Pomona 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 Pomona Lyft Accident Lawyers Help Explain Your Legal Rights After An Injury
Whether you’re a passenger, driver, pedestrian, or another road user, you may be eligible to seek compensation if you’re injured in a Lyft accident. Reach out to our Pomona Lyft accident lawyers to learn about your legal options. Our attorneys at Arash Law have years of experience handling complex cases involving rideshare companies, such as Uber and Lyft. Call (888) 488-1391 for a free first case evaluation.
Pomona is a major economic hub in Los Angeles. With over 150,000 residents, it’s the fifth-largest city in the county and the tenth-largest in California. It also attracts a steady flow of visitors drawn to its rich history, the LA County Fair, and the Pomona Raceway.
With thousands of locals and tourists roaming the streets, rideshare services like Lyft are in high demand. These transportation options have made getting around Pomona more convenient, especially for employees who don’t want to bother with parking, long-shift workers who are unfit to drive, or visitors unfamiliar with the city’s public transport system. However, this rising reliance on rideshares has also increased the risk of Lyft accidents.
Such traffic accidents leave victims with unexpected physical, emotional, and financial challenges, but our Lyft accident attorneys in Pomona are here to help. If you are injured due to the negligence of others, we can assist you in seeking compensation for the various impacts the accident has had on you and your life.
A farm worker, suffered multiple broken bones and other orthopedic injuries resulting from an auto accident where the defendant driver attempted to make a left turn in front of our client in heavy fog.– ARASH KHORSANDI
Do I Need Help From Pomona Lyft Accident Lawyers?
The process of filing an insurance claim can be challenging and stressful to go about on your own. For example, understanding which coverage applies and how to pursue compensation from insurance companies can be challenging.
Having experienced legal representation from our Pomona Lyft accident lawyers can help. We can explain who you may be able to seek damages from, how their insurance policies may apply to your case, and what you can do to pursue compensation. We can also take over communications with insurance companies, preventing you from making common mistakes that may weaken your claim.
How Can I Find The Right Lyft Accident Attorneys?
Finding the right attorneys for your case can seem intimidating, especially if you don’t know where to begin. One route you can try is asking your family, friends, and local community how to find a good Lyft accident lawyer near you. They might know someone who has sought legal assistance and received support while pursuing compensation for their injuries.
Google is also another good resource to explore. Simply type in “Pomona Lyft accident lawyers near me” in the search bar, and you’ll get thousands of results in seconds. The next step is to narrow down your top choices.
When seeking Lyft accident lawyers in Pomona, consider the following:
- Their Familiarity with Local Laws — Rideshare laws constantly change and can vary across jurisdictions. Our knowledgeable accident lawyers in Pomona are familiar with local regulations, including rideshare and personal injury laws, which helps us navigate complex cases involving Lyft crashes.
- Their Negotiation Skills — Most cases are usually resolved through out-of-court negotiations. Our Pomona Lyft accident lawyers work to help clients reach settlements that reflect their medical expenses, lost income, emotional distress, and other losses.
- Their Litigation Experience — If no agreement is reached on the negotiation table, our Pomona Lyft accident attorneys will assess whether we need to take your case to trial. If necessary, we can leverage all the evidence we’ve gathered to present a well-supported case in front of a judge and jury. Our attorneys bring extensive litigation experience to represent you, present your damages clearly, and demonstrate the other party’s negligence in court.
Why Are Insurance Claims Involving Lyft Accidents More Complex?
Insurance claims for Lyft accidents are more complex due to the nature of ridesharing services. First, drivers are classified as independent contractors rather than employees. This key distinction affects liability in accidents.
In a typical employer-employee relationship, the employer shares responsibility for the employee’s negligence. However, a Lyft driver’s independent contractor classification allows the company to avoid responsibility for crashes or safety incidents involving them. This can make it difficult to pursue compensation from them after a crash.
Second, you won’t likely deal directly with Lyft for compensation, as claims usually go through its third-party insurance provider. Lyft’s insurance policies vary in accordance with the ride’s phase, adding another layer of complexity to the case. The different coverages can affect the amount of compensation available to victims.
Third, Lyft drivers don’t hold commercial licenses. They’re not considered professional drivers who have undergone specialized training. They’re your usual drivers in Pomona who might have only recently started picking up passengers as a part-time gig.
Lastly, depending on the circumstances, you might have to initiate potential claims against other drivers or individuals not affiliated with Lyft, further complicating the legal process.
Our Pomona Lyft accident lawyers can assist you in navigating the ins and outs of an insurance claim involving a rideshare crash. Call (888) 488-1391 to get started with a free initial consultation.
Typical Injuries From Lyft Accidents
Like in the regular cases handled by our car accident lawyers, Lyft accidents can result in various injuries, ranging from minor to severe. Our Lyft accident lawyers can help victims in Pomona seek compensation in such cases. Here are some of the most common types of injuries after a crash:
- Whiplash
- Cuts & lacerations
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Fractures
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Muscle strains & sprains
- Amputations
In the worst cases, rideshare crashes can be fatal. Our Pomona truck accident lawyers have handled cases wherein the passengers sustained fatal injuries at the moment of impact in a Lyft vs. truck collision.
No matter the type of injury you sustained, you should seek immediate medical attention. Some conditions may initially appear minor but are dangerous if left untreated. Then, consult with our Lyft accident attorneys to know if you are eligible to pursue compensation for your medical bills and other losses. Complete our online form to get in touch with our Lyft accident lawyers in Pomona.
Hurt In A Lyft Accident?
What Causes Lyft Accidents In Pomona?
Regular traffic crashes and Lyft accidents have many factors in common, whether they involve rear-end crashes, head-on collisions, T-bones, rollovers, or sideswipes. Our Pomona car accident lawyers can handle cases involving the following causes:
Driver Errors And Recklessness
Negligent drivers put themselves and others at risk due to these behaviors:
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Running red lights
- Fatigued driving
- Distracted driving
Other Factors
Some causes are outside a driver’s control or exacerbate the risk of an accident, such as:
- Auto defects, like malfunctioning tires or brakes.
- Dangerous road conditions.
- Hazardous weather conditions.
- Driving at night.
- Traffic congestion, especially on Interstate 5, State Route 60, and other highways and freeways.
In these cases, the driver may still be found negligent. They still have a duty of care to drive and react reasonably in hazardous conditions. For instance, they are expected to drive slowly and cautiously during rainy weather. Neglecting this duty means they can still share responsibility for a resulting accident, even if the root cause is an external factor.
Still, our Pomona Lyft accident attorneys will work to identify other potentially liable parties. For example, the manufacturer may be held accountable under product liability laws when a defective car part leads to a crash.
These factors are present in all types of traffic accidents. However, ridesharing carries unique risk factors that can increase the likelihood of an accident.
Lyft Driver’s Negligence
Many Lyft accidents occur due to the driver’s negligence and the inherent risks of the job.
- Lyft drivers must use their phones and apps for navigation, accepting rides, and communicating with passengers. This takes their attention away from driving, increasing the risk of collision.
- Their income is tied to how many trips they complete. They may thus try to squeeze in as many trips as possible daily, leading to speeding and other reckless driving behaviors.
- For the same reason, some drivers continue accepting ride requests even when tired to increase their earnings. Many also have other jobs or obligations before driving for Lyft, increasing the risk of fatigue.
- Lyft drivers could put pedestrians and other motorists at risk when they’re too focused on their navigation app or locating their passenger/landmark instead of their surroundings.
- In certain cases, impairment from drugs or alcohol may become a factor that contributes to unsafe driving behavior.
- Lyft drivers may not be familiar with the roads they travel, increasing the risk of mistakes, like going the wrong way on a one-way street.
Identifying the cause of your accident is an important step in determining liability. Once responsibility is established, you can take steps to initiate a claim against the responsible party. Contact our Pomona Lyft accident lawyers at (888) 488-1391 to learn more about the process.
Who Is Liable In A Lyft Accident?
In California, liability is determined based on fault. Anyone who has caused or contributed to an accident may be held responsible for the victim’s damages.
In many cases, the rideshare driver may be found responsible due to negligence. However, they are not always the only party at fault, and in some instances, they may not share any responsibility for the accident.
Some parties who could be held liable in an accident are:
- Other motorists (truck drivers, motorcyclists, etc.)
- Passengers.
- Government entities.
- Other third parties (car manufacturer, maintenance provider, etc.)
- Lyft as a company.
Our Pomona Lyft accident lawyers have experience with complex cases involving rideshare crashes and can assist in identifying potentially liable parties.
When Is Lyft Liable For The Accident?
To hold Lyft liable for an accident, you and your attorneys must prove that it exhibited direct negligence on its part. While the ridesharing company is not always liable for an accident involving its drivers, it can share responsibility in a few scenarios. One common example is negligent hiring.
One of Lyft’s responsibilities is the proper screening of drivers, which involves performing background checks. In general, it is expected to disqualify applicants with a recent history of the following:
- Violent crime
- Fraud
- Terrorism
- Sex crime
- DUI
However, when Lyft accepts an applicant with a history of these offenses, and that driver later causes an accident, the company could be deemed negligent, potentially exposing it to liability.
There are various other scenarios that can make Lyft liable for accidents involving its drivers. To determine if you have a case against the rideshare company, reach out to our Pomona Lyft accident lawyers or fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form.
What Evidence Can I Use To Prove Negligence?
Our legal team can collect evidence throughout our investigation, including:
- The police report.
- The negligent driver’s employment and traffic violation history.
- Rideshare app records.
- Phone records.
- Photos and videos of the accident scene.
- CCTV and dashcam footage.
- Eyewitness statements.
These pieces of evidence can support your case and help demonstrate the other party’s liability in the accident. We focus on building substantiated claims that help clients pursue compensation according to California law.
How Lyft’s Insurance Policy Works
California requires Lyft and Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) to maintain insurance coverage for drivers, passengers, and other third parties injured in accidents. Ridesharing companies must carry a minimum of $1 million in coverage for personal injury, death, and property damage resulting from accidents involving their services.
To comply with these requirements, Lyft provides third-party coverage for its drivers. This policy has different limits and requirements based on four different periods:
Period 0 — The Driver Is Offline
At this stage, any accident involving the driver is not covered under Lyft’s third-party insurance policy. The driver is presumed to be using the car for personal purposes. If they cause an accident, their individual insurance coverage might take effect instead.
Period 1 — The Driver Is Logged Into The App And Waiting For A Request
If the driver is logged into the app but has yet to accept a ride request, Lyft can provide the following minimum coverage:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury.
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury.
- $25,000 per accident for property damage.
- Combined single limit of $200,000.
This coverage applies to the driver and third parties who may be affected by an accident in Pomona, California.
Period 2 — The Driver Is En Route To Pick Up A Passenger
After accepting a ride request, the driver is covered by the following insurance policy:
- A minimum of $1 million for third-party auto liability coverage.
- First-party coverages, which can include uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, MedPay, PIP, and/or Occupational Accident coverage.
- Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage if the driver has the same coverage in their personal auto policy (with a $2,500 deductible).
Period 3 — The Driver Has Picked Up The Passenger And Is En Route To The Destination
Lyft provides the same coverage as in Period 2 for accidents occurring during this phase. In addition, the company maintains a combined single limit of $1 million for UI/UIM coverage for drivers and passengers.
These policies kick in after the driver’s commercial insurance or personal auto coverage with a specific ridesharing policy has been exhausted or does not provide sufficient coverage.
How do you know which policy limits apply to your accident? Let our Lyft accident lawyers in Pomona evaluate your case for free during our first meeting. We can also explore other legal avenues for pursuing compensation to pay your medical bills and your lost wages.
What Are The Types of Compensation Available In A Lyft Accident?
As an accident victim, you may be eligible to pursue economic and non-economic damages from the responsible parties.
Economic damages compensate for the financial costs of your injury, such as:
- Medical bills
- Therapy & rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Property damage & replacement
Meanwhile, non-economic damages aim to cover the intangible losses resulting from the injury or accident, including:
- Pain & suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Disability & disfigurement
In some instances, our Pomona Lyft accident attorneys may also be able to pursue punitive damages on your behalf. However, punitive damages are rare in California. Courts typically award them only when the defendant’s actions were particularly reckless or done with willful disregard for the safety of others.
Our Lyft accident lawyers can review your medical records, pay stubs, bills, and invoices to estimate the value of your claim. We can also refer to similar cases and check what they’ve settled for, especially for non-economic damages.
Furthermore, we can work with experts, like healthcare professionals, life planners, and economists, who can analyze the severity of your injuries and estimate their financial and intangible impact on your life.
A careful review of your case may show that its potential value exceeds what an initial insurance offer might reflect. For this reason, you may wish to work with experienced Lyft accident lawyers in Pomona who can help you pursue a settlement amount that reflects your losses.
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
What To Do After A Lyft Accident
The moments after an accident are critical. Although they can be disorienting, taking certain steps can be crucial for your safety and the protection of your rights. For example, you can:
- Check for Injuries — If possible, move to a safe location away from oncoming traffic.
- Get Emergency Medical Help — You can either connect with an ADT security professional via the app or call 911 for emergency medical help.
- Ask for Police Assistance on the Scene — Law enforcement can help manage the traffic to prevent further injuries. They will also create a police incident report, which can serve as important evidence for insurance claims.
- Seek Medical Attention Right Away — A complete medical evaluation will serve two purposes:
- It can help you uncover any injuries that might not be immediately apparent to you.
- It will create a medical record that can prove to be helpful in supporting your claim.
- Report the Accident to Lyft Via its Online Form — Their Claims Customer Care team will typically get back to you and guide you through the next steps. Avoid talking to anyone at this stage.
- Consult with Pomona Lyft Accident Lawyers — Attorneys can help explain and guide you through the personal injury claim process. We can also help you pursue compensation if you have a case.
Statistics About Lyft
According to the latest Community Safety Report released by Lyft, over 99% of trips were incident-free. In 2019, only 49 motor vehicle fatalities were reported, representing a mere 0.000006% of completed U.S. trips. However, a concerning trend emerges when comparing this figure with previous years. The 22 fatalities in 2017 and 34 in 2018 indicate an upward trajectory. The rise likely corresponds with the increase in drivers and users during those periods.
A 2019 study by the University of Chicago further emphasizes this issue, revealing that rideshare services account for a 3% annual increase in traffic fatalities nationwide, equating to around 987 deaths per year. This led the researchers to a simple conclusion — more cars on the roads means a higher likelihood of accidents. Now, with over two million Lyft drivers and 20 million annual users, the risks are greater than ever.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Lyft Accidents
What Is The Statute of Limitations For Lyft Accidents In Pomona?
In California, you only have two years from the date of the Lyft accident to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party. By extension, Pomona follows the same timeframe. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as these ones involving the following parties:
- Minors — The deadline doesn’t start to run until the minor reaches the age of 18.
- Government Entities — You only have six months to file a claim with the respective government agency. After that, you can proceed with the lawsuit.
If you miss your deadlines, you may also lose the opportunity to pursue compensation for your injury, even if you have strong evidence. Our team can explain the deadlines and exceptions applicable to your case. We can also help file a valid claim and any necessary paperwork within the required deadline.
Why Should I Consult With A Lyft Accident Attorney Before Talking To Insurance Companies?
Speaking with Pomona Lyft accident attorneys first allows you to get a better idea of the true value of your case. Insurance companies may not know the full extent of your losses early on. You are thus likely to receive initial settlement offers that might not reflect their actual value.
Consulting with our accident lawyers also lets you gain insight into how you can help protect the validity of your case. We can handle the communications and negotiations with the other party. This approach enables you to avoid actions, like accidentally taking blame for the crash, that could negatively impact your case.
Should I Accept The Insurance Company’s First Settlement Offer?
It can be beneficial to consider consulting with a lawyer first before accepting any settlement offers. Their offers may not reflect your actual damages. Your lawyers would be able to study these offers and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf if they need to be countered.
I Was Struck By A Lyft As A Pedestrian. How Can I Pursue Compensation?
If you were hit by a Lyft driver as a pedestrian, determining your legal steps depends on whether the driver was actively using the Lyft app at the time of the accident. Your case would typically fall under these two scenarios:
- If the driver was en route to pick up a passenger or had a passenger, you may be eligible to file a claim with Lyft’s third-party insurance provider.
- If the driver was not using the app but instead engaged in personal activities, you may have grounds to file a personal injury claim directly against the driver.
Reach out to our Lyft accident lawyers in Pomona to understand your rights. We handle accidents involving pedestrians and can offer comprehensive guidance on how you can proceed.
Whose Insurance Covers My Damages In A Lyft Accident?
Depending on the specific circumstances of your case, the insurance company that may be responsible for compensating you can be either or all of the following:
- The Lyft driver’s personal/commercial auto insurance provider.
- Lyft’s third-party insurance coverage.
- An at-fault party’s insurance company.
- Your UI/UIM or MedPay insurance provider.
Can I Sue Lyft For My Accident?
In certain cases, you may be able to sue Lyft directly. However, you must prove that the company’s negligence or inadequate safety measures played a role in the accident. This can be a complex process. Our experienced Pomona attorneys who handle Lyft accident cases can help assess whether your case is valid. If it is, we can work to build a well-supported case demonstrating the company’s negligence.
Can I Still Pursue A Claim If I Was Partially At Fault For The Accident?
Under California laws, you can still pursue compensation even if you were partly to blame for the accident. The state follows the pure comparative negligence rule, which allows victims injured in the accident to file a claim as long as they are not 100% at fault. It assigns a percentage of liability to each party based on their contribution to the accident.
The catch is that the victim’s compensation will then be reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if you were awarded $80,000 in damages for the accident for which you’re 18% liable, you would only receive $57,600. Our Pomona Lyft accident lawyers are experienced in handling cases involving challenges like this and can help you pursue compensation with comparative negligence in mind.
How Long Does A Lyft Accident Claim Take To Resolve?
- Complexity of the case.
- Disputes over liability.
- The severity of your injuries.
- Willingness of the involved parties to settle.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Lyft Accident Lawyer In Pomona?
In Pomona, the price of legal services will depend on the specifics of your Lyft accident claim. For example, attorneys may charge more if they have to negotiate a settlement with the insurers of multiple at-fault parties. However, you won’t have to worry about upfront costs, as our lawyers handling personal injury and Lyft accident cases in Pomona and California operate on a contingency fee basis. This means we don’t charge upfront attorney fees unless our clients are awarded a settlement. We also offer a free initial consultation to discuss the viability of your case and your legal options. Our lawyers can discuss our fees and payment arrangements, as well as other case-related costs that will be charged separately, during your case assessment.
Talk To Our Lyft Accident Lawyers In Pomona
If you’re thinking, “I need a personal injury lawyer for my Lyft accident,” Arash Law is here to help. Our Lyft accident lawyers in Pomona, CA, provide dedicated representation and work to advocate for our clients’ rights throughout the claims process.
Our Pomona Lyft accident attorneys understand the stress and challenges you may be facing during this time. We are committed to supporting clients by listening to their concerns and offering practical solutions. For instance, we can help them get liens to cover necessary medical expenses while waiting for a settlement or verdict.
Communication is the foundation of our services. We’ll be in touch with you constantly, keeping you well-informed and involved as your case progresses. At the same time, we will handle the legwork so you can focus on your recovery. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial case assessment.
Our law firm also serves other locations throughout California and around Pomona, including Ontario, Charter Oak, Covina, Walnut, Baldwin Park, Alhambra, Whittier, El Monte, Los Angeles, Corona, San Bernardino, Garden Grove, Santa Ana, Irvine, Hidden Springs, and Riverside.
