Modesto Lyft Accident Lawyers
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Our Modesto Lyft Accident Lawyers Are Dedicated To Making You Stronger
Lyft accidents turn a routine ride around Modesto into a stressful ordeal for injured victims. Physical injuries, emotional trauma, 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 compassionate support throughout the process of claiming compensation. Call Arash Law now 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 is time-consuming and frustrating. If you sustained injuries or lost a loved one in an accident involving a Lyft driver, rest assured that we can take that burden off your shoulders. Our Lyft accident lawyers will handle all the 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 Recover Maximum Compensation?
Recovering from injuries is your priority, but the legal side of getting compensation quickly becomes a stressful hurdle. Gathering evidence, determining liability, and negotiating fair compensation is challenging without trusted legal counsel on your side. Our law firm offers experienced legal representation close to home. As attested by our winning track record, we can recover the maximum settlement you deserve.
Lyft and other rideshare companies face accident claims regularly. They, along with their insurers, will most likely try to minimize their financial responsibility. Here are some ways they’ll try to shortchange you:
- Lowball Offers – They may present you with a settlement that doesn’t fully cover all of your losses.
- Waiver Traps – They might pressure you to sign a document releasing them from liability, jeopardizing your right to claim fair compensation.
- Twisting Words – They might misinterpret your statements to fit their narrative, using them against you.
- Shifting Blame – They might entirely blame you or subtly guide you to take responsibility for the accident, even if you weren’t at fault.
Our Lyft accident lawyers in Modesto will make sure you don’t get taken advantage of when you’re at your most vulnerable. We’ll help you take control of your situation so you can move forward with confidence. Rest assured, we’ll protect your interests and ensure none of your rights are compromised.
At Arash Law, we understand how overwhelming dealing with rideshare insurance, personal insurance, and California injury laws can be. Let our personal injury lawyers in Modesto take the reins. We are dedicated to guiding victims through the legal process and helping them obtain fair 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’ll most likely encounter insurance companies who’ll try to settle your claim for the least amount possible. Having the right legal advocate during this time can make all the difference.
When you have our Modesto Lyft accident lawyers working on your case, you gain access to our professional resources and our deep understanding of personal injury and civil law. We’ve also had years of experience dealing with the leading insurance carriers across the state, including those who insure ridesharing companies like Lyft.
We’ll hit the ground running from the moment we take on your case. Our team will leave no stone unturned, even looking at other channels of financial recovery you might not have considered. We have successfully recovered more than $500 Million in settlements and court verdicts for our clients, and we 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 will help you piece together the events that led to the Lyft accident. We will assess all the potential parties involved and identify which ones 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 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 is challenging. Our Lyft accident lawyers in Modesto can assess the merits of your case. We’ll gather evidence and meticulously 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:
- $5,000 liability insurance for property damage per collision
- $15,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per person injured in a collision
- $30,000 of 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:
- $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 stressful. Our Modesto lawyers, who handle Lyft accidents, have years of experience dealing with insurance providers. We’re very familiar with the tactics they use to undervalue your claim. We’ll negotiate aggressively to secure a settlement that reflects the true 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 while using the rideshare service. 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 should make a claim because you may be entitled to be compensated for your damages.
Injuries often come with medical bills. A successful claim can help cover these expenses, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation. If your injuries prevent you from working, compensation can replace lost income during your recovery. Physical pain, emotional distress, and trauma are also valid reasons to seek compensation.
To receive a settlement, you must show 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 navigate through the process, especially when Lyft and the insurance company try to avoid liability.
Common Causes Of Lyft Accidents
Lyft accidents are just like any other car accident; they happen for the same reasons. 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 can 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 as soon as possible. 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 recover 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 compensation for the following damages:
- 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 ensure they’re factored into your claim. We’ll guarantee that the compensation you receive reflects the full financial impact of the accident.
Steps To Take After A Lyft Accident
After a Lyft accident, prompt action can protect your rights and preserve evidence that you can use if you decide to pursue a claim later on. Here are the steps you should 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 can be used against you.
- 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 the best Lyft accident lawyers Modesto has to offer. They can guide you through the legal proceedings. Call us today 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
Don’t wait to secure the legal representation you deserve. The sooner you contact our Modesto lawyers specializing in Lyft accidents, the stronger your position becomes. Our lawyers can explain your legal options and help you determine the best path to take. Working with us also significantly increases your chances of a favorable outcome.
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 establish the cause of the accident and the responsible party.
Our trustworthy and highly competent lawyers are dedicated to providing you with personalized service. We understand that every case is unique, and we take the time to understand your situation thoroughly. We 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 with unwavering commitment.
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.
Safety issues also extend beyond traffic accidents. Based on the same safety report, Lyft received reports of 10 fatal physical assaults and over 1,000 sexual assaults between 2017 and 2019.
Although Lyft does not release specific accident data, studies from reputable organizations paint a concerning picture. Research by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) shows that ridesharing services like Lyft are linked to a 3% increase in traffic fatalities and injuries across the country.
Additionally, according to a study from the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART), ridesharing services contributed to increased traffic congestion by 1% and longer commutes by 4.5%.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Should I Hire An Attorney After A Lyft Accident In Modesto?
Modesto Lyft accident attorneys can help you get the maximum compensation possible. You can try representing yourself, but it’s risky. You might miss out on important details that could get you more compensation. You might also make mistakes that hurt your case. Plus, insurance companies might try to take advantage of you if you don’t have a lawyer.
Filing an insurance claim might seem straightforward, but handling it alone can be tricky. Insurance companies look for ways to pay you less or even deny your claim entirely. Even if they offer money, you might deserve more. Hiring our lawyers ensures you have advocates who will protect your rights and 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 is typically on the hook.
Additionally, if Lyft fails to vet the driver properly or there’s evidence of lax safety measures, they could still share liability.
Will Hiring A Lyft Accident Lawyer Help Me Secure A Larger Settlement?
Yes. Insurance companies are businesses. They prioritize their bottom line, not yours. Our Modesto lawyers, who work on Lyft accident cases, understand the tricks insurance companies use to minimize payouts. We’ll go beyond immediate medical bills and factor in costs like future medical needs to negotiate a higher settlement. 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. The amount 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’re entitled to recover. We’ll assess your case, evaluate your losses, and provide a personalized estimate of the value of your claim.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Modesto Lyft Accident Attorney?
Our Modesto Lyft accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. Under this arrangement, you don’t pay the lawyer upfront or by the hour. Their fee is a percentage of the settlement they recover for you. This also means that you won’t owe us anything if we don’t win your case.
Contingency fees typically range from 30% to 40% of the final settlement amount. We can discuss the exact percentage during the onboarding process.
Contact The Top-Rated Lyft Accident Lawyers Modesto Trusts!
Injured in a Lyft accident? Don’t face it alone. Our top-rated Modesto Lyft accident attorneys are here for you. Whether you’re dealing with injuries, insurance claims, or complicated legal processes, we’ve got your back.
We understand the stressful situation you’re in. At Arash Law, we’re committed to delivering exceptional legal representation. Our Modesto Lyft accident lawyers, led by the esteemed Arash Khorsandi, Esq., are ready to champion your cause and support you every step of the way. Contact us today at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free consultation.
We offer our services in Modesto and the neighboring areas, including Ceres, Claribel, Del Rio, Denair, Empire, Grayson, Hickman, Keyes, McHenry, Riverbank, Riverdale Park, Salida, Twin Rivers, Waterford, Westley, and West Modesto.
