Merced County Lyft Accident Lawyers
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Our Merced County Lyft Accident Lawyers Explain The Legal Process Step By Step
In Merced County, rideshare services like Lyft are popular for their cost-effectiveness and convenience. However, they come with inherent risks that often result in serious injuries and substantial losses for victims. Were you injured in a Lyft vehicle crash? Our Merced County Lyft accident lawyers can help determine if you can file a legal claim for your damages. Contact Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 to arrange a free initial consultation.
People in Merced County often depend on ridesharing services to get around town. Taking a Lyft ride instead of driving can save residents money on gas, parking, and vehicle maintenance. Moreover, it helps them fully enjoy the county’s great offerings, such as The Partisan Bar, without having to worry about DUI-related dangers or penalties.
With over 280,000 residents, it is no wonder Lyft is being widely used. However, this increased usage also corresponds to the growing number of Lyft accidents.
Arash Law has experience representing clients and managing Lyft accident claims. Our attorneys work to help injured individuals pursue compensation for their injuries and losses. Contact us or complete our online form to understand your legal options.
Settlement in motor vehicle accident in a Under Insured Motorist Claim against a ride share company; client suffered spinal injuries– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
How Can Our Merced County Lyft Accident Lawyers Help You?
We aim to help clients establish liability and seek accountability against the potentially negligent parties. Our Lyft accident attorneys in Merced County can do that by:
- Assisting You in Collecting Evidence — The crucial factor in building a Lyft accident case is to start while the evidence is still fresh and accessible. If you can’t file right away for any reason, we’ll still help you collect evidence to create a well-supported case. This includes police reports, health documents, and expense records.
- Case Management — We will assist you in navigating the legal process while also managing intricate claim documentation. Without an experienced legal representative, it is easy to overlook a crucial step or deadline. This can complicate the situation and might impact your legal claim.
- Evaluating Your Total Losses and Damages — We take into account all losses and damages resulting from the Lyft accident to assess the worth of your case. Such damages include income loss, damage to property, and physical and emotional distress.
- Identifying Who Was Potentially at Fault — Figuring out the reason behind the incident can be difficult. This is more evident when there are many people involved. Our lawyers will thoroughly examine your accident case to identify potentially liable parties. This includes traffic camera evidence, witness accounts, and police reports.
- Settlement Negotiation — Our Lyft accident lawyers in Merced County can deal with the insurance providers and negotiate a fair settlement based on your total damages.
- Bringing Your Claim to Court If Needed — If we cannot get an agreement through negotiation, our skilled trial attorneys can bring your matter to court if it is a viable option for your case. We will advocate for your rights regardless of the nature or size of the opposing party.
How Our Attorneys Define Legal Liability For Injured Victims
Liability refers to a person’s legal responsibility for something. This term can be used in various legal domains, including contract, insurance, and personal injury law. If a person is legally liable, they may have to cover the damages of the person they’ve injured.
Liability can take on different forms, including:
- Negligence — The most common type of legal claim in personal injury cases, negligence refers to the act of behaving carelessly and then causing harm to another person. Negligent individuals are generally responsible for the harm they have caused. Lyft accident lawyers in Merced County can work to establish negligence in certain cases.
- Strict Liability — As defined by a specific legal concept, this form of liability involves one party being responsible for harm caused to another regardless of their lack of intention or inability to prove negligence. This applies to some ridesharing accidents as well as defective Walmart products, slip-and-falls, and dog bite cases.
- Intentional Actions — Occasionally, an individual may purposefully harm someone else. In such a case, individuals can file personal injury lawsuits against the responsible party to seek monetary compensation for their injuries. These are referred to as intentional torts.
What To Do After A Lyft Accident In Merced County
Understanding the steps to take after a Lyft-related injury may help when pursuing a claim. Here are some things you can do following a Lyft accident:
- Notify the Authorities — After moving to a safe location, call 911 and notify the authorities about your Lyft accident. A police report is an authorized record of an incident. It documents crucial information that is necessary for insurance claims or any legal proceedings.
- Seek Medical Attention — Safeguard your well-being following a Lyft collision or any car accident, for that matter. Regardless of whether you believe you aren’t hurt, it is advisable to get medical attention. This procedure is required to assess the complete degree of the injuries you may have sustained. Furthermore, postponing medical treatment can complicate the process of establishing a direct link between your injuries and the accident.
- Record All Relevant Information — Take pictures of the accident site, your injuries, and any damage to your vehicle or property. Gather contact and insurance details from the Lyft driver, other individuals involved, and any witnesses.
- Notify Lyft About the Incident — Inform Lyft about the collision using their app or website. Submitting a report to Lyft starts the procedure of requesting insurance from Lyft’s insurance providers.
- Seek Legal Advice — Consult with a lawyer who is well-informed about ridesharing accidents to guide you on the next steps. Our Lyft accident lawyers in Merced County can help you understand the company’s insurance policy better and avoid common issues that may affect the claims process.
Potentially Responsible Parties In Merced County Lyft Accidents
The process of establishing liability in a Lyft accident can be tricky. An in-depth investigation is needed to find out if any carelessness took place and whose conduct led to the collision. Our Merced County attorneys for Lyft accidents can review the circumstances of the incident that led to your injuries to determine fault.
The following individuals can be liable for your injuries in an accident claim:
- Lyft Driver — If the collision was a result of the carelessness of the Lyft driver, they could be held accountable. Based on the details of the incident, your lawyer can assist you in pursuing reimbursement from either the driver’s automobile policy or Lyft’s insurance coverage.
- Another Driver — If another driver were at fault for the collision, they may be held liable. For instance, if another car disregards a red light or collides with your Lyft, you have the option to submit a claim with their auto liability insurance.
- Local Government — Poorly kept roads or absent traffic signs can play a role in a Lyft accident. If the evidence suggests inadequate road upkeep or incorrect signage, you might have the option to pursue a resolution with a government organization.
- Lyft Company — You may sue Lyft itself if its recruiting process led to your injury. For example, if Lyft did not perform a background check and your driver has a history of DUIs, the firm can be responsible for your injuries.
Common Injuries From A Lyft Accident
Lyft crashes can lead to various injuries for both passengers and drivers. These injuries can range from minor to severe; thus, it is crucial to understand their nature. Victims must recognize these injuries to get proper medical treatment or pursue any required legal action.
Our Lyft accident lawyers in Merced County can support victims who suffered injuries in such incidents. Here are some common injuries sustained in these accidents:
- Whiplash Injuries — This occurs when the head and neck are suddenly jerked forward and backward by an impact. It can cause neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and even cognitive difficulties.
- Soft Tissue Injuries — These injuries refer to damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Common types are strains, sprains, and contusions.
- Back Injuries — Lyft accidents can also result in back injuries, including ruptured discs, spinal fractures, or strains. These injuries can result in intense discomfort, loss of sensation, or a prickling feeling.
- Head Injuries — They can vary from minor concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Head injury victims often experience headaches, disorientation, and alterations in mood or conduct.
- Broken Bones — Fractures and broken bones are common injuries in accidents, including Lyft-related ones. A collision can cause bones to break, resulting in pain, swelling, and restricted movement.
Some accidents can result in the unfortunate loss of a cherished family member. Claims for wrongful death can provide the family of the deceased compensation and are commonly filed against either a driver or Lyft.
Common Damages In Merced County Lyft Accidents
Being in a Lyft collision can be unnerving, regardless of whether you are a passenger or another driver. Apart from the expected monetary toll, these accidents could also result in significant physical injuries that can impact one’s life. Depending on the details of your case, our Lyft accident lawyers in Merced County can help you seek damages for the following:
Physical Injuries
Lyft accidents may lead to minor injuries, such as scratches or bruises. Sadly, these can result in more catastrophic injuries as well. These include broken bones, head traumas, or persistent discomfort. Some of these injuries require further medical care and rehabilitation, affecting your everyday life.
Reduced Earning Capacity
An injury may lead to permanent damage that negatively affects your ability to work and earn money. You can pursue compensation for this and present lost earnings if your injury forced you to miss work.
Lost Wages
Getting into an accident makes it hard to fulfill your usual financial obligations. If you are unable to work because of your injuries, you may experience monetary problems due to loss of income. Financial pressure could become even more challenging if you take a longer time to heal.
Loss Of Personal Belongings
Mobile phones, computers, or other personal possessions could get damaged or misplaced in a Lyft accident. Replacing or fixing these items can be an additional unforeseen cost, worsening your financial situation.
Vehicle Damage
Your automobile can get damaged if a Lyft vehicle collides with yours. Such damages include dents, scratches, or structural flaws that need significant repairs. As a result, your day-to-day tasks can be more difficult if you don’t have a car. You could also miss work entirely because of it, impacting your overall well-being.
Non-Economic Damages
A Lyft accident may also cause non-economic damages. These are intangible damages that do not have a traditional dollar value. But lawyers can give them an equivalent amount based on how much they have affected your life. Pain and suffering, mental anguish, reduced quality of life, and loss of companionship are among these damages.
These are but a small sample of the damages you may incur following a Lyft crash. Our Lyft accident lawyers in Merced County can help assess your damages and take them into account when filing a claim on your behalf.
Insurance Coverage For Lyft Accidents In Merced County
When filing a claim for a Lyft accident, victims have four periods to keep in mind. Understanding these periods is essential for determining the available insurance coverage.
California law divides Lyft’s insurance coverage into four periods:
- Period Zero — This refers to when the driver is not logged on to the Lyft application at the time of the accident. During this period, Lyft drivers are technically not actively working for the company. Thus, the driver’s personal insurance policy will apply.
- Period One — Drivers looking for passengers but haven’t picked anyone up are in period one. Lyft is required to offer a minimum of $50,000 in coverage for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident, $30,000 for property damage, and $200,000 in liability insurance.
- Period Two — Matching with a rider via the app and driving en route to collect the passenger put the drivers in period two. Lyft provides $1 million in liability insurance and first-party coverages that include uninsured and underinsured motorists for accidents that happen during this time. However, this coverage is only available if the injured victim submits a claim with the driver’s insurance.
- Period Three — This is when the passenger is inside the vehicle already, traveling towards their destination. In the event of a collision, Lyft provides the same coverage in period two.
Our Lyft accident attorneys in Merced County can investigate your accident, determine the ride stage, and assist in filing an insurance claim. We can handle the legal aspects of your case, including this process.
November 2020: $9M settlement in a mild traumatic brain injury case involving a construction worker injured at the jobsite.– BRIAN BEECHER
Statute Of Limitations For Filing Claims In Merced County
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in California is generally two (2) years after the injury occurs or is discovered. The same is true in Merced County and its neighboring places.
This timeframe, established by the statute of limitations, is vital. Contacting a personal injury attorney soon after an incident can help you prepare a well-supported case within the applicable filing deadline. We can also provide information relevant to various stages of the claims process.
Nevertheless, there are exceptions to this legal time limit. For instance, if the victim is a minor, the statute of limitations will only start once they turn 18 years old, unless their parent or legal guardian filed the claim on their behalf before then. Your attorney can help you understand these important deadlines and other possible exemptions.
Lyft Accident Statistics
Lyft categorizes safety incidents in its services as very rare. According to the company’s 2021 Community Safety Report, only 0.0002% of Lyft rides result in an accident. It also indicates that well over 99% of all their rides happen without any safety issues.
While Lyft accidents may statistically be rare, there is no telling when you might fall victim to one. Our Merced County Lyft accident lawyers can get you in touch with medical professionals to help with your treatment. We work to help you seek compensation for your losses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Merced County Lyft Accidents
What If Two Drivers Are Responsible For The Lyft Accident?
If two drivers are partially responsible, they may both help pay for the victim’s medical expenses and damages. Since California is a pure comparative negligence state, every party is responsible for paying according to their share of blame in the accident.
What Is The Average Settlement For Lyft Accidents?
Personal injury settlements involving Lyft can vary depending on several factors. The quantity you can pursue should be in proportion to the severity of your injuries, along with other considerations. Our Lyft accident lawyers in Merced County can evaluate your losses based on the available evidence and details. From there, we can calculate the potential value of your claim.
How Long Does A Lyft Case Take To Settle?
The time it takes to settle Lyft cases varies. Simple Lyft crash cases may take a few months to resolve. However, more complicated accidents with several parties or disagreements may require a year or longer, especially if a trial is necessary.
Do I Need To Pay Upfront For Legal Representation?
Most personal injury law firms in California work on a contingency fee arrangement. This policy indicates that Merced County Lyft accident lawyers will only get paid if they are able to obtain compensation for you. You don’t need to make any upfront payment for legal representation, regardless of the extent of your injuries.
However, certain case costs may still apply regardless of the outcome. Our attorneys will discuss these fees, costs, and other expenses related to pursuing a Lyft accident claim during your initial consultation, so you know what to expect before you make a decision about your case.
Call Our Merced County Lyft Accident Lawyers
If you or someone you care for fell victim to a Lyft accident in Merced County, our Merced Lyft accident lawyer can help determine if you are eligible to file a legal claim. A Lyft crash might result in various unforeseen consequences like medical expenses, loss of earnings, physical and emotional distress, and so much more. Through a personal injury claim, you may be able to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.
Our legal team understands the complexities of Lyft collision cases and has helped rideshare accident victims establish liability and pursue accountability. Our Merced County Lyft accident attorneys can help protect your rights, no matter how challenging things may get.
Contact Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation. Our legal services cover more than just Merced County. We also assist clients in San Francisco, Fremont, Berkeley, San Jose, Santa Cruz, Gilroy, Salinas, Monterey, Soledad, Firebaugh, Madera, Fresno, Selma, Kingsburg, Dinuba, Sanger, Coarsegold, Oakhurst, Mariposa, Groveland, and Modesto.
