San Benito County Lyft Accident Lawyers
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Our San Benito County Lyft Accident Lawyers Offer Personalized Legal Support For Injured Victims
Injured due to a Lyft accident? As a personal injury law firm in California, Arash Law is here to help. Our San Benito County Lyft accident lawyers can assist injured victims in seeking compensation for medical bills and lost wages. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
San Benito County offers both relaxing experiences and extreme adventures. Many visitors use Lyft to get to the county. While Lyft is a relatively safe transportation option, accidents can still happen.
If you’re injured during a Lyft ride or were hit by a Lyft, our legal team can assist you in pursuing financial recovery for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other related losses. Arash Law has a skilled team handling personal injury cases, including rideshare accidents. We manage your case from beginning to end, providing you with regular updates and answering your questions throughout the process. Our team will work closely with you so you stay well-informed.
How San Benito County Lyft Accident Lawyers At Arash Law Can Help
Suffering from injuries and property damage due to Lyft accidents can be overwhelming, leaving you with hefty medical and repair bills. You don’t have to face this financial burden alone. Our lawyers can help you seek compensation for your injury and accident-related expenses. We are here to support and guide you through this challenging time.
Leveraging our decades of combined experience in personal injury law, our San Benito County injury law firm offers legal guidance to accident victims. Our attorneys are committed to advocating for your rights throughout the claims process. We will work to pursue accountability from the responsible parties.
Settlement in a motor vehicle accident; client suffered internal injuries.– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
Why Hire Our San Benito County Lyft Accident Attorneys
Being involved in a rideshare accident can leave you facing serious injuries. To help protect your rights, working with Lyft accident attorneys in San Benito County can be beneficial. Here’s what our team offers:
- Skilled Negotiation — Our lawyers are skilled at negotiating with insurance companies, advocating for a fair settlement on your behalf. They are prepared to challenge inadequate offers and, if necessary, take your case to trial.
- Case Evaluation — We thoroughly assess your case, considering all aspects of your injuries and damages.
- Knowledge & Experience — With decades of combined experience handling personal injury cases, we know the ins and outs of the legal system.
- Personalized Attention — We provide tailored service for your case, carefully considering the specific details of your case.
- No Upfront Attorney’s Fees — You don’t pay any attorney’s fees unless compensation is obtained. You may be responsible for case-related costs, but our lawyers will discuss them before you agree to representation.
- Satisfied Clients — Through diligent work and undivided attention, we have received positive feedback from our previous clients. Here’s one of the many client testimonials we received:
- “From the moment I put my consultation in, Arlene and The Attorneys at Arash Law have been on top of my case and fought for everything that I deserved! They were empathetic, understanding, very concerned with my well being and health and advocated for me all the way through the end. They helped with setting my medical appointments, mediating between the doctors, insurance company and more! They are on the case and I highly recommend their firm for all injury/accident claims! Thank you Arlene and Arash Law for having my back through the end!”
– Abraham D. (Google Reviews)
- “From the moment I put my consultation in, Arlene and The Attorneys at Arash Law have been on top of my case and fought for everything that I deserved! They were empathetic, understanding, very concerned with my well being and health and advocated for me all the way through the end. They helped with setting my medical appointments, mediating between the doctors, insurance company and more! They are on the case and I highly recommend their firm for all injury/accident claims! Thank you Arlene and Arash Law for having my back through the end!”
Our San Benito County Lyft accident lawyers offer legal guidance for your case. We can guide you throughout the legal process and help you make informed decisions.
Lyft’s Insurance Coverage
Lyft offers insurance coverage for accidents that occur while its drivers are actively working. It is designed to provide financial protection to both passengers and drivers in the event of an accident. Coverage depends on specific periods designated by Lyft based on the driver’s status on the Lyft app.
Period 1 starts once the driver goes online, signifying that they’re waiting for a booking request. Policy limits for this period are as follows:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injuries.
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injuries.
- $25,000 per accident for property damage.
Once the rider has accepted a request and is en route to the passenger, Period 2 begins. The following coverages apply:
- $1,000,000 third-party liability coverage.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorists (UM/UIM) coverage.
- Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage (up to the vehicle’s actual cash value with a $2,500 deductible).
Period 3 is when the passenger is in the vehicle, and the ride is in progress. The coverage is the same as in Period 2.
Our San Benito County Lyft accident attorneys can determine which period is applicable in your case and help you pursue appropriate compensation for your damages.
Compensation Lyft Accident Victims Can Pursue
You may be entitled to seek compensation for all your expenses and losses resulting from your Lyft accident injuries. This includes both economic and non-economic damages:
- Economic Damages — These cover financial losses due to the accident, such as the following:
- Medical-related expenses (hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, medications).
- Lost wages (income lost due to time off work).
- Lost potential earning capacity (future income loss due to long-term injuries).
- Repair and replacement costs of damaged property (vehicle repairs or replacements).
- Non-Economic Damages — These cover intangible losses like the following:
- Pain and suffering (physical discomfort and pain).
- PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
- Loss of consortium (impact on relationships and companionship).
- Diminished quality of life (reduced ability to enjoy life and activities).
Our San Benito County Lyft accident attorneys can assist in identifying losses you can include in your claim and advocate for compensation on your behalf.
Common Causes Of Lyft Accidents
Although San Benito County is generally relaxed and laid-back, it is not accident-free. Data from the Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) shows that San Benito County has experienced traffic collisions resulting in fatalities and serious injuries in recent years.
Lyft accidents can occur for various reasons, and understanding what they are helps to determine who is responsible for the accident. Here are some of the most common causes of these crashes:
- Navigation Mistakes — Lyft drivers relying on navigation apps can face issues with incorrect or outdated information. Drivers unfamiliar with certain locations may miss turns and encounter unexpected traffic conditions.
- Locating the Passenger — When Lyft drivers reach the passenger’s pickup location, they might focus more on finding their passenger and less on the road, leading to a higher risk of not seeing pedestrians or accidentally rear-ending other vehicles, especially in areas with multiple entrances or exits.
- Unsafe Loading and Unloading of Passengers — Picking up or dropping off riders in unauthorized areas can result in being hit by passing motorists. Passengers may also be hit by motorcyclists trying to pass between the vehicle and the curbside.
- Fatigued Driving — Exhausted drivers may not be able to respond quickly to sudden hazards on the road, leading to accidents. Lyft drivers may also doze off while driving due to extreme fatigue, which can cause head-on or rear-end collisions. Victims may suffer serious injuries in such accidents.
- Distracted Driving — Distracted driving is risky. Cell phone use and chatty passengers can divert Lyft drivers’ attention. Even a moment’s distraction can cause crashes and result in passenger injuries.
Our San Benito County Lyft accident lawyers can investigate your accident thoroughly and analyze evidence. This will help us identify the root cause of the incident, which we’ll then use to determine the liable parties.
Hurt In A Lyft Accident?
Injuries Victims May Sustain After A Lyft Accident
Lyft accident victims sustain a wide range of injuries. Understanding these injuries helps our personal injury lawyers in San Benito County get a clear picture of the full extent of your damages:
- Head & Brain Injuries — Severe trauma may require months or years to recover, with some cases needing long-term medical care. This can lead to high medical expenses and long-term disability claims.
- Neck Injuries — Whiplash due to high-speed car accidents, along with other neck injuries like strains, sprains, and herniated discs, can cause long-term pain and limited motion, leading to ongoing medical treatment and therapy costs.
- Soft Tissue Injuries — The sudden force of a collision can stretch, tear, or bruise muscles, ligaments, and tendons, sometimes requiring surgery. This results in medical bills and potential loss of income during recovery.
- Cuts & Lacerations — Deep cuts can cause significant blood loss, complications, and infections, along with long-term scarring and disfigurement. These injuries may lead to claims for medical costs and emotional distress.
- Broken Bones — Fractures can cause severe pain and hinder daily activities. They may also result in long-term health problems like arthritis and chronic pain, leading to claims for ongoing medical care and loss of quality of life.
- Back and Spinal Cord Injuries — These injuries often cause chronic pain and discomfort, requiring extensive treatment or pain medication. Severe cases can cause paralysis, impacting mobility and independence. Such injuries can lead to significant compensation claims for lifelong medical care and lost earnings.
Your well-being is our priority. Our Lyft accident lawyers in San Benito County can connect you with medical specialists. We’ll also work to pursue compensation that covers your medical bills and other damages.
Possible Liable Parties In A Lyft Accident
Several parties could be held liable in a Lyft accident. They include:
- Lyft Driver — The Lyft driver may be responsible if they were distracted, intoxicated, or exhausted at the time of the accident. These are negligent driving behaviors that can endanger other road users.
- Lyft, Inc. — Despite rideshare drivers being independent contractors, Lyft may still be held liable, particularly if they have been negligent during the hiring process. For example, if the Lyft driver who caused the accident was previously convicted of a crime, yet Lyft still hired them because this fact was overlooked during the background check.
- Another Driver — It is also possible that your Lyft driver was not at fault for the accident. For instance, if your Lyft was rear-ended by a speeding vehicle, the other driver is primarily at fault in such an accident, and your Lyft driver is also a victim.
- Manufacturing Company — Accidents may occur when the vehicle or auto parts manufacturer fails to provide safe and reliable products. If the collision was caused by a defective brake system, for instance, the manufacturer may be held liable.
- Road Maintenance Agencies — Whether they’re private or government entities, agencies responsible for maintaining roads and traffic infrastructure may also be liable for traffic accidents. For example, if your Lyft was hit due to malfunctioning traffic lights, the entity in charge of road maintenance may be liable for your damages.
Our San Benito County Lyft accident lawyers will carefully review police reports, witness statements, and any available evidence to determine who may be at fault.
Proving Fault In A Lyft Collision
These key elements must be proven to establish negligence in a Lyft accident:
- Duty of Care — Our experienced Lyft accident attorneys in San Benito County can assist in proving that the other party owed you a duty of care. For example, Lyft drivers are expected to operate their vehicles safely by obeying traffic laws and practicing defensive driving to promote safe transport.
- Breach of Duty — We can help you gather evidence that shows how the other party failed to fulfill their duty of care. For instance, your Lyft driver ran a red light during your trip.
- Causation — Next, we can help you establish that the other party’s negligent behavior directly caused the accident you were involved in. For example, we will demonstrate that your injuries were the direct result of the collision caused by running a red light.
- Damages — Finally, we can present gathered evidence that the accident caused you injuries and financial losses. For example, the T-bone collision might have resulted in head and neck injuries, along with cuts and bruises, leading to substantial financial setbacks.
Steps To Take After A Lyft Accident
Regardless of who’s at fault for the crash, we recommend you take the following steps, especially if you intend to file a claim:
- Ask your Lyft driver to move the vehicle to a safe spot, away from incoming traffic.
- Assess yourself for injuries, and call 911 if you need emergency medical care. Relay to the dispatcher what happened and clearly state your location. Be prepared to describe your injuries, detailing the severity of the pain you’re experiencing.
- Submit an accident report to Lyft.
- Gather key information available at the accident site. This includes pertinent details about your driver, photos, and videos of vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and traffic signs. Collect witnesses’ names and contact information.
- Notify your insurance provider, but keep it short and straightforward. Direct any questions to your legal representatives.
- Consult with our San Benito County Lyft accident lawyers. We can guide you on what to say moving forward to protect your rights. Once you hire us, we’ll also obtain copies of other evidence, such as police reports and medical records, on your behalf.
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
Statute Of Limitations For Lyft Accidents
Anyone injured in an accident, regardless of immigration status, has the right to file a claim in California. However, there is a time limit known as the statute of limitations. For personal injuries, including those from Lyft accidents, it is generally two years from the accident date. There are exceptions; for example, if the claim involves government property, the injured party has only six months to file.
Missing these deadlines may mean losing your right to compensation. Our San Benito County Lyft accident lawyers can help you understand the claims process and manage critical deadlines. Once you hire us, we will start investigating promptly and aim to file your claim on time.
Lyft Accident Statistics
Based on a study by the University of Chicago and Rice University, there has been a 3% increase in fatal accidents since the introduction of rideshare services in the U.S. This means that there have been almost a thousand more people dying in traffic accidents since we started using Lyft, Uber, and other rideshare services.
Additionally, the researchers noted that there was an average of two accidents for every 100,000 people yearly pre-rideshare in major U.S. cities. When rideshare services were introduced, the average accident rate rose to 3.5 accidents for every 100,000 people.
Moreover, in its most current Safety Transparency Report, Lyft noted that there were 111 motor vehicle fatalities from 2020 to 2022. This represents a 14% increase per 100 million vehicle miles. It is also 31% more than the deaths reported from 2017 to 2019. These numbers indicate that while rideshare services like Lyft have been beneficial for millions of users, we can’t dismiss the fact that the convenience they offer may come at a cost.
At Arash Law, we are committed to supporting victims and the families of those affected by rideshare accidents. We firmly believe that no victim should have to endure financial burdens on top of the injuries they’ve suffered. Our San Benito County Lyft and Uber accident lawyers can help you pursue compensation for your losses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I Required To Have A Lawyer To File A Lyft Accident Claim?
After a Lyft accident, you might be wondering, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer to pursue a claim?” Although it’s not a legal requirement to enlist the services of an attorney, choosing to collaborate with our San Benito County Lyft accident attorneys can be an advantage.
With our decades of combined experience in personal injury cases, we offer comprehensive representation during settlement negotiations and in court. We can handle communications with the defendant’s insurance companies or lawyers and advocate for your interests throughout the process.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire San Benito County Lyft Accident Attorneys?
Many firms in California operate on a contingency basis, including Arash Law. If you work with our Lyft accident lawyers in San Benito County, you won’t be charged for any attorney’s fees unless compensation is obtained. Please note that you may still be responsible for some case-related costs. This fee structure allows injured victims to access legal representation without immediate legal costs.
How Much Is My Lyft Accident Claim Worth?
The value of your claim will depend on the circumstances. Various factors may affect its worth, such as the extent of your injuries and how they may affect your earning capacity. Your emotional pain and mental suffering will also be taken into account.
Consult with our San Benito County Lyft accident lawyers to estimate your claim’s potential worth and identify possible sources of compensation.
Should I Settle My Claim If I Have Been Injured In A Lyft Accident?
The decision of whether or not to settle your Lyft accident claim depends on the specific circumstances of your case. In certain situations, a settlement can lead to a quicker resolution of your claim, allowing you to receive compensation more promptly. On the other hand, going to court may result in higher compensation or no compensation at all. It’s important to discuss your options with Lyft accident lawyers in San Benito County.
How Long Will It Take To Resolve My Settlement?
The timeline for a settlement can vary significantly depending on the circumstances of your case. For instance, a claim may resolve in a matter of months if liability is clear. However, the process can take years if there are liability disputes or other complex issues. Typically, parties would agree on a settlement, as it saves time and money for everyone. However, if the at-fault parties fail to provide a reasonable offer, our San Benito County Lyft accident attorneys are prepared to take your case to court.
Speak With Our San Benito Lyft Accident Attorneys
If you’re an injured victim of a Lyft accident, call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391. Our firm handles a wide range of personal injury claims. We can assess your case and help you pursue potential compensation for your injuries and lost wages.
Our lawyers have helped numerous clients, and we are ready to assist you. Whether you’re a Lyft driver, passenger, third-party driver, motorcyclist, biker, or pedestrian, we offer legal representation against the at-fault party(ies) and their insurance providers.
Our injury law firm also consists of San Benito County truck accident lawyers. We serve clients in San Juan Bautista, Hollister, Ridgemark, Tres Pinos, and Gilroy. We also provide comprehensive legal services in neighboring counties and cities, including Chualar, Soledad, Carmel Valley, Monterey County, San Jose, and Morgan Hill.
