Irvine Lyft Accident Attorneys
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Our Irvine Lyft Accident Attorneys Can Help You Navigate Legal Claims With Care
Taking a Lyft is one of the easiest ways to get around Irvine, California. However, it’s not always safe. If you are injured while riding in one, our Irvine Lyft accident attorneys can help you pursue compensation for your injuries. Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 for a free, no-obligation initial consultation and case review.
Whether you’re going home after riding the Great Park Balloon or looking to explore Tanaka Farms, you can consider using Lyft as a reliable mode of transportation in Irvine. Unfortunately, just like with any means of travel, the risk of getting into a traffic accident remains.
Lyft accidents are more common than you might expect. Although the rideshare company insists that it rarely encounters any safety incidents on its rides, this doesn’t mean its drivers won’t get into an accident at all.
Our law firm has helped injured victims and their families file claims for these rideshare accidents. We can provide the legal assistance you need to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.
Settlement in a Under Insured Motorist Claim against ride share company; client suffered spinal injuries– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
Why Hire Irvine Lyft Accident Attorneys From Arash Law
Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., strives to provide experienced legal services for its clients. When you hire our Lyft accident attorneys in Irvine, you can expect to receive the following:
- Free Initial Consultations — We offer free initial consultations over the phone or via virtual meetings for your convenience. During these meetings, we take extra measures to ensure that any information you disclose stays secure and confidential.
- Assistance in Finding Medical Services — We aim to help you get proper treatment for your injuries. If needed, we can connect you with qualified medical specialists in the state so you can be thoroughly examined after an accident.
- Regular Case Updates — We will keep you informed throughout the process, explaining each step or progress in your claim. Our lawyers can answer your questions and keep you updated on any developments.
- Compassionate Service — We understand that many injured victims think that hiring a lawyer can be costly while paying for their increasing medical bills. To help ease your financial burden, we offer our legal services with no upfront costs. Our lawyers take on cases on a contingency fee arrangement, which means we only receive payment if we obtain compensation on your behalf. Nevertheless, some case-related costs may still apply regardless of the outcome. We will explain this fee structure to you during your consult.
How Can Our Irvine Lyft Accident Attorneys Help You
Our personal injury lawyers in Irvine have the experience to help you pursue compensation for your injuries and other losses. We have handled cases involving rideshare companies, so we are familiar with the regulations governing transportation network companies (TNC).
Moreover, our Lyft accident lawyers in Irvine can help you with the following:
- Identifying who is potentially at fault in the accident and who is responsible for your damages.
- Gathering evidence that establishes another party’s negligence in the accident.
- Compiling receipts and other documents proving the extent of your injuries.
- Negotiating and communicating with insurance companies for a settlement.
- Representing you in court if the case turns into a lawsuit.
No two cases are the same. Our Irvine Lyft accident lawyers can help you go over the facts of your case and determine the appropriate course of action. We tailor our approach to every client so that we don’t overlook any details or miss opportunities for seeking damages.
Common Types Of Lyft Accidents
In a Lyft accident, there are often multiple parties involved: the Lyft driver, the passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian. The following are the most common cases of Lyft accidents:
- A negligent Lyft driver hit another vehicle.
- A negligent third-party driver crashed into a Lyft vehicle.
- Both Lyft and third-party drivers were responsible for the accident.
- A Lyft driver ran over a pedestrian or bicyclist.
- A Lyft accident caused property damage.
Our Irvine Lyft accident lawyers will also look into the cause of the accident and help determine who is at fault, given the specific circumstances.
Typical Causes Of Lyft Accidents
Much like any other traffic accident, the typical reasons behind Lyft crashes and collisions are negligent behaviors, such as disobeying traffic laws or using phones while driving.
Here are the typical errors that put the lives of road users at risk:
Distracted Driving
Lyft drivers need to use the mobile app to accept and complete rides, meaning they have to keep their phones on as long as they’re accommodating passengers. Additionally, drivers tend to check the navigation guide on their phones while on a trip. These unique demands of the job can take away the drivers’ full focus on the road, making them more likely to get into accidents.
Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of Lyft accidents. In 2022, 3,308 people were killed because of this dangerous road behavior. Our Irvine Lyft accident lawyers can analyze evidence to determine if this is a factor that contributed to your crash.
Fatigued Driving
Lyft is more of a side hustle than a regular job for many of its drivers. It’s not at all rare to encounter drivers who drive for Lyft after their full-time jobs or other gigs. Unfortunately, these drivers might get into accidents after falling asleep behind the wheel due to exhaustion, especially during late-night or early-morning trips. In 2021, drowsy-driving-related crashes caused 684 fatalities.
Driving Under The Influence (DUI)
Drivers who are intoxicated cannot react quickly to avoid getting into accidents. While Lyft claims to have zero tolerance for the use of drugs and alcohol on the job, there is still more that needs to be done to at least curb drunk driving cases. DUI-related crashes claimed the lives of 13,384 people in 2021.
Reckless Driving
In an attempt to earn more by completing as many trips as possible in the least amount of time, Lyft drivers sometimes forget to prioritize safety. Other motorists also engage in such practices. Some examples of reckless driving behaviors are:
- Going over the speed limit.
- Running the red light.
- Making improper or illegal turns.
- Not yielding the right-of-way.
Speeding is another common cause of Lyft accidents and other traffic incidents. In 2021, there were 12,330 speeding-related deaths across the nation.
You may be able to make a claim for any of these driver errors, which are all examples of negligent behavior. However, Lyft accidents aren’t always the fault of the driver.
Other Causes Of Lyft Accidents
Sometimes, Lyft accidents happen due to external factors, including:
- Auto defects and mechanical failures (faulty brakes, blown-out tires, steering wheel issues, defective airbags, etc.).
- Unfavorable weather conditions (slippery roads due to rain or snow, poor visibility because of strong winds, etc.).
- Dangerous road conditions (potholes, uneven roads, lack of warning signs, defective traffic lights, etc.).
Our Irvine Lyft accident attorneys can help you with the process of filing a claim and answering your questions along the way. We strive to assist you in pursuing compensation for your injuries.
Usual Injuries Sustained In Lyft Accidents
Victims of Lyft accidents suffer a range of injuries, from scrapes and fractures to brain injuries or paralysis. Our attorneys in Irvine can support victims who suffered the following injuries in Lyft accidents:
- Scrapes, cuts, and bruises
- Muscle strains and sprains
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Fractures and amputations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Internal organ damage
- Wrongful death
The treatment of these injuries can be costly, especially if further complications arise after the accident. Seeking compensation that reflects your losses can help you deal with medical costs. Our Irvine lawyers for Lyft accident cases can assist you in the legal process.
Types Of Physical Trauma Victims Usually Suffer
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), victims’ injuries can be classified into three types of physical trauma: blunt force, penetrating, and deceleration trauma.
Victims of serious Lyft accidents often suffer any or all of these:
- Blunt force or non-penetrating trauma happens when a victim comes into contact with a dull object, and the force is strong enough to cause bruising, whether externally or internally. An example of this would be your body being flung onto a Lyft vehicle’s dashboard or car seats, causing abdominal trauma.
- Penetrating trauma occurs when sharp objects, like glass shards, cut or penetrate the skin, resulting in open wounds. You might suffer this kind of trauma when the vehicle’s windshield breaks due to impact, and you get impaled by one of its shattered pieces.
- Deceleration trauma is caused when the vehicle comes to an abrupt halt in an accident. When your Lyft suddenly stops after hitting another car or a fixed object, your body absorbs the impact. Deceleration trauma usually affects internal organs, especially the brain.
Our Irvine Lyft accident lawyers can work with medical experts to assess the extent of your injuries. We will look at the type of trauma you’ve suffered and the possible implications of these injuries on your quality of life.
Who Can Be Liable For A Lyft Accident?
The liable parties in a Lyft accident are those whose negligent actions caused harm to others. Aside from Lyft drivers, these parties could be other motorists or even vehicle manufacturers. Let’s look into the instances when they can be held accountable:
- Lyft Driver — When a Lyft driver acts recklessly or violates traffic regulations and causes an accident, they will be held liable.
- Other Motorists — Drivers of other vehicles who commit negligent acts, such as tailgating or cutting off the Lyft vehicle, may be held liable in the resulting accident.
- Lyft — The rideshare company itself can also share liability if it hires a Lyft driver with a questionable background or allows them to work without proper clearance for the use of alcohol and other substances.
- Vehicle Manufacturers or Mechanics — The professionals who make or maintain the car may also be liable for Lyft accidents caused by vehicle defects.
- Government — Local government agencies are responsible for keeping motorists’ roads safe. These agencies may be held liable for failure to fulfill this responsibility if roadway issues cause a Lyft accident.
Our Irvine lawyers can help identify the potentially at-fault party in a Lyft accident. We will go over your case and determine who you should file your claim against. Once you hire us, we will use our resources to help you demonstrate the negligence of the liable party.
Establishing Negligence In A Lyft Accident
To pursue compensation following an accident, you first have to establish the negligence of the at-fault party. Technically, there are four elements you need to prove to establish fault in a Lyft accident:
- Duty — The Lyft driver had a duty to care for passengers and other road users. They needed to follow traffic rules and drive cautiously to uphold this duty.
- Breach — The Lyft driver committed a breach of duty by acting negligently or failing to act cautiously. For example, they disobeyed the traffic lights.
- Causation — The driver’s negligent behavior directly led to the accident that harmed the victim.
- Damages — The passenger suffered serious injuries and losses because of the accident.
Our Irvine Lyft accident attorneys will review your case and help establish the negligence of the at-fault party. We can help you gather crucial evidence to support your claim.
Pursuing Compensation After A Lyft Accident
The whole point of filing a claim is to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. Our Irvine lawyers, who focus on Lyft accidents, can calculate the potential value of your claim. Here are several economic and non-economic damages you can seek:
Medical Expenses
These include all past, ongoing, and future expenses you incur for your medical treatment. Specifically, these expenses include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Ambulance fees
- Hospital bills
- Diagnostic tests
- Specialist consultations
- Prescribed medications
- Rehabilitation or physical therapy
- Home care facilities
- Follow-up appointments
These medical costs can be reimbursable as long as you keep all receipts and documents related to them.
Lost Wages And Earning Capacity
Missing a few days from work while recovering from your injuries results in lost wages. The same applies to earning capacity. Some injuries are permanent, and no matter how much treatment you receive, you may never be able to regain your ability to earn a living as well as you used to. Compensation should cover this reduced or total loss of earning capacity. Depending on the specifics of your case, our Irvine Lyft accident attorneys can help you pursue reimbursement for your lost income, among other damages.
Property Damage
The at-fault party can be responsible for compensating you for your property repair or replacement expenses. For example, a Lyft driver crashed into your car because they were distracted. The at-fault party can be liable for any repairs or replacements you have made to fix your vehicle. You may also file a claim if the Lyft driver crashes into your property and causes damage.
Pain & Suffering
Apart from physical injuries, victims suffer emotional losses and psychological trauma in an accident. Pain and suffering may lead to a loss of enjoyment or a lower quality of life. These damages are non-economic, and with no bills to quantify them, they’re quite difficult to put a price on. However, our Irvine attorneys, who have experience handling various Lyft accidents, can calculate these intangible losses based on the extent of your injuries and how they have affected your life.
Loss Of Consortium Or Companionship
Suffering serious injuries, especially permanent ones, may result in a loss of consortium or companionship. Victims of Lyft accidents may not be able to provide love and care for their spouses and families the way they did before the accident. This loss takes a toll not just on the victim’s life but also on their loved ones, hence making it a compensable damage that the at-fault party may also pay for.
Punitive Damages
Some cases are the result of gross negligence or an utter disregard for the safety of others. In these rare instances, the court may award special or punitive damages to punish the at-fault party and discourage others from doing the same thing in the future.
Our lawyers, focusing on Irvine Lyft accidents, can help identify the types of damages you can include in your claim. We can also give you an estimate of how much you can pursue based on the specifics of your case.
Gomez v. PG Transportation (settled on 8/11/2023) – settlement involving a man who was struck by a car resulting in a mild traumatic brain injury as well as other orthopedic injuries.– TINA ESHGHIEH
What You Should Know About Lyft’s Insurance Policy
Whether the Lyft driver is at fault or not, Lyft offers insurance coverage for its drivers and passengers injured in an accident. The actual amount varies, though, depending on the circumstances. Here are the different periods and the amounts of coverage that kick in:
Period 0 – When The App Is Off
When the Lyft driver gets into an accident while their app is off, their personal auto insurance applies. Lyft doesn’t share liability during this period.
Period 1 – When The App Is On But There Are No Active Ride Requests
The third-party liability insurance provided by Lyft covers drivers who are involved in accidents while their app is open and waiting for a ride request. In this policy, Lyft offers at least:
- $50,000 per injured person.
- $100,000 for bodily injuries per accident.
- $30,000 for property damage.
Period 2 – When The App Is On And The Driver Is En Route To Pick Up A Passenger
Suppose the driver gets into an accident while on the way to pick up a passenger. They are covered by Lyft’s policy, amounting to $1,000,000. This amount covers all accident-related damages, such as injuries and property damage.
They also offer uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage for Lyft drivers and passengers who are injured by other drivers and have inadequate or no insurance coverage.
Lastly, they offer comprehensive and collision coverage for their drivers, but only if they already have it in their personal auto insurance.
Period 3 – When The App Is On And The Ride Is In Progress
When the Lyft driver and their passenger get into an accident while en route to the destination, the same coverage as Period 2 applies.
The amount you may be able to pursue will still vary with the unique circumstances of the accident you were involved in, no matter the period mentioned. Our Irvine Lyft accident attorneys can explain these to you in more detail. We will break down the technicalities of Lyft’s insurance policy and help you understand what applies to your specific case.
What Should You Do After A Lyft Accident?
The moments following a Lyft accident are overwhelming, but this time is also crucial for your claim. Here’s a list of things to do after a Lyft accident:
- If you can, get to a safer place, such as the side of the road. Be careful when moving so you don’t worsen your injuries.
- Call 911 and give them your location. They will dispatch emergency responders and the police.
- While waiting for the authorities, take pictures and videos of the accident scene. Capture anything that could give more details about the accident, such as license plates, skid marks, vehicle damage, injuries, and so on.
- Do not discuss the accident with anyone. More importantly, never apologize, as this may be interpreted as an admission of guilt.
- When the medics arrive, get first aid and the necessary immediate medical attention.
- Report the accident to the police when they arrive. Give only factual statements and refrain from adding your speculations or any details that may not be true.
- Get the contact details of the people involved in the accident. You should also ask possible witnesses for their contact information.
- Report the accident to Lyft. You may need to fill out an accident report on their app, which will take around 15 minutes to complete.
- Never give a statement or accept any settlement offers from insurance companies without a lawyer.
- Avoid posting about the accident on social media, as your words may be twisted, and this may be used against you later.
- Speak with our Irvine Lyft accident attorneys following an accident so we can guide you on your next course of action based on the specifics of your case.
Filing A Lyft Accident Claim In Irvine, CA
You can file a claim if you were injured in a Lyft accident. The first thing you should do is report the accident via Lyft’s app or through their online form. Without this, you may not be able to seek any compensation for your injuries and losses.
After submitting a report, insurance negotiations can start. Our Irvine Lyft accident attorneys can manage negotiations on your behalf. We can advocate for a settlement that addresses the losses you incurred due to the collision.
Deadlines Of Filing A Personal Injury Claim
You typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit. However, filing a claim early on can be beneficial to your case. Remember, time is of the essence, especially when filing a report with Lyft.
Failure to comply with the statute of limitations may take away your chance of getting compensation for your injuries. There may be exceptions, which our Irvine lawyers are aware of, that apply to certain Lyft accident cases. For example, if the victim is a minor, the statute of limitations is paused until they turn 18.
If you want to know if you have a valid claim, consult any of our Irvine Lyft accident attorneys. We can help you understand these deadlines and guide you through the filing process.
Rideshare Accident Statistics
Rideshare services have helped reduce alcohol-related traffic crashes by 6% in the United States. Instead of driving drunk after a night out, people now have an alternative and safe way to get home.
Unfortunately, it has its downsides as well. According to a study by the Becker Friedman Institute (BFI) at the University of Chicago, rideshare services account for a 3% annual increase in traffic fatalities in the United States. This is roughly equivalent to 987 more deaths per year.
This statistic is also supported by a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which revealed that rideshare services increase the burden of injuries in motor vehicle crashes. Motorists and pedestrians are more at risk with the growth of these rideshare services.
Lyft’s Community Safety Report shows that 99% of its rides occur without any safety incidents. As with Uber’s stats, only 0.0002% of its rides ended in a safety-related incident, which is “statistically rare.”
However, we have to take note that not all Lyft-related accidents are being reported. There’s a good chance that rideshare-related reports online are just the tip of the iceberg. Lyft may have safety policies in place to assure its users that their platform is secure, but the occurrence of these accidents says otherwise.
Some Dangerous Roads In Irvine, California
Irvine may be the safest city for its size, but its roads are still dangerous. According to City Data, most reported accidents have happened on Irvine’s interstate and state roads. Here are the specific roads where motorists and pedestrians should take extra caution when passing by:
- I-5
- I-405
- SR-133
- SR-73
- Jamboree Road
- Portola Parkway
- Irvine Boulevard
- Walnut Avenue
- Harvard Avenue
- Shady Canyon Drive
- University Drive
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Sue Lyft For An Accident?
Unless you can prove that Lyft acted negligently and, therefore, led to your accident, the rideshare giant wouldn’t be primarily liable. However, it could offer you insurance coverage if you got injured during a Lyft ride. If there is sufficient evidence to go after Lyft in an accident claim, we can help you file a suit against it.
Consult with our Irvine Lyft accident lawyers to find out more about suing rideshare companies.
What Happens If A Rideshare Accident Is Fatal?
If a loved one dies in a Lyft accident, you can file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party. In this type of claim, you may be able to pursue reimbursement for the funeral and burial costs for the victim, among other losses. Our Lyft accident attorneys in Irvine will be able to explain this to you further.
What Happens If I’m Partially Liable For A Lyft Accident?
If you were driving another vehicle, got involved in a Lyft accident, and were partially at fault, the award you receive will be reduced by your percentage of liability. For example, you were found to be 40% at fault. As such, you may only be able to pursue 60% of the potential damages you incurred.
You can turn to our Irvine Lyft accident lawyers for a more thorough look at California’s pure comparative negligence laws and how they might apply to your case.
How Long Does It Take To Resolve A Lyft Accident Claim?
It could take anywhere from a few months to a few years, depending on the circumstances. These include negotiations and the time it takes for parties to agree on a settlement. If the at-fault party doesn’t settle, the case may turn into a lawsuit, further extending the timeline.
In most cases, our Lyft accident claims in Irvine were settled out of court. If a trial is necessary, we can help you navigate this complex legal process. Let us handle the legal aspects of your claim so you can focus on your physical recovery.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Lyft Accident Attorney?
Arash Law, like most personal injury law firms, works on a contingency fee basis. You won’t pay us attorney fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf. The exact amount depends on the complexity of the case and the resources required to handle your case. It is also possible that other case costs may arise, for which you may be charged, regardless of how the case turns out. We will clarify this during your onboarding process.
Free Initial Consultation With Irvine Lyft Accident Attorneys!
You shouldn’t have to suffer because of someone else’s negligence. The appropriate thing to do following a Lyft accident is to pursue compensation from the at-fault party.
Arash Law can assist you in filing personal injury cases involving Lyft vehicles. Our Irvine Lyft accident attorneys will take care of the legal paperwork and legwork required in the process. When you hire us, we will work around your schedule and meet you halfway so you don’t have to worry about anything besides getting better.
Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation and case review. You may also fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form and wait for one of our representatives to contact you.
We also serve the nearby areas of Tustin, Costa Mesa, Santa Ana, Orange County, Newport Beach, Fountain Valley, Lake Forest, Garden Grove, Laguna Hills, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, and Westminster. Our lawyers also help Lyft accident victims throughout California, such as those in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose.
