Kings County 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 Kings County Lyft Accident Lawyers Are Committed To Advocating For Your Rights
Lyft strives to uphold its promise of convenience and safety for passengers. Unfortunately, accidents continue to occur due to negligence. Each of these can lead to significant disruptions in someone’s life. If you’ve been injured, our Kings County Lyft accident lawyers can be your ally. We will work to pursue a fair settlement for your injuries, even against a large corporation like Lyft. Call (888) 488-1391 for a free initial case review.
Kings County, CA, relies heavily on agriculture, which covers 87% of its land, while major employers like Del Monte Foods and Adventist Health provide significant job opportunities for residents. As the local economy grows and diversifies, the prevalence of Lyft as a preferred transportation option has increased, offering residents an efficient way to navigate between work, leisure spots, and home.
Unfortunately, the rise of Lyft has led to an increase in the number of cars on the road, which has, in turn, contributed to a rise in traffic accidents. Many victims have suffered injuries and faced financial problems as a result. Some accidents have led to fatalities, leaving many families grieving the loss of their loved ones.
If you’re injured in a Lyft accident, having the right legal representation can benefit your case. Our Kings County Lyft accident attorneys can assist you through any legal challenges you may face. We have extensive experience representing clients in personal injury cases and are dedicated to providing you with legal representation.
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
How Our Kings County Lyft Accident Lawyers Can Help Your Case
If you think, “I need a personal injury lawyer,” our firm is ready to help. Our Lyft accident lawyers can help you get through each step and assist you in navigating your claim and seeking damages. Here’s how we do it:
- Determine Liability — A Lyft accident can involve multiple responsible parties, potentially including the rideshare company. This requires an in-depth investigation to determine liable parties and how much each contributed to the incident.
- Evaluate Your Potential Claim Value — Your losses, including medical costs, property repairs, lost wages, and emotional distress, may be recoverable in a claim depending on the circumstances.
- Negotiate with Insurance Companies — Let our Lyft accident lawyers in Kings County handle insurance companies on your behalf. We’ll challenge lowball offers and advocate for your right to compensation.
- Represent You In Court — While most of our cases are resolved at the negotiation table, our attorneys are ready to present your case in front of a judge and jury if out-of-court negotiations do not result in a favorable settlement.
- Protect Your Rights — Pursuing a claim is challenging due to obstacles and questionable practices by some liable parties. Kings County Lyft accident lawyers can counter these tactics with our legal knowledge and thorough case preparation. They protect your rights throughout the process, working to seek compensation for your injuries. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 for assistance.
Usual Causes Of Lyft Accidents
Similar to car accidents, many factors can contribute to Lyft accidents. Our Kings County Lyft accident lawyers’ responsibility is to identify these causes to determine liability, insurance coverage, and the degree of fault of all parties. This helps us understand how complex a claim could be, especially when the details are not clear or are disputed.
Here are some common causes of Lyft accidents:
- Distracted Driving — Lyft drivers’ multitasking can lead to collisions, making them liable for injuries due to their lack of focus.
- Reckless Driving — Dangerous behaviors like speeding or running red lights to complete trips faster can result in accidents, increasing the driver’s liability.
- Driving Under The Influence (DUI) — Impaired driving raises the risk of accidents significantly, making the driver liable for any resulting injuries or fatalities. Irresponsible decisions like this have led to injuries and deaths in DUI accidents in Kings County.
- Driver Fatigue — Fatigued driving impairs reaction times and decision-making, similar to drunk driving, leading to potential liability for accidents caused by drowsy drivers. Our Kings County Lyft and Uber accident lawyers have seen the devastating consequences of collisions caused by these mistakes.
- Navigating Unfamiliar Routes — Lyft drivers relying on GPS might make errors like wrong turns or missing dangerous curves, leading to accidents. Unfamiliarity with roads does not excuse negligence, and drivers can be held liable.
- Stopping at Unsafe Locations — Stopping in inappropriate areas can cause confusion and accidents. Drivers can be liable for injuries resulting from unsafe stops.
- Failing to Maintain Vehicles Properly — Poor vehicle maintenance can lead to malfunctions and accidents. Lyft drivers are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are safe, and failure to do so can make them liable for any resulting injuries.
Typical Injuries Sustained After A Lyft Accident
Our Kings County Lyft accident lawyers have represented numerous clients in personal injury cases for varying degrees of injuries, from cuts that heal over time to head trauma that requires lifelong assisted care. Knowing the nature and extent of your injuries can help you evaluate your claim’s potential value.
Here are some examples of these injuries and how they can affect your claim:
- Neck Injuries — Whiplash and severe neck injuries can lead to chronic pain and nerve damage, increasing the claim’s value due to long-term medical costs and suffering.
- Spinal Cord Injuries — Paralysis or loss of bodily functions requires lifelong care, potentially affecting the claim’s value for ongoing medical expenses and loss of quality of life.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) — TBIs can cause lasting cognitive and behavioral changes and may require extensive medical treatment, significantly impacting your life.
- Broken Bones — Severe fractures needing surgery or resulting in permanent mobility issues, possibly turning into ongoing medical expenses and mobility challenges.
- Soft Tissue Injuries — Sprains, strains, and bruises can cause pain and instability, affecting daily activities and adding to the claim’s value for pain and suffering.
- Burn Injuries — Severe burns requiring specialized care and causing disfigurement or emotional distress often need extensive treatment that may result in psychological effects.
These injuries can significantly affect the value of a personal injury claim by demonstrating the extent of the victim’s suffering and the importance of pursuing fair compensation. If you need more details or have other questions, feel free to ask our Kings County Lyft accident attorneys!
The Damages You Can Pursue In A Lyft Accident Claim
Our Kings County Lyft accident lawyers can also help you seek reimbursement for financial losses and emotional harm resulting from your injuries. In a Lyft accident claim, you may qualify to seek the following damages:
- Hospital bills
- Surgery
- Medications
- Rehabilitation costs
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced potential earnings
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life
- Permanent disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Potentially Liable Parties In A Lyft Accident
The individual or company responsible for the crash may be liable for your damages. Your Kings County Lyft accident lawyer will review the circumstances of the crash to determine who’s to blame. They could include:
- The Lyft Driver — If the Lyft driver caused the accident through negligence, they can be held liable. Depending on the specifics of the accident, their insurance policy or Lyft’s third-party liability coverage may apply.
- Lyft, Inc. — Proposition 22, passed in California in November 2020, classifies app-based drivers like those for Lyft as independent contractors, not employees. This means Lyft isn’t generally liable for its drivers’ actions as it would be for employees.
However, Lyft can still face liability for direct negligence, such as inadequate driver vetting or failing to uphold safety standards. Despite offering some benefits to drivers, Proposition 22 maintains the drivers’ independent contractor status, limiting Lyft’s vicarious liability. - Another Road User — If another party caused the accident, you can pursue a claim against them. For example, a driver who ran a red light and consequently crashed into your Lyft would be responsible for any injuries and damages you incurred.
- Vehicle Manufacturer — The manufacturer may be liable if its product’s defect or malfunction caused the accident. The defect may have occurred because of a design flaw, manufacturing error, or another form of negligence that violated the manufacturer’s responsibility to prevent harm.
- Government Entities — The government agency in charge of road repairs and maintenance can also be held liable if its failure to perform its responsibilities led to the accident. For example, a lack of traffic signs created a hazardous situation that resulted in a collision. However, suing the government can be complicated. Let our Lyft accident attorneys in Kings County work to help guide you through the legal process.
Lyft’s Insurance Coverage
Lyft provides drivers with a third-party liability insurance policy that can cover damages in an accident. It has specific terms for coverage, which can be classified into the following periods:
Period 0 — If the driver is not driving for Lyft at the time of the accident (i.e., logged out of the app), Lyft doesn’t provide coverage. The driver’s auto insurance will apply.
Period 1 — When the driver logs into the Lyft app but has not yet accepted a ride request, Period 1 is in effect. In an accident, the driver’s auto insurance applies first to cover any damages. If it’s not enough, Lyft provides additional coverage in the following amounts:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury.
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury.
- $25,000 per accident for property damage.
Period 2 — This stage starts after the driver accepts a booking and proceeds to the passenger’s pickup location. In Period 2, Lyft’s third-party liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 is the primary coverage. Lyft also provides drivers with the following:
- First-Party Coverages — Including uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, MedPay, and Occupational Accident coverage.
- Comprehensive and Collision Coverage — Provides up to the actual cash value of the car (with a $2,500 deductible). This is contingent on the driver’s comprehensive and collision coverage on their auto policy.
Period 3 — A ride in progress is categorized as Period 3, from when the driver picks up the rider and drops them off. Lyft maintains the same insurance as provided during Period 2.
Navigating this insurance claim is only one part of the legal mess following a Lyft accident. Our Kings County Lyft accident lawyers can handle this on your behalf. We will thoroughly investigate, identify the applicable coverage, and determine if other insurance policies can apply.
What To Do After A Lyft Accident
After a Lyft accident, follow these steps to ensure your safety and protect your rights:
- Stay calm and move to a safe place, such as the side of the road. Stay away from traffic, but don’t leave the scene.
- Assess yourself for any injuries. Check for symptoms that might indicate hidden injuries, like pain and swelling in a specific area, blurred or double vision, and vomiting. Some of these might indicate internal bleeding or TBI due to trauma.
- If you or anyone requires emergency care, call 911. Once paramedics arrive, get a medical evaluation, even if you feel fine. Remember, adrenaline and shock can mask pain and other symptoms that may indicate a serious issue.
- Report the accident to the local police. Cooperate with the authorities at the scene to ensure your statement is recorded in their accident report. However, stick only to the facts and keep speculations to yourself.
- Take photos and videos of the accident scene from different angles to show a clearer view of the accident. Capture important details, such as your injuries, property damage, road conditions, traffic signs, etc.
- Collect the information of all parties involved, including the Lyft driver. Exchange names, contact numbers, and insurance details. If there are any witnesses, ask for their information in case you need to contact them later.
- Report the accident to Lyft through the app (if you’re a passenger) or online.
Call (888) 488-1391 for a free legal consultation. Arash Law is available 24/7 to assist you. Our lawyers, who are knowledgeable in Lyft accident cases in Kings County, can guide you through the next steps of pursuing compensation for your injuries.
Proving Negligence In Your Lyft Accident Claim
The key to filing a Lyft accident claim is establishing the other party’s negligence. Your Lyft accident lawyers in Kings County must establish the following elements:
- Duty of Care — Lyft drivers have a legal duty to act with the highest degree of care to prevent harm to their passengers. They must operate their vehicle safely, follow traffic laws, and watch out for other road users at all times.
- Breach of Duty — Your Lyft accident lawyer must provide evidence showing that the defendant failed to perform their obligations. For instance, overtaking unsafely or failing to slow down on slippery roads would breach a driver’s duty.
- Causation — Next, the breach must be directly connected to the accident. One example is if you were injured while riding a Lyft because the driver did not slow down during rainy weather, causing the vehicle to hydroplane and hit a tree.
- Damages — Your attorneys must also provide proof of your losses to establish negligence. These damages include medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Types Of Evidence That Can Support Your Lyft Accident Case
To prove the at-fault party’s negligence in your claim, your Kings County Lyft accident lawyers will gather and preserve key evidence, including:
- Police Report — The official police report of the accident contains useful information that can help establish fault. It includes the officer’s initial observations of the accident, witness statements, and a description of the accident scene.
- Witness Statements — Eyewitnesses can provide additional information and insight into the accident. They can support your version of the story and help prove the defendant’s negligence.
- Photos and Videos — Any pictures or videos you take of the scene can support your claim. For example, images of the damage to your car right after the accident can help link the damage to the accident.
- Surveillance and Dashcam Footage — Video recordings provide powerful visual proof of the events leading up to and following an accident. For example, they can show whether the Lyft driver was driving recklessly and how powerful the impact was.
- Lyft Driver Activity Logs — Lyft’s records can reveal the driver’s status during the accident, including whether they had a passenger or not. This information can help determine which insurance coverage applies.
- Medical Records — Your medical records can do two things: link your injury to the accident through timestamped documents and prove the extent of your injuries.
- Expert Testimony — Medical professionals can serve as expert witnesses to support your claim for your injuries, disabilities, medical expenses, and lost wages. Our Lyft accident attorneys in Kings County can also call on other qualified professionals, such as engineers who can explain how a product defect led to the crash or accident reconstructionists who can provide professional insight into how the collision occurred.
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 Lyft Accident Injury Claims
In Kings County, California, you only have two years to file a Lyft accident claim. This falls under the statute of limitations for personal injury cases. Exceptions may apply, such as when the plaintiff is a minor, in which case the period starts to run from the date the minor turns 18.
While two years might seem like a long time to act, it can pass quickly because you will be busy negotiating with the insurance company, recuperating from your injuries, and dealing with the accident aftermath. If you miss the deadline, you lose the chance to sue for compensation.
You can avoid this issue by calling our Kings County lawyers after the Lyft accident. Acting right away gives us enough time to investigate your accident thoroughly, collect evidence, and attempt to come to a settlement with the opposing party. If negotiations fail, we will still have enough time to file a case in court.
Lyft Accident Statistics
Lyft’s Safety Report revealed an uptick in accident rates nationwide. From 2020 to 2022, it recorded 111 motor vehicle fatalities, translating to 0.85 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. That’s an 11.8% rise from the period covering 2017 to 2019, which saw a rate of 0.76 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.
Meanwhile, fatal physical assaults involving Lyft also surged. From 2017 to 2019, 10 cases were recorded (or around 1 in 175 million trips). This figure climbed to 21 (or around 1 in 62 million rides) from 2020 to 2022 — a 110% increase.
Despite Lyft’s efforts to improve safety, significant risks persist, endangering the lives of its passengers. Aside from deaths, many Lyft accidents also lead to injuries that forever change the course of victims’ lives. Our Kings County Lyft accident lawyers have represented many victims who incurred a pile of medical debt, a drastic shift in their career path, and long-term suffering, even from non-fatal accidents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Lyft Accidents
How Much Is My Lyft Accident Claim Worth?
Even though Lyft provides a $1 million third-party coverage, not all claims reach this amount. Your claim’s value depends on numerous factors, such as:
- The extent of your injury-related expenses.
- The income you lost from missing work.
- Anticipated costs of future treatment.
- The income you would have earned in the future.
- The monetary value of intangible damages, such as physical pain and emotional distress.
Reach out to experienced Lyft accident lawyers in Kings County. They can help assess your claim’s worth and even work with experts like economists and medical specialists to account for every aspect of your loss.
How Long Will It Take To Resolve My Lyft Accident Claim?
The time it takes to resolve a case varies based on whether it’s settled through negotiations or proceeds to court. Our Lyft accident attorneys in Kings County strive to settle through private negotiations. This route is typically less costly and stressful for all parties involved. It may also result in a faster payout.
However, a settlement is only possible if both sides reach a mutually acceptable agreement. If a fair settlement can’t be achieved, our attorneys won’t hesitate to take the case to court. Litigation takes longer, and the process can even take years. If we reach this point, we will discuss both options with you first. You can then decide on which route works for you.
Can I Sue Lyft For My Accident?
You may be able to sue Lyft directly, depending on the circumstances and the company’s contribution to the accident. You may have a valid case if Lyft exhibited direct negligence. For example, it hired a driver with a history of traffic violations because it did not screen applicants properly, and that driver caused your accident.
However, if only the driver is to blame, you usually cannot sue the company directly. Lyft’s third-party liability insurance provider will cover your damages in this case.
Determining liability is only one factor that complicates Lyft accident lawsuits. Consult our lawyers for guidance on your next steps. Our Kings County lawyers focus on the unique legal issues surrounding Lyft accidents, and we have the confidence to represent you against any specific challenges arising from your claim.
Do I Need A Lawyer For A Lyft Accident In Kings County?
While not required, hiring a lawyer is often advisable instead of trying to handle your case on your own. Lawyers experienced in Lyft accidents in Kings County can manage each step of your case, including:
- Gather necessary evidence, some of which may require subpoenas to obtain.
- Organize and fill out all paperwork before deadlines.
- Calculate your case’s value based on your specific circumstances and damages.
- Negotiate with insurance companies.
Your team of attorneys can manage your claim so you can focus on more important matters, such as your recovery and your family. Additionally, having legal representation may help you access the resources you need to get your life back on track.
Who Can File A Lyft Accident Claim In Kings County?
Anyone injured in a Lyft accident in Kings County has the right to file a claim. California laws allow all individuals, including legal residents, tourists, and undocumented immigrants, to seek compensation. This right also extends to family members pursuing a wrongful death case for the loss of their loved one, regardless of their residency status.
You have rights, and we’re here to protect them on your behalf. Contact our Kings County personal injury lawyers, and we will discuss your legal rights and options after a Lyft accident.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Kings County Lyft Accident Lawyer?
The cost of hiring a Lyft accident lawyer is often based on the outcome of your settlement or award. Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning their fee is a certain percentage of the compensation they obtain for you. You don’t have to pay anything upfront; you only pay their legal fees if we recover compensation for you, though you may be responsible for other case costs regardless of the outcome.
Our Kings County Lyft accident attorneys offer the same payment arrangement to our clients. This way, you can access quality legal representation without worrying about initial costs and racking up expensive hourly fees. This fee structure also aligns our interests with yours, so you can be confident that we’ll work diligently to pursue a favorable outcome.
Call The Lyft Accident Lawyers Serving Kings County
The aftermath of a Lyft accident can be difficult to handle on your own. Victims often have to find ways to pay medical bills, handle complicated paperwork, and navigate complex insurance claims. They have to face these challenges while recovering from their injuries and trauma.
If you’re injured in a Lyft accident in Kings County, seek assistance from our lawyers. Our law firm handles the legal legwork, providing support rooted in experience. We can refer you to medical specialists, arrange for translation services, and even provide complimentary transportation.
Our team has extensive experience handling personal injury cases through our dedicated advocacy. Our injury attorneys are committed to every case, working to pursue compensation for our clients. Contact us for a free initial consultation. Call (888) 488-1391 or answer our “Do I Have A Case?” form to get started.
Our injury law firm serves Lyft accident victims in Hanford, Lemoore, Corcoran, Avenal, Halls Corner, Stratford, Grangeville, and Armona. We also extend our services in neighboring areas in Fresno and Tulare counties, including Coalinga, Huron, Caruthers, Kingsburg, Clovis, Reedley, Woodlake, Visalia, Porterville, and more.
