Marin 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 Marin County Lyft Accident Lawyers Are Here To Help After You’ve Been Injured
Did you get injured in a rideshare crash? You don’t have to deal with the financial consequences alone. Our Lyft accident lawyers in Marin County can help you pursue compensation for medical bills and lost wages. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
Various transportation options for the general public are available throughout Marin County, such as buses, shuttles, ferries, taxis, and, of course, rideshare services like Lyft. While Lyft is a convenient choice for going around the county, there’s never any guarantee against traffic accidents.
If you sustained injuries in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, Arash Law can discuss your rights. Our law firm has handled various injury cases in California for decades, including those involving Lyft accidents.
Let us help you, too. As a committed personal injury law firm in California, we can manage communications with large insurance companies or the entities they represent on our clients’ behalf. Our lawyers can start with your case by seeing whether you can pursue compensation from the liable party.
How Our Marin County Lyft Accident Lawyers Can Help
Our experienced lawyers will work to skillfully handle your Lyft accident claim so you can focus on recovering. Here are some ways our Marin County Lyft accident attorneys help manage cases:
- Gathering Evidence — If you decide to work with us on a valid claim, we can start our independent investigation to preserve as much evidence as possible. Our lawyers will obtain copies of the police report, medical records, and video footage. We will also collect witness statements and may work with accident reconstructionists to substantiate your case.
- Identifying Damages — We’ll determine the value of your claim by identifying and calculating all your damages. To estimate the amount you’re owed, we’ll take into account all of your medical expenses, missed income opportunities, and other losses. We’ll also consult with experts, such as healthcare specialists and economists, to determine the impact of your injuries on your life and future.
- Determining Liable Parties — Next, we’ll identify who should pay for your damages. We will use the evidence we gathered to pinpoint potentially liable parties and prove their negligence.
- Handling Legal Communications — Our Marin County personal injury lawyers will handle all calls, emails, and other forms of communication with the liable parties, insurance providers, and the court. Our team is dedicated to keeping our clients informed about the progress of their case.
- Negotiating on Your Behalf — We will take charge of all negotiations with insurance companies. Throughout the settlement process, our lawyers will represent your interests and assist you in seeking compensation for your past and future losses.
- Representing You In Court — In the event that we cannot agree to a settlement for your Lyft accident case, our lawyers are prepared to take your case to court. Our experienced trial attorneys will work to present your case to the judge and jury.
To the naked eye, this case was a simple rear-end auto crash where our client suffered a disc herniation in his lumbar spine requiring two epidural pain management injections to help him with his pain. But our team managed to secure the maximum policy limits of the at-fault party due to the lifelong pain and future medical care he would require.– BENNY KHORSANDI
Insurance Policies That Cover Lyft Rides
Lyft drivers must maintain auto insurance that meets the minimum state requirements, while the rideshare company should maintain commercial liability insurance to protect its drivers and riders. Since there are various policies covering each Lyft ride, there are assigned “periods” to determine which policy will apply in an accident. The periods on Lyft’s insurance policy for drivers depend on their status on the app when the accident happened.
Period 0 — If the driver was not logged in to the app when the accident happened, the driver’s insurance will cover the damages. For example, a cyclist was hit by a Lyft vehicle when the driver was already going home and had logged out of the app. The driver’s insurance provider will pay for the damages incurred by the cyclist.
Period 1 — Once a driver logs into Lyft and waits for a ride request, Lyft’s third-party liability insurance will apply with the following limits:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injuries.
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injuries.
- $25,000 per accident for property damage.
Periods 2 and 3 — Period 2 begins when the driver has accepted a ride request and is en route to the passenger’s location, while Period 3 starts when the driver has picked up the passenger. Coverage for accidents during these periods includes:
- $1,000,000 in third-party liability coverage.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorists (UM/UIM) coverage.
- Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage (up to the vehicle’s actual cash value with a $2,500 deductible).
After a Lyft accident, a victim might contemplate which insurance policy may possibly apply to their accident and realize, “I need a personal injury lawyer.” Call (888) 488-1391 to speak with our experienced Lyft accident lawyers in Marin County.
We can help explain which policy covers your damages and assist with seeking the compensation you may be entitled to. However, it’s important to note that the amount you’re able to pursue is unlikely to be equal to the policy limits mentioned above.
Common Injuries In A Lyft Accident
Our Marin County injury law firm has handled numerous accident cases, including rideshare incidents. Victims sustain varying degrees of injuries depending on the cause of the crash and the severity of the impact. Here are some examples of those injuries:
- Strains and Sprains — Lyft crashes may lead to strains and sprains. While these injuries are considered minor, they can still have a profound impact on the victim’s daily routine.
- Broken Bones — Many car accidents, including collisions with Lyft, result in broken bones. Even if the victim is inside a vehicle, the force of the impact can cause fractures that might take a long time to heal. Our Lyft accident lawyers in Marin County may connect you with qualified medical professionals who can assess the extent of your injuries and potentially assist with treatment and rehabilitation.
- Whiplash — This injury is generally considered minor. However, in severe cases, it can lead to nerve damage and chronic neck pain. In these instances, we can help with seeking compensation for medical bills and lost income.
- Spinal Cord Injuries — Motor vehicle accidents are the most common cause of spinal cord injuries. Victims may require extensive rehabilitation and therapy to adapt to their new realities. Our Lyft accident attorneys in Marin County can help you pursue compensation that accounts for the long-term effects and costs of your injuries.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) — TBIs can potentially lead to coma, cognitive impairments, and even death.
- Burns — Car accidents can cause burn injuries that lead to scarring and disfigurement. Our car accident lawyers help clients seek compensation for these injuries and for the emotional distress they may have caused them.
Hurt In A Lyft Accident?
Common Causes Of Lyft Accidents
Lyft accidents can happen due to various reasons. Here are some of the most common ones identified by our Lyft accident attorneys in Marin County:
- Driver Fatigue — Drivers who don’t get enough rest are more likely to cause accidents. Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and reduced cognitive abilities.
- Distracted Driving — One of the leading causes of traffic accidents is distracted driving. Lyft drivers, in particular, have to check their phones for directions or to accept rides constantly. These distractions take their focus off the road.
- Speeding — When drivers exceed the speed limit, they reduce the amount of time they have to react to unexpected situations, like a pedestrian suddenly crossing the street.
- Unfamiliar Areas — Unknowing road users can get hit by a Lyft vehicle, especially if the area is unfamiliar to the driver.
- Unsafe Pickup And Drop-off Locations — Some Lyft drivers choose unsafe pickup or drop-off locations, such as poorly lit streets or busy intersections, which can increase the risk of collisions.
- Vehicle Malfunctions — Lyft drivers are responsible for maintaining their vehicles. Failure to ensure proper maintenance can lead to malfunctions such as tire or brake failures.
- Adverse Weather Conditions — Rain or fog can impair visibility, reduce traction, and increase the risk of accidents.
Liable Parties In A Lyft Accident Case
The next important step is finding out who is responsible for the rideshare accident. Our Lyft and Uber accident lawyers in Marin County can investigate the collision to help identify potential liable parties. We can explore the involvement of the following:
- Lyft Driver — The Lyft driver could be liable if they engaged in reckless driving behaviors that led to the collision. These behaviors increase their risk of accidents and potentially harm other road users.
- Lyft, Inc. — The rideshare company may also be responsible under certain circumstances. One such scenario is if Lyft has been negligent during the hiring process. For example, the driver who caused your accident has prior DUI offenses, yet Lyft hired them anyway.
- Other Motorists — Negligent third-party motorists may also cause accidents. For example, an intoxicated driver swerved into oncoming traffic and crashed into the Lyft you’re riding in.
- Vehicle And Auto parts Manufacturers — Vehicle defects, such as a faulty brake or tire, may also cause a driver to lose control and crash. When this happens, we’ll assess whether you can seek compensation from the vehicle manufacturer.
- Road Maintenance Providers — Our Marin County lawyers can also look into how some external factors contributed to the Lyft accident. For instance, if evidence points to potholes as the main cause of the accident, the victim may be able to seek compensation from the government agency involved in maintaining the road.
We will collect evidence to help establish liability in the accident. Moreover, we can present your medical records and other key pieces of evidence to help demonstrate the losses you suffered. If other parties are involved in the Lyft accident, our attorneys in Marin County can also work to determine if they are liable.
Damages You May Pursue After A Lyft Accident
Depending on your case’s details, you may be eligible for compensation for the expenses and losses you incurred as a result of your injuries. Our Marin County Lyft accident lawyers usually help clients seek the following damages:
- Medical Costs — Check-ups, hospital bills, medications, surgery, therapies, rehabilitation, and the cost of lifelong care.
- Property Damage — Repair and replacement costs of damaged property, as well as the treatment and other related costs of an injured pet.
- Lost Wages — Income loss due to missed days at work, reduced earning capacity, and loss of future potential income.
- Mental or Psychological Trauma — Emotional distress, PTSD, or pain and suffering.
- Other Intangible Damages — Loss of consortium, permanent scarring, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.
If your case goes to court, you may be awarded punitive damages. While this happens very rarely, the judge may award these damages if the defendant has been grossly negligent or malicious in causing you harm. There is no cap on the amount of punitive damages you may receive.
What To Do After A Lyft Accident
If you’ve been injured in a Lyft accident, you need to protect your health and legal rights. The steps you take to accomplish that can include the following:
- Ensure your safety by reminding the Lyft driver to move the vehicle to the side. If the vehicle can’t be moved, you can leave the vehicle and go to a safe spot nearby.
- Assess yourself for injuries and encourage other people involved to do the same.
- Call 911 immediately. Be prepared to state your location to the dispatcher and to describe the accident and your injuries.
- Report the accident to Lyft.
- Consult with our Marin County Lyft accident lawyers. It is possible to handle the claims process on your own. However, working with our firm can be helpful if you need help assessing and pursuing a settlement that aligns with the extent of your damages. We also work on a contingency fee basis. This means that, if you become one of our clients, you don’t have to pay us attorney fees unless you’re awarded compensation. However, you may still be responsible for other case-related costs that apply outside this agreement.
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
Time Limit For Your Lyft Accident Claim
Generally, the limit for filing a personal injury claim in California is two years from the accident date. There are some exceptions that may apply to your case. The limit for property damage claims, for example, is three years. Failure to file your claim during the specified deadlines often means forfeiting your right to pursue compensation. Our Marin County attorneys can explain how the statute of limitations applies to your claim. We can also help file your Lyft accident case in a timely manner.
Lyft Accident Statistics
Researchers from the University of Chicago and Rice University have found a 3% upsurge in fatal accidents since rideshare services were introduced to the U.S. market, equivalent to almost a thousand more people dying as a result of road crashes. Furthermore, major U.S. cities have seen the yearly average rate of 2 accidents per 100,000 people increase to 3.5 accidents per 100,000 people.
Lyft has also reported more than 45,000 public safety incidents in 2020. Of these, 11,200 were traffic accidents. Lyft also has a collision rate of about 17.92 per 100,000 trips. Moreover, Lyft’s Safety Transparency Report also mentioned 111 motor vehicle fatalities from 2020 to 2022. This is equivalent to a 14% increase per 100 million vehicle miles traveled and 31% higher than the incident rate mentioned in the 2019 report.
Our Lyft accident attorneys in Marin County remain committed to helping victims of these accidents get back on their feet. Our aim is to support you in your recovery while we assist in pursuing compensation for your losses. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Sue Lyft For My Accident?
Yes, you can sue Lyft for the accident that caused your injuries, but only under specific circumstances. Lyft is liable only if its negligence directly contributed to the accident.
For instance, Lyft has a responsibility to conduct thorough background checks on potential drivers to ensure the safety of its passengers. Lyft may be liable if a drunk Lyft driver caused your accident, and our investigation revealed that the said driver has a record of DUI. In this case, our Marin County Lyft accident lawyers can also help you seek compensation from Lyft.
Do I Need A Lawyer For A Lyft Crash In Marin County?
You are not required to hire a lawyer to file a Lyft accident claim. However, hiring our Lyft accident attorneys in Marin County can be helpful.
We can work with accident reconstructionists, medical specialists, and economists to support your claim, calculate the potential worth of your damages, and provide an estimate for you. When you work with our Marin County accident lawyers, we can investigate your case and help establish liability.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire Marin County Lyft Accident Lawyers?
There is no set answer to this question, as it will depend on the specifics of your case and how long it may take to resolve. However, hiring our Marin County Lyft accident lawyers doesn’t cost you anything upfront. Instead, we offer a no-win, no-fee guarantee, meaning clients only pay our attorneys if they can collect compensation. With this payment arrangement, you can still seek damages by leveraging accessible legal representation.
Remember that you might still be responsible for other costs related to your case. We will review our fee agreement with you during your consultation to help you understand these potential charges.
How Long Will It Take To Receive My Settlement?
This question cannot be answered in a straightforward manner, either, as there’s no guarantee that you will be awarded a settlement. However, you may be able to get a feel for how long your case will take to resolve.
A Lyft accident claim may take months or years to settle. One factor that may prolong the process is if an at-fault party disputes or denies your claim. Nevertheless, most civil claims involving Lyft are settled through negotiations and do not proceed to litigation.
However, depending on the specifics of your case, if a potential settlement offer from the insurer is inadequate, our Marin County Lyft accident attorneys may take your case to court.
Reach Out To Our Skilled Lyft Accident Lawyers In Marin County
Aside from physical injuries, you may suffer from emotional pain, mental suffering, and other accident-related expenses and losses after a Lyft accident. If this happens to you, our Marin County Lyft accident lawyers are here to help. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial case review.
Arash Law provides comprehensive legal services regardless of a client’s citizenship or immigration status. If you need assistance in a language other than English, please inform us. Our staff may be able to provide support in additional languages. Whether you’re an injured passenger, Lyft driver, cyclist, pedestrian, or driver of another vehicle, we are here for you.
Aside from managing Lyft accidents, our lawyers in Marin County are also experienced with truck accidents and other personal injury claims. We offer our services to victims throughout California, including the following cities and towns within Marin County: San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley, Larkspur, Sausalito, Corte Madera, Fairfax, Ross, San Anselmo, Tiburon, and Belvedere. Furthermore, we also serve victims in other locations such as Encino, Costa Mesa, Chico, Carlsbad, Butte County, and Beverly Hills.
