aftermath. Our Lyft accident lawyers can collect photos and video recordings from different sources, including:
- Recordings you took on your smartphone.
- The phones of witnesses, if any.
- Dashcams, rear cameras, and interior cameras.
- Nearby traffic and speed cameras.
- CCTV from the surrounding establishments.
Some pieces of evidence can be hard to obtain, as those not involved in an accident are generally not required to hand them over. Your lawyer may need to subpoena these items. You must also move quickly, as evidence can be lost over time.
Medical Records And Bills
Your medical records can directly link your injuries to the accident. This is why it’s important to seek immediate medical care after an accident. To support your case, our El Dorado Lyft accident attorneys can gather the hospital bills and invoices for the treatment you received and the medical supplies you’ve purchased. We’ll use these to calculate your medical expenses, allowing us to justify your claim.
Witness Accounts
Our Lyft accident lawyers can contact and ask witnesses to provide an unbiased, third-party account of what happened. They can corroborate your version of events. If your case proceeds to trial, our attorneys will ask them to share their testimony with the judge and jury.
Expert Opinions
Our law firm can consult experts and professionals who may serve as witnesses. Medical experts can testify about the severity of your injuries, the treatment you’ll need, and how long your recovery will take. Economists can help quantify your financial losses in the future, especially if you can’t work in the same capacity due to your injuries.
Accident Reports
Our El Dorado County Lyft accident lawyers will review accident reports, including the official police report. We’ll use these documents to build a comprehensive case, even if they are typically not admissible in court. They can still serve as supporting documents by providing key details, such as:
- The police officer’s firsthand observation of the accident scene.
- Any citations issued to the driver.
- The contact information of any witnesses.
El Dorado’s Statute Of Limitations For Lyft Accident Claims
The statute of limitations sets deadlines for filing claims. For personal injury cases, including Lyft accidents, the time limit in California is two years from the accident date. El Dorado County follows the same timeframe.
However, there are some exceptions. For example, if you sustained injuries but didn’t realize it until some time after the accident, the statute of limitations will only run from the date you discovered them. For cases involving minors, the deadline can be tolled (paused) until they reach the age of majority, which is 18 years old in California.
Nevertheless, if you miss the applicable deadline, you won’t be able to pursue a claim for that accident. This means losing the right to get compensation for your injuries and losses. Contact our El Dorado County Lyft accident lawyers to discuss the time limits that may apply to your case.
Are you wondering if you’re still eligible to file a case? Let’s discuss your case in a free consultation.
Lyft Accident Statistics
A University of Chicago study found that the surge in rideshare services like Lyft is linked to a 3% rise in fatal traffic accidents across the country. That equates to almost 1,000 victims per year. Before the widespread use of rideshares, the accident rate in major U.S. cities was relatively stable at around 2 per 100,000 people annually. After the introduction of ridesharing, the rate climbed to approximately 3.5 per 100,000.
Even more concerning is that Lyft fatalities are on an upward trend, as revealed in its latest Safety Report. From 2020 to 2022, Lyft recorded 111 motor vehicle fatalities. That’s a 14% increase per 100 million miles traveled and a 31% rise in the incident frequency rate compared to the previous report, which covered 2017 to 2019. It also recorded 23 fatal physical assaults, marking a 185% increase.
The total number of safety incidents was 0.0002% of the total rides across the covered years. While that may seem small, imagine if it were to apply to last year’s figures. That would translate to around 141,800 trips from the 709 million total rides in 2023. Furthermore, the report did not account for injury-only incidents, which are bound to be higher in number than fatality incidents.
Our El Dorado County Lyft accident lawyers are ready to help those needing legal support and representation, helping them retrieve what they’ve lost or get the resources they need to build a new life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need A Lawyer To File An Insurance Claim For A Lyft Accident?
While not required for insurance claims, hiring a lawyer who handles Lyft accidents in El Dorado County can be advantageous. They are knowledgeable in the specifics of Lyft accident cases, such as the unique rideshare insurance system, any specific evidence to gather, and other details that can support your claim. With their help, you can pursue compensation for your losses.
How Much Is My Lyft Accident Claim Worth?
The value of your Lyft accident claim will depend on different factors. If your claims are proven, you are generally entitled to recover the full amount of your damages, including your medical bills, property damage, lost income, pain and suffering, reduced quality of life, etc. Calculating the value of each loss will take some time and expertise, as every aspect of your life will be carefully evaluated to ensure that all your damages are accounted for.
Our El Dorado County Lyft accident attorneys can calculate your damages and advocate for your claim.
How Long Will It Take To Receive My Settlement In A Lyft Accident Claim?
Once the settlement agreement has been signed, you will typically receive the proceeds within a few weeks. There’s no guaranteed timeline, as it depends on how fast the insurance company processes your check. If you have a lawyer, they must first distribute the settlement funds to pay for medical liens, reimburse your insurance company, and recover their legal fees. After that, you will receive the remaining amount.
If the insurance company delays your payout for no reason, the process might take longer. This is why having legal representation is important. Your El Dorado County Lyft accident lawyers can advocate on your behalf to expedite the process and address any unjustified delays.
Can I Sue Lyft For My Accident?
In most Lyft accidents, you will sue the driver instead of the company. This is because they are not considered employees, so Lyft is not automatically held responsible for the negligence of its drivers. However, there are some instances when the company itself is negligent, which would expose it to a lawsuit.
For instance, if its negligence in hiring contributed to the accident, it could be held partially at fault. Another example is if it fails to act on a known safety issue, leading to an accident.
There are many other situations where Lyft can be named as a defendant. Talk to our Lyft accident lawyers in El Dorado County to determine if Lyft may be directly liable for your losses. Fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form, and we will get back to you right away.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Lyft Accident Lawyer?
Most Lyft accident attorneys in El Dorado County work on a contingency basis. There are no upfront, retainer, or hourly fees. Legal fees are calculated as a percentage of any compensation recovered. In a contingency arrangement, attorney fees are only paid if compensation is recovered. However, you may still be responsible for certain case costs and expenses.
At Arash Law, we also offer a no-win, no-fee arrangement. This arrangement helps make professional legal representation more accessible to injury victims.
Is It Better To Settle A Lyft Accident Claim Than Take It To Court?
The settlement process is typically faster than a lawsuit. It’s less costly, too, as you won’t have to pay any fees associated with court proceedings. Furthermore, it avoids the uncertainty of a trial.
However, a trial might be a better option in specific instances. Our Lyft accident attorneys in El Dorado County may recommend this route if you’re not satisfied with the insurance company’s offers or if they are difficult to work with. Litigation allows us to present your case before the court and seek accountability from responsible parties.
Who Can File A Lyft Accident Claim?
Get Legal Help From El Dorado County Lyft Accident Lawyers
If you or someone you care about is injured in a Lyft accident, turn to our attorneys in El Dorado County, CA. We can help you navigate the complicated insurance and legal processes.
Let our El Dorado County Lyft accident lawyers advocate for your rights. Call (888) 488-1391 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We are available 24/7 to address your inquiries or concerns about your accident. We also handle other injury cases, including Uber accidents, hit-and-run crashes, slip-and-falls, and more.
Our Lyft accident law firm provides legal services to victims throughout El Dorado County, including Placerville, South Lake Tahoe, Georgetown, Diamond Springs, El Dorado Hills, Pollock Pines, Tahoma, Cameron Park, Camp Richardson, Somerset, and more. Our lawyers also offer services to neighboring cities, such as Auburn, Roseville, Colfax, Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, Rancho Cordova, and Sacramento.
