Lancaster Lyft Accident Lawyers
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Powerful Lancaster Lyft Accident Lawyers Protecting The Injured
Accidents involving Lyft vehicles are on the rise, causing injuries that prove to be financially and physically draining. If someone else’s carelessness causes you harm, you should be compensated for your pain and suffering. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free consultation. Our Lancaster Lyft accident lawyers will guide you through the claims process and help you seek justice for your losses.
Lancaster City attracts new residents due to its lower cost of living. As a matter of fact, living expenses in Lancaster are 22% lower than those in other California cities. The city boasts a steadily increasing employment rate and a thriving economy, especially in the retail and construction sectors. The BLVD serves as Lancaster’s commercial hub, where residents and tourists flock to dine and shop at hundreds of bars, restaurants, and boutiques. It’s no surprise that Lyft is thriving in this bustling city. However, as its usage increases, so do Lyft accidents.
If you get injured in a Lyft accident and you’re not sure what to do next, reach out to our Lancaster lawyers. We’ll evaluate your case in a free initial consultation. Arash Khorsandi, Esq., and his team of top accident attorneys have been serving Lancaster and the rest of the Golden State for many decades now. You can be assured that your case is in good hands.
Settlement in a motor vehicle accident involving a ride share company; client suffered spinal injuries– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
How Our Attorneys In Lancaster Can Help With Your Case
Arash Law has already assisted thousands of clients, winning them over $750 Million in settlements and awards. This makes us one of the most trusted injury law firms in California. Let our award-winning attorneys help you by:
- Filing A Claim – Many people mistakenly believe that filing an insurance claim for a Lyft accident is as easy as writing on a form and receiving a check afterward. However, the reality is far more complex. These cases can take months or even years to complete. It’s stressful and time-consuming, but our Lyft accident lawyers in Lancaster will handle it for you.
- Gathering Evidence – To succeed in your Lyft accident claim, you must present multiple documents and pieces of evidence. One of those is the police incident report. There are various police stations in Lancaster, and if you do not know where to obtain a copy, you will be wasting time jumping from one precinct to another. You can rely on our lawyers to obtain a copy for you, as well as other proofs, such as CCTV footage and expert opinions.
- Interviewing Witnesses – We’ll look for witnesses who can help corroborate your version of the story, strengthening your claim. We’ll talk to them and ask for their statements. If needed, we can also ask for their permission to appear in court.
- Communicating With Other Parties – Our legal team will coordinate with the at-fault parties and their insurance companies on your behalf. That way, you won’t have to deal with their attempts to shift blame onto you.
In this challenging time, you need reliable Lancaster Lyft accident attorneys who can do all the legwork for you so you can focus solely on recovering from your injuries. During your onboarding process, we’ll explain the full process in more detail.
How Can Our Lyft Accident Lawyers In Lancaster Win You Maximum Compensation?
Arash Law understands what you’re entitled to and will fight tirelessly to help you obtain it. We will evaluate the full cost of your losses by reviewing your medical reports and considering the potential long-term impact of your injuries.
Our Lyft accident attorneys in Lancaster will carefully examine every piece of evidence. We will even consult with medical and financial experts to determine a reasonable settlement. If a Lyft accident damages your vehicle, our lawyers will also seek assistance from the best car mechanics in Lancaster to estimate the cost of repairs.
Our goal is more than just helping you get your medical bills and lost wages paid. We also want to ensure you get everything you need to get your life back on track. Our attorneys will meticulously consider all out-of-pocket expenses and non-monetary damages resulting from your injuries, ensuring that no penny remains unaccounted for.
Furthermore, we will help you claim the compensation you’re entitled to from the at-fault parties. Years of experience handling personal injury cases in Lancaster have taught us that Lyft accident victims without legal representation receive significantly lower settlements than those with lawyers. In some cases, unrepresented victims receive no compensation at all, as insurance companies may attempt to place full blame on them.
Remember, the other party’s insurance company is not looking out for your well-being at all. Their representatives may try to manipulate your words, pressure you, or assign fault to you—all to avoid paying you what you’re owed.
This is why you need our reputable Lancaster lawyers to handle your Lyft accident claim. We’ll put a stop to their schemes and protect your claim from being undervalued. We won’t let them exploit your vulnerability in a stressful situation.
Common Causes Of Lyft Accidents
Our lawyers in Lancaster have identified some common causes in the Lyft accident cases we’ve handled and won. These causes include:
Speeding
According to Berkeley SafeTREC, speeding and aggressive driving account for 34% of car crash fatalities and injuries each year. This demonstrates just how dangerous overspeeding and other forms of reckless driving can be. A speeding vehicle can cause severe injuries or even death to the drivers themselves, passengers, other road users, and pedestrians.
Lyft drivers may be more at risk of causing speeding-related accidents because their income is based on the number of rides they complete each day. In an effort to maximize their earnings, some drivers might speed or disregard the speed limit to complete more trips.
Driving Under The Influence
As per the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), there were 1,370 people killed in alcohol-related road accidents in California in 2021. Meanwhile, drugged driving claimed 751 lives in the same year.
Why is driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs so dangerous?
These substances have the following effects on an individual:
- Reduced focus and attention
- Blurred vision
- Increased risk-taking tendencies
- Impaired coordination
- Elevated aggression
These effects significantly influence a person’s ability to drive safely. If they operate a vehicle while intoxicated, they could make unpredictable or incorrect maneuvers, leading to a crash. This incident is a serious infraction. If you’re involved in a Lyft accident caused by a drunk driver, reach out to our Lancaster lawyers immediately.
Fatigued Driving
Drowsiness has the same effects as alcohol and drugs, which makes it a dangerous factor in Lyft accidents. Motorists who drive while fatigued might experience signs like:
- Daydreaming
- Missing their turns and exits
- Drifting from their lanes
- Yawning or blinking frequently
According to OTS, those who are at the highest risk of driver fatigue are young drivers, graveyard shift workers, and drivers of commercial vehicles. Lyft drivers are also susceptible, as many of them work part-time, offering rideshare services after their full-time jobs.
Distracted Driving
Among all motorists, rideshare drivers are more likely to become distracted while driving. Due to the nature of their jobs, they frequently find themselves using their cell phones in the car for various reasons, such as:
- Accepting a passenger booking
- Messaging their passengers
- Setting their destination on the GPS
- Looking at the map
- Checking for traffic updates
- Troubleshooting the Lyft app
However, distracted driving isn’t exclusive to Lyft drivers. Other motorists on the road could also be guilty of using their phones, chatting with passengers, adjusting the radio, and engaging in other distracting behaviors.
Other distractions also exist outside the vehicle. Advertisements, especially video ads, and traffic incidents also take a driver’s focus away from the road, causing a collision.
Adverse Weather Conditions
Driving in rainy weather is bad for motorists. Slippery roads and obstructed vision can cause accidents and casualties.
Snow is rare in Lancaster, but it does occur occasionally. In 2023, the city and Los Angeles County received a blizzard warning, the first since 1989. The snow-coated streets increased the risk of accidents.
In such conditions, strong winds could also create driving hazards by knocking down objects and pushing obstacles onto the road.
In rain-related accidents, who’s responsible for paying for your injuries? Take your case to our Lyft accident attorneys in Lancaster, and we’ll determine the negligent parties.
Poor Road Conditions
Some streets in Lancaster have issues like uneven pavement, potholes, and uncovered utility holes. These road hazards could cause a driver to lose control and crash into another vehicle. In minor cases, these dangerous road conditions could damage vehicles’ undercarriage parts.
Construction zones along the roads or highways can also pose some risks. Obstacles and workers can distract or catch motorists unaware, potentially resulting in a traffic accident.
Other Causes
Some other causes of Lyft accidents are:
- Auto Defects – Flaws in the design or manufacturing process could lead to defective tires, brakes, steering wheels, and other parts.
- Improper Maintenance – Owners are required to inspect and maintain their cars to a standard. When they fail to do so, parts might malfunction, leading to brake failures or tire blowouts.
- Unsafe Parking – Lyft drivers sometimes park in illegal or dangerous areas to pick up or drop off passengers. In these situations, they could cause pedestrian accidents and rear-end collisions.
Finding out the cause of your accident is a crucial step in determining negligence. Our Lancaster attorneys will investigate thoroughly to identify the liable parties in your Lyft accident.
Common Injuries In Lyft Accidents
Lacerations and contusions are the most common injuries reported in Lyft accidents. In most cases, these types of bodily injuries can be treated within a few days or a few weeks.
However, some victims suffer from catastrophic injuries that not only require more time to heal but also involve more expenses for treatment and rehabilitation. Some examples are:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Head trauma
- Whiplash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Back injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Internal damage
- Broken bones
- Amputations
- Wrongful deaths
These injuries often leave victims traumatized, refusing to use ridesharing vehicles again. Some even become afraid to drive out of fear of experiencing another similar accident. These cases are classic symptoms of PTSD, one of the common mental health conditions developed by victims of Lyft accidents.
Whether you have sustained a mild injury or a more serious one, it is always best to consult a doctor for a complete evaluation of your condition and to detect any other problems that may result in future health risks.
Then, to protect your legal rights, consult with our Lancaster Lyft accident lawyers. We will support your recovery, referring you to top doctors in the state, providing you with complementary vehicles, and assisting you with other services that contribute to your overall well-being.
Types Of Compensation Available To Lyft Accident Victims
If you have been injured in an accident involving a Lyft car, you can pursue economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are all the expenses related to your accident. This includes hospital bills, therapy bills, laboratory test fees, X-ray or MRI fees, medicines, missed wages, car repairs, and any other out-of-pocket costs.
In contrast, non-economic damages are intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, mental trauma, loss of companionship, loss of a body part, or inability to enjoy life. The value of these damages can be difficult to prove because they are not tied to receipts. After all, some losses are invaluable. For example, how can you put a price on your ability to live life without a wheelchair?
Still, our experienced Lyft accident lawyers in Lancaster will try their best to determine a suitable amount for all your losses.
In some rare cases, punitive damages are also awarded. These are punishments imposed on the defendant to prevent them from committing the same mistake in the future.
How To Prove Liability In A Lyft Accident
In order to be eligible for compensation, you must first prove the other party’s negligence or their failure to protect your safety in the same way other people under the same circumstances would.
There are four elements that our Lancaster Lyft accident lawyers must establish:
- Duty of Care – This concept refers to another person’s legal responsibility to keep you safe based on their relationship with you. For example, Lyft and its driver have a duty of care to ensure your safety throughout the trip, from pickup until you exit the vehicle at your destination.
- Breach of Duty – If the individual fails to uphold their legal responsibility, they breach their duty of care. In our example above, Lyft and its drivers would have breached their duty of care if their negligence endangered passengers’ safety.
- Causation – The breach of duty must have directly resulted in the injury, damage, or even loss of life.
- Damages – Their failure to keep you safe must have caused actual harm, including physical injury, emotional distress, and financial loss.
What Evidence Do I Need To Prove Negligence?
To prove each element of negligence, we can use evidence like:
- Accident reports
- Medical records
- Lyft accident report
- Surveillance footage
- Photos & videos of the accident scene
- Photos of your injuries
- Eyewitness statements
- Expert witness opinions
- Employment records
- A personal journal that describes your suffering
If negligence seems confusing to you, do not hesitate to contact us for a free initial consultation. Our Lancaster lawyers will explain negligence further in connection with your Lyft accident case and be glad to answer all your questions.
Does Lyft Provide Insurance Coverage For Its Drivers?
Yes, Lyft drivers are primarily covered by Lyft’s third-party liability insurance policy. If they get into an accident, Lyft’s coverage applies, regardless of who is at fault. It will also extend to the other parties involved, such as injured passengers or pedestrians.
However, the policy would only be activated in certain situations, categorized into four periods:
Period 0 – If a Lyft car hits you while the driver is not logged into the app, the driver is solely responsible for any damages and losses you incur. Since the driver is offline, Lyft will not be liable. The driver’s auto insurance will compensate you instead.
Period 1 – This is the phase where the driver is logged into the Lyft app but has not accepted any bookings yet. Lyft’s third-party insurance policy will apply for accidents, covering:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 per accident for property damage
Period 2 – At this stage, the driver has accepted a booking and is on his way to pick up the passenger. In an accident, the coverage is increased:
- Up to $1 million in total liability
- Up to $1 million for accidents caused by underinsured and uninsured motorists
- If a driver secures comprehensive and collision coverage on their personal auto policy, Lyft will maintain contingent coverage up to the car’s actual value ($2,500 deductible).
Period 3 – In this phase, the driver has picked up the passenger and is on his way to the destination. If they get into an accident, the same coverage as in Period 2 will kick in.
Why Hire A Lyft Accident Lawyer In Lancaster
Many people wonder, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer if I get into a Lyft accident?” Our answer is always yes.
You should hire Lyft accident lawyers in Lancaster because a ridesharing lawsuit is more complicated than an ordinary car accident. It can involve multiple parties, including a multinational corporation, and different circumstances based on Lyft’s four insurance coverage periods.
Lyft is a big company with a seasoned legal team. Don’t expect them to hand over a settlement check simply. The legal process can be overwhelming and time-consuming for an average individual. You will need help from a legal team familiar with rideshare laws, as well as personal injury and car accident laws.
Connect with our Lancaster Lyft accident attorneys using our contact form to learn more about how we can help you with your personal injury case.
What To Do After A Lyft Accident
Here are some steps you can take to keep yourself safe:
- Check yourself for any possible injuries. Then, call 911 and ask for police and medical assistance.
- If you can, go to a safe area away from passing vehicles on the roadside. But if you are in a freeway accident, it’s best to stay in the car.
- Do not leave the scene and wait for the authorities.
- Do not apologize to anyone, as saying sorry may be misinterpreted as an admission of guilt.
- Take photos or videos of your injuries, as these will be valuable evidence in your claim.
- Look for witnesses and ask for their permission to provide a statement to the police.
- Get the Lyft driver’s personal information: complete name, address, phone number, and insurance details.
- Report the accident to Lyft.
- Call your insurance provider so they can prepare the documents necessary for your lawsuit.
- Call your family and inform them of your condition.
- Visit a doctor as soon as possible to get a thorough assessment of your health.
- Consult our Lancaster Lyft accident lawyers to start your claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do I Have To Sue Lyft For An Accident In Lancaster?
Based on California’s statute of limitations, you only have two years to file a personal injury claim. However, some exceptions apply, such as in cases involving minor victims, delayed discovery of injuries, out-of-state defendants, and government agencies.
Call our Lancaster Lyft accident attorneys to learn your deadlines. We’ll explain the timeframes and any exceptions that might apply to your case.
How Long Does A Lyft Accident Case Take To Settle?
Based on our lawyers’ experience working with Lyft accident cases, including claims in Lancaster, a settlement can take six months to a few years.
A settlement may take longer than anticipated due to a variety of factors, including the time it takes to gather all necessary documents, the other party’s own investigation of the accident, the at-fault party’s unwillingness to settle, and the trial court’s decision.
Our Lancaster attorneys are well-known for settling Lyft accident cases quickly and out of court. We’re skilled at building solid cases that are difficult for the other party to deny.
What Are My Rights As Another Driver Injured In A Lyft Accident?
If you’re a car driver, motorcycle rider, bicyclist, or another driver who got injured in a Lyft accident, you have the right to claim compensation.
Imagine you were driving down Lancaster Boulevard when a vehicle side-swiped your car. Upon exchanging information with the driver, you discover they were working for Lyft. However, they were offline and off-duty at the time of the accident. Because they weren’t logged into the Lyft app, you cannot file a claim with Lyft’s insurance company. The driver’s personal insurance will be responsible for covering your injuries and car repairs.
On the other hand, if the driver was logged into the Lyft app, the rideshare company might be liable for your injuries and any property damage.
Please contact us anytime if you are injured and are unsure of who is responsible for your injury or car damage. The lawyers at our Lancaster office will help you determine who is at fault in your Lyft accident.
What If I’m Also At Fault For Causing A Lyft Accident?
If you’re partially responsible for a Lyft accident, California’s comparative negligence laws will apply. You would still be eligible to file a personal injury case, but your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
For instance, if you are found to be 25% responsible for the accident that injured you, your award will be reduced by that same percentage. For a claim worth $100,000, you would only receive $75,000 from the at-fault party.
How Much Does A Lyft Accident Lawyer Charge?
Hiring a Lyft accident lawyer might set you back $100 to $1,000 an hour, depending on their years of experience and the number of cases they have handled. Our Lancaster attorneys, on the other hand, will work on your Lyft accident claims on a contingency fee basis. Meaning, we don’t get paid if we don’t win your case.
This no-win, no-fee approach gives you the confidence to pursue your claims. As a client-focused law firm, we do not want personal injury victims to worry about a lawyer’s fee instead of getting better and pursuing their compensation. For us, it is always about you, your health, and your welfare.
Is Riding Lyft Safe?
According to Lyft, using their rideshare service is mostly safe. In its 2021 report, the company revealed that 99% of its trips from 2017 to 2019 ended without any safety incidents.
However, data from the U.S. National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) paints a different picture. According to its findings, ridesharing services like Lyft and Uber have been linked to an increase of around 3% in road fatalities and injuries nationwide.
This tells us that while using Lyft might seem safe, the risk of motor vehicle accidents is still present.
Call The Lyft Accident Lawyers Lancaster Residents Rely On
You do not have to fight the challenges following Lyft accidents alone. You have Arash Law to rely on. Our Lancaster Lyft accident lawyers will support you from start to finish. We will not stop until we hold the negligent parties accountable for your injuries and losses.
We have a proven track record of fighting for the rights of many victims, and we will do the same for you. Call us at (888) 488-1391 today.
Our accident attorneys are also available to assist other Lyft accident victims in nearby areas, such as Quartz Hill, Palmdale, Santa Clarita, San Fernando, Thousand Oaks, Hesperia, Grapevine, La Cañada Flintridge, Altadena, Tehachapi, Sierra Madre, Pasadena, Glendale, Arcadia, Monrovia, and Duarte.
If you’re partially responsible for a Lyft accident, California’s comparative negligence laws will apply. You would still be eligible to file a personal injury case, but your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
