Pasadena 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 Pasadena Lyft Accident Lawyers Are Dedicated To Advocating For Your Rights
While Lyft provides comfort, convenience, and affordability, it’s not entirely safe. If a ridesharing collision injures you, let our Pasadena Lyft accident lawyers help you understand your legal options. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free case review.
Pasadena is one of Southern California’s cultural and historical hubs. It’s well known for the annual Rose Parade and Rose Bowl football game, where millions of visitors join the locals for the festivities. Rideshare services like Lyft allow everyone to enjoy what Pasadena has to offer during these times without worrying about how to get around (or find elusive parking spots). Unfortunately, Lyft is not without its drawbacks.
One significant concern is the lack of formal training for Lyft drivers. This issue has contributed to the rise in Lyft accidents that have taken the lives of hundreds of victims and injured many others. That’s why our personal injury lawyers offer professional legal services to victims in and around Pasadena. Our goal is to support victims and assist them throughout the legal process.
Our Lyft accident lawyers in Pasadena will advocate for your interests and provide guidance to help you assess settlement offers from other parties. We can help you pursue the compensation that may be available to you.
Settlement in a motorcycle versus ride share company accident; client suffered spinal injuries– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
Why Should You Hire Our Lyft Accident Attorneys?
While there’s no legal obligation to hire an attorney for a personal injury claim, having one can assist you in managing complicated legal steps and clarify your rights and options during the process.
Here are the reasons why you should hire Pasadena attorneys for your Lyft accident claim:
- Legal Experience — Filing a claim is not just submitting documents and calling it a day. Claimants have to consider the laws governing personal injuries and ridesharing accidents, and our Lyft accident lawyers have extensive knowledge of these matters.
- A Team of Attorneys on Your Side — Lyft has a legal team protecting its interests, and you deserve the same level of advocacy. Our law firm will help you understand your rights and options and guide you in making decisions.
- Lawyers Work on a Contingency Fee Basis — You don’t have to pay upfront legal fees. Attorney’s fees are collected only if there is a recovery in your case, though certain case costs may still apply regardless of the outcome.
- We’ll Provide Personalized Attention — Our Lyft accident lawyers in Pasadena will carefully listen to your situation, understand your needs and goals, and then create a tailored strategy to support your claim. We treat each case with the utmost care and attention to detail.
- Dedicated Legal Assistance — It is essential to have a legal team that understands your situation. Should you need any kind of support, don’t hesitate to tell our Lyft accident lawyers, and we’ll see what we can do.
Common Causes Of Lyft Accidents
Various factors can contribute to Lyft accidents, but distracted driving is one of the most common. Lyft drivers constantly check their phones to monitor ride requests or use navigation apps, diverting their attention from the road. Other times, they might try to engage more with their passengers for a higher rating, but even that is a distraction that can lead to accidents.
Our Pasadena Lyft accident lawyers understand that numerous factors can contribute to these crashes. Here are some other common causes:
- Drunk or Drugged Driving — Alcohol or drug intake significantly impairs a driver’s ability to operate their vehicle safely. When driving under the influence of these substances, individuals are prone to accidents due to delayed reactions, poor judgment, and weakened perception.
- Drowsy Driving — Not having enough sleep, driving at night, and juggling multiple jobs can all contribute to fatigued driving. Drowsiness is as dangerous as DUI, as it has the same negative effects on a person’s ability to drive safely.
- Speeding — Many Lyft drivers speed through Pasadena to reach their destinations on time, get a higher rating from their passengers, and accept another ride request. However, speeding is extremely dangerous as it reduces the driver’s reaction time to obstacles and hazards.
- Disobeying Traffic Rules — Failing to yield the right-of-way, running a red light, and making an illegal U-turn all contribute to Lyft accidents.
- Other Factors — Adverse weather conditions, road hazards, construction zones, and car defects could also increase the risk of traffic collisions.
Our Pasadena Lyft accident lawyers can request phone data, car black boxes, or CCTV footage to get a clearer picture of what happened. These pieces of evidence can help us determine the traffic conditions and the driver’s actions at the time of the incident.
Common Injuries In Lyft Accidents
Here are some of the common injuries Lyft accident victims sustain:
- Whiplash — The sudden and forceful movement in a collision could damage the neck’s soft tissues, leading to whiplash. Many consider this injury minor, as it can heal after a few days or weeks. However, whiplash could also damage nerves, causing chronic pain and loss of sensation.
- Soft Tissue Injuries — Sprains, strains, and bruises can occur when the body gets thrown around inside a vehicle during a collision. These injuries cause pain and inconvenience, but they could also result in reduced mobility.
- Head Injuries — Any damage to the skull, scalp, or brain is considered a head injury. Some are minor, but cases like severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can have lasting physical and neurological consequences.
- Spinal Injuries — Damage to the backbone or the spinal cord can be extremely dangerous, as it can lead to temporary or permanent paralysis. Not only does it affect mobility, but it can also compromise certain bodily functions.
- Fractures — Depending on the severity of the accident, victims could get hairline fractures or crushed bones in one or several places on the body. Severe cases typically require immediate surgery and months to years of healing and rehabilitation.
While not an injury, wrongful death is another devastating outcome of serious Lyft collisions. Families may face funeral costs, medical bills, and the loss of financial and emotional support after losing a loved one.
Our Pasadena Lyft accident lawyers dedicate their time to helping victims pursue compensation for the losses they incurred due to their injuries.
Is Lyft Liable In An Accident?
Lyft’s liability depends on when the accident happened. Here are the important periods you should know about:
Period 0
The driver is not logged into the app during this time. If an accident happens during Period 0, our Lyft accident lawyers will help victims file a claim against the driver and their insurance provider.
California law requires all licensed drivers to have minimum liability insurance coverage:
- $30,000 for injury/death to one person.
- $60,000 for injury/death to more than one person.
- $15,000 for damage to property.
Period 1
In this period, the Lyft driver has logged in to the app and is available to accept ride requests but has not yet matched with a passenger. If an accident happens during this time, Lyft provides insurance coverage for its drivers in the following amounts:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury.
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury.
- $25,000 per accident for property damage.
Period 2
During this period, the Lyft driver has been matched with a passenger and is en route to pick them up. Lyft offers $1 million in insurance coverage to protect its drivers, as well as uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage.
Period 3
At this point, Lyft’s $1 million insurance policy, which includes UM/UIM coverage, covers the passenger who has entered the vehicle.
If these periods confuse you, our Pasadena Lyft accident lawyers can explain them to you in more detail. We’ll also take a close look at your accident and see whether Lyft is liable.
Liability In A Lyft Accident
In a Lyft accident, the at-fault parties are those whose negligent actions caused the accident and the victim’s injuries. Some cases have multiple liable parties, which can make the case more complicated as there are different insurance companies to deal with.
Our Pasadena Lyft accident attorneys will investigate your case thoroughly to identify who is potentially accountable for your damages and losses. Here are the possible liable parties in a ridesharing accident:
- Lyft Driver — Lyft drivers’ negligence can take many forms, such as using a phone while driving, driving under the influence (DUI), or disregarding traffic signals.
- Lyft — Victims can also hold the ridesharing company liable if its negligence contributed to the accident, like failing to conduct adequate background checks on its drivers. For example, if Lyft hires a person with a history of drunk driving, and that driver causes a DUI accident, the company could be held accountable for damages.
- Third-Party Driver — Victims may seek compensation from other drivers or road users who caused the accident.
- Government Entities — In cases involving poorly maintained public roads or defective traffic signs, victims of Lyft accidents may sue the government entities responsible for road maintenance.
Our Pasadena Lyft accident lawyers will meticulously identify possible liable parties and establish their negligence. We are dedicated to advocating for your rights and pursuing compensation for your losses.
Comparative Negligence Laws In California
California’s comparative negligence law applies when multiple parties share responsibility for an accident. This legal principle allows injured victims to recover compensation, even if they were partially at fault for the accident. However, the percentage of their liability will reduce their award.
For example, a victim files a claim against a Lyft driver for $100,000 worth of damages. If the court or insurers find them to be 20% at fault, their compensation would be reduced by the same percentage. In the end, they would receive $80,000 after $20,000 (20% of $100,000) was deducted from their award.
If you’re unsure how your actions may affect your claim, you can speak with our Lyft accident lawyers in Pasadena for guidance. Understanding how liability is evaluated can help you make informed decisions about your next steps.
Compensation For Lyft Accident Victims
Injured victims may be entitled to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Our Pasadena Lyft accident lawyers can quantify and calculate the potential value of a case based on the following types of losses:
Medical Expenses
You can seek compensation for past, present, and future medical expenses related to your injury, including medications, treatments, therapy sessions, and rehabilitation programs. We can also include a medical lien in your compensation claim if you have one.
A medical lien occurs when a healthcare provider agrees to treat you without requiring immediate payment. Instead, you will pay for these treatments once the case has been resolved. Our Pasadena Lyft accident lawyers can help you draft a fair lien agreement.
Lost Wages
Healing from an injury often requires victims to take time off work, resulting in a loss of income. A Lyft accident claim can include the wages you would have earned during your recovery.
Additionally, if your injuries lead to a permanent disability and diminish your earning capacity, the compensation you pursue should also account for your potential future earnings.
Pain And Suffering
Pain and suffering are intangible, subjective losses without a direct dollar value. Our Pasadena attorneys who handle Lyft accidents can use your journal and medical expert notes to determine the impact of the accident on your overall well-being and quality of life.
Other Damages & Losses
In addition to the common losses mentioned above, our Lyft accident lawyers will also help you recover:
- Repair or replacement of damaged property, such as your car or personal belongings.
- Home modifications (e.g., the installation of a wheelchair ramp) to accommodate any resulting disabilities.
- Childcare or household help costs, if they become necessary due to your injuries.
- Disfigurement
- Mental distress
- Reduced quality of life
Dealing With Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters may conduct their own investigation to verify your claim. In some cases, a lack of sufficient documentation or evidence can result in a denial or dispute.
Claims adjusters might call you soon after an accident. They may try to get a recorded statement about your case. In some cases, making a statement without legal representation may impact the outcome of a claim.
Some insurance companies may offer an immediate settlement. However, it is important to get a proper assessment of losses before agreeing to anything.
Our Pasadena Lyft accident lawyers can help with this process. We can manage your case and deal with the insurance company on your behalf. Our attorneys can advocate for a fair claims process.
Steps To Take After A Lyft Accident
Knowing what to do after a Lyft accident can support your safety, your recovery, and any future claim you may decide to pursue. These are general recommendations only and not legal advice, but they can help you understand what many people do after a collision:
- Stay calm and check yourself for injuries. Then, call 911 to get a medical team and police dispatched to your location.
- Seek medical care as soon as the paramedics arrive, even if you feel fine. In most cases, shock and adrenaline can mask pain. Medical experts can assess whether you need immediate hospitalization and treatment.
- Cooperate with the police and answer their questions honestly and clearly. Get the officer’s name and badge number.
- If you can, gather visual evidence by taking photos and videos of the accident scene and your injuries. You can also take notes on the details of the incident and your conversations with other parties.
- Gather the information of all involved parties, including their names, addresses, policy details, and IDs. Also, jot down the details of the Lyft vehicle, including its make, model, and plate number.
- Report the accident to Lyft. You can use the app or Lyft’s website.
- Track and record every expense or document associated with the accident, as they can be used as proof later on if you pursue legal action. Additionally, having a journal also allows you to record every thought, pain, and discomfort you feel.
- You may reach out to Lyft accident lawyers in Pasadena if you want to learn more about your legal rights and the steps you can take after the incident.
Lyft Accident Statistics
Lyft has played a role in curbing drunk driving. Research by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) showed that alcohol-related deaths have decreased by 6% across various locations in the United States where rideshare services are available.
While this is a good thing, people shouldn’t solely evaluate Lyft’s overall impact on safety based on this metric.
A study by the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) revealed that rideshare services have contributed to increased traffic congestion and longer traffic jams. Both of these factors are known to increase the risk of accidents.
Meanwhile, another study found that traffic fatalities had increased by 3% annually following the introduction of these services.
In its safety report from 2017 to 2019, Lyft stated that 99% of rides were completed without safety incidents, with only 105 reported traffic fatalities. This statistic is a remarkable feat, but it’s important to interpret it within a broader context. The lack of comprehensive data, including statistics about Lyft crash-related injuries, leaves us with no way of truly knowing the full extent of the dangers involving the rideshare company.
What remains true for our Lyft accident lawyers is that collisions involving ridesharing services are still prevalent in Pasadena and throughout California.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lyft Accidents
How Long Do I Have To File A Personal Injury Case?
In Pasadena and the rest of California, victims generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury case. If they fail to take legal action before the deadline, they may face challenges in seeking compensation.
However, some exceptions exist. For example, a minor victim can wait until they turn 18 to file a claim. At that point, the two-year statute of limitations begins.
Our Pasadena Lyft accident attorneys can explain these important deadlines. Contact us to learn more about the validity of your case and if any exemptions apply to your Lyft or Uber accident case.
How Much Will I Get From The Lyft Case Settlement?
Lyft claims are all different, so it’s hard to say how much you would specifically get until we take a closer look at your case. However, the potential settlement amount varies. Here are some factors that influence the amount:
- The severity of the crash.
- The extent of your injuries.
- Timing of the accident.
- Insurance policy limits.
- The at-fault party’s willingness to settle.
Your choice of legal team matters, too. If you want to pursue the compensation that addresses your actual losses, work with lawyers who can diligently advocate on your behalf.
Is Lyft 100% Safe?
Lyft says its services are safe to use, especially when you are drunk and want to get home safely. Yet, this doesn’t eliminate the possibility of accidents. Their 2021 community safety report acknowledges involvement in several incidents across the state, including traffic fatalities, physical assaults, and sexual assaults.
It’s important to remember that there’s still a risk of accidents when using Lyft. If you’re injured in a Lyft accident, our Pasadena personal injury attorneys can advocate for your interests and guide you through the process of seeking compensation.
How Long Does A Lyft Investigation Take?
The duration of Lyft accident investigations depends on different factors, such as the severity of the case, the extent of your injuries, and the availability of evidence. While the company’s insurance provider typically aims to complete its investigations within 30 days, it can take longer in some cases.
At this stage, having experienced Lyft accident lawyers in Pasadena on your side can be beneficial. We will conduct a comprehensive investigation, working hard to review every detail. Our goal is to build a well-supported case for Lyft accident victims.
Do Lyft Drivers Know If You Report Them?
According to Lyft, all feedback submitted to them is anonymous and undergoes review before being shared with drivers. That means your Lyft driver won’t be able to find out it’s you who sent the report. This detail is certainly reassuring for those who may be hesitant to report incidents due to privacy and safety concerns.
Can You Sue Lyft If You Get In A Car Accident?
You may have grounds to sue Lyft if it exhibited negligence contributing to the accident, such as an inadequate hiring process or failure to enforce safety standards. However, suing the company itself can become extremely complicated. Reach out to our Pasadena Lyft accident lawyers, who can evaluate your situation and determine if you have a valid claim.
Consult Our Lyft Accident Lawyers In Pasadena
A common question we encounter is, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer for a Lyft accident?” You are not required to hire a personal injury lawyer for a Lyft accident, but having legal representation can help you understand your rights, navigate the claims process, and address any challenges that may arise. An attorney can provide guidance on your options and help you make informed decisions about your case.
Consult our Lyft accident lawyers in Pasadena at (888) 488-1391. If you prefer that your case be discussed in a language other than English, we can assist in arranging translation services for you.
We also help victims outside Pasadena, including San Marino, Altadena, Los Angeles, Alhambra, San Gabriel, La Canada Flintridge, Sierra Madre, Temple City, Monterey Park, Rosemead, Arcadia, Glendale, Monrovia, El Monte, Fresno, and Visalia.
Latest Traffic Reports in California
