Inyo County Lyft Accident Attorneys
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Our Inyo County Lyft Accident Attorneys Helping You Navigate Recovery And Legal Rights
A Lyft collision can drastically change your life. If you or a loved one is injured, our Inyo County Lyft accident attorneys can assist you in seeking compensation for your injuries and other accident-related losses. Call us at (888) 488-1391. We offer a free initial case evaluation.
As Inyo County continues to develop its transportation infrastructure, ridesharing services like Lyft have increasingly become a common mode of travel. While convenient, these services are not immune to accidents.
If you are injured in a collision with a Lyft vehicle, it may be helpful to consider seeking legal representation. Our team has extensive experience in handling Lyft accident cases and is committed to working towards favorable outcomes for our clients. Contact our Inyo County Lyft accident attorneys to discuss your situation and get guidance on your next steps.
Why Hire Our Inyo County Lyft Accident Attorneys
Navigating the legal and insurance processes after a Lyft accident can be overwhelming, especially with the potential involvement of multiple parties. While insurance coverage may be available, pursuing compensation for damages can be challenging. It may be harder without legal representation.
Our Inyo County injury law firm handles various types of personal injury cases, including those involving Lyft vehicles. If you’ve been in an accident and are thinking, “I need a personal injury lawyer,” our team is available to help you. Here’s what we can offer:
- A Tailored Legal Action Plan — We recognize that no two Lyft accidents are alike. Our attorneys take the time to hear your perspective, understand your concerns, and assess the impact of the accident on your life. This individualized attention allows us to build a well-documented case.
- Knowledge and Experience — Our attorneys are well-versed in the various aspects of personal injury law and the nuances of rideshare regulations. This knowledge enables us to analyze your case and determine how different factors may impact your claim.
- Resources for Your Case — We leverage a broad range of resources to help support your case. Our network includes specialists, such as investigators and medical professionals, whose insights can enhance both negotiations and court presentations.
- Contingency Fee Structure — Pursuing a personal injury claim can be daunting, especially when there’s uncertainty about the outcome. Our contingency fee arrangement minimizes your financial risk. If we don’t win your case, you won’t owe us attorney fees, which allows you to focus on your rehabilitation rather than worrying about accumulating legal bills.
However, certain case costs may still apply. We will explain these matters to you during your consultation. - Comprehensive Case Evaluation — Our Inyo County Lyft accident lawyers can help you evaluate the potential value of your claim. We will work to identify the extent of your losses and explore possible avenues for compensation.
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
Lyft’s Insurance Coverage For Accidents
Rideshare drivers in California are required to carry insurance as mandated by law. Lyft also carries commercial insurance policies to protect drivers, passengers, and third parties when accidents happen. Coverage depends on the driver’s status on the app.
- Period 0 — Lyft does not provide any coverage if the driver is not logged into the app. The driver, in this case, is operating as a private individual, and their driving activities are not connected to their role as a contractor for the rideshare company.
- Period 1 — If a driver is logged into the Lyft app but has not accepted a ride request, Lyft offers liability coverage for the driver in cases where their insurance does not fully cover the claim amount. Lyft offers coverage of up to $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $30,000 for total property damage.
- Period 2 — When the driver accepts a trip and is en route to pick up the rider, the liability coverage rises to $1 million.
- Period 3 — If the rider is in the car, the same coverage in Period 2 applies.
If you need help with dealing with insurance issues or filing a personal injury claim related to a Lyft incident, speak with our Inyo County Lyft accident lawyers.
Common Lyft Accident Causes
Here are some of the most common factors that cause Lyft accidents:
- Reckless Driving — Drivers who speed, abruptly change lanes, ignore traffic signals, or tailgate other vehicles show a clear lack of concern for the safety of others. This behavior presents a serious risk to passengers and other drivers on the road.
- Fatigued Driving — Lyft drivers often face demanding and irregular work hours, which can lead to fatigue and an increased likelihood of accidents. Exhaustion impairs judgment and alertness. Fatigued drivers may unintentionally drift into adjacent lanes, increasing the risk of side collisions or other serious accidents.
- Unfamiliar Routes — Lyft drivers often navigate unfamiliar routes, relying on their GPS app or device for directions. They may struggle with unexpected road conditions, such as sharp curves, confusing intersections, or poorly marked streets, increasing the risk of collisions.
- Distracted Driving — When drivers divert their attention from the road, the likelihood of an accident rises considerably. By carefully reviewing phone records, we can determine if the driver was using their phone when the crash happened.
- Poorly Maintained Vehicles — Serious and unforeseen accidents may occur due to malfunctions on the road. Lyft requires its drivers to perform regular maintenance checks on their vehicles, but compliance with this requirement can be overlooked.
- Pulling Over in Unsafe Areas — When a driver stops or parks in an area not intended for that purpose, it can disrupt traffic flow. Stopping in bike lanes, near intersections, or in areas with heavy traffic may force other vehicles to swerve or make sudden lane changes, raising the likelihood of collisions.
- Inadequate Training — Inexperienced and untrained drivers may not know how to manage different driving situations, which can result in accidents.
- Road Conditions — Poor road conditions, including construction zones, potholes, or bad weather, can raise the risk of accidents, particularly when drivers do not adjust their driving behavior appropriately.
Hurt In A Lyft Accident?
Common Injuries Sustained By Lyft Accident Victims
Victims of Lyft accidents may sustain anything from minor injuries to life-altering impairments. Our Inyo County Lyft accident attorneys can help victims who sustained the following injuries:
Lacerations And Bruises
Deep cuts and bruises can lead to dangerous complications like excessive bleeding or infections. Severe cases may require a longer recovery time, potentially impacting the compensation that may be available to the victim.
Strains And Sprains
Whiplash occurs when the head is abruptly jerked back and forth, straining the neck’s muscles, ligaments, and tendons. These injuries can hinder work and physical activities. Victims may pursue compensation to cover not only the immediate medical costs but also ongoing rehabilitation, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Broken Bones
A high-impact crash can crush bones, causing pain and limited movement that hinders daily activities.
Internal Bleeding And Organ Damage Or Loss
Internal bleeding requires immediate medical attention, as it can be fatal. If an organ like the spleen is severely damaged and needs removal, it can have lasting effects on the victim.
Head And Brain Injuries
Skull fractures, concussions, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can result from Lyft accidents. TBIs often require long-term care and rehabilitation.
Back And Spinal Cord Injuries
In a high-impact collision, the spinal cord may be damaged, leading to partial or complete paralysis. The financial impact of a spinal cord injury can be immense, including costs for surgeries, physical therapy, adaptive equipment, and modifications to the victim’s home or vehicle to accommodate mobility challenges.
Burns
Fuel and oil leaks can start fires and result in serious burns. Burn injuries are not only extremely painful; they can also cause permanent scarring, disfigurement, and complications such as infections or nerve damage.
Wrongful Death In Lyft Accidents
Rideshare accidents can lead to tragic outcomes, including wrongful death, leaving families to face overwhelming grief. Those affected require our understanding and support as they navigate this challenging time.
Our Inyo County Lyft accident attorneys are here to assist you in filing a wrongful death claim. While no amount of money can truly replace a loved one, pursuing restitution can provide a sense of justice and help facilitate the healing process.
What To Do After A Lyft Accident
Following a Lyft accident, it’s important to take some measures to protect evidence for your possible claim. Victims of a Lyft incident can do the following:
- Check for Any Injuries — Assess yourself for injuries. If anyone is in need of medical care, call for emergency assistance.
- Move to a Safe Location — To avoid subsequent accidents, move away from traffic if it is safe to do so.
- Call 911 — Inform dispatch about the accident for emergency assistance. This also allows authorities to document the accident. Their report is essential for handling insurance claims and pursuing legal action.
- Exchange Information — Collect the insurance information and contact data of all parties involved in the collision, including the rideshare driver and other motorists. Don’t forget to share your name, phone number, and insurance details. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information.
- Document the Scene — Capture images or videos of the scene of the collision, emphasizing any visible injuries, license plates, road conditions, traffic signs, and property damage.
- Seek Medical Attention — Regardless of how minor or serious you think your injuries are, seek medical attention. Some signs of internal damage may not be immediately apparent.
- Do Not Make Speculations on Liability — Avoid discussing or acknowledging fault for the accident with other people.
- Report the Accident to Lyft — Report the collision to Lyft right away, especially if you were injured. If anybody is hurt or the vehicle’s damage exceeds $1,000, you must report the event to the Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days.
- Consult With Inyo County Lyft Accident Lawyers — Seek the help of lawyers who handle Lyft accident claims if you have sustained injuries or significant property damage. They can help you understand the claims procedure and work toward pursuing appropriate compensation under the law.
Potential Liable Parties In Lyft Accidents
It can be difficult to assign responsibility in a Lyft accident; a thorough investigation is necessary to ascertain whose actions led to the collision. Our Lyft accident attorneys in Inyo County can examine the facts of the case to establish who is potentially at fault.
The following parties could be held accountable for your injuries:
- Lyft Driver — The Lyft driver may be held accountable if their carelessness or recklessness caused the collision. Your lawyers can assist you in pursuing damages from Lyft’s insurance coverage or the driver’s auto insurance, depending on the circumstances of the incident.
- Another Motorist — The other driver’s insurance would normally cover your injuries if they were the cause of the collision.
- Local Authorities and Private Entities — A Lyft accident may be caused by poorly maintained roads or a lack of traffic signs. You might be able to pursue a claim from the responsible government agency or private entity.
- Vehicle or Auto Parts Manufacturer — If a defect in the Lyft caused the collision, you might have a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
- Lyft, Inc. — If Lyft’s negligence directly caused your accident, you might be able to pursue damages against the rideshare company. For example, your crash occurred because your Lyft driver was operating their vehicle while intoxicated. Lyft might be held accountable for your injuries if it neglected to perform a background check and your driver has a history of DUIs.
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
How To Establish Negligence In A Lyft Accident
Liability for accident-related costs is determined by demonstrating that the responsible party acted negligently and that their negligence directly caused the accident. This allows the injured party to seek compensation for the losses they sustained as a result of the accident.
To show negligence, our Lyft accident lawyers in Inyo County can help you establish these four elements:
- Duty of Care — The defendant has a legal responsibility to exercise caution to protect the safety of others. For instance, a Lyft driver is required to act with reasonable care by adhering to traffic laws, being mindful of their surroundings, and implementing safety measures to prevent potential collisions.
- Breached Duty — A breach of duty occurs when the defendant fails to perform their duty of care. For example, a Lyft driver breaches their duty of care when they drive recklessly.
- Causation — The defendant’s breach of duty resulted in the accident and the victim’s injuries. For instance, the Lyft driver’s recklessness caused them to sideswipe an SUV.
- Damages — The victim must have suffered actual harm or losses as a result of the defendant’s actions. Damages can include medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and more.
Compensation You May Pursue After A Lyft Accident
California legislation allows anyone who is hurt in a Lyft accident to seek damages. Depending on the details of your case, our Inyo County Lyft accident lawyers can assist you in pursuing compensation for the following:
- Economic Damages — The costs a victim must pay out of pocket to treat their injuries are covered by economic damages. Property damage, medical expenses, lost earnings, lost earning potential, and other considerations are taken into account while calculating the amount.
- Non-Economic Damages — Non-economic damages are subjective and can be tricky to calculate. These damages usually include pain and suffering, loss resulting from physical impairment, emotional distress, trauma, loss of enjoyment of life, etc.
In rare cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to victims in cases where the defendant acted with gross negligence or knowingly caused harm.
Statute Of Limitations In Filing Personal Injury Claims
The statute of limitations sets a defined period during which a person is required to submit an injury claim. In California, individuals injured in car accidents, including those involving Lyft, generally have a two-year period from the date of the incident to file their claims. If you find out about your injury sometime after the accident, you have two years from the date you discovered it to start your claim.
Filing your case after the statute of limitations has expired may result in the California courts dismissing it, which means you could lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries and losses. However, other exceptions may still apply. You can discuss your case with an injury lawyer to determine the applicable time limit for your case.
Lyft Accident Statistics
A study conducted by the University of Chicago examined U.S. accident rates prior to the surge in rideshare popularity and the subsequent prevalence of Lyft vehicles. Researchers observed that injuries and fatalities in traffic accidents increased significantly following the launch of ridesharing services. A 3% increase in fatalities was identified. This percentage reflects nearly a thousand additional deaths each year.
The study indicated that the accident rate in major U.S. cities prior to the emergence of rideshare services remained relatively consistent each year, averaging approximately two accidents per 100,000 people. After ridesharing services transformed the transportation industry, the average annual rate increased to approximately 3.5 accidents per 100,000 individuals. The rates for bicycle and pedestrian impacts experienced a comparable increase.
Lyft’s Safety Transparency Report indicates that safety incidents rarely occur in less than 0.0002% of rides. Between 2020 and 2022, there were 111 deaths resulting from motor vehicle accidents. This figure indicates a 14% rise in deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled and a 31% increase in the frequency of incidents compared to the previous report from the rideshare service.
Although the company is dedicated to safety, it is clear that additional efforts are necessary to decrease the number of accidents involving rideshare vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Is My Lyft Accident Claim Worth?
It is difficult to answer this question without knowing the specifics of your case. Settlements typically depend on the severity of your injuries and the degree of your losses. This includes your medical expenses, property damage, future earning potential, lost wages, and emotional distress. Our Lyft accident lawyers can assist you in determining the potential value of your case based on the available evidence.
How Long Will It Take To Receive My Settlement?
The timeline may differ. Most civil claims are settled through private negotiations rather than going to court. This method is efficient and cost-effective for all parties, eliminating the need for court proceedings.
A settlement can only be achieved if both the plaintiff and defendant agree on mutually acceptable terms. If an agreement cannot be reached, our Inyo County Lyft accident attorneys may suggest pursuing litigation, which could extend the duration of the process.
How Much Do Lyft Accident Lawyers Charge?
Lyft accident lawyers usually work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only receive payment if they win the case or obtain a settlement. Clients are not responsible for attorney fees if their lawyers are not successful with their case. However, they may still be responsible for certain case-related costs regardless of the outcome.
A contingency arrangement enables claimants to pursue their cases without the need to pay attorney fees up front. This arrangement provides individuals who have been wronged the chance to seek accountability, even if they lack the financial means to hire attorneys at an hourly rate.
Contact Our Inyo County Lyft Accident Attorneys
If you have sustained injuries in a Lyft accident, it is advisable to seek assistance. Arash Law provides legal representation and support for you through the claims process.
Our Inyo County Lyft accident attorneys will conduct an investigation to identify the cause of the Lyft accident that resulted in your injuries and will work diligently to determine potentially liable parties. Although personal injury claims are typically settled through negotiations, we are ready to take your Lyft accident case to court if necessary.
Contact us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Aside from Lyft collisions, our Inyo County lawyers also handle truck accidents, Uber claims, and other personal injury claims. Our team also helps injured victims in neighboring counties, such as Fresno, Mono, Tulare, Kern, San Bernardino, San Diego, Riverside, San Luis Obispo, Ventura, and Los Angeles.
