Orange County Lyft Accident Attorneys
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Our Orange County Lyft Accident Attorneys Offer Determined And Relentless Representation
The growing popularity of Lyft as a ridesharing service comes with a downside: an increased risk of road accidents. At Arash Law, we understand the impact these incidents have on your life. Our Orange County Lyft accident attorneys are committed to securing justice and fair compensation for injured victims. Call us now at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
Founded in 2012, Lyft quickly became a major player in the ridesharing industry, capturing roughly 26% of the US market share. With its cashless and on-demand transportation solution, Lyft is now a familiar sight on the streets of Orange County.
Whether you’re exploring the vibrant city of Irvine or enjoying the sun in Newport Beach in The OC, the rideshare service provides a reliable transportation option for getting around. Although the company has driver screening and safety measures in place, accidents remain an unfortunate possibility.
Our Lyft accident lawyers are well-versed in rideshare laws and insurance policies. We’ll handle all the legal legwork so you can focus on your recovery. Our team will safeguard your rights and guarantee just compensation for your losses.
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 Lyft Accident Attorneys In Orange County Help You Recover A Fair Settlement?
Here’s how we can help you win your case:
- Employing Our Expertise In Rideshare Laws – California has specific laws governing ridesharing insurance coverage, which could complicate Lyft accidents. Our experienced lawyers understand these nuances, and we’ll tailor our strategy to your specific situation.
- Building A Solid Case – Our Orange County attorneys specializing in Lyft accident cases will gather evidence, including police reports, witness statements, medical records, and Lyft app data relevant to the accident. This comprehensive approach ensures you have the strongest possible case when negotiating a settlement or going to court if necessary.
- Dealing With Insurance Companies – Lyft accidents often involve multiple insurance policies: Lyft’s, the at-fault driver’s, and potentially yours. One wrong statement to an adjuster could jeopardize your claim. Our lawyers can advise you on what to say and, more importantly, what not to say. We will talk to the insurance companies on your behalf to protect your rights and make sure things go as planned.
- Negotiating For Maximum Compensation – Insurance companies aren’t known for readily offering fair settlements. They have trained negotiators who might try to downplay your injuries or pressure you into accepting a lowball offer. We’re very familiar with these tricks, and we’ll ensure you don’t make hasty decisions that compromise your claim.
Our experienced Orange County personal injury attorneys can take the burden off your shoulders and guide you through the legal process of claiming compensation for your damages. Don’t hesitate to seek legal help from our law firm if you’ve suffered injuries in a Lyft accident.
What To Expect From Our Top-Rated Orange County Lyft Accident Lawyers
Here’s what you can expect from Arash Law’s team of attorneys:
Personalized Attention
We’ll take the time to understand the specifics of your accident, your injuries, and your overall situation. Our lawyers will develop a personalized action plan that maximizes your chances of a successful outcome.
Transparent Communication
We believe in transparency. Our case managers will keep you informed throughout the process so you’ll always know if there are any developments or updates on your claim.
No Upfront Fees
Our Lyft accident lawyers in Orange County work on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t have to pay anything out of pocket to get started with your case. This arrangement makes legal representation accessible even if you’re facing financial challenges due to the accident.
We only charge a percentage of the compensation you’ll receive through a settlement or court verdict. During our onboarding process, we’ll provide a clear and written agreement outlining the specific percentage of your compensation that will go towards our fees. There are no hidden costs.
Most Common Injuries In Lyft Accidents
Our Orange County attorneys have assisted clients in recovering compensation for the following injuries in Lyft accidents:
- Sprains and strains
- Scrapes, cuts, & lacerations
- Broken or fractured bones
- Burn injuries
- Neck and head injuries
Don’t underestimate the impact of an accident, even if you feel okay initially. The body’s natural emergency response to trauma can mask underlying injuries. Adrenaline can numb the pain, making it difficult to detect hidden issues that might manifest later on. No matter how minor you think your injuries are, seek medical attention to get prompt treatment and prevent complications down the road.
Usual Causes Of Lyft Accidents
Here are some of the common causes of Lyft accidents:
- Distracted driving – This is a major culprit in accidents everywhere, and Lyft rideshares are no exception. Some of the most common distractions drivers face include looking at their phones for GPS directions, using the Lyft app, and talking to passengers.
- Speeding and reckless driving – Some Lyft drivers speed or drive recklessly to pick up and drop off more passengers in less time. Maneuvering aggressively, disregarding traffic signals, and weaving in and out of traffic all increase the risk of accidents.
- Improper turning and unsafe lane changes – Misjudging gaps in traffic, failing to signal properly, or overcorrecting turns can lead to collisions with other vehicles. This type of behavior can be especially dangerous on freeways like the I-405 and the Orange Crush Interchange, where confusing on/off ramps and merging zones require drivers to cross multiple lanes.
- Driving under the influence – The legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is typically 0.08%, but even lower levels of impairment can significantly raise the likelihood of accidents.
- Driver fatigue – Operating a vehicle while sleep-deprived or fatigued is just as dangerous as driving drunk. Drowsiness affects a driver’s ability to make quick decisions and respond to unexpected situations on the road.
- Inclement weather – Heavy rain, fog, and snow all significantly reduce visibility. They also make roads slippery, affecting a vehicle’s handling and braking ability.
- Vehicle defects – A poorly maintained vehicle or a malfunctioning part can also increase the risk of a collision. For instance, worn-out or defective tires can significantly impact a car’s handling and stability.
Our Orange County attorneys can help investigate the cause of your Lyft accident, making sure to hold the responsible party accountable for their negligent actions.
Who Is Liable For My Injuries After A Lyft Accident?
Lyft accidents can be especially confusing because multiple insurance policies come into play. The driver might have been in personal mode, logged into the app, waiting for a ride, or actively transporting a passenger. These factors significantly impact who’s liable and how much compensation you’re entitled to.
When determining liability for your injuries, keep these questions in mind:
- Was the Lyft driver working at the time of the accident? If the driver didn’t log into the Lyft app and didn’t have any passengers, their personal insurance is likely to cover the accident. When the app is active, and the driver is either en route to or actively transporting a passenger, Lyft’s primary liability insurance applies.
- If the Lyft driver was at fault and you were a passenger in the Lyft or a pedestrian, you could negotiate compensation through the company’s insurer.
- Were you driving another car during the accident? California’s pure comparative negligence rule applies. This means any fault you share in the accident will reduce your compensation. For example, if the Lyft driver was 60% at fault and you were 40% at fault, you will only receive 60% of your claimed damages.
- Was the ride prearranged through the app? If you hail a Lyft driver off the app or the app wasn’t running at the time of the accident, securing compensation through Lyft’s insurance may be more challenging.
Aside from the Lyft driver and Lyft itself, other parties could be potentially liable: other motorists, car mechanics, manufacturers, and technicians. In a personal injury claim, our Orange County Lyft accident attorneys will assess all angles to determine all possible parties that may have contributed to the incident.
How Does Lyft Compensate For Accidents?
Both Lyft and Uber are required to maintain an insurance policy providing coverage of at least $1,000,000 per incident for drivers, passengers, and third parties. Lyft operates under a tiered insurance system. This means that coverage depends on the app’s status when the accident occurs.
Period 0
If the driver wasn’t logged into the Lyft app, wasn’t en route to a passenger, and was using the vehicle for personal reasons, their personal car insurance applies. In this situation, you’d likely file a claim with the driver’s insurance company.
In California, it is mandatory for all drivers to carry auto insurance that meets the minimum coverage:
- $15,000 for injury or death to one person
- $30,000 for injury or death to more than one person
- $5,000 for property damage
Period 1
When the driver is logged into the app but hasn’t accepted a ride yet, Lyft’s limited insurance policy kicks in. This covers medical bills and property damage up to a certain amount:
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
- $50,000 per person injured
- $100,000 for bodily injury per accident
Period 2
Once the driver accepts a ride and is en route to pick up a passenger, Lyft’s primary insurance policy takes effect. This offers significantly higher coverage:
- $1 million for third-party auto liability coverage
- First-party coverages, which may include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Period 3
This period kicks in when the Lyft driver has the app on and is taking the passenger to their destination. The coverage is the same as in Period 2.
How Is Fault Determined In Lyft Accidents?
Determining fault is a crucial step in seeking compensation for damages. To establish fault in a Lyft accident, we rely on the concept of negligence.
Negligence refers to the failure to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to others. Four key elements of negligence must be proven:
- Duty Of Care – The driver owes a duty of care to passengers and other road users. This duty includes following traffic laws, maintaining a safe speed, and avoiding reckless behavior.
- Breach Of Duty – If the driver failed to meet the standard of care (e.g., speeding, distracted driving, or running a red light), they breached their duty of care.
- Causation – The breach of duty must directly cause the accident. For example, if a driver ran a red light and collided with another vehicle, their breach of duty caused the crash.
- Damages – The injured party suffers actual damages (such as physical injuries, property damage, or emotional distress) as a result of the accident.
Lyft accidents are just like any other car accident, but they are more complicated. This means a wide range of causes, outcomes, and parties are potentially involved. Lyft drivers can be operating under the ridesharing company’s umbrella or simply using the car on their own time. This dual role adds a layer of complexity when determining liability.
Determining fault in a Lyft accident is a challenging undertaking that requires the expertise of skilled attorneys in Orange County. This is something our law firm can handle for you. We’ll comb through witness statements, police reports, and CCTV footage and even work with accident reconstruction experts to analyze the scene and pinpoint the party at fault.
Common Lyft Accident Scenarios
Our Lyft accident attorneys in Orange County have handled the following common Lyft accident scenarios:
- The Lyft driver has just accepted a ride or has a passenger on board when a collision occurs, injuring another driver on the road.
- The driver gets into an accident during a ride, causing serious injuries to the passenger.
- A pedestrian is struck by a Lyft driver while transporting a passenger.
- A Lyft driver picks up a passenger who flags them down instead of using the app and then gets involved in an accident.
- Another driver on the road crashed into the Lyft vehicle that was carrying a passenger.
Do any of these situations sound familiar to you? If you or someone you know got injured in an accident with Lyft, don’t hesitate to call us at (888) 488-1391. Let’s discuss and see if you have a valid claim.
Can You Sue Lyft After An Accident?
The short answer to this question is yes. Although most Lyft accidents are resolved through insurance claims, there are certain situations where a lawsuit may be necessary, especially if you can prove that the company’s negligence directly contributed to the accident and they are disputing their liability.
However, directly suing Lyft will be challenging, given its business model and the legal protections in place for companies that use independent contractors. Our Orange County Lyft accident lawyers can assess your case and determine if suing the rideshare company is the best course of action.
Can I Recover Damages From Lyft After An Accident?
Yes. State personal injury laws allow victims to seek full compensation for damages if Lyft is to blame for the accident. You can recover immediate economic losses like medical bills, lost wages, and future expenses, including ongoing medical care and lost earning potential. Additionally, non-economic damages like pain and suffering can be pursued in an insurance claim or civil lawsuit.
While rideshare insurance may seem comprehensive, it may not cover all your damages. You could also face bad-faith tactics from an insurance company. If relying solely on insurance is insufficient, filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party may be necessary. Our Orange County Lyft accident attorneys can provide expert legal guidance. We’ll explore all possible avenues to maximize your compensation.
Damages To Recover In An Orange County Lyft Accident Claim
- Medical expenses, including ambulance fees, hospital bills, doctor visits, prescription medications, and rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages, including both the income you’ve already lost due to missed work and any future earnings you’ll miss out on during your recovery
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage, including repair costs or the fair market value of your car if it’s totaled
- Loss of consortium, companionship, affection, or intimacy
- Punitive damages in cases of extreme negligence or intentional misconduct by the Lyft driver
Every case is unique, and the type of damages you can pursue depends on the specific circumstances of the accident. Our Orange County attorneys who work on Lyft accidents can help you determine which ones you may be entitled to claim.
April 2019: $14M settlement in a traumatic brain injury case involving a defective piece of equipment at a factory.– BRIAN BEECHER
What To Do If You Were Injured In A Lyft Accident
- Ensure Safety
If you’re able, call 911 immediately. Even minor injuries can worsen, so getting medical attention is crucial. If possible, secure the scene and turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.
- Report The Accident
The police report will be a vital document for insurance claims and potential legal action. California law also mandates reporting accidents with fatalities, injuries, or property damage exceeding $1,000 to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
- Gather Information
Exchange information with the other drivers involved, including names, contact details, and insurance providers. Take pictures of the damage to all vehicles involved, including any skid marks or traffic signs that might be relevant. If there are witnesses, get their names and contact information as well.
- Report The Accident To Lyft
Lyft has an in-app accident reporting function. Use this to initiate Lyft’s insurance claim process and help them investigate the incident.
- Seek Medical Attention
See a doctor as soon as possible, even if you feel okay initially. This creates a medical record linking your injuries to the accident.
- Consult A Lawyer
Lyft accidents can get complicated quickly. While the ridesharing service offers insurance coverage, determining fault and securing fair compensation can be challenging. Our Orange County Lyft accident lawyers can help you navigate these issues, understand your options, and decide on the best path forward.
Lyft Accident Statistics
According to Lyft’s 2021 Community Safety Report, 99% of their rides supposedly conclude without incident reports. Considering the sheer volume of trips they facilitate annually, the remaining 1% still translates to potentially thousands of reported accidents and assaults.
Furthermore, the report also showed that Lyft experiences three times more public safety incidents per trip compared to Uber. This includes categories like collisions, drunk driving complaints, and traffic citations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Lyft Accident Lawyer?
Our Orange County Lyft accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay any upfront fees. Our fees hinge on the successful outcome of your case. We’ll typically receive a predetermined percentage of the settlement or court award you’ll receive. This also means you don’t owe us anything if we don’t win your case.
What Happens If I’m Partially Liable For A Lyft Accident?
You can still pursue compensation under California’s pure comparative negligence rule. However, your claim would be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Under this system, the court will consider how much each driver contributed to the accident. Let’s say your total damages are $10,000, and the court finds you 20% at fault for the accident. This means you’d still be entitled to recover 80% of your damages, or $8,000.
What Happens If A Lyft Accident Is Fatal?
The driver responsible for the accident can be held legally accountable. The surviving family members of the victim have the right to file a wrongful death claim in lieu of the personal injury lawsuit the victim would have pursued had they survived. A civil lawsuit may be necessary to recover damages beyond what the insurance policy covers.
Not sure if you have a valid claim? Fill out our “Do I have a case?” form.
How Long Do I Have To File A Lyft Accident Claim?
California law imposes a deadline for filing a personal injury claim, known as the statute of limitations. Orange County also follows this rule. Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
If you miss the two-year deadline, you might lose your right to file a lawsuit and seek compensation altogether. Consult our Lyft accident attorneys in Orange County as soon as possible. We can ensure your claim is filed within the time frame.
How Much Compensation Can I Recover For A Lyft Accident?
The amount of compensation depends on the specifics of your situation. Factors such as the severity of your injuries, whether you were a passenger or another driver involved, the insurance period, and who was at fault will determine how much you can recover.
Discuss Your Case With The Lyft Accident Attorneys Orange County Trusts
The top Lyft accident attorneys Orange County has to offer have extensive experience helping clients obtain the compensation they deserve, recovering over $500 Million in compensation thus far. We’ll work tirelessly to understand your situation, fight for your rights, and ensure a smooth journey towards recovery.
Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., has decades of combined experience in handling Lyft accidents and other personal injury cases. Our proven track record attests to our capability to win your case. Contact us today at (888) 488-1391 for a free consultation, or complete our online form. Let’s discuss how we can help you get back on track.
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