Placer County 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 Placer County Lyft Accident Lawyers Are Dedicated To Helping You With Your Case
Locals and tourists in Placer County increasingly rely on ride-hailing services like Lyft to get around. However, the rideshare service isn’t entirely risk-free. Accidents involving Lyft vehicles continue to occur despite the company’s safety measures. Our Placer County Lyft accident lawyers can help you explore your options for compensation if you or a loved one sustains injuries in one of these accidents. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation with our California personal injury law firm.
We provide practical and realistic legal services for injured victims. Our firm has years of experience assisting clients in Placer County and across California. We can help you, too. Your case is not just another file; at Arash Law, we truly care about you and the outcome of your case.
How Our Placer County Lyft Accident Lawyers Can Help You
Accidents may result in complicated insurance claims. After a Lyft accident, seeking compensation for your injuries and damages may involve dealing with the rideshare giant itself and its insurance provider. This task can be challenging, especially while you’re still recovering from injuries.
Getting legal counsel may be beneficial. Our skilled Placer County Lyft accident attorneys can pursue compensation on your behalf. As part of our process, we will:
- Investigate to identify the cause of the accident as well as the parties who may be liable.
- Collect evidence, which may include testimonies from expert witnesses.
- Put together a compelling case to establish negligence and support your claim.
- Calculate all your damages and determine your case’s value.
- Identify applicable insurance coverages and file insurance claims.
- Advocate for your best interests during insurance negotiations.
- Address potential disputes that may arise after filing your case.
- Initiate a lawsuit and take the other party to court if necessary.
Our client was driving with his wife and son on a two-lane highway when a drunk driver crossed the double yellow lines, causing a head-on collision that claimed the life of a loving wife and mother.– ARASH KHORSANDI
Why Choose Our Lyft Accident Attorneys
When seeking compensation for a Lyft accident, having a dedicated and knowledgeable legal partner is advisable. Our Placer County injury law firm has the resources to help you with your case. Here’s what we can offer:
- Skills & Experience — Our attorneys have decades of combined experience in personal injury at your disposal. We’ve represented numerous clients across California in traffic accident cases that may be similar to yours.
- Personalized Legal Service — We understand that every accident is unique, and we treat each case as such. Your Lyft accident injury claim will be assigned to a dedicated legal team and a case manager, who will serve as your regular point of contact.
- Free Initial Consultations — We offer a complimentary, no-obligation consultation, where we evaluate your case, set your expectations, and discuss possible actions.
- Contingency Fee Agreement — When you hire us, you will not be required to pay lawyer fees up front. We don’t get paid unless we secure compensation. Clients may be responsible for case-related expenses, regardless of the outcome of the case.
Types Of Damages In A Lyft Accident Injury Claim
Getting injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault may entitle you to seek monetary compensation. Below is a list of the most common damages our Placer County Lyft and Uber accident lawyers can help you pursue:
- Ongoing and future medical expenses.
- Repair or replacement cost for damaged property.
- Loss of income and reduced or loss of earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress, trauma, and mental health issues.
- Temporary or permanent disability or physical impairment.
- Scarring or permanent disfigurement.
- Reduced or loss of enjoyment of life.
- Wrongful death damages.
Punitive damages may be awarded by the court in rare cases. This award intends to punish the defendant for their grossly negligent or intentional behaviors. For instance, the judge or jury may award punitive damages in lawsuits involving drunk driving where the driver’s actions are found to be especially harmful or negligent.
Hurt In A Lyft Accident?
Common Types Of Injuries In Lyft Accidents
The injuries you sustain in an accident can wreak havoc on your life. Even a simple task like getting yourself dressed, driving a car, or carrying grocery bags might feel impossible to do. Our Placer County personal injury lawyers have experience handling Lyft accident cases. They can help you seek compensation for the following types of injuries through a claim:
- Head & Brain Injuries — TBIs or traumatic brain injuries are some of the most severe types of injuries one could sustain in a motor vehicle collision.
- Back & Spinal Cord Injuries — Lyft accident victims could suffer from partial or complete paralysis after a spinal cord injury. The need for continuous medical care and assistance with even simple tasks may be considered in your claim.
- Whiplash & Neck Injuries — The violent snapping motion of the head and neck can result in whiplash or other neck injuries. Victims tend to experience chronic pain, often requiring long-term medical care.
- Fractures — Bones can easily break from the impact. The severity of the fracture will determine whether surgeries, physical therapy, and extended healing time are needed, bumping up the time off work and lost income.
- Internal Injuries — An injury to the organs like the liver, spleen, and kidneys can be fatal. Internal bleeding also requires immediate medical attention.
- Soft Tissue Injuries — Sprains, strains, and tears to muscles, ligaments, and tendons can restrict mobility, be extremely painful, and require physical therapy.
Our Lyft accident lawyers recognize the impact of your injuries on your physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We are committed to alleviating the burden by helping you pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.
Common Lyft Accident Scenarios And Their Causes
In car accidents involving a Lyft, the driver, passenger, another motorist, and pedestrians can get injured. However, other road users may also sustain injuries, including drivers of other vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians. Our Lyft accident lawyers have seen the following common scenarios:
- A Lyft vehicle crashes into a motorcyclist or bicyclist.
- A Lyft driver crashes into a pedestrian crossing the street or walking along the sidewalk.
- A Lyft vehicle collides with other vehicles, causing injuries to the occupants inside.
- A Lyft driver causes a collision and injures the passenger they are transporting.
If you or a family member is an injured victim, our Lyft accident lawyers in Placer County can assist you with filing a claim. We can pinpoint if one or more of these factors contributed to the accident:
Driver Error
Whether a Lyft driver or not, some motorists may engage in speeding, aggressive driving, and violating traffic rules. Fatigued driving and distracted driving are also common causes of collisions.
Lyft’s Negligence
Lyft classifies its drivers as independent contractors rather than employees and offers coverage through its insurance policy if the driver was active on the app when the accident occurred. Still, accident victims can hold the rideshare company accountable under certain circumstances. For instance, a later investigation on the at-fault Lyft driver might have revealed a history of violations and other red flags, indicating the company’s inadequate background checks before hiring them.
Vehicle Breakdowns
Some accidents are caused by human errors outside of driving, such as poor vehicle maintenance and auto defects. Lyft vehicles are more prone to wear and tear because they’re used more. The driver’s failure to maintain their vehicle may also result in breakdowns.
Weather & Road Conditions
Potholes and poorly designed intersections can contribute to Lyft accidents. These hazards can be worsened by inclement weather conditions like heavy rain. Faulty traffic lights, lack of signage, and poor lighting conditions on the road can also increase the risk of an accident.
Determining Negligence And Proving Liability In Lyft Accidents
Most of the time, the Lyft driver is either partially or fully to blame for an accident. However, depending on the circumstances, other parties could also be responsible. Our Placer County Lyft accident attorneys can determine whether any of the following parties were negligent:
- The rideshare company itself.
- The driver/s of another vehicle/s.
- The manufacturer of the vehicle or its component.
- The local government is responsible for damaged roads.
California is a fault-based state, which means the party who caused an accident can be held liable for the resulting injuries and damages inflicted upon the victim. However, you first need to demonstrate their negligence. For instance, your Lyft accident lawyers in Placer County can prove Lyft’s driver negligence by establishing the following elements:
- The defendant or responsible party owed you the highest standard of care to transport you safely.
- The driver’s duty of care was breached due to their negligent behavior.
- The breach of duty directly resulted in the accident that injured you.
- You suffered actual injuries and damages due to the accident.
Lyft Insurance Coverage During Accidents
While you cannot hold Lyft liable for its drivers’ actions under normal circumstances, the law still mandates that it should provide insurance coverage like other transportation network companies (TNCs). Coverage depends on whether the app was on and what the driver’s actions were during the accident.
Our Placer County Lyft accident attorneys will help you understand each coverage period and the corresponding insurance policy provided by Lyft.
- Period 1 — This period is when the app is on, and the driver is waiting for a ride request. Lyft’s insurance coverage if an accident happens includes $50,000 for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
- Period 2 — This period is when the driver accepts a ride request and is en route to the passenger’s pick-up location. Any accident is covered by Lyft’s insurance policy of $1 million, which includes coverage for collisions involving uninsured or underinsured motorists (UM/UIM).
- Period 3 — This period is when the driver is actively transporting a passenger. The same coverage in Period 2 applies.
What’s not included is “Period 0,” where the app is off and the driver is using the vehicle for personal reasons. During this period, the driver’s auto insurance coverage takes effect.
You must notify Lyft of the accident to kickstart the claims process. Lyft will want further information about your accident before determining whether to accept your claim or reject it. When this happens, you can hire our Lyft accident lawyers for assistance. We can negotiate with insurance companies or file a personal injury claim against Lyft, a driver, or another party.
What To Do After A Lyft Accident
It’s crucial to know what to do if you ever get injured in a Lyft accident. Not only will it help ensure your well-being, but it will also help protect your rights to compensation. Consider the following steps:
- Prioritize Safety — Move to a safe area, but stay at the scene. Check for injuries and dial 911 for emergency medical help.
- Notify Police — Make sure law enforcement, like the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, is notified of the collision. An official police report may prove useful in your claim.
- Get Medical Attention — Seek medical help even if you feel fine or you think your injuries are not severe. Your medical records can serve as evidence for your Lyft accident claim.
- Gather Evidence — Collect as much information as you can from the accident scene, including witness contact details, photos of the damage, and driver and vehicle information.
- Report the Accident to Lyft — Make sure to let the rideshare company know about the accident. You can file an initial incident report on your phone via the app.
- Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 — Our Lyft accident attorneys in Placer County can help you seek compensation for damages.
What initially seemed like a routine rear-end collision, commonly known as a “fender bender,” turned into a significant settlement with high maximum limits for a client who suffered lower back disc injuries. The case was resolved just two weeks before the scheduled trial commencement.– BRIAN BEECHER
Evidence Needed In A Lyft Accident Claim
Our Placer County Lyft accident lawyers can help you build a case backed by evidence, which may include the following:
- Pictures and videos of the accident scene, including the damage to vehicles, skid marks, and injuries.
- Footage from traffic cameras and dashcams.
- Data from the Lyft app.
- Official police report.
- Citations or arrests for traffic violations, such as speeding, driving under the influence, and texting while driving.
- Cellular phone records of a suspected driver distraction.
- Testimonies from witnesses.
- Statements from expert witnesses, such as accident reconstructionists, medical providers, etc.
These evidentiary materials can help with establishing your damages and the defendant’s negligence and liability.
The Deadline For Filing A Lyft Accident Lawsuit In California
The statute of limitations dictates how much time you have to bring legal action in California. For personal injury cases, including those involving Lyft accidents, the statute of limitations is typically two years from the date of the accident or the date of discovery of the injury. This means you only have two years to file a lawsuit after a Lyft accident.
This deadline can be tolled or suspended under certain circumstances, including cases involving minor or mentally incapacitated plaintiffs and out-of-state defendants. If you’re filing a claim against a government agency, you only have six months to file a claim. Do not put off bringing legal action after your Lyft accident. Remember: you may lose your right to compensation if you don’t file the case within this time frame. It’s advisable to seek the assistance of skilled Placer County Lyft accident lawyers.
Lyft Accident Statistics
The 2020–2022 Lyft report shows safety incidents occurring in only 0.0002% of rides. While seemingly not significant, it’s important to note that Lyft had nearly two million active drivers who transported 20.3 million riders in the U.S. and Canada in 2022. That seemingly minute percentage represents many safety incidents.
The report also noted 111 motor vehicle fatalities, a 31% increase in incident frequency, and a 14% increase in vehicle miles traveled. As ride-hailing services become more common, more fatal and injury accidents are reported.
Overall, ridesharing increases traffic mortality by 3% annually, according to a 2019 University of Chicago study. This figure translates to 987 additional deaths each year. Lyft and other ridesharing services are developing rapidly, so as ride-sharing services keep growing, continuous research is necessary to track their effects on traffic safety.
If you or a loved one gets injured in a collision involving Lyft, we are here for you. Speak with our Placer County Lyft accident attorneys to learn your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Sue Lyft After An Accident?
You may be able to sue Lyft in cases where the company had contributed to the accident that injured you. Although this is a rare situation, it can still occur. Lyft accident claims are typically resolved through the company’s insurance policy. However, these only apply in specific situations where the rideshare driver was online on the Lyft app when the accident occurred.
How Is The Value Of My Lyft Accident Claim Calculated?
The circumstances surrounding your Lyft accident claim or lawsuit will determine how much your case is worth. Key factors include:
- The type and severity of the injuries you sustained.
- The length of time you need to heal.
- The kinds of medical care your injuries require.
- The extent of disabilities, scarring, and disfigurement.
- Whether you can go back to work.
- The evidence proving the responsible party’s liability.
- Whether you are partially to blame for the accident.
- The available insurance coverage and policy limits.
- The parties involved in the accident.
Your injury claim may be worth more than the initial settlement offer. It’s our goal as your Lyft accident attorneys in Placer County to help you pursue fair compensation.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Lyft Accident Lawyer Near Me?
Our Placer County Lyft accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. Hiring us as your legal counsel requires no initial payment. We only receive payment if we successfully resolve your case. Certain case-related expenses may be shouldered by the client regardless of the outcome. The details will be further discussed during the onboarding.
What Happens If I Get Injured Due To A Defective Part Or Vehicle?
If you got injured in a Lyft vehicle due to a defective product, you may be able to sue the manufacturer or distributor. You may also bring legal action against Lyft if the company was aware of the flaw but chose not to fix it. Having Placer County Lyft accident lawyers with experience in product liability law is essential for this kind of lawsuit.
Can I Recover Compensation If I Was Partially At Fault For The Accident?
Due to California’s pure comparative negligence law, you may still be compensated even if you bear some degree of fault. However, your final monetary compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, you may be able to recover $80,000 from the total $100,000 if you were found to be 20% at fault for your injuries.
How Long Does It Take To Resolve My Lyft Accident Case?
The complexity of the case, the extent of your injuries, and the insurance company’s willingness to negotiate a just payment all affect how quickly your Lyft accident claim is resolved. A year or longer may pass before some cases are settled, while others may be resolved in a matter of months. Our Placer County Lyft accident attorneys can provide you with a more precise estimate depending on the particulars of your case.
What If I’m Not Satisfied With The Insurance Company’s Settlement Offer?
You don’t have to accept the insurance company’s initial settlement offer. Remember, your case may be worth much more. Skilled Lyft accident lawyers in Placer County will negotiate with the insurance provider and even take your case to court if a just settlement cannot be reached.
Do I Have To Go To Court For My Lyft Accident Case?
Out-of-court negotiations are used to settle the majority of Lyft accident claims. Experienced Lyft accident attorneys in Placer County may, however, bring a lawsuit if neither parties settle during negotiations. Going to court is typically the last resort for seeking compensation.
Can Undocumented Immigrants File Personal Injury Claims In California?
Undocumented immigrants can pursue compensation if another person’s negligence injures them. Regardless of your citizenship or immigration status, Placer County Lyft accident lawyers can help you seek damages for your injuries or the wrongful death of a loved one.
If you prefer to speak in a language other than English, let us know. Our legal team has access to translators who can help you during doctor’s appointments, depositions, and hearings.
Speak With Our Lyft Accident Attorneys In Placer County
Need Placer County Lyft accident lawyers? Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 or complete our “Do I Have A Case?” form. From Lyft collisions and workers’ compensation cases to truck accidents and slip-and-falls, we can help.
Our Placer County Lyft accident lawyers also represent injury victims in neighboring cities and communities, including Georgetown, Greenwood, Garden Valley, Coloma, Kelsey, Cool, Rescue, El Dorado Hills, Clarksville, White Rock, Folsom, Citrus Heights, Fair Oaks, Gold River, Antelope, North Highlands, Carmichael, Rancho Cordova, Sacramento, Elverta, Rio Linda, Wheatland, and Nevada City.
