Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles Lyft Accident Attorneys Provide Compassionate Help, Skilled Representation
Riding with Lyft has become a popular choice in LA, a city known for its urban landscape. Unfortunately, the safety standards for ridesharing companies like Lyft may not be consistently enforced, resulting in accidents. If you’re a victim of a Lyft accident, our Los Angeles Lyft accident attorneys can advocate for your rights. Call us at (888) 488-1391, and we’ll guide you through the process.
Los Angeles County represents a diverse and vibrant economy with its 88 cities. It’s not just the entertainment and manufacturing capital of the U.S., but also a center for international trade and fast-growing industries like high-tech and digital media. Despite its positive aspects, the busy streets of Los Angeles pose a risk for Lyft accidents.
Cuevas v. Salinas Farm Labor Contractor (settled on 2/22/2022) – Settlement involving a woman working as a fruit packer when her hair was caught in a running conveyor belt resulting in severe trauma to her head and scalp, traumatic brain injury, and skull fracture. In addition to this, Arash Law obtained a $14 million settlement on behalf of the client against a 3rd party.– TINA ESHGHIEH
How Can Our Los Angeles Lyft Accident Attorneys Help You With Your Claim?
Our Los Angeles Lyft accident lawyers at Arash Law are committed to helping our clients pursue compensation that may be available to them. We approach your personal injury claim by:
- Conducting a Thorough Investigation — We collect witness statements, photos, and any video footage of the Lyft accident to support our claim.
- Documenting Your Medical Treatments — Our team can gather a wide range of medical documentation regarding your injury. We also include other important pieces of evidence showing the extent of the impact of your injuries on your daily life.
- Assessing Your Total Damages — We consider all possible losses from the Lyft accident, including property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering, when evaluating the potential value of your case.
- Employing Effective Negotiation Skills — We deal with insurance companies and negotiate on your behalf.
- Taking Your Claim to Court, If Necessary — Whenever a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, our experienced trial attorneys can take your case to court if it is a viable option for your situation.
Why Should You Hire Our Lyft Accident Attorneys In Los Angeles?
Finding the right legal representation after an accident can be confusing. Here are some reasons to consider our Los Angeles Lyft accident attorneys for legal guidance and support:
- Our practice has been dedicated to representing the injured against potentially liable parties, including large corporations like Lyft.
- Regardless of the nature of your injuries, we are committed to advocating on your behalf and seeking damages to address your losses.
- We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t have to worry about our initial fees. We only get paid if we obtain compensation for your case. While we only collect lawyer fees if the case is successful, clients should be aware that some case-related expenses may still apply regardless of the outcome.
Ready to explore your legal options? Take the first step by filling out our “Do I Have A Case?” form.
Common Lyft Accident Injuries
Lyft accidents can cause both physical and psychological trauma. Our Lyft accident attorneys in Los Angeles can assist you in receiving the necessary medical care, documenting your injuries, and pursuing compensation.
Common injuries suffered in Lyft accidents include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Chest injuries, rib fractures
- Emotional injuries (i.e., post-traumatic stress disorder).
- Injuries to the legs and knees
- Internal injuries
- Neck injuries
- Scrapes, cuts, or other serious lacerations
- Severe bruising
- Severed limbs
- Skull fractures and traumatic brain injuries
- Soft-tissue injuries
A Lyft accident can result in substantial medical expenses, ranging from ongoing doctor visits to physical therapy. Even minor injuries can result in significant costs further down the line and discomfort. If you find yourself in this situation, reach out to our Los Angeles Lyft accident attorneys to guide you through the next steps.
What To Do After A Lyft Accident
If you find yourself in a Lyft accident in Los Angeles, don’t panic. By taking the following steps, you may be able to protect your rights and support your insurance claim:
- Stay Calm and Remain at the Scene — Staying at the scene helps you fulfill your legal obligations and allows for a proper assessment of the situation by authorities. This initial step lays the foundation for a comprehensive resolution of the incident.
- Call the Police — A police report of the accident must be filed promptly. Law enforcement can gather crucial information, assess the scene, and provide an unbiased account of the incident, which can be valuable for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
- Write the Names of Any Eyewitnesses — Gathering the names of eyewitnesses adds credibility to your account of the accident. You can use their statements to validate details, establish fault, and support insurance claims.
- Document the Scene — Capture images of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any relevant details. These photographs serve as tangible proof and can help in reconstructing the events leading up to the accident.
- Do Not Admit Fault — Statements made at the scene (or even later during the investigation) can impact the process of determining responsibility. Stick to the facts of the incident until all details are thoroughly examined.
- Seek Medical Attention — No matter how minor an injury may seem, get yourself checked by a doctor soon after the accident. Medical care is not only essential to your wellness, but it can also establish a link between your accident and your injuries to support your claim.
- Report the Crash to Lyft — Notifying Lyft about the accident is a procedural step to keep them informed. This allows them to initiate their internal investigation and may be crucial for any potential liability on their part.
- Begin Your Insurance Claim — To support your claim, provide medical records, accident details, and any other relevant documentation.
- Consult With a Lyft Accident Attorney — Attorneys help you navigate the claims process, negotiate with insurance companies, or represent you in court.
For legal assistance, you can contact our Los Angeles Lyft accident attorneys at any time during the process of filing your injury claim.
How Our Los Angeles Lyft Accident Attorneys Help Establish Liability
Establishing liability in a Lyft accident often depends on the legal concept of negligence. Negligence occurs when someone fails to exercise the level of care that a reasonable person would under similar circumstances.
In the context of a Lyft accident, here are a few questions our lawyers consider to assess liability:
Did The Defendant Show A Reasonable Level Of Caution When Their Actions Could Impact Others?
Rideshare drivers owe a duty of care to their passengers, other drivers on the road, pedestrians, and anyone else who may be affected by their actions. This duty includes the responsibility to operate the vehicle safely, obey traffic laws, and avoid actions that may lead to harm.
Did The Defendant Breach The Duty Of Care?
A breach of duty occurs when a Lyft driver fails to meet the expected standard of care. This could involve actions such as distracted driving, reckless behavior, or violating traffic regulations. For example, if a Lyft driver is found to be texting while driving or running a red light, it indicates a breach of the duty of care owed to passengers and others on the road.
Was The Breach The Direct Cause Of The Injury?
Liability requires demonstrating a direct connection between the Lyft driver’s breach of duty and the resulting harm. Causation requires showing that the negligent actions of the driver contributed to the accident. This element helps attribute responsibility to the party whose actions directly led to the harm suffered by the victim.
Did The Defendant Foresee That Their Action Or Inaction Would Cause Injury?
Foreseeability relates to whether a reasonable person could have anticipated that the driver’s actions might lead to an accident or injury. If you can demonstrate foreseeability, then you can argue that the Lyft driver should have taken precautions in order to prevent the harm caused.
Did The Victim Suffer Harm Due To The Defendant’s Negligence?
For a negligence claim to be valid, the victim must present evidence that they suffered actual damages as a result of the Lyft accident. Damages may include medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other tangible or intangible losses.
To seek liability against the potentially negligent party, our Lyft accident attorneys in Los Angeles help build a well-supported case demonstrating the Lyft driver’s breach of duty and the resulting harm.
Common Causes Of Lyft Accidents
Recognizing the causes of Lyft crashes can help accident victims know their rights and assess liability for damages.
Here are the main factors contributing to Lyft accidents in Los Angeles:
- Driver Errors — Inadequately trained and even long-time drivers may commit traffic violations such as distracted driving, texting, DUIs, or speeding. Lyft drivers, for example, sometimes access their phones while driving to check on their Lyft app, navigation apps, and other notifications.
- Third-Party Driver Errors — Accidents can occur even if the Lyft driver is not at fault, as negligence from other drivers may lead to collisions. In such cases, the responsible driver’s insurance may be liable for the damages.
- Vehicle Equipment Breakdowns — Negligent vehicle maintenance, not monitored by Lyft, can result in equipment failures during transit.
- Dangerous Road Conditions — Poor road conditions, like potholes or malfunctioning traffic lights, can contribute to Lyft accidents. Negligence in maintaining safe roads may lead to government liability.
- Rideshare Company Negligence — Although rideshare companies classify drivers as independent contractors, they can be liable for negligence, such as inadequate background checks on drivers.
Identifying the cause of your Lyft accident is essential for seeking financial compensation under California’s fault-based law. If unsure about the cause, our Los Angeles Lyft accident attorneys can conduct a thorough investigation.
Compensation For Lyft Accidents In Los Angeles, CA
If you get hurt in a Lyft accident in the City of Angels, the law might allow you to seek money for it. It’s crucial to pursue compensation because, as the injured person, you shouldn’t have to pay for your medical treatments if the crash wasn’t your fault.
Compensation available for a Lyft accident in Los Angeles, California, may include:
Economic Compensation
- Past and future medical expenses.
- Disability-related needs.
- Any property damage sustained.
- Lost wages and income-earning opportunities.
Non-Economic Compensation
- Physical pain and emotional suffering or distress.
- Lost quality or enjoyment of life.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are additional monetary awards that may be available in rare situations. Unlike compensatory damages (economic and non-economic), which aim to compensate the victim for losses, punitive damages are intended to punish the at-fault party for gross negligence, willful misconduct, or intentional harm. They serve as a deterrent to prevent similar behavior in the future.
Wrongful Death
Compensation may include coverage for legal fees and travel costs incurred by the surviving family. Wrongful death claims seek to provide financial support for family members who have lost a loved one due to the negligence of another party.
Insurance companies may not be able to properly assess actual losses. Before agreeing to a settlement for your Lyft accident injuries, talk to our Los Angeles Lyft accident attorneys. Our team reviews details, such as injury severity, to assess the potential value of your claim.
2019: $27M confidential settlement in a case involving multiple plaintiffs.
– BRIAN BEECHER
Insurance Coverage For Accidents Caused By Lyft Drivers
In a Lyft accident claim, there are three periods for rideshare drivers. Knowing the period during your accident is crucial to determining the available insurance coverage.
California law divides a Lyft driver’s duties into three periods:
- Period One — When the driver is searching for riders but hasn’t picked anyone up. Rideshare companies must provide at least $50,000 for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident, $30,000 for property damage, and $200,000 in liability insurance.
- Period Two — After accepting a ride and on the way to pick up the passenger. Rideshare companies must provide at least $1 million in commercial insurance during this period. However, this coverage is only accessible if the injured victim files a claim with the driver’s insurance.
- Period Three — When the passenger is in the vehicle, heading to the final destination. In case of an accident, the ridesharing company must offer $1 million in insurance coverage, including uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
Another period (Period Zero) can also be considered in certain Lyft accident cases. Period 0 refers to when the driver is not logged on to the phone application and is, therefore, not actively working as a driver for Lyft. In this situation, if they get into an accident and hurt someone else, their personal insurance policies generally apply.
Our Los Angeles Lyft accident attorneys at Arash Law can investigate your accident, determine the ride stage, review legal options, and assist in filing an insurance claim for fair compensation.
Insurance Requirements For Lyft Drivers In California
In California, Lyft drivers need personal auto insurance for the vehicles used to pick up and transport passengers. However, these policies might not cover accidents during commercial use. If your insurance denies a claim, you may need to approach the rideshare company for compensation.
Rideshare companies provide additional insurance for injuries and property damage caused by at-fault or uninsured motorist accidents. The coverage amount depends on when the accident happens. When the driver is not using the app for personal purposes, there is no coverage. But when the driver is logged in, Lyft offers coverage based on the accident’s timing. If you face a Lyft accident, seek help from our experienced Los Angeles Lyft accident attorneys in handling such claims.
Statute Of Limitations On Lyft Accidents In California
In California, for all rideshare incidents, you typically have two years from the crash date to file. If you realize your injuries later, like with delayed symptoms, you have two years from the date you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) the injury. Other exceptions may also apply in certain cases. Waiting too long past this deadline may result in the courts rejecting your case. This means forfeiting the opportunity to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.
Lyft Accident FAQs
How Much Is My Lyft Accident Case Worth?
To know the potential worth of your Lyft accident case, consult with our Lyft accident attorneys in Los Angeles. The value depends on factors like your injuries, medical expenses, future care needs, age, health, and unique case circumstances.
How Long Does A Lyft Case Take To Settle?
Simple cases can settle in a few months after a rideshare accident. However, complex cases with multiple parties or disputes may take longer, especially if a trial is involved.
What If Both Drivers Are At Fault For A Lyft Accident?
If both drivers share fault, they may contribute to covering victims’ medical bills and losses. Each party pays based on their percentage of fault in the accident.
What If I Contributed To An Accident Involving A Lyft Vehicle?
In California, a pure comparative negligence state, your award might be reduced by your degree of fault, but you can still seek compensation, even if you’re 99% at fault.
Need Legal Support For Your Injuries? Consult Our Los Angeles Lyft Accident Attorneys
Over the years, Arash Law has handled many personal injury cases. Our experience allows us to manage these cases on behalf of our clients. As the rideshare industry has grown, we have stayed up to date with rideshare accident laws. Our firm supports victims in navigating their rideshare insurance claims through knowledgeable legal representation. If you or a loved one was recently injured in a Lyft accident, our Lyft accident attorneys in Los Angeles can help. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
Our legal services extend to various neighboring areas in Los Angeles, covering places such as Lancaster, Lake Hughes, Quartz Hill, Palmdale, Lake Los Angeles, Santa Clarita, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Torrance, Long Beach, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Lake Forest, and Mission Viejo.
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