Hollywood Lyft Accident Lawyers
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Our Hollywood Lyft Accident Lawyers Are Committed To Clear And Honest Representation
Lyft has been a great help for commuters across the U.S., especially in densely populated areas like Hollywood. While it offers convenience and is cost-effective, it also presents safety concerns for passengers and motorists. If you get injured in an accident involving this rideshare service, our Hollywood Lyft accident lawyers can guide you through the claims process. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 to discuss your next steps.
Hollywood receives millions of visitors each year. Lyft is one of the main rideshare options these people choose when going around the city. However, the increased usage of this rideshare service has contributed to a rise in Lyft accidents in Hollywood.
Arash Law is a personal injury law firm in California dedicated to offering legal guidance to accident victims, including those involved in rideshare cases. We have been assisting injured clients for decades, helping them pursue compensation from negligent individuals.
Settlement in a Under Insured Motorist Claim against ride share company; client suffered spinal injuries– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
How Our Hollywood Lyft Accident Attorneys Can Help With Your Claim
The attorneys at Arash Law assist clients in seeking compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related losses. We understand that going through the claims process can be difficult while recovering from injuries.
Claims and lawsuits are often lengthy and demanding processes. They involve much more than filling out forms, submitting them, and pursuing a settlement. You will have to investigate the accident, gather evidence, communicate with the other party, and attend court hearings if necessary.
When you work with our Lyft accident lawyers in Hollywood, our team can handle these steps on your behalf. Here’s how we may assist:
Negotiate A Settlement
Our lawyers review the details of the accident, analyze the evidence, and consult with medical or financial professionals when necessary. Based on this assessment, we can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf in pursuit of a settlement that reflects your losses.
Early offers sometimes do not reflect the full extent of losses. Having legal guidance can help you evaluate whether an offer adequately addresses your current and future needs.
Protect Your Rights
Working with experienced accident lawyers in Hollywood can help safeguard your rights. Our team can handle communications with Lyft and the insurance companies on your behalf, reducing the risk of missteps that could affect your claim. If they reach out to you, you can refer them directly to us.
Gather Evidence
The claims process can be time-consuming and physically demanding. For example, obtaining a police accident report in Hollywood can take extra effort since the city is divided into multiple precincts. Similarly, businesses with CCTV footage rarely release recordings without proper authorization. Our Lyft accident attorneys in Hollywood can handle these tasks, including requesting police reports and securing copies of relevant recordings.
Other tasks we may accomplish while investigating an accident may include speaking with eyewitnesses, itemizing all accident-related expenses, and consulting with financial or medical specialists.
Work For You On A Contingency Fee Basis
Some accident victims choose not to pursue their Lyft accident claims due to financial constraints. However, clients don’t have to worry about upfront legal fees, as we offer our services on a contingency fee basis.
Under this arrangement, no attorney’s fees are owed if the case is unsuccessful. If compensation is awarded, our firm will take an agreed-upon percentage of a given settlement. The details of this fee structure, including case-related costs clients may still have to shoulder, can be fully explained during your initial consultation.
Common Causes Of Lyft Accidents
Based on our experience handling Lyft accidents in Hollywood, our attorneys have observed recurring factors that contribute to these incidents, including:
- Driver’s Errors — The drivers of Lyft or other cars could make some mistakes behind the wheel, potentially causing a crash. Some common driver errors leading to car accidents include distracted driving, driving under the influence (DUI), overcorrecting, and violating traffic laws.
- Adverse Weather Conditions — Snow and rain could make roads slippery and reduce visibility. If motorists don’t exercise caution, they could get into an accident.
- Road Constructions — Work zones on highways and streets might cause a buildup of traffic, increasing the risk of motor vehicle collisions involving Lyft. They might also produce loose debris and sharp metal objects, which could burst a car tire and cause a rollover or collision.
How Do Lyft Drivers Cause Accidents?
Lyft drivers aren’t the only ones who might be at fault for a car accident, but certain behaviors could increase the risk of causing one. Here are a few ways they might cause a crash:
Distracted Driving
Lyft drivers may use their phones while driving to check for bookings, communicate with passengers, set destinations, navigate GPS, or troubleshoot the Lyft app. These distractions may compromise road safety.
Speeding
Lyft drivers are not regular employees but contractors. They base their income on the number of trips they make each day. As a way to earn more, some drivers might go beyond the speed limits to bring their passengers to their destinations as fast as possible and get another booking.
Drowsy Driving
Many Lyft drivers work part-time. Most of them take time off from their respective duties before driving, and some even work graveyard shifts. Driving while fatigued increases the risk of rear-end collisions, sideswipes, and other accidents. If you notice signs of fatigue, it is important to prioritize your safety and consider exiting the vehicle if necessary.
Driving Under The Influence
According to the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), there were 1,355 fatalities in 2023 involving alcohol-impaired drivers. In 2021, the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) reported that Los Angeles County experienced 6,866 traffic collisions involving alcohol that resulted in injury or death.
Aside from alcohol, illegal drugs and certain medications may also contribute to DUI-related accidents that involve Lyft vehicles. Although driving under the influence isn’t unique to Lyft drivers, some may use amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine, to combat drowsiness. If misused, these drugs can impair an individual’s motor skills, judgment, and reaction time.
If you suspect your Lyft driver is under the influence, report it to Lyft immediately. Or, if you have been injured in a DUI accident involving Lyft, consider seeking legal guidance.
Dangerous Road Conditions
Lyft drivers are not always familiar with the roads they travel to pick up or drop off a passenger. As such, they might be caught off guard by hazards, especially if there are no warning signs present. They might pass through potholes or other poor road conditions that could make them lose control of the vehicle, resulting in accidents.
Common Injuries Sustained In A Lyft Accident
Victims in a Lyft-related traffic accident commonly sustain injuries like whiplash, cuts, and bruises. Some suffer from more severe injuries, like:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs).
- Back injuries.
- Head injuries.
- Spinal cord injuries.
- Fractured bones.
- Amputations.
- Wrongful deaths.
In addition, some individuals may experience psychological effects like PTSD, anxiety, or depression following an accident.
Because medical treatment and rehabilitation costs can quickly add up, it is important to document your injuries and expenses if you are pursuing a claim. Our Hollywood Lyft accident lawyers can review your medical records to help you seek compensation for accident-related losses.
Types Of Compensation Lyft Accident Victims May Be Entitled To
If you’re a victim of a Lyft accident, you might be eligible to seek economic as well as non-economic damages.
Economic damages are quantifiable losses, such as past and future medical expenses, laboratory costs, therapy bills, lost wages, car repairs, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
In contrast, non-economic damages are the victim’s intangible losses, such as:
- Chronic pain and suffering.
- Loss of a partner.
- Loss of enjoyment in life.
- Emotional distress.
- Bodily disfigurement or dismemberment.
- Depression and anxiety.
While these damages are harder to measure, our lawyers may consult medical or financial experts to assess the potential value of your non-economic damages.
Who Can Be Liable For A Lyft Accident?
Since California follows an at-fault system, the person or entity responsible for causing the accident may be held liable for resulting damages. To pursue a claim, you’ll need to identify all potentially negligent parties under the law. These could include:
- The Lyft Driver — If the driver’s negligence caused the accident, their auto insurance or Lyft’s liability coverage may apply.
- Lyft — In some cases, the rideshare company might have to pay for damages if it exhibited negligence.
- Other Road Users — Other drivers, pedestrians, or cyclists could also share some responsibility if their actions or inactions contributed to the accident.
- Third Parties — In certain situations, other individuals or companies might also be held accountable for paying the victim. Here are some sample scenarios:
- A vehicle manufacturer could be liable for an auto defect that led to an accident.
- Maintenance providers might be negligent in keeping the car parts up to standard, causing brake failures or tire blowouts.
- Government agencies could also be responsible if they neglect to maintain public roads.
Identifying responsible parties requires a careful review of the facts. A Hollywood Lyft accident lawyer can investigate and help determine liability.
How Does Lyft’s Insurance Policy Work?
Lyft maintains a third-party liability insurance policy to cover damages in an accident involving its driver, regardless of fault. However, the coverage depends on the driver’s activity at the time of the incident.
- Period 0 — The driver is not logged into the Lyft app. At this stage, the driver is considered to be using the vehicle for personal purposes, and Lyft’s insurance does not apply. The driver’s personal auto insurance would generally be responsible for covering damages.
- Period 1 — The driver is logged into the Lyft app but has not yet accepted a ride request. Limited liability coverage from Lyft may apply in this situation, in addition to the driver’s personal auto insurance.
- Period 2 — The driver has accepted a ride request and is en route to pick up the passenger. At this point, Lyft’s higher-level insurance coverage typically applies, which may also include protection against uninsured or underinsured motorists.
- Period 3 — The driver is transporting a passenger. Lyft’s full liability coverage is generally in effect during the ride.
These periods are some of the only factors that could complicate any accident involving rideshare services, including those offered by Lyft and Uber. If you have any questions about how these could affect your Lyft case, reach out to our Hollywood rideshare accident attorneys.
How Can I Prove Negligence For My Lyft Car Accident?
Evidence gathering is a crucial step in proving the negligent act of the at-fault party. Some documents and other pieces of evidence that could help your claim are:
- Police incident report.
- Lyft accident report.
- Medical records.
- Dashcam videos.
- CCTV footage.
- Eyewitnesses’ testimonies.
- Physical evidence, like a bloodied shirt.
- Photos and videos of the accident from your mobile phone.
Our Hollywood Lyft accident lawyers can assist by conducting an independent investigation into your Lyft crash. Depending on the circumstances, they may also look into additional sources of information, such as:
- Car repair/replacement estimates from experts.
- Background check results (of the at-fault party).
- The negligent party’s criminal records, if there are any.
How Long Do I Have To File A Lyft Accident Lawsuit?
Under California’s statute of limitations, a personal injury claim must generally be filed within two years from the date of the accident. Certain exceptions may apply:
- If the victim is a minor and their parents choose not to pursue the claim immediately, the process is paused until the victim reaches legal age. The two-year period then resumes on their 18th birthday.
- If an injury manifests after the accident, even beyond the two-year mark, the victim may have an additional period from the date the condition was discovered.
- If the accident occurs on government property, the claim must typically be filed within six months against the relevant government agency.
Although two years may seem sufficient, your unique situation might make gathering evidence, medical records, and witness statements time-consuming. Additional deadlines or extensions may apply in certain cases. Consider working with a Hollywood Lyft accident attorney soon after your accident to learn how the statute of limitations may apply to your claim and file it accordingly.
What To Do After A Lyft Accident?
Here are some examples of what you can do after being injured in a Lyft accident:
- First, check yourself for any injuries. Stay still if there is unbearable pain. If you are bleeding, apply firm pressure to the wound and wait for the first responders to administer first aid.
- If you are on a freeway, stay in the car. Getting out could put you in more danger because of the passing vehicles. If possible, try to move the car to a safer area on the shoulder to avoid being hit by other road users.
- Call 911 for police and medical assistance.
- When police arrive, they will ask for your statement. Be careful with your words, and don’t apologize, as saying sorry may indicate you’re taking the blame for the incident.
- Let an EMT check on your injuries, even if you don’t think you’ve suffered any.
- Start taking photos or videos of your injuries and the accident scene. You or your lawyers can use them as evidence.
- Ask for the Lyft driver’s complete name, address, phone number, and even their insurance details.
- Approach any witnesses you can find and get their contact information. Ask them if they would be willing to testify to the authorities.
- Report the accident to Lyft using the app (for passengers) or by filling out its online form.
- Visit the ER even if you feel fine to undergo a more thorough medical evaluation. Further medical attention will also reveal any other injuries.
- Let your insurance provider know about your accident.
- If you need legal guidance after a Lyft accident, especially if you sustained injuries, consider consulting with a Hollywood Lyft accident lawyer. They can explain your rights, discuss your options, and offer direction for your next steps based on your situation.
Lyft Accident Statistics
Lyft’s Community Safety Report indicates that more than 99% of trips between 2017 and 2019 concluded without any reported safety incidents. That leaves a small percentage of rides 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Is My Lyft Accident Case Worth?
Every case is different, and every compensation amount will be different as well. The outcome of each case depends on several factors, such as the kind of injury, its gravity, and its impact on your daily life and finances. The amount you may be able to pursue will also depend on your percentage of fault, if any, and the insurance policy limits available in your case.
Is Lyft Safe For Female Passengers?
Generally, it is safe to ride Lyft and other ridesharing services, even for women. However, there have been documented reports of sexual assault by drivers. According to Lyft’s Community Safety Report, more than 4,000 instances of sexual assault were reported between 2017 and 2019.
Can I Sue Lyft For Sexual Abuse?
Yes, but it depends on the specific case. Are you a passenger who was harassed by a Lyft driver? The company itself might not be directly involved, but it could be sued if its negligence contributed to the driver’s actions. In this scenario, Lyft could be held liable if:
- It did not conduct proper background checks.
- It did not take action on previous complaints about the driver.
- It did not take appropriate actions to prevent such incidents.
Each case is unique, but the bottom line is that Lyft can only be sued under certain circumstances. Our Hollywood Lyft accident attorneys can evaluate your case and help you better understand your options.
How Much Does A Lyft Accident Lawyer Charge?
As with the potential value of your claim, this will depend on how complex your case is. If it involves multiple at-fault parties or has to be taken to court, for example, an attorney may charge more.
However, what you can be sure of is when you might have to pay them. Our Hollywood Lyft accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This arrangement means clients do not pay attorney fees unless they’re awarded a settlement. Certain costs and expenses may still apply, but we’ll discuss this fee structure before representing a client.
Consult Our Hollywood Lyft Accident Lawyers For Legal Help
If you have been injured by a Lyft car or while using the rideshare service, you may have a valid claim. Contact our Hollywood Lyft accident attorneys at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
We have assisted many personal injury clients and remain dedicated to providing legal representation tailored to each case.
Our team assists accident victims throughout Hollywood and nearby areas, including West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Glendale, Los Angeles, Burbank, Culver City, Inglewood, Huntington Park, South Pasadena, East Los Angeles, Walnut Park, Westmont, Santa Monica, Lennox, and La Canada Flintridge. However, you can also consult us about an accident that took place elsewhere in California.
