Humboldt County Lyft Accident Lawyers
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Our Humboldt County Lyft Accident Lawyers Offer Practical Legal Help After An Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a Lyft vehicle, our Humboldt County Lyft accident lawyers are available to discuss your legal options. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Humboldt County is home to a college town and university, making Lyft a useful transportation option in the area. In 2022, a partnership was formed between the Humboldt County Aviation Department and Lyft to provide rideshare services for travelers to and from the California Redwood Coast Humboldt County Airport (ACV).
Given the increasing reliance on Lyft for transportation within Humboldt County, especially with its connection to the local airport, it’s crucial to address the potential for Lyft-related accidents and the options available for those affected.
Whether you were an injured passenger, a Lyft or third-party driver, or a pedestrian, you may have the right to pursue compensation. Our lawyers at Arash Law can review the facts of your case, explain the courses of action available to you, and guide you through the claims process.
How Our Humboldt County Lyft Accident Lawyers Can Help You
When facing a Lyft accident claim, you can consult our attorneys for practical assistance. Here’s how our Humboldt County injury law firm can help accident victims:
- Determine Liability — We will conduct an independent investigation to identify who may be at fault. We will also look into all the possible causes of the accident.
- Calculate Damages — Our lawyers can estimate the value of your lost income, property damage, medical costs, and other losses. We can negotiate for compensation that reflects the extent of your damages.
- Handle All the Legal Legwork — Our attorneys will take care of the claims process, including filing the necessary paperwork and meeting all applicable deadlines. This way, you can concentrate on getting better.
- Negotiate With Insurers — Our firm can handle communications with insurance companies on your behalf.
- Represent You in Court — If a resolution cannot be reached through negotiation, we are prepared to present your case before a judge or jury.
Our approach is centered on advocating for your rights and helping you seek the compensation that may be available to you.
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
Typical Causes Of Lyft Accidents
In 2023, Lyft provided 709 million rides, adding to the overall traffic volume on the roads. As the number of drivers and passengers using ridesharing services increases, so does the likelihood of a Lyft accident. Here are a few common reasons they occur:
- Unfamiliar Routes — When Lyft drivers use their phones to navigate new places, they may make mistakes that result in missed exits or incorrect turns. These errors may lead to collisions that endanger passenger safety.
- Distracted Driving — Drivers of any vehicle can become distracted behind the wheel, especially if they’re using their phones. However, Lyft drivers may have to use their phones more often to accept bookings. Talking to passengers might also divert their attention from driving.
- Fatigued Driving — Many Lyft drivers work long hours or have other jobs, which might result in fatigued or drowsy driving. This leads to slower reaction times, which increases the risk of serious crashes.
- Pulling Over in Unsafe Areas — When drivers stop in unsafe or undesignated areas, including Lyft drivers who have to pick up or drop off passengers quickly, they may put themselves and other road users at risk.
- Dangerous Road Conditions — Potholes, missing guardrails, broken traffic lights, and rainy winter can make it difficult for drivers to operate safely on the road. These hazards can lead to sudden stops, swerving, or collisions.
- Poorly Maintained Vehicles — Serious crashes can result from failed brakes and malfunctioning engines. Even though Lyft mandates that its drivers perform routine maintenance work on their vehicles, not all drivers adhere to this requirement. Potential negligence in this aspect may lead to safety and performance issues on the road.
Our Humboldt County Lyft accident attorneys can gather witness statements and consult with accident reconstruction experts to help establish liability.
Injuries Sustained In Lyft Accidents
Depending on the severity of the Lyft accident, victims may experience the following injuries:
- Bruises and Lacerations — These injuries can result in excessive bleeding and infections, which can affect the victims’ everyday activities and general quality of life.
- Strains and Sprains — Although tendon strains and ligament sprains may mend with time, severe cases may necessitate surgery, which can impact mobility and the capacity to carry out daily chores.
- Broken Bone Injuries — Fractured ribs, arms, or legs can cause long-term pain, decreased mobility, and a protracted recuperation period that disrupts the victim’s life.
- Internal Bleeding — Life-threatening internal bleeding or severe organ damage requires immediate medical attention and could have long-term health consequences.
- Head and Brain Injuries — Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and skull fractures can create long-lasting neurological impairments, requiring extensive medical treatment.
- Back and Spinal Cord Injuries — These injuries can cause paralysis or limited movement, which can significantly affect a victim’s quality of life.
- Burns — Serious burns from fires, hot liquids, or chemicals can have a substantial impact on the victim’s appearance, everyday activities, and emotional health.
Understanding the nature and extent of your injuries is an important part of evaluating a Lyft accident claim. Our Humboldt County Lyft accident lawyers can connect you with qualified medical specialists who can review the extent of losses. By taking this approach, we can prepare a well-documented case to seek compensation tailored to your specific needs.
Liable Parties In A Lyft Accident Case
Compared to the cases handled by our car accident lawyers, claims involving Lyft collisions can be far more complex. They can potentially involve multiple parties, including:
- The Lyft Driver — The driver may be at fault if they acted negligently or recklessly while driving.
- Lyft, Inc. — If the company fails to screen its drivers properly or conduct periodic reviews to maintain safety standards, it may be held accountable.
- A Third-Party Driver — Another driver may be responsible if their reckless behavior resulted in the collision.
- The Auto Parts Manufacturer or Installer — They may be liable if a defective or badly installed part caused the accident.
- Government Entities — If your injury resulted from an accident that was caused by poor road conditions, a government agency may be held liable for failing to address it.
It can be challenging to determine who is responsible for a Lyft accident, especially if multiple parties may be involved. Our Humboldt County Lyft attorneys can assist by reviewing the circumstances, gathering evidence, and identifying all potentially liable parties to support your claim.
How Negligence In Lyft Accidents Is Proven
To hold a Lyft driver liable for a crash, you must demonstrate that they acted negligently and that their negligence caused the accident. The four elements that must be established are as follows:
- Duty of Care — Under California law, for instance, Lyft drivers are required to adhere to the highest standard of care to promote passenger safety and to exercise a level of care that a reasonably prudent person would under similar circumstances, aimed at protecting other road users as well.
- Breach of Duty — Following the above example, if a Lyft driver fails to meet this high standard of care, such as by engaging in reckless driving behaviors, such as speeding, they have breached their duty of care.
- Causation — It’s essential to clearly establish a direct link between the at-fault party’s breach of duty and the accident, including how this negligence was the proximate cause of your injuries.
- Damages — Demonstrating that you have suffered actual losses as a direct result of the accident is crucial. This includes quantifiable damages, such as lost wages, medical bills, and rehabilitation costs, as well as non-economic damages, including pain and suffering.
If there are other potentially responsible parties in a Lyft accident, our Humboldt County accident attorneys can help investigate their possible negligence as well.
Lyft’s Insurance Coverage
Lyft provides insurance coverage in the event of an accident, but the details can be complex. The compensation available from its policy will depend on its driver’s status on the app at the time of the incident. Understanding these distinctions is important when evaluating a claim. Proposition 22, which classifies Lyft drivers as independent contractors rather than employees, can also affect how liability is assessed.
Below are the general coverage periods based on a driver’s activity within the Lyft app:
- Period 0 – App is Off — The driver’s auto insurance will cover accident-related expenses if an accident occurs during this period.
- Period 1 – App is On, No Ride Request — If the driver’s policy is insufficient to cover damages incurred during this time, Lyft covers the costs. Normal insurance coverage includes up to $50,000 for bodily injuries per person, $100,000 for bodily injuries per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
- Period 2 – Ride Accepted, En Route to Pick Up — Lyft offers $1,000,000 in third-party liability coverage and coverage for accidents involving uninsured or underinsured motorists. It also provides contingent comprehensive and collision coverage up to the vehicle’s real cash value, with a $2,500 deductible.
- Period 3 – Passenger in the Vehicle — Coverage is identical to that of Period 2.
It is important to note that these coverage limits and terms can vary on a case-by-case basis, so consider consulting an attorney to understand Lyft’s published insurance information and how specific policies may apply to your situation.
Available Damages In A Lyft Accident Claim
If you were hurt in a Lyft accident, you might be eligible to seek certain damages. Economic damages are simpler to compute since they include actual monetary losses brought on by the accident. Conversely, non-economic damages tend to be more subjective. They make up for the psychological and emotional effects of your injury.
Here are some examples of compensatory damages that victims may seek:
- Medical expenses.
- Damage to property.
- Lost wages.
- Loss of earning potential.
- Pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress.
- Physical impairment.
- Permanent disfigurement.
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
In exceptional circumstances, accident victims may be awarded punitive damages if a judge determines that the defendant’s acts were intentional or grossly negligent. These damages aim to punish the offender and discourage future instances of the same kind of action.
Our Lyft accident attorneys in Humboldt County can help you understand the scope of your potential compensation based on the available evidence. When appropriate, we may work with qualified medical and financial professionals to document your injuries and related costs. This approach allows both current and future expenses to be taken into account as part of your claim.
Understanding Partial Fault And How It Works
Under California’s rules on comparative negligence, a victim’s partial fault may have an impact on a potential settlement or compensation. If you contributed to the accident, your compensation may be lowered in proportion to your degree of fault. For instance, if you were found 18% at fault, the highest compensation you could get would be 82%.
If comparative fault becomes an issue in your case, Humboldt County Lyft accident attorneys can review the circumstances, address liability arguments raised by the other side, and work to present evidence that supports your claim. Legal guidance can help you understand how these rules apply and what steps to take during the claims process.
What To Do After A Lyft Accident
If you are injured in a Lyft accident, the steps you take immediately afterward can affect both your health and any potential claim. For example:
- Stay calm and assess yourself for injuries. Call 911 for emergency assistance. The dispatcher will then send emergency medical services and the police.
- Once the police arrive, share the facts of the accident and request the officer’s name, badge number, and the incident report number for your records.
- If you can, take photos of the accident scene, including your injuries. These images will serve as valuable evidence.
- Ask for the insurance and license details of your Lyft driver and any other drivers involved. Also, collect the contact information of any witnesses, as their statements can be crucial in supporting your case later on.
- Seek medical attention, even if your wounds appear to be minor. A medical exam can help identify any hidden injuries. The resulting medical records can provide tangible evidence of your injuries and a direct link to the accident.
- Contact a lawyer. Our Humboldt County Lyft accident attorneys can review your situation, explain your rights, and potentially handle the claims process on your behalf. You can reach us by calling (888) 488-1391 or completing our “Do I have a case?” form.
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
Statute Of Limitations For Filing A Lyft Accident Claim
If you were harmed in a Lyft accident in California and want to file a claim, you generally have two years from the date of the incident to do so. This deadline is called the statute of limitations. Acting within this time frame is critical, as missing it may prevent you from pursuing compensation through the court system.
However, there are certain exceptions. Following the “discovery rule,” if the injury wasn’t discovered right away, the time limit only begins from the moment it reasonably should have been identified. Our Humboldt County personal injury lawyers who handle Lyft accident cases can explain how these rules apply to your situation, help track important deadlines, and guide you through the claims process.
Lyft Accident Statistics
According to research done by the Becker Friedman Institute, “The Cost of Convenience: Ridesharing and Traffic Fatalities”, the emergence of ridesharing services like Lyft led to a 3% increase in traffic accidents. This amounts to roughly 987 more fatal crashes in the United States each year.
Lyft’s Safety Transparency Report adds that 111 motor vehicle deaths occurred between 2020 and 2022. Compared to earlier figures, this represented a 31% rise in occurrences and a 14% increase in fatalities per 100 million miles traveled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Lyft Require Safety Training For Drivers?
Lyft does require drivers to complete a mandatory safety program before they start accepting passengers. This program, developed in partnership with RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), is designed to help drivers manage challenging passenger situations and promote safer rides.
However, while Lyft requires this basic safety program, it does not provide extensive driver training. As a result, the service’s inexperienced drivers may struggle to handle difficult road conditions or hazards, which could increase the risk of accidents.
What’s The Requirement To Drive For Lyft?
Lyft has several criteria that drivers and their vehicles must meet. Drivers will not be permitted to use Lyft’s platform if they or their cars don’t fulfill these standards.
Driver Requirements
For them to drive with Lyft, they must:
- Possess a valid California driver’s license.
- Be 25 years of age or older.
- Finish the driver screening process, which entails a criminal background check and a driving history check.
- Have a smartphone that can download and operate the Lyft Driver app.
- Finish a course on community safety education.
- Have an auto insurance policy that fulfills the state’s minimum requirements.
Vehicle Requirements
Vehicles must meet the following standards:
- 2008 or newer with four doors.
- Seats five to eight, including the driver’s.
- Not a stretch limo, taxi, or rental car that isn’t Express Drive.
- Not designated as rebuilt, salvage, non-repairable, or any similar classification.
- Has a California license plate.
These standards are in place to promote passenger safety and protect against liability. Nevertheless, accidents can still happen, even though all drivers are required to complete a community safety course.
How Can I Hold Someone Responsible For A Lyft Accident?
You can file a personal injury claim to hold someone responsible for a Lyft accident. To learn more about the process and your options, consider speaking with experienced Humboldt County Lyft accident lawyers who can explain how liability is determined under California law.
How Much Is My Lyft Accident Claim Worth?
The value of a Lyft accident claim varies depending on different factors, including your medical expenditures, property damage, lost wages, and future earnings. You may also be eligible to seek compensation for pain and suffering. Our Humboldt County Lyft accident attorneys can gather supporting documentation and assess the different elements of your claim to estimate its worth.
How Long Will It Take To Receive My Lyft Accident Settlement?
There is no guarantee that you can receive a settlement from a Lyft accident claim. However, the timeline for resolving such a case, regardless of its outcome, varies. Many Lyft accident claims are settled through private negotiations. However, complex cases may take longer to settle, especially if litigation becomes necessary. Our Humboldt County Lyft accident lawyers can keep you informed about the expected timeframe.
Are You Required To Have A Lawyer To File A Lyft Accident Claim?
No, you are not required to have a lawyer to file a Lyft accident claim. However, enlisting their services may help you better understand your rights and navigate communications with insurance companies or opposing attorneys. Having counsel can also reduce the burden of handling paperwork and legal procedures on your own.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Lyft Accident Lawyer?
Attorney fees will depend on the specifics of your case, such as how many defendants are involved and how long it may take to resolve it. However, you can be certain of when you may have to pay for legal representation.
Our Humboldt County Lyft accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. Under this arrangement, clients do not pay attorney’s fees upfront. The lawyer receives a percentage of the settlement or award, and only if the case is successful. Certain case-related costs, which can include filing fees or expert witness fees, may still be the client’s responsibility. The exact fee structure and any additional expenses are typically explained during the initial consultation.
Call Our Humboldt County Lyft Accident Lawyers For Legal Guidance
Lyft accidents can potentially leave you or your loved ones facing medical expenses, lost income, and long-term challenges. If you or a family member has been injured in such an accident, you may benefit from speaking with an experienced Lyft accident attorney about your legal options.
Our Humboldt County Lyft accident lawyers offer guidance to injured individuals and families. We can review the circumstances of your case, explain your rights, and help you pursue compensation for accident-related losses.
If you think, “I need a personal injury lawyer,” we are available to assist you. Call us at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free initial consultation.
Our team also handles truck accidents and other personal injury matters across Trinidad, McKinleyville, Indianola, Hoopa, Garberville, Fortuna, Eureka, Blue Lake, Bayside, and Arcata. We also represent victims from neighboring counties, such as Del Norte, Siskiyou, Trinity, and Mendocino, as well as other locations across California.
