Madera 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 Madera County Lyft Accident Lawyers Advocate For Injured Californians
If you sustained injuries in a rideshare collision, our Madera County Lyft accident lawyers are here to offer guidance. Contact Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 to learn more about your rights and the claims process.
Madera County’s public transport system is underdeveloped, especially in certain areas, making it difficult for residents and tourists to get around. Rideshare services like Lyft have provided some convenience and ease, but they have also contributed to persisting problems, including injuries and fatalities in road accidents.
This is where our Lyft accident attorneys in Madera County can help. We represent clients injured in rideshare crashes caused by another’s negligence.
How Madera County Lyft Accident Lawyers At Arash Law Can Help
Our lawyers are experienced in handling Lyft accident cases and can assist clients with each step of the claims process. Here’s how we typically go about building a case:
- We’ll Gather Evidence — Our team collects all available evidence to help prove the other party’s fault and your damages. This can include the driver’s traffic violations, the police accident report, photos and videos of the scene, and witness testimony. We may also work with experts to obtain information that can support your case.
- We’ll Help Prove Liability — Our Lyft accident lawyers in Madera County can conduct an independent investigation to identify all potentially liable parties.
- We’ll Establish Negligence — We’ll work to demonstrate these four elements of negligence:
- The other party has a duty of care or a legal obligation to avoid harming you.
- They breached or failed to meet that duty.
- Their breach of duty directly caused your accident.
- You incurred damages due to the Lyft accident.
- We’ll Deal With Insurance Companies — Our Lyft accident lawyers can negotiate with them on your behalf. We’ll aim to help them understand the extent of your losses and work toward agreeing on a settlement.
- We’ll Represent You in Court — If a settlement can’t be reached, our Lyft accident attorneys can take your case to court in Madera County. We’ll work to advocate for your rights by leveraging our years of combined litigation experience.
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
What Past Clients Have To Say About Our Madera County Lyft Accident Lawyers
Our team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to providing comprehensive services to injured clients throughout California. Our Madera County Lyft accident lawyers work to independently investigate each case so we can take a personalized approach to pursuing compensation. Here’s what a couple of our past clients have to say about us:
“I appreciate Arash Law firm for their invaluable assistance in my Lyft accident case.
The team’s guidance at every step was commendable. A special shout-out to my amazing Case Manager […] for keeping me consistently updated throughout the entire process. Their professionalism and support made a challenging situation much more manageable.”
— Jimmique P. (Google Reviews)
“I highly recommend Arash law firm for any type of vehicular accident.
The process is simple and easy and smooth. I basically start the process from home with their team of professionals. The law firm guided me from the start to the completion of the case without any difficulties and or complication. Every aspect of the case were handled at my convenience as I recover from the accident. The law firm cater to my situation were everything handled from the comfort of my home. Thank you very much to Arash Law from the bofrom of my heart.”
— Edgar A. (Yelp)
Different Types Of Lyft Accidents
Many traffic incidents, including the Lyft collisions handled by our car accident lawyers, lead to fatalities and injuries in Madera County. In 2023, the county recorded 752 fatal and injury crashes (provisional data as of September 2024). These accidents occur in different ways, including:
Rear-End Collisions
In rear-end accidents, a moving vehicle crashes into the back of another, often caused by tailgating or driver distraction. For example, if a Lyft driver checks their phone for a ride request, they might not notice the car ahead stopping, causing a crash. It’s not always the rear vehicle’s fault, though. If a vehicle suddenly stops in traffic, even a car that’s following safely behind might run into it, making the driver liable for damages.
Head-On Accidents
Some of the more serious traffic accidents involving Lyft are head-on collisions. The combined speeds of both vehicles lead to a greater force upon impact, potentially resulting in serious or fatal injuries. For example, victims might suffer from severe fractures and brain injuries, requiring extensive medical treatment and a long time away from work.
These accidents may have significant physical, emotional, and financial consequences. If you’re injured in a head-on Lyft accident caused by someone else, you can contact our Madera County Lyft accident lawyers to learn how to initiate a claim.
Intersection Accidents
The intersection at Avenue 12 near Highway 41 in Madera County has seen many fatal accidents. From 2021 to September 2024, ten fatal crashes occurred there due to poor infrastructure and inattentive drivers. Drivers must be cautious at intersections to avoid collisions. Side-impact collisions are dangerous because the sides of a vehicle offer less protection than the front and back.
Sideswipe Collisions
Our Lyft accident attorneys in Madera County also handle sideswipe accidents, in which two vehicles collide at the sides. These commonly occur when one drifts into another lane or attempts to merge without checking their blind spots.
The damage in low-impact collisions can be relatively minor. However, high-impact sideswipes can potentially cause catastrophic consequences. One or both vehicles might swerve off into other lanes, crashing into another motorist, pedestrian, or roadside object.
Single-Vehicle Accidents
Occupants can also get injured in a Lyft even if it does not collide with another vehicle. For example, it could lose control and crash after driving over debris, experiencing a tire blowout, or swerving to avoid wildlife. In some cases, it might roll into a ditch, like what happened with a car that ignored road closure signs in Madera.
In these cases, injured victims may still be able to pursue compensation. You can consult with our Madera County Lyft accident lawyers to discuss your next steps.
Multi-Vehicle Accidents
A Lyft can be involved in a pile-up, causing many injuries or fatalities. Multi-vehicle collisions often have multiple parties at fault, each responsible for their share of damages.
If you’re injured in a Lyft accident involving three or more vehicles, consult our injury law firm. Identifying and holding all liable parties accountable can be challenging, but our Madera County Lyft accident attorneys can help. We can investigate the accident, identify all potentially responsible parties, and build a case to argue why they might have to pay for your damages.
Vehicle Rollovers
Rollovers are more common in truck collisions and typically result in serious injuries. Our truck accident lawyers have handled cases where victims sustained catastrophic injuries after a rollover. An occupant not wearing a seatbelt can be thrown violently inside the vehicle or get ejected onto the ground outside.
Rollovers can also happen to smaller vehicles. In Madera County, a sedan rolled over due to a combination of factors, including high speeds, overcorrection, and driving under the influence. A Lyft accident involving a car or SUV can happen in the same way. The vehicle also has the risk of overturning if it is hit on the side by a strong force.
Low-Speed Accidents
Even in low-speed accidents, pedestrians and cyclists can suffer severe injuries due to lack of protection. Older adults are especially vulnerable. Our Lyft accident lawyers in Madera County can help victims explore whether they can pursue compensation after these types of collisions.
Driver Negligence As A Common Cause Of Lyft Accidents
Lyft doesn’t have many requirements for hiring drivers. One of the main requisites is a valid driver’s license, which doesn’t have to be commercial. As a result, any regular driver can be accepted to transport numerous passengers daily without any special training. Lyft’s driver requirements do not include the commercial licensing that some other professional driving services mandate.
Drivers who don’t have professional training are more prone to mistakes and might even resort to dangerous behaviors on the road to save time or maximize earnings.
They may thus cause accidents in the following ways:
- Driving while distracted by the Lyft app on their phone.
- Speeding to get to their destination faster and complete more trips.
- Changing lanes without checking their surroundings to pick up or drop off a passenger.
- Failing to check blind spots while parking.
- Driving while fatigued from repeatedly working long hours.
- Neglecting vehicle maintenance, resulting in tire blowouts, brake failures, and other malfunctions.
Furthermore, drivers who get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, and medications risk the lives of other road users. At our firm, we have skilled and dedicated DUI accident victim lawyers in Madera County who are committed to holding these negligent Lyft drivers accountable for their actions. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to see how we can help with your case.
Hurt in a Lyft Accident?
Other Reasons Why Lyft Accidents Occur
Our attorneys who handle Lyft accidents in Madera County also see other factors contributing to these cases. Examples are:
Inclement Weather — The climate in Madera County is mostly mild year-round, with a few days of rainfall, particularly during the winter months. Some parts of the county see a dusting of snow in winter, which can potentially make the roads dangerous due to slippery conditions.
Just recently, some areas in the county were hit by heavy downpours with strong winds. This resulted in flooding, toppled trees, and other hazards while driving. Even so, drivers must know how to handle any type of weather condition. For example, they are expected to drive carefully in low-visibility or slippery conditions. They may be held responsible for an accident if they do not exercise extra caution, even if the weather is not their fault.
- Dangerous Road Conditions — One truck accident that occurred on Avenue 12 was attributed to the lack of traffic signals. The narrow road was also identified a potential contributor, and authorities have shared their plan to widen it in light of the incident. These are only some examples of road hazards that can contribute to Lyft accidents. Debris, animals, and blind curves are also potential causes.
Common Injuries Victims Sustain In Lyft Accidents
The types of injuries arising from Lyft accidents vary, ranging from minor to fatal injuries. These can include:
Head And Brain Injuries
Head impact injuries can include brain injuries, skull fractures, scalp lacerations, and vision issues. These injuries can lead to lifelong challenges, such as impaired motor and cognitive skills or personality changes.
If you or a loved one has a head injury from a Lyft accident, you may be eligible to seek damages. Fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form, and our Madera County Lyft accident lawyers will study whether you can pursue compensation for hospitalization, treatments, lost personal relationships, and other losses.
Neck And Back Injuries
Lyft accidents can cause whiplash, fractured vertebrae, sprains, and bruised tissues. While some injuries heal on their own, they can still cause significant pain and limit mobility.
Spinal cord damage may lead to chronic pain, loss of sensation, and paralysis, affecting the victim’s ability to work and engage in activities. Victims may need strict regimens or rely on others for care. In a personal injury claim, these factors can be considered when seeking compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, and diminished quality of life.
Broken Bones
Direct impact can cause bone fractures, varying in severity. Simple breaks may heal with a cast, but multiple fractures or crushed bones are more likely to require comprehensive treatment and possibly surgery. Full recovery isn’t guaranteed, and chronic pain or mobility issues may persist. Complications, like nerve damage or infection, are possible.
These challenges can be emotionally and mentally draining. If you’re facing such issues and have a valid claim to file, our Madera County Lyft accident attorneys can help you seek compensation for treatments, medications, assistive devices, therapies, and more, depending on the specifics of your case.
Loss Of Limbs
In severe collisions, limbs can be pinned, leading to crushing injuries or amputation, often affecting the legs. Amputation may be necessary if blood flow can’t be restored or severe infection occurs. Losing a limb impacts mobility and daily activities, like walking or dressing.
In a personal injury claim, our Madera County Lyft accident lawyers work to factor in limb loss, as well as the life-long challenges they may cause, when assessing damages and building a case.
What To Do If You Get Into A Lyft Accident
Lyft accidents are unpredictable, but when they do happen, you must know what steps to take to protect yourself. Staying calm is essential to avoid further harm, and understanding what to do next will help you stay focused and maintain a clear mind. Here are some examples of what to do after a Lyft accident:
- Assess your injuries and check for fractures, cuts, and bleeding.
- For emergencies, call 911 right away.
- Report the accident to the local police so they can create an official incident report.
- If you can, take photos and videos of the accident scene.
- Gather the information of all parties involved, including the Lyft driver and other drivers, if any.
- If there are witnesses, collect their email or phone numbers in case you need to contact them later.
- Report the accident to Lyft via the app (for passengers) or online (for passengers and third parties).
- Consult with Lyft accident lawyers in Madera County. They can guide you on the next steps you can take, which may include pursuing compensation from the responsible parties.
Responsible Parties In A Lyft Accident
Identifying potentially liable parties is critical to validating your claim. Your Lyft accident lawyers in Madera County can investigate your case to see whose actions may have caused the crash and if there is more than one liable party. These may include one or more of the following:
- Lyft Driver — They may be held responsible if they exhibited negligent actions such as speeding, reckless driving, or traffic violations. Claims can be filed against their auto policy or Lyft’s third-party liability coverage.
- Another Motorist — They might also be liable for displaying similarly negligent behavior, in which case they may have to compensate for injuries based on their fault percentage.
- Local Government — A government agency may be held liable for contributing to traffic safety issues like poor road maintenance or lack of signs.
- Manufacturers — A car parts manufacturer may be responsible for crashes caused by auto defects from design flaws or errors.
- Lyft Company — Lyft itself may be liable for negligence, such as inadequate background checks or addressing safety issues.
Consulting Lyft lawyers in Madera County can help identify and prove negligence in Lyft accident cases.
Lyft’s Insurance Policy
Your eligibility to file a claim with Lyft’s insurance for its drivers will depend on ride status. If the accident occurred while the driver was logged into the app and waiting for a ride request, you may have to file a claim with their auto insurance first. If it doesn’t apply, then Lyft’s liability policy may step in with the following limits:
- Up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury.
- Up to $100,000 per accident for bodily injury.
- Up to $30,000 per accident for property damage.
If the Lyft driver caused the accident while they were online and on the way to the pick-up or drop-off location, Lyft’s $1 million policy may apply. Anyone who incurred damages in the accident, whether they were a passenger, pedestrian, or another road user, may be eligible to file a claim.
Filing a claim can be confusing due to these complex coverage limits. Our Madera County Lyft accident lawyers can explain what may apply to your claim.
Lyft Accident Compensation
Your potential compensation depends on the damages you incurred due to the accident. Your Madera County Lyft accident lawyers will calculate the extent of your losses, which may include:
- Current and future medical expenses, such as hospital bills, ongoing treatments, medication, etc.
- Lost wages if the victim misses work due to their injuries.
- Reduced or lost earning capacity if you sustain a disability that limits your career prospects.
- Damaged property, such as your vehicle or personal belongings.
- The physical pain, suffering, and emotional distress caused by your injuries.
- Psychological issues, like PTSD and extreme anxiety.
- Reduced quality of life, particularly if you sustain a debilitating injury or need long-term care.
- Wrongful death damages (e.g., funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support, etc.) if a family member dies in a Lyft accident.
The value of these damages will dictate how much you can pursue in your claim. However, coming up with an estimate isn’t as simple as adding up fixed costs. Some damages, like pain and suffering, are objective and difficult to quantify. If necessary, our Lyft accident attorneys in Madera County can tap outside experts who can better approximate their potential value.
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
Deadlines For Filing A Lyft Accident Claim
Make sure to initiate your Lyft accident claim in Madera County within two years. This is the general deadline for personal injury claims in California. If you miss this timeframe, your case becomes invalid.
However, the statute of limitations may be different in some scenarios, such as when:
- You did not discover your injury until much later after the accident. The statute of limitations begins on the date of discovery.
- The at-fault party leaves the state. Since the lawsuit can’t proceed without the defendant, the deadline is paused until they return to the state.
- You’re suing a government entity. You must first file an administrative claim within six months.
It can be difficult to determine the applicable deadline for your case. Talk to our Madera County Lyft accident lawyers. We can figure out your deadline and see if your case falls under any exceptions. Call (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free first case review.
Statistics About Lyft Accidents
Safety has been a persistent issue for Lyft and its users. Here are some Lyft accident statistics to help paint a clearer picture of these safety concerns:
- Fatal Accident Increase — The University of Chicago study shows a 3% rise in fatal traffic accidents with rideshare services. Major cities saw an increase from 2 to 3.5 accidents per 100,000 annually, or a 75% rise.
- Recent Fatalities — Lyft’s Safety Transparency Report (2020-2022) reported 111 Lyft-related motor vehicle fatalities. Safety incidents accounted for less than 1% of trips, but highlights how such crashes can still potentially occur.
- Non-Fatal Incidents — Although Lyft is also linked to non-fatal incidents, the company hasn’t released an injury-only report.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need To Hire A Lyft Accident Lawyer For My Claim?
You’re not legally obligated to hire a lawyer to file a Lyft accident claim in Madera County, but getting one can still be helpful. Dealing with the claims process can be stressful and confusing, especially while you’re recovering from your injuries. If you have legal representation, they can help pursue compensation on your behalf. For example, they can estimate your claim’s value, allowing them to negotiate a settlement that closely aligns with the extent of your losses.
Should I Talk To Lyft’s Insurance Company Before Consulting An Attorney?
Aside from reporting the accident to Lyft, avoid communicating directly with its insurance company. You may end up making a few common mistakes, such as accidentally making a statement that weakens your claim or accepting an early settlement offer when you still don’t know the full extent of your damages.
As such, it’s often helpful to consult with experienced Lyft accident attorneys in Madera County first. They can review your claim, study your losses, and handle all related communications throughout the legal process. That way, you can avoid making common errors and make more informed decisions when pursuing compensation.
Can I Still Pursue Compensation If I’m Partially At Fault For The Lyft Accident?
In Madera County and California, you’re allowed to seek compensation even if you’re up to 99% to blame for the accident. However, the amount you can pursue will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, you incurred $120,000 worth of damages from your Lyft accident, where you were found to be 15% liable. You can only potentially receive $102,000 ($120,000 minus 15%).
How do you compute your percentage of fault? Consult our Madera County Lyft accident lawyers. We can conduct an independent investigation to assess your actual share of fault in a Lyft crash. Our findings may prove helpful as you pursue compensation.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Lyft Accident Lawyer?
Typically, there is no upfront cost for hiring a personal injury lawyer. Our personal injury lawyers, including those who handle Lyft accident claims, work on a contingency fee basis. We don’t take upfront fees or bill by the hour. Instead, our attorneys only get paid if clients are awarded compensation. However, clients may still be charged other case-related costs outside of this agreement.
Are you asking, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer?” because you’re worried you can’t afford legal services? This “no-win, no-fee” agreement offers a solution that aims to improve accessibility for injured victims. Contact us to learn more about how our Madera County attorneys can help with your Lyft accident claim.
How Long Will It Take To Resolve A Lyft Accident Claim?
Most Lyft accident claims are settled during the negotiation phase, which can last for several months. However, disputes about liability, complex legal issues, and other complications can prolong the process. If your case goes to court, it might take over a year to see a resolution. Some may last for several years.
Our Madera County Lyft accident attorneys typically aim to resolve a case without going through a lengthy and costly trial process. However, we can prepare your claim for litigation if necessary. You will be informed of the advantages and disadvantages of settling versus going to trial.
Who Can File A Lyft Accident Claim In Madera County?
If you are injured in a Lyft accident, you may be able to file a claim, whether you’re a passenger, pedestrian, driver, or another user. California laws protect anyone, regardless of gender, citizenship, or immigration status. This right also protects families who have lost a loved one due to the accident.
Unsure about your rights? Call (888) 488-1391 to speak with our Lyft accident lawyers in Madera County. We’re available to answer your questions and concerns about your case.
Hire Our Lyft Accident Lawyers Serving Injured Victims In Madera County
Though generally safe, Lyft vehicles can still be involved in road crashes. If you were recently injured in such a collision, our Madera County Lyft accident attorneys can handle your claim and advocate for your rights so you can focus on healing.
Our Lyft and Uber accident lawyers are knowledgeable about the unique processes and regulations involved in rideshare cases. We can start by reviewing your claim and assessing whether you can pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other expenses.
Injured in a Lyft accident? Call (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation with one of California’s established personal injury law firms.
Our injury lawyers serve victims in Madera County, including Chowchilla, Madera, Bass Lake, Oakhurst, Parksdale, Fairmead, La Vina, Rolling Hills, Yosemite Lakes, Knowles, Sugar Pine, and Summer Hill. We also offer our services in surrounding areas, including Clovis, Sanger, Reedley, Selma, Fowler, Kerman, Le Grand, Planada, Dos Palos, Los Banos, and Atwater.
