Modesto 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.
Modesto Lyft Accident Lawyers Ready To Explain Rideshare Laws After An Injury
Lyft accidents turn a routine ride around Modesto into a stressful ordeal for injured victims. Physical injuries, emotional distress, and increasing medical bills can leave you feeling lost and unsure of your next steps. Our Modesto Lyft accident lawyers understand these challenges and offer legal support throughout the process of seeking compensation. Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Modesto lies approximately 90 miles east of San Francisco. This mid-sized city is known for its agriculture, abundant sunshine, and proximity to Yosemite National Park. Lyft vehicles, along with other ridesharing options, are a common sight on Modesto’s streets. Residents and tourists alike use ridesharing services to go to work and explore the city. However, Lyft’s popularity is a double-edged sword. The growing number of Lyft vehicles on the road also translates to an increased risk of traffic accidents.
Dealing with insurance companies and Lyft’s complicated policies can be time-consuming and frustrating. If you sustained injuries or lost a loved one in an accident involving a Lyft vehicle, our Lyft accident lawyers can help handle the legal legwork so you can focus on healing and getting your life back on track.
2019: $27M confidential settlement in a case involving multiple plaintiffs.– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
How Can Our Modesto Lyft Accident Attorneys Help You Pursue Compensation?
Recovering from injuries is your priority, but the legal side of seeking compensation can quickly become a hurdle. Gathering evidence, determining liability, and negotiating for compensation is challenging without legal guidance. Our law firm offers experienced representation close to home. We can help you pursue compensation for your losses.
Lyft and other rideshare companies face accident claims regularly. They, along with their insurers, will most likely have their own legal teams. We can help advocate for your rights during the claims process by:
- Reviewing Settlement Offers — After we assess the extent of your injuries, we can help you decide whether you should accept or counter a settlement offer. If you opt for the latter, we can help you negotiate for another amount based on the available evidence for your case.
- Managing Communications — You’re not legally required to sign any documents you receive from at-fault parties and their insurers. We can manage these communications for you.
- Preventing Mistakes — One common mistake Lyft accident victims could make is accidentally admitting fault for the crash. This could potentially weaken your claim. We can guide you on how to respond to insurance companies to prevent this error.
- Addressing Disputes — Depending on the available evidence, disputes may arise regarding who is liable for a Lyft accident. If blame is shifted your way, we could help assess whether this is actually the case. We could then either help you pursue compensation under California’s comparative negligence law or gather evidence to demonstrate who actually caused the crash.
Our Lyft accident lawyers in Modesto can help you understand your legal rights and options. We’ll also work to advocate for your interests and make informed decisions about your claim.
At Arash Law, we understand how overwhelming dealing with rideshare insurance, personal insurance, and California injury laws can be. If you get hurt in a Lyft accident, let our personal injury lawyers in Modesto help. We are dedicated to guiding clients through the claims process and helping them seek compensation for their losses.
Wondering if you have a valid claim? Fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form.
What To Expect In Your Lyft Accident Claim In Modesto, CA
Depending on the circumstances, you may need to file a claim with Lyft or the at-fault driver’s insurance company. The process can be confusing, and you may encounter challenges, such as liability disputes, during settlement negotiations. Having a legal advocate during this time can help.
When you have our Modesto Lyft accident lawyers working on a valid case, you gain access to our network of outside experts and knowledge of personal injury and civil law. We’ve also had years of experience dealing with insurance carriers across the state, including those who insure ridesharing companies like Lyft.
We’ll begin working on your case as soon as you sign on as a client. Our team will investigate your case and explore potential sources of compensation you might not have considered. We have experience representing clients in personal injury cases involving rideshare crashes and are ready to do the same for you.
Who Is Responsible For A Lyft Accident?
Here are some of the parties who may be held responsible for a Lyft accident:
- The Lyft Driver — If the Lyft driver’s negligence caused the accident, such as texting and driving or speeding, they’ll likely be held liable. This is the most common scenario.
- Another Motorist — Sometimes, the accident is caused by another driver on the road. If the Lyft driver wasn’t at fault, you might have a claim against the other driver’s insurance.
- Pedestrians and Cyclists — If the action of a pedestrian or cyclist contributed to the collision, they may be partially responsible.
- Lyft — The ridesharing company itself could share responsibility in certain situations. For example, if the company failed to screen a driver with a history of violations properly, they might be partially liable.
- The Vehicle Manufacturer — In rare cases, a faulty car part, like defective brakes, could be the culprit. If a mechanical issue caused the accident, you might have a claim against the car manufacturer.
- The City of Modesto — Poorly maintained roads, inadequate signage, or hazardous road conditions can contribute to accidents. In some cases, local authorities responsible for road maintenance may share liability.
While the initial details of your accident might seem straightforward, certain factors later on may cloud the picture of who’s truly responsible. Our Modesto lawyers can help you piece together the events that led to the Lyft accident. We will work to examine the actions of all the parties involved and identify which ones may have contributed to the collision.
How To Prove Negligence In A Lyft Accident Case
In California, negligence is the legal basis for most accident claims. Simply put, the party whose carelessness or recklessness caused the accident is generally financially responsible for the damages. This principle extends to Lyft accidents as well.
To establish negligence, you must prove the following four elements:
- Duty of Care — Does the driver owe you a basic duty to act safely (e.g., following traffic laws)?
- Breach of Duty — Did the driver violate that duty by acting carelessly (e.g., running a red light)?
- Causation — Did the driver’s breach of duty directly cause the accident?
- Damages — Did you suffer financial losses or injuries due to the accident?
The process of establishing fault and negligence can be challenging. Our Lyft accident lawyers in Modesto can assess the merits of your case. We’ll gather evidence and work to document how the driver’s actions breached their duty of care and directly caused the accident that harmed you.
Lyft’s Insurance Coverage For Accidents
Lyft maintains insurance policies for traffic accidents involving its drivers. Their liability insurance coverage kicks in depending on the driver’s app status at the time of the accident. Here’s a rundown:
Period 0
When the Lyft driver is not using the app, their personal auto insurance policy applies. During this period, any accidents will fall under their existing coverage. In California, all drivers are required to carry auto insurance with the following minimum coverage:
- $15,000 liability insurance for property damage per collision.
- $60,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person injured in a collision.
- $30,000 bodily injury liability coverage per collision.
Period 1
Once the driver is logged onto the Lyft app and is waiting for a ride request, Lyft provides third-party liability insurance, which covers up to:
- $25,000 for property damage per accident.
- $50,000 for bodily injury per person.
- $100,000 for bodily injury per accident.
Periods 2 And 3
If, at the time of the accident, the Lyft driver has received a request and was en route to a passenger (Period 2) or was actively transporting one (Period 3), Lyft’s $1 million third-party liability policy is in full force.
Dealing with insurance companies after an accident can be complicated due to the nuances of these policies. For example, if you’re eligible to file a claim against Uber, the amount of compensation you pursue likely won’t match the coverage limits listed above. Our Modesto lawyers, who handle Lyft accidents, have years of experience dealing with insurance providers. We’re familiar with the details of the policies typically involved in these crashes and can tell you which ones may apply to your case. We can also help you negotiate a settlement that closely reflects the cost of your losses.
Should I File A Claim For Compensation If I Was Injured In A Lyft Accident?
Lyft will not automatically cover your injuries just because you got hurt in a crash involving one of its vehicles. This doesn’t mean, though, that it’s not worthwhile to file a claim for compensation. If you are injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for your losses.
Injuries often come with medical bills. A claim can help address these expenses, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation. If your injuries prevent you from working, compensation can aim to replace lost income during your recovery. Physical pain, emotional distress, and trauma can also be valid reasons to seek compensation.
To pursue a settlement, you must demonstrate another’s fault for the accident, whether it’s the Lyft driver or a third-party motorist. It’s easier said than done, however, as the process can easily get complicated, particularly when the at-fault party is underinsured or uninsured. As discussed, Lyft provides coverage for accidents where its driver is logged in to the app. Our Lyft accident attorneys in Modesto can help you through the process and understand your legal options, especially if liability disputes arise during your claim.
Common Causes Of Lyft Accidents
Lyft accidents are just like any other car accident; they happen for the same reasons and could be caused by any road user. However, the nature of ridesharing often adds another layer of risk. Here are some of the common causes of Lyft accidents:
- Distracted Driving — Lyft drivers, like everyone else on the road, can be susceptible to distractions. Using the Lyft app, interacting with passengers, or even eating behind the wheel can take a driver’s focus away from the road.
- Driver Fatigue — Ridesharing offers flexibility, but there could be downsides to that. Long shifts, particularly late-night ones, can lead to driver fatigue. In turn, exhaustion leads to impaired judgment and slower reaction times.
- Unfamiliar Territory — Modesto’s busy roads, like McHenry Avenue or Highway 99, can be challenging to navigate, especially for unfamiliar Lyft drivers. This can lead to risky maneuvers or delayed reactions to unexpected traffic situations.
- Speeding and Other Traffic Violations — The pressure to complete rides quickly and earn more might tempt some drivers to speed, make unsafe lane changes, and commit other traffic violations.
- Lack of Vehicle Maintenance — Just like any car, a Lyft vehicle needs regular maintenance to ensure safety. Worn brakes, defective tires, or unaddressed mechanical issues can all contribute to an accident.
If you were injured in a Lyft accident due to any of these causes, contact our Modesto attorneys. If you have a valid claim, we’ll guide you through every step of the process, from filing the initial claim to representing you in court if necessary.
What Are The Typical Lyft Accident Injuries?
Injuries in Lyft accidents vary depending on the severity of the collision. Here are some of the common injuries that our Modesto Lyft accident lawyers help victims pursue compensation for:
- Whiplash
- Sprains and strains
- Cuts, scratches, and bruises
- Broken bones
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Internal injuries
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Wrongful death
Compensation For Lyft Accidents
If you have grounds to file a personal injury claim, the law allows you to seek damages such as the following:
- Medical bills, including emergency room visits, hospital stays, doctor appointments, surgery, physical therapy or rehabilitation, medication, medical equipment, and any other types of treatment to address your injuries.
- Lost wages, including future income, if the accident temporarily or permanently affected your earning capacity.
- Property damage, including repairs or replacement.
- Pain and suffering, including physical pain, mental health issues, and psychological trauma.
Your injuries might affect your future earning potential or require ongoing medical care. Our Modesto lawyers for Lyft accident cases can identify these expenses and factor them into your claim. We’ll work to pursue a settlement that reflects the full financial and emotional impact of the accident.
Steps To Take After A Lyft Accident
After a Lyft accident, prompt action can help protect your rights and preserve evidence that you can use if you decide to pursue a claim later on. Here are examples of steps you can take if you’re able:
- Stay calm. Check yourself and the other people involved for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately.
- Get checked by the paramedics. They can do an initial assessment and tell you whether you require hospitalization.
- Secure the scene if possible. Turn on the hazard lights and move the vehicle out of traffic.
- Once you’re safe, exchange contact details with the Lyft driver and any other parties involved. Note the make, model, and license plate numbers of all the vehicles.
- Avoid discussing who’s to blame at the accident scene, and don’t post about the crash on social media. Everything you say online and offline could potentially weaken your claim.
- Take photos of the damage to the vehicles, any injuries you sustained, and the accident scene. Include skid marks, road conditions, and traffic signs in the immediate vicinity.
- Get a copy of the official police report by submitting this online request form. Our legal team can help expedite the matter.
- Report the incident to Lyft through their app or website.
- Take the time to see a doctor even if you are feeling fine after the accident and have received medical attention. The adrenaline from the accident can mask pain at that moment. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms immediately. A doctor can do a thorough examination to identify any hidden medical problems.
- Consult experienced Lyft accident lawyers in Modesto. They can guide you through the legal proceedings you may be able to go through. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a consultation.
December 2016: $22M+ verdict in a mild traumatic brain injury case. The entire details of the case can be found in the public record filings by the defendant entity that sued its defense.– BRIAN BEECHER
Know Your Legal Options For Lyft Accident Claims In California
The earlier you contact our Modesto lawyers handling Lyft accidents, the more time we may have to help you gather evidence and prepare documents necessary for supporting your claim. Our lawyers can also present your legal options and help you make informed decisions on how to move forward with your case.
Personal injury claims hinge on proving negligence, meaning another party failed to act with reasonable care. Our personal injury lawyers will guide you through this process, gathering evidence like police reports, witness statements, and medical records to identify the cause of the accident and the potentially responsible party.
Our experienced and competent lawyers are dedicated to providing clients with personalized services. We understand that every case is unique, and we take the time to understand your situation thoroughly. We can then adopt legal strategies that are tailored to your specific circumstances. Don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team is here to advocate for your rights and guide you throughout the claims process.
Lyft Accident Statistics
According to Lyft’s 2021 Community Safety Report, only 0.0002% of Lyft rides result in an accident. However, with 20.36 million active users, this percentage potentially translates into thousands of incidents every year.
Although Lyft does not release specific accident data, studies from reputable organizations paint a concerning picture. Research by the National Bureau of Economic Research shows that ridesharing services like Lyft are associated with a 3% increase in traffic fatalities and injuries across the country. However, this finding is part of ongoing research with mixed results in the scientific community.
Additionally, a study from the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology showed that ridesharing services may be associated with a 1% increase in traffic congestion and 4.5% longer commutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Should I Hire An Attorney After A Lyft Accident In Modesto?
Modesto Lyft accident attorneys can help you pursue compensation that closely aligns with the value of your losses. You can try representing yourself, but you might miss out on important details that may help support your claim. You might also make mistakes that hurt your case, especially if you’re communicating with insurance companies that are already familiar with how settlement negotiations work.
Filing an insurance claim might seem straightforward, but handling it alone can be tricky. Insurance companies may dispute liability or have grounds to deny your claim entirely, and you might miss out on opportunities to counter or appeal these decisions. Even if they offer money, it may be insufficient to cover most or all of your accident-related losses. Hiring our lawyers can help you seek recompense, as they can negotiate with insurers on your behalf.
Is Lyft Liable For My Accident?
The answer to this depends on the specific circumstances of the accident. Lyft drivers are typically classified as independent contractors, not employees. This distinction affects liability. While the company sets guidelines, drivers operate their own vehicles.
If the driver wasn’t logged into the app or wasn’t actively seeking rides, the company likely won’t be held liable. In this case, the driver’s personal auto insurance would come into play. If the driver has accepted your ride request and is either on their way to pick you up or already has you in the car when the accident happens, the rideshare company’s insurance may apply.
Additionally, if Lyft fails to vet the driver properly or there’s evidence of lax safety measures, they could also share liability.
Will Hiring A Lyft Accident Lawyer Help Me Secure A Larger Settlement?
There is no guarantee that you will receive a settlement when filing a claim, much less secure a larger one. However, hiring an attorney could help you better demonstrate your losses so you can pursue the compensation available to you to the full extent of the law. Our Modesto lawyers, who work on Lyft accident cases, understand the ways insurance companies study claims and decide on payouts. We’ll go beyond immediate medical bills and factor in costs like future medical needs to negotiate another settlement if necessary. We’ll also leverage the evidence we’ve gathered to push for an amount that reflects the full extent of your losses.
How Much Compensation Can I Get For A Lyft Accident?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Though there’s no way to tell if you can get compensation after filing a Lyft accident claim, the amount you can pursue can vary depending on several factors, such as the applicable insurance period and coverage, the severity of your injuries, and the extent of your damages, including lost wages, pain and suffering, and others.
Contact our Lyft accident lawyers in Modesto to get a better picture of how much you can pursue. We’ll assess your case, evaluate your losses, and offer a personalized estimate of the value of your claim.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Modesto Lyft Accident Attorney?
The cost of hiring a Modesto Lyft accident attorney will depend on the specifics of your claim. Does it need more case preparation? Are multiple at-fault parties and insurers involved? Will your case have to go to court? If the answer to one or more of these questions is yes, you may have to pay more for legal representation. However, you won’t necessarily have to do so right away.
Our Modesto Lyft accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. Under this arrangement, clients don’t pay upfront or by the hour. They don’t owe us attorney fees if they don’t receive a settlement or verdict. However, they may be responsible for other case-related costs regardless of the outcome of their claim.
Contingency fees typically come from a portion of the final settlement amount. We usually discuss the exact percentage during the onboarding process.
Contact Our Experienced Lyft Accident Lawyers In Modesto!
Injured in a Lyft accident? Don’t face it alone. Our Modesto Lyft accident attorneys are here for you. Whether you’re dealing with injuries, insurance claims, or complicated legal processes, we are ready to review and potentially represent you in your case.
We understand the stressful situation you’re in. At Arash Law, we’re committed to delivering dedicated legal representation. Our Modesto Lyft accident lawyers are ready to advocate for your rights and support you throughout your case. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation.
We offer our services throughout California. That includes Modesto and neighboring areas, such as Ceres, Claribel, Del Rio, Denair, Empire, Grayson, Hickman, Keyes, McHenry, Riverbank, Riverdale Park, Salida, Twin Rivers, Waterford, Westley, and West Modesto.
