Encino 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 Encino Lyft Accident Lawyers Who Stand By Your Side
Exploring Encino without a personal vehicle is made easier by Lyft’s availability. However, as the popularity of this rideshare service grows, so does the number of unwanted incidents. You may be eligible to seek damages from the responsible parties if you get injured in a Lyft accident. Our Encino Lyft accident lawyers will review the details and handle the case on your behalf. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Encino is a neighborhood in Los Angeles situated between the 101 and 405 freeways. For many, it offers an ideal combination of suburban tranquility and urban comfort. Residents here enjoy many amenities, from great parks and restaurants to various boutiques.
The neighborhood’s strategic location also makes accessing various parts of LA, including West LA, Hollywood, and Burbank, much easier. The open highways allow for shorter commute times. Getting to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) only takes 25 minutes, while popular areas like Downtown LA and Santa Monica are just 45 minutes away. This distance is notably quicker than the 60-minute commute from other parts of the county.
If you get injured in a Lyft accident, we are here to assist you in navigating the legal system and building your case. Our Lyft accident attorneys in Encino can handle the legal aspects of your case so you can focus on recovery.
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
Why Should You Hire Our Encino Lyft Accident Lawyers?
Dealing with the consequences of Lyft crashes can be overwhelming. Our attorneys in Encino for Lyft accidents can guide you through your claim and help you pursue compensation.
Here’s what you can expect from us:
- Legal Knowledge — Our personal injury attorneys concentrate on handling cases involving rideshare services like Lyft and Uber. We are well-versed in the specific laws, rules, and procedures that may apply to your case.
- Case Evaluation — Our team understands the accident’s impact on your finances and overall well-being. We will thoroughly evaluate your case to document your losses and other accident-related costs.
- Pursuing Accountability — Our lawyers will investigate to identify potentially responsible parties and pursue appropriate legal action. We are determined to help you seek compensation for your damages.
- Client-Focused Advocacy — Some insurance companies usually try to be careful with how much they pay out. For this reason, we strive for a fair process for our clients. Our legal team will advocate for your rights as we work to pursue the damages that may be available to you.
What Can Our Lyft Accident Attorneys Help With Your Case?
Whether you’re an injured passenger or the driver of another vehicle hit by a Lyft, our Encino accident attorneys are here for you. We know that completing paperwork can be stressful for anyone not used to dealing with the complicated legal system. Our legal team can manage these aspects of your claim for you.
Personal injury lawyers will conduct a thorough investigation to examine the specifics of your case and gather important evidence. We will identify the parties potentially liable for your damages and calculate your losses, which may include pain and suffering, lost income, medical expenses, and vehicle repairs.
Remember, some insurance companies may try to minimize certain claims. Knowing how much your potential losses are can help us negotiate for appropriate compensation. We will advocate for this amount during out-of-court negotiations and, if necessary, during litigation.
Furthermore, our Lyft accident lawyers will address all your inquiries and concerns. Recognizing the importance of keeping you informed at every stage of the case, we are committed to giving regular updates throughout the process.
Our lawyers in Encino for Lyft accident have handled various injury cases throughout California. We provide legal representation for Lyft accident cases.
Cases Our Lyft Accident Lawyers In Encino Handle
Traffic incidents involving Lyft can occur in a variety of ways. Our attorneys in Encino can handle Lyft accident cases arising from these scenarios:
A Lyft Driver Injures A Passenger
Lyft drivers often make mistakes while driving. When they drive recklessly, they can cause accidents that harm their passengers. In these cases, the negligent driver’s auto insurance may be responsible for covering the damages sustained by the victim. If the driver’s policy doesn’t cover all the victim’s losses, Lyft’s third-party liability insurance may pay for the rest.
Identifying whose insurance will cover your injuries is often confusing due to the conflicting details of the incident. You might also get lost navigating the intricacies of the commercial insurance policies involved. Encino lawyers focused on Lyft accidents can handle the legal process on your behalf and calculate the potential value of your losses. Our team will explore all possible avenues to pursue appropriate compensation based on your case.
A Lyft Driver Strikes Another Car
A car accident involving Lyft may also occur when the rideshare driver commits errors and crashes into other vehicles. When this happens, victims may file a claim against Lyft. However, compensation will depend on the latter’s status on the Lyft app — whether they were inactive, logged in, or actively driving.
As per Lyft’s insurance policy, the driver’s auto insurance policy will cover damages if accidents occur when logged out of the app. However, Lyft’s insurance policy applies if the driver is waiting for a ride while the app is on, has already accepted bookings, or is actively transporting passengers.
In some cases, Lyft drivers may not be truthful about their app status at the time of the accident. If you get into a Lyft accident, consult our attorneys in Encino. Our car accident lawyers will use our resources to obtain evidence demonstrating whether the concerned driver was inactive on the app or with a passenger during the accident.
A Lyft Driver Hits A Pedestrian Or Bicyclist
Like other motorists, Lyft drivers may also fail to notice pedestrians or cyclists in front of them. If rideshare vehicles cannot brake on time, they might hit these vulnerable road users, resulting in injuries and other damages.
Bicycle or pedestrian accidents caused by Lyft drivers may occur in the following ways:
- The Lyft driver doesn’t yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian.
- The Lyft driver stops abruptly with a bicyclist in the rear or front.
- The Lyft driver suddenly opens the car’s door while a cyclist approaches.
In these situations, victims may take legal action and seek compensation from either Lyft or its driver. The latter’s app status will influence the degree of liability and the amount of compensation, just as hitting other vehicles will.
Navigating Lyft’s liability insurance is challenging, especially since various factors still need to be considered. You may speak with an Encino lawyer if you’re a pedestrian or cyclist injured in a Lyft accident. We understand the regulations governing rideshare companies and how they may apply to your specific situation.
A Third-Party Driver Hits A Lyft Vehicle
Although Lyft drivers are often blamed for accidents, they are not always liable. Sometimes, other drivers may cause collisions with Lyft.
Here, victims like you may file an injury claim against the at-fault motorist. If their insurance policy does not sufficiently cover your damages, you may consider filing a claim against Lyft. Apart from maintaining an insurance policy to cover damages caused by its drivers, the rideshare company also has coverage for uninsured motorists (UM) and underinsured motorists (UIM).
If you experience this kind of Lyft accident, consult our injury lawyers in Encino. We can help you file a claim against the negligent driver or pursue adequate compensation from Lyft. We’ll advocate for compensation covering your losses, including medical expenses, missed earnings, and emotional distress.
Hurt in a Lyft Accident?
Why Do Lyft Accidents Happen?
Most Lyft accidents are caused by the same factors as other car accidents. Among them are:
- Speeding — Some Lyft drivers tend to drive beyond the posted speed limit to reach their destinations faster and complete more trips. This behavior reduces their reaction time and makes it hard to brake when needed.
- Fatigued Driving — Many Lyft drivers work long hours and take on other jobs to increase their income. This can lead to fatigue, impairing their ability to drive safely.
- Distracted Driving — Rideshare drivers may become distracted by their phones, GPS devices, or conversations with passengers. When they lose focus, they fail to notice road hazards ahead of time.
- Inexperienced Driving — Drivers unfamiliar with navigating Encino’s roads may struggle to find the most efficient and safest routes to their destinations. They might miss turns, change lanes abruptly, or get stuck in congested traffic, where rear-end collisions are more likely to occur.
Besides driving errors, rideshare accidents can also be attributed to Lyft’s negligence. A 2022 report revealed that approximately 16% of rideshare vehicles, including those used by Lyft, had open safety recalls. In some cases, the rideshare company may fail to enforce vehicle maintenance protocols for its drivers, potentially leading to mechanical failures during trips.
Some of the other ways Lyft contributes to traffic accidents are:
- Failing to thoroughly verify the driving records of hired drivers.
- Not deactivating drivers with a history of reckless driving.
- Permitting excessively long driving schedules.
- Lax implementation of safety rules and precautions.
- Disregarding consumer complaints
All these factors may serve as legal grounds to file a claim for compensation. If you’re unsure what caused the Lyft accident that led to your injuries, seek help from our Encino injury lawyers. We will carefully assess how the incident happened and determine who may be at fault. Contact us to schedule a free initial case review.
Common Injuries Sustained In Lyft Accidents
Victims of Lyft incidents may sustain injuries ranging from minor bruises to life-threatening brain trauma. Our Lyft accident attorneys in Encino can represent victims who suffered from the following injuries:
- Head & Brain Injuries — Strong crashes may cause skull fractures, concussions, and other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Serious cases often require surgery to prevent brain swelling and bleeding. If left untreated, these injuries might lead to neurological problems, such as severe headaches and memory loss.
- Spinal Cord Injuries — High-impact collisions can damage the spinal cord, causing herniated discs, broken vertebrae, and even paralysis. These injuries can lead to significant mobility limitations.
- Internal Injuries — Internal organ damage can be fatal, so victims must seek prompt medical attention. They may need to undergo expensive surgery to heal fully.
- Burns — Victims who come into contact with steam, hot liquids, chemicals, or hot surfaces during collisions might suffer burns. These injuries can also occur when vehicle fuel or oil leaks cause fires. Burns should be treated immediately to avoid infections and lifelong deformities.
- Fractures — Lyft accidents might crush bones, including the ribs, arms, legs, fingers, toes, hips, knees, shoulders, elbows, ankles, and wrists. Depending on the severity, fractures may require casts and days away from work for sufficient rest.
- Cuts & Lacerations — Flying debris from strong collisions can cause cuts. Deep wounds can bleed excessively and increase the risk of infections.
- Sprains & Strains — Muscle sprains and strains are common after crashes. These injuries may heal over time, but ruptured tissues may require costly surgery.
- Wrongful Deaths — Tragic Lyft accidents can lead to victims’ untimely deaths. Here, seeking fair compensation through wrongful death claims may be necessary.
The Legal And Financial Ramifications Of Lyft Accidents
Traffic accidents involving Lyft can have significant financial and legal consequences. When managing your case, our Encino Lyft accident attorneys will consider the following factors:
Insurance Coverage
Understanding the available insurance coverage following a Lyft crash is crucial. This will help you determine where compensation for damages might come from.
Depending on the circumstances, you might be able to seek payment from these insurance companies:
- Lyft driver’s auto insurance
- Lyft’s third-party liability insurance
- Other driver’s auto insurance
The at-fault driver’s auto insurance should cover the victim’s damages. However, some drivers may have insufficient or no insurance at all. In such cases, Lyft may provide liability insurance coverage depending on the actions of the drivers involved in the accidents and whether they were logged into the app or not.
Navigating these complex insurance policies requires extensive legal knowledge to pursue compensation that may apply to your case. You may consult Encino lawyers handling Lyft accidents to negotiate with the insurers on your behalf.
Liable Parties
Like any other accident, Lyft crashes may result from the negligence of one or several parties, including:
- Lyft Drivers — Any Lyft driver can commit a driving error. They might get behind the wheel while intoxicated or inattentive, disregard traffic rules, or drive recklessly. These driving habits may increase the risk of accidents.
- Lyft — Although challenging, accident victims can file complaints against Lyft for negligent hiring practices. The rideshare company should have a meticulous screening process to evaluate driver qualifications. If it fails to meet this obligation, careless drivers could cause collisions.
- Auto Part Manufacturers — Faulty auto parts may lead to mechanical problems. Victims may pursue legal action against the responsible manufacturers if these issues result in accidents.
- Third-Party Motorists — Reckless drivers of other vehicles can also cause accidents. In such cases, you may seek compensation from their insurance providers.
Our attorneys in Encino are available to assist with Lyft accident cases. We can help you identify the parties who may potentially be liable for your damages.
Establishing Negligence In Lyft Accident Cases
To file a claim for damages, victims and their Lyft accident lawyers must establish the liability of the at-fault parties. These are the four elements in proving negligence:
- Duty of Care — Plaintiffs must demonstrate that the accountable parties owe them a duty of care. Lyft drivers, for example, are responsible for driving safely and complying with all traffic regulations. They must transport their passengers safely to their destinations.
- Breach of Duty — The next step involves demonstrating how the individuals at fault acted without reasonable care, putting lives at risk. For Lyft drivers, the breach of their duty might pertain to reckless driving or road rule violations, like running red lights or making sharp turns.
Unsafe driving is a form of negligence and provides grounds for filing a claim for compensation. - Direct Causation — Proving negligence also requires demonstrating a clear connection between the accident and the damages. For instance, victims must show that the Lyft driver’s negligence directly caused their injuries. Their Lyft might have collided head-on with a truck, from which they sustained catastrophic injuries.
- Damages — The final stage of establishing negligence entails demonstrating the results of the accident. In Lyft crashes, victims must present solid evidence of their injuries, like medical records. They may also show the extent of their financial and emotional consequences, such as lost earnings, mounting medical bills, pain, and suffering.
Demonstrating these crucial components will determine the percentage of the at-fault parties’ liability and the compensation they owe you. However, this process isn’t as easy as others may think. You may need the assistance of Encino lawyers for Lyft accidents. We will help you gather evidence to establish the existence of each element.
Comparative Negligence Rule In Lyft Accidents
Lyft drivers are often blamed for accidents. However, courts may find that two or more parties share the fault.
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This legal concept allocates liability proportionally to all responsible parties. The same doctrine also allows victims to obtain compensation even if they are responsible for up to 99% of their damages. However, the payment they can receive decreases based on their percentage of fault.
For instance, if the jury finds you 23% at fault for a Lyft accident, you may only be able to seek 77% of the total damages. Unfortunately, some insurance companies also exploit this rule to their benefit. They usually find issues in the victims’ accounts to shift the blame to them and justify lower payouts.
In this instance, you can seek guidance from our Encino Lyft accident attorneys. Our role as your legal representatives includes interacting with insurers to advocate for fairness and procedural accuracy. We will also help you explore other avenues for compensation, regardless of your contribution to the accident.
How Does Lyft’s Insurance Work?
Like other transportation network companies (TNCs), Lyft maintains third-party liability insurance that covers liabilities arising from accidents caused by its drivers. Although rideshare drivers are required to maintain personal auto insurance, their policies are sometimes inadequate to pay for the victim’s damages. At this point, Lyft’s insurance policy may provide additional coverage. However, the limits vary depending on the driver’s app status when the accident occurred.
Following Assembly Bill 2293, Lyft outlines the coverage of its third-party liability insurance based on these periods:
Period 0: The Lyft Driver Is Inactive On The App
During this period, the Lyft driver is offline on the app and not actively seeking or accepting ride requests. Lyft’s insurance coverage is not applicable if an accident occurs at this time. Victims may only seek compensation for damages from the at-fault driver’s auto insurance.
In California, all drivers are directed to maintain a personal auto insurance policy with these minimum limits:
- $30,000 for injuries per person.
- $60,000 for all injuries per accident.
- $15,000 for all property damage per accident.
Period 1: The Lyft Driver Is Active On The App And Waiting For A Ride Request
If an accident happens during this period, Lyft may offer the following insurance coverage:
- $50,000 for bodily injury insurance per person.
- $100,000 for all injured persons per accident.
- $30,000 for property damage per accident.
Period 2: The Lyft Driver Confirms A Ride Request And Is En Route To Pick Up The Rider
Any victim may seek compensation from Lyft if an accident occurs while its rideshare driver is logged in to the app but still on the way to the passenger’s pick-up point. According to the company’s guidelines, they will provide third-party auto liability coverage of $1 million. They may also offer the same policy for incidents involving UM/UIM.
Period 3: The Lyft Driver Transports A Passenger To The Indicated Drop-Off Location
Unfortunate incidents can happen, especially when the rideshare driver is completing a trip. The driver might hit a pedestrian, or another vehicle might crash into their car while transporting a passenger to the booked location. Here, an injured rider or road user may file a claim against Lyft to benefit from the same coverage offered during period 2.
Understanding the intricacies of these available insurance coverages can be overwhelming, especially if you’re still recovering from your injuries. It’s advisable to speak with our lawyers in Encino, who work on Lyft accident cases. We will carefully assess the facts to determine how the accident happened and which period covers your injuries and other damages.
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
Damages You Can Pursue In A Lyft Accident
In Encino and throughout California, injured victims of Lyft accidents have the right to file a claim for damages against at-fault parties. Depending on the specifics, Lyft accident victims may be able to pursue the following damages:
Economic Damages
During a Lyft crash, you’re likely to sustain injuries that need medical attention. These injuries may require you to undergo appropriate medical interventions and cause you to be absent from work to rest. Unfortunately, this situation often leads to financial losses. You have the right to seek compensation for these economic damages from the liable parties.
Economic damages are essentially out-of-pocket costs that are easily quantified in monetary terms. They may include:
- Medical Expenses — These are the medical fees you incur due to the accident. They may encompass current and future costs, such as hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, therapy, and prescribed medications.
- Lost Wages — Your injuries may require you to be absent from work, which means you might not receive your wages, bonuses, and other benefits. You may seek full compensation for all your lost income.
- Property Damage — A collision while riding Lyft can damage your phone or any other expensive personal property. If you’re a driver and a Lyft strikes you, your car might get crumpled or destroyed. You may file a claim to replace or repair your damaged property.
Our Encino Lyft accident lawyers can support you if you have a claim for economic damages. We will help you gather and present all the needed documents, such as medical records, missed payrolls and payslips, and repair invoices.
Non-Economic Damages
These damages are the intangible effects that victims suffer in Lyft accidents. They are subjective and cannot be easily quantified. According to the California Civil Code, you may also receive the following damages if you sustain injuries in a Lyft collision:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Permanent or temporary disabilities
- Disfigurements
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of confidence
- Damage to reputation
- Loss of consortium
- Wrongful Deaths
In California, non-economic damages are as essential as recovering monetary losses. Getting compensation won’t completely heal the victim’s trauma, emotional despair, and scars. However, it will allow them to address their financial losses and move forward with their lives.
California does not limit the amount victims may pursue in Lyft accident cases. Pain and suffering damages are subjective and determined by various factors that our attorneys can help you understand. Our Encino attorneys will evaluate the impact of the Lyft accident on your life and assist you in seeking the appropriate damages.
What Should You Do After A Lyft Accident In Encino?
No one anticipates getting into an accident. However, if you become a victim of one, you should know how to protect your legal rights.
Our Encino Lyft accident lawyers recommend taking the following steps if you are able:
- Check for Injuries — Assess whether you or the people around you are injured. If there are injuries, immediately call 911 to obtain prompt medical attention.
- Prioritize Your Safety — If you’re a rider, ask your Lyft driver to move the car to a safe location if they can. However, make sure they do not drive too far away so they won’t be mistaken for committing a hit-and-run.
- Call the Police — Whether the accident is minor or catastrophic, report it to the law enforcement authorities. They can help you document the accident scene and provide a copy of the incident report, supporting your claim later.
- Gather Evidence — Secure photos and videos of the accident site, all vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. Requesting statements from witnesses is equally vital. Additionally, you must take note of the names of all concerned parties, their contact information, and insurance details.
- Report to Lyft & Insurance Companies — Fill out Lyft’s accident report form. You must also call the concerned insurers and provide all the necessary details. However, you shouldn’t acknowledge your fault or show guilt. Opposing parties will only use this situation against you.
- Consult Arash Law — Speak to our Lyft accident attorneys in Encino as soon as you can. Seeking legal counsel will help you understand your options and navigate the legal process.
Statistics About Lyft Accidents
Since its inception over a decade ago, Lyft has become notable for offering comfortable and affordable rideshare services throughout the United States. According to a 2023 report, the rideshare company generated $4.4 billion in revenue, reflecting a 7.5% year-on-year increase. It had 21.4 million passengers in the same year, marking a 5.4% spike compared to the previous year.
Unfortunately, Lyft’s popularity comes with the fact that related accidents have happened. In its Community Safety Report published in 2021, the rideshare company said it logged safety incidents on 0.0002% of its rides. This figure implies that more than 99% of all trips were completed without safety issues.
Despite classifying safety incidents as rare, Lyft maintains that even one case is too many. This stand is grounded in the rideshare service’s commitment to making Lyft safe for all passengers. Even a low incident rate indicates that accidents can still happen unexpectedly to anyone. Our Encino attorneys remain dedicated to helping victims deal with the impact of Lyft accidents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Lyft Accidents
Do I Need A Lawyer For My Lyft Accident Case?
You are free to choose whether to employ a legal representative or handle your claim yourself. However, individuals without experience navigating the legal system may find it challenging to evaluate settlement offers from insurance companies. As a result, some may accept initial offers that do not fully address their losses.
Should I Talk To Lyft’s Insurance Company Before Consulting An Attorney?
You must report a car accident to your insurance company immediately. Provide them with important information, like what, when, where, how, and why the accident happened. This step will also enable them to process your claim. However, try to avoid oversharing and focus on important details. It is advisable to seek legal representation before making any statements to the insurer.
You must report a car accident to your insurance company immediately. Provide them with important information, like what, when, where, how, and why the accident happened. This step will also enable them to process your claim. However, try to avoid oversharing and focus on important details. It is advisable to seek legal representation before making any statements to the insurer.
What Evidence Is Needed For My Lyft Accident Claim?
Presenting solid evidence is crucial when making a claim, as this can help insurance companies and courts verify the facts of your case. That’s why we urge Lyft accident victims to gather as much proof as they can, such as:
- Photos and videos of the location of the accident, road condition, sustained injuries, and wrecked vehicles.
- Dashcam footage from the involved cars
- Surveillance video from traffic poles and nearby establishments.
- Lyft app data
- Incident report
- Medical records
- Witness testimony
- Defendants’ record of citations or arrests for traffic rule violations.
- Phone logs of negligent drivers, which can show their device activity when the accident happened.
Our attorneys in Encino, representing Lyft accident victims, can also gather additional evidence. We can work with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and more to support your claim.
How Is A Lyft Accident Claim Resolved?
Many Lyft accident claims in Encino and the rest of California are resolved through private negotiations. However, there are instances when the parties’ positions differ. Sometimes, it’s impossible to reach a compromise. These circumstances happen when insurance companies insist on lowball offers or defendants deny their accountability. At this point, we are prepared to bring your case to court, where we can advocate for your interests before a judge or jury.
Whether it’s an out-of-court resolution or litigation, our Lyft accident lawyers in Encino can help. We are compassionate advocates who can advocate for your rights and provide you with thorough legal representation.
How Long Should I File My Lyft Accident Claim?
The statute of limitations dictates the time frame for victims to take legal action against negligent parties. In California, plaintiffs must file personal injury claims or lawsuits within two years of the Lyft accident. However, the time limit may be tolled or paused, depending on the details of the incident. Our lawyers can assist you in navigating the filing deadlines for your case.
How Much Will It Cost To Hire Lyft Accident Lawyers?
Most Lyft accident lawyers take cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t have to pay up front to retain legal assistance and representation. Your lawyer will only get paid if your case ends in a positive resolution. There are, however, certain case-related costs that may apply regardless of the outcome. Your attorney can discuss this arrangement during your consultation.
Contact Our Encino Lyft Accident Lawyers For An Initial Consultation
Lyft accidents aren’t minor events that you simply ignore. These incidents can also have life-changing consequences for the victims and their families. Get in touch with Arash Law if you or a loved one is injured in a Lyft accident.
Our Encino Lyft accident lawyers can advise you on your legal options and will guide you through the process. Call (888) 488-1391 for a free initial case review.
Our legal representation is available for residents of Calabasas, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, San Fernando, Culver City, Burbank, Agoura Hills, Glendale, Westlake Village, Inglewood, Santa Clarita, Simi Valley, Malibu, and El Segundo. We also represent victims in Sherman Oaks, Valley Glen, North Hollywood, Chatsworth, Topanga, Northridge, North Hills, Westwood, Van Nuys, Magnolia Park, Panorama City, Hansen Hills, Sun Valley, and Woodland Hills.
