Eureka 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 Eureka Lyft Accident Lawyers Can Help You Take The First Legal Step
Many people use Lyft because of its convenience. However, this advantage comes at the cost of more road injuries and fatalities. If you are injured in an accident involving the rideshare service, call us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation. Our Eureka Lyft accident lawyers can assist you in seeking compensation.
Eureka boasts an abundance of natural beauty. Its proximity to beaches and the redwood forests, along with its suburban feel, makes it a popular choice for city dwellers seeking a change of scenery.
It’s helpful that renting is relatively inexpensive here. The average rental rate in this region is $1,073, lower than the national average of $1,268. Lyft rides are also more affordable, with a minimum fare of $2.90, compared to $4.31 in San Francisco, $4 in El Centro, and $4.98 in Santa Cruz.
Despite the advantages, tourists and locals must remain careful. The city continues to see a concerning number of road crashes, including potential accidents related to Lyft. If you get injured in one, you might not know who to turn to. With decades of combined experience, Arash Law’s seasoned team of lawyers has been managing claims on behalf of injury victims.
Settlement in a Under Insured Motorist Claim against ride share company; client suffered spinal injuries– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
Why Do I Need Eureka Lyft Accident Lawyers?
If you’re asking, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer in Eureka?” you’ve come to the right place. Our lawyer will handle all the legwork involved in the claims process while you heal from your injuries. When you hire our Eureka Lyft accident lawyers, you can expect that:
Our Lawyers Are Experienced In Negotiations
Getting Lyft to pay for your damages is not as easy as it sounds. It is a lengthy and tedious process that requires you to go through their legal team. With our Lyft accident attorneys representing you, you won’t have to deal with back-and-forth communications and negotiations that might not go anywhere. We’ll handle negotiations with the other parties on your behalf, advocating for fair compensation.
Our Lawyers Know The Ins And Outs Of Rideshare Laws
For complex claims, the assistance of a lawyer experienced in managing cases involving both car accident and ridesharing laws may be beneficial. Look for Eureka attorneys with a history of handling Lyft accident claims.
By applying our understanding of the laws surrounding car accidents and ridesharing, we can assess your case and guide you through every step of the process. Our experience enables us to protect your rights and pursue compensation, while also addressing any unique challenges that may arise along the way.
Our attorneys in Eureka and throughout California have experience with a wide range of personal injury cases. To learn more about the services we offer, please call us at (888) 488-1391.
Our Lawyers Have A Client-Centered Approach
Having a legal representative may also help you focus on your physical healing. They’ll handle the case on your behalf while keeping you in the loop for updates.
If you hire Arash Law, we’ll provide support in other ways, such as connecting you with reputable medical professionals in Eureka and California. If your car was wrecked in a Lyft accident, we can help you get a temporary vehicle for your work commute.
Let us know your needs and goals — call (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation with our Eureka Lyft accident lawyers.
How Can Our Eureka Lyft Accident Lawyers Help?
Having a lawyer by your side can be beneficial, not only in Lyft crashes but also in other motor vehicle accidents. After such a stressful and dangerous event, it’s a good idea to consult with our experienced personal injury attorneys in Eureka, who also handle Lyft accident cases.
Aside from giving you detailed advice on what to do after a Lyft accident, our lawyers in Eureka can also help you in the following ways:
Handle The Paperwork For You
After an accident, it can be challenging for you to handle the documentation aspect of your Lyft claim without legal assistance, especially if you’re severely injured. Gathering all the necessary evidence, for example, can take several months on average based on our experience. If you want to strengthen your claim, you must have at least these:
- Police incident reports
- Medical records
- Video footages
- Surveillance footages
- Photos of your injuries
- Pictures or videos of the accident scene
- Eyewitness statements
- Expert witness opinions
- Employment records
Obtaining a police report alone will require a big chunk of your time, especially if you do not know the exact precinct where it was filed.
If you force yourself to obtain everything as quickly as possible, you will place your health at greater risk. You can aggravate your injury and slow down your healing process.
If you choose to work with us, our Eureka Lyft accident attorneys will take care of the critical parts of your case. We’ll handle everything from collecting evidence to filing the necessary paperwork.
Seek Compensation On Your Behalf
Our Eureka Lyft accident lawyers understand that victims often face significant challenges when dealing with insurance companies, especially without the assistance of legal representation. Many victims are unaware of the full value of their claims, which can result in lower settlement offers.
Insurance company representatives are trained to handle claims efficiently and in a way that aligns with their business practices. While their goal is to resolve claims fairly, it is also important to recognize that some offers may not always reflect the claimant’s actual damages.
At times, claims can be complicated, and some may even be denied or disputed. Consulting with an experienced attorney may be beneficial for their knowledge and expertise. When communicating with an insurance company, it’s essential to exercise caution. Insurance adjusters are trained to gather information that can help them assess the situation from their perspective, which may differ from yours.
Common Causes Of Lyft Accidents
Lyft allows people with non-commercial driving licenses to work for the company, so its drivers are just like any other motorists. However, due to negligent behaviors, they could cause accidents, jeopardizing the safety of their passengers and other road users.
In years of handling Lyft accident cases, our Eureka Lyft accident lawyers have identified these common causes:
Speeding
Lyft drivers earn money based on the number of trips they make daily. The more rides they complete, the more money they can earn. As such, Lyft drivers might break the speed limit to quickly bring their passengers to their destinations and get another booking.
Drowsy Driving
Lyft drivers are mostly part-timers. Before driving, many of them work full-time jobs and even night shifts.
Despite knowing that they lack rest and proper sleep, some drivers opt to work for additional income, sacrificing the safety of their passengers. This is wrong and outright dangerous. When drivers fall asleep while driving, they could cause traffic accidents like rear-end and sideswipe collisions.
When you notice your driver falling asleep or closing their eyes at stop lights, you can call them out. Your driver has the responsibility of making sure you get to your destination safely. Should you sustain injuries, reach out to our Lyft accident attorneys for guidance on your next steps.
Driving Under The Influence
Consuming alcohol or drugs can lead to various other problems that may be detrimental behind the wheel, including:
- Reduced concentration
- Impaired vision
- Increased risk-taking tendencies
- Increased aggression
Distracted Driving
Rideshare drivers, such as those working with Lyft, often face unique distractions while driving. Their phones serve as essential tools for their job, allowing them to:
- Accept passenger bookings.
- Confirm passenger destinations.
- Navigate with GPS and maps.
- Communicate with passengers.
- Troubleshoot app issues when needed.
While these tasks are necessary, they also create situations where a driver may briefly take their eyes off the road. Each glance away increases the risk of an accident, which is why California law (Vehicle Code Section 23123.5) prohibits the use of handheld phones while driving.
Failing To Maintain The Vehicle Properly
Lyft drivers are independent contractors, so the rideshare company has no control over their vehicles. The responsibility would fall to the driver, the same as with other motorists. Failing to maintain their cars’ maintenance may lead to brake failures and defective tires.
When these parts malfunction, the driver might lose control of the vehicle and crash into another car or a concrete structure.
Other Causes
Lyft accidents can happen in the same way as other car accidents. Aside from the Lyft driver’s negligence, here are some other causes that could lead to a collision:
- Rainy weather and other adverse weather conditions
- Auto defects
- Dangerous road conditions
Other drivers on the road might also cause accidents for the same reasons. If you’re injured in an accident, you may be eligible for compensation if the person responsible can be held liable. For legal advice, contact our Lyft accident attorneys in Eureka.
Usual Types Of Lyft Accidents
Rear-end collisions are among the most frequent types of vehicle accidents, according to traffic safety statistics. Victims are either injured when their drivers rear-end another car or when Lyft cars hit their vehicles from behind.
Other kinds of Lyft accidents our Eureka lawyers have encountered include:
- Head-on Collisions — A head-on accident happens when two cars traveling in opposite directions collide directly, typically front bumpers to front bumpers. Collisions like these can cause severe damage to both vehicles, as well as serious injuries to the drivers and passengers in front.
- Sideswipe Accidents — A sideswipe accident occurs when one vehicle unintentionally drifts into the adjacent lane, causing the sides of the cars to brush against each other. Many factors can contribute to these incidents, including driving distractions, risky lane merges, abrupt lane changes, and close proximity to other drivers.
Sideswipe collisions usually don’t cause devastating injuries or property damage. Even so, a minor inconvenience could become a big deal, especially when the driver to blame doesn’t cooperate. - Rollover Accidents — With enough force, a vehicle could tip over onto its side or roof upon impact. A rollover incident could be fatal, especially if the car flips over multiple times. Other vehicles in the vicinity might also get hit. Several factors can contribute to rollover accidents, such as overspeeding, reckless driving, and losing balance over a road obstacle.
We’ve also handled some Lyft accidents wherein other cars were not involved, like:
- Truck accidents
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Intersection accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Scooter accidents
Regardless of the type of accident, come to our Eureka lawyers for Lyft accidents at any time to discuss your case. Tell us exactly what happened so we can assess if you have a viable case. We will also explain legal options that may be available to you.
Typical Injuries Sustained In A Lyft Accident
Contusions and lacerations are among the most common bodily injuries our clients have sustained. Our Eureka Lyft accident attorneys can help victims file a claim for their injuries, including:
- Whiplash
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Head injuries
- Back injuries
- Internal damage
- Broken bones
- Amputations
- Wrongful deaths
Additionally, we have observed that some of our clients developed mental health issues, such as PTSD, adjustment disorder, anxiety, and depression.
You must consult a doctor after the accident, regardless of whether your injury is mild or severe. Even if you feel fine, you need to have a thorough medical checkup to assess your condition and unmask any underlying problems. If required, our Lyft accident attorneys in Eureka can connect you with doctors across California who qualify in diagnosing and treating injuries.
How Do People Get Injured In Lyft Accidents?
It is common for people to assume that Lyft accidents are just one-way, where the driver crashes into something and injures their passenger. There are, however, other scenarios involving other liable parties and victims. Here are some examples:
- A negligent driver hits a car, injuring the other driver and/or their passengers.
- A negligent driver hits and injures another road user, like a motorcyclist or bicyclist.
- A negligent driver hits and injures a pedestrian.
- A negligent motorist hits a Lyft vehicle, injuring the driver and passenger(s).
- A negligent motorist hits a Lyft vehicle, causing it to hit another car and injure the occupants of the latter vehicle.
Whatever the incident may be, as long as you are hurt in a crash, you might have a case, and our Eureka Lyft accident lawyers can help.
Who Is At Fault In A Lyft Accident?
A Lyft accident is more complicated than an ordinary car crash because the rideshare company, aside from the driver, will have to be investigated for possible liability. These parties can potentially be liable:
- Lyft Driver — The driver could be liable if their negligence leads to the accident. Some examples of wrongful actions on their part include DUI and distracted driving.
- Lyft Company — In some cases, Lyft itself could be held liable in certain situations if the company’s negligence directly contributed to the accident.
- Other Road Users — Pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers may also bear some responsibility if their actions or inactions contributed to the accident.
- Third Parties — Depending on the circumstances of the accident, vehicle manufacturers, maintenance providers, and even government agencies might also be held liable.
To identify the responsible party for your Lyft accident, our lawyers in Eureka will conduct a thorough investigation. We will work to gather evidence of negligence and pursue accountability for your injuries.
The Four Periods Of Lyft’s Insurance Coverage
Lyft maintains third-party liability insurance to cover damages in accidents in which its drivers are involved, regardless of who is at fault. Coverage depends on the driver’s activity at the time of the accident, which is broken down into four periods or phases.
Period 0 — The driver has not logged into the Lyft app yet. Should they get into an accident, Lyft will not be liable, and the driver will pay for all damages using their personal or commercial auto accident insurance policy.
Period 1 — The driver has logged into the Lyft app but has not accepted any passenger bookings. Should they get into an accident, Lyft’s insurance policy can cover at least:
- $50,000 for bodily injury per person.
- $100,000 for bodily injury per accident.
- $25,000 for property damage per accident.
Period 2 — The driver has logged into the Lyft app, accepted a booking, and is on their way to pick up the passenger. If they get into an accident at this stage, the rideshare company’s insurance coverage increases to $1 million for total liability. Additional coverage might also apply, including:
- Underinsured and uninsured motorists.
- Contingent comprehensive & collision coverage (if a driver has comprehensive & collision coverage on their personal auto policy).
Period 3 — If the driver has picked up the passenger and is on their way to the destination when the accident happens, the coverage will be the same as in Period 2.
If you have any questions about how these could affect your claim, reach out to our Lyft accident attorneys in Eureka.
What Types Of Damages Can I Potentially Recover?
Once you have proven the negligence of the other party, you may be able to claim economic and non-economic damages.
Everything that has a tangible value is considered economic damage. Some examples are past and future medical expenses, therapy bills, car repair or replacement costs, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket expenses related to your accident.
In contrast, non-economic damages are intangible losses, like pain and suffering, anxiety, depression, loss of a partner, loss of enjoyment in life, body disfigurement, dismemberment, etc.
While non-economic losses are harder to prove, our Lyft accident lawyers in Eureka have some methods for assigning a monetary value to these damages. In addition, we can also consult with medical and financial experts to arrive at a better estimate.
How Does Comparative Fault Affect My Compensation?
California is a pure comparative fault state, where you can file for compensation even if you’re 99% at fault for an accident. However, your degree of fault will affect the amount you can get.
Under this statute, each party involved will be assigned a percentage of liability proportional to their degree of contribution to the accident. If there are multiple liable parties, they will share the responsibility of compensating the victim.
If you also have liability, it would reduce the total amount awarded to you. Here’s an example: Let’s say your claim is worth $100,000, and the court assigns 15% of the fault to you. Your compensation would be reduced by 15%, and you would only get $85,000 in the end.
If you want to learn more about comparative fault laws, feel free to contact the skilled Lyft accident attorneys Eureka residents can turn to for help. We can discuss how they would apply to your case.
What Should I Do After Getting Into A Lyft Accident?
When you get into a Lyft accident, you have to do two things: protect yourself from further harm and protect your rights.
Protect Yourself From Further Harm
Your safety should be your priority. Here are some steps that may help you protect your rights in the future.
- Go to a safer place, if you’re able, away from passing vehicles, preferably by the roadside. If you are in a freeway accident, remain in the car.
- Look for any injuries on your body. If there is an open wound, press on it using any clothing to prevent blood loss while waiting for the EMT.
- Call for medical assistance using 911. Specify your condition to the operator to help the first responders assess the gravity of the situation and prepare the right equipment.
- You should see a doctor right away. Undergoing a comprehensive medical examination can assist in safeguarding your health and may identify injuries that could impact your well-being in the future.
Protect Your Rights
You have the right to demand compensation, as you did not wish to sustain an injury in the first place. There are certain steps that may help you with the claims process later on:
- Report the accident to the authorities. A police incident report will be vital to your claims.
- Do not apologize to anyone, especially to the cops. Saying sorry might be mistaken to mean that you’re admitting fault, which could weaken your case.
- Start collecting evidence, such as photos or videos of your injuries and the accident scene.
- Get the Lyft driver’s details: complete name, address, phone number, and insurance details.
- Report the accident to Lyft using its app.
- If a Lyft driver hits your car, call your insurance provider, too, so they can prepare all the necessary documents you need for your claim.
- Call our Lyft accident lawyers in Eureka. We will guide you on what you need to do next.
Lyft Accident Statistics
The last time Lyft released data was in 2021, and according to their report, 99% of its trips from 2017 to 2019 were completed without safety incidents. That leaves a small percentage of official trips with safety incidents, specifically 0.0002%. Motor vehicle fatalities accounted for 0.000006% of all trips nationwide, leading to 49 deaths. Based on this number, there were 0.79 incidents per 100 million vehicle miles.
However, according to the U.S. National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), ridesharing services like Lyft have been associated with an annual increase of around 3% in road fatalities and injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What If A Lyft Driver Hits My Car?
If a Lyft hits your car, you can file a claim for property damage. If you sustained an injury, you can also file a personal injury claim. The rideshare company’s insurance policy will kick in, depending on the driver’s activity at the time of the incident. In some cases, the Lyft driver’s auto insurance policy will cover your damages instead.
What Evidence Do I Need To File A Lyft Accident Case?
To increase the chance of achieving compensation, you need to demonstrate the negligence of the other party, whether it’s the Lyft driver, Lyft, or another individual/company. You can do this by presenting evidence like police incident reports, medical records, and dashcam videos.
There are pieces of evidence that are difficult to secure, such as a police report, if you’re not sure where to get it. CCTV footage is also challenging to obtain, as its owners won’t just hand it over to anyone who asks.
We can help you get copies of hard-to-obtain evidence. Additionally, our Lyft accident lawyers in Eureka can help you connect with medical and financial experts to support and evaluate your personal injury claims.
How Long Do You Have To Sue After A Lyft Accident?
According to California’s statute of limitations, you only have two years to file personal injury claims, including Lyft accident cases, with some exceptions:
- Minor Victims — If the parents decide not to push the case, the victims can pursue it themselves once they reach the legal age. Their two-year deadline starts on their 18th birthday.
- Delayed Injuries — If you discover your injury much later than the date of the accident, your deadline begins on the date your injury is clinically diagnosed.
- Government Agencies — Instead of two years, you will just have six months to file a claim with the respective government entity.
What Difficulties Will I Face When Filing A Lawsuit Against Lyft?
Victims regularly face challenges when filing a personal injury claim against a Lyft driver or the rideshare company itself. Liable parties may not be willing to cooperate, meet your demands, or offer a fair resolution. You may receive lowball settlement offers or even experience getting blamed for what happened. All of these are a possibility.
For these reasons, consulting with our Lyft accident lawyers in Eureka right from the beginning is advisable. They can provide guidance on how to respond when the other party resorts to unfair tactics during the claims process.
How Much Do Eureka Lyft Accident Lawyers Charge?
The amount that Eureka accident lawyers charge depends on various factors, including the severity of injuries, economic and non-economic damages, and insurance coverage. There are Lyft accident lawyers in Eureka who charge per hour. Some attorneys may also request a flat fee.
However, there are also law firms that charge on a contingency fee basis, like Arash Law. A contingency fee refers to a “no-win, no-fee” payment policy. This means that clients can access our legal services without incurring upfront lawyer fees. Clients won’t owe attorney fees if we don’t win the case, but may still be responsible for certain case costs, regardless of the outcome.
Consult Experienced Eureka Lyft Accident Lawyers
Regardless of the mode of transportation we use, from driving our cars to booking a Lyft, there’s always some risk involved. Nobody wishes to get injured, but an accident could happen to anyone at any time. Aside from physical suffering, injury is also financially draining.
With extensive industry experience, our personal injury attorneys handle investigation, negotiation, and litigation aspects of similar cases. Our Lyft accident lawyers serving Eureka will work to help you pursue compensation for your medical bills and lost wages. Call us at (888) 488-1391 or complete our “Do I Have A Case?” form for a free initial consultation. Our legal team is also available to assist Lyft accident victims in nearby cities, including Arcata, Fortuna, Redding, Shasta Lake, Anderson, Red Bluff, Ukiah, Chico, Clearlake, Paradise, Yuba City, and Magalia.
