San Bernardino 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.
San Bernardino County Lyft Accident Lawyers Who Advocate For Injured Victims
San Bernardino County’s proximity to major cities like Los Angeles and Riverside means transportation can be a hassle. Ridesharing services like Lyft offer a convenient solution for residents and tourists. The downside is that Lyft accidents can potentially occur. If you or a loved one gets harmed in one, call our San Bernardino County Lyft accident lawyers at (888) 488-1391. We offer free case reviews during your first meeting with our team.
If you’re injured in a Lyft accident, you might be eligible to pursue compensation. However, you may have to deal with complex insurance policies and rideshare laws. Experienced and knowledgeable Lyft accident lawyers can help you uphold your rights.
How Our San Bernardino County Lyft Accident Lawyers Can Help
We understand that financial compensation may be necessary for individuals injured in Lyft accidents. However, seeking damages from liable parties, whether it’s another motorist, Lyft, their drivers, or their insurance companies, may be challenging.
If you’ve been injured in a Lyft accident, we can represent you for a valid claim, regardless of your first language, immigration status, or personal circumstances. We’ll work to take the legal weight off your shoulders while you focus on healing from your injuries. Our skilled Lyft accident attorneys in San Bernardino County are prepared to assist with managing your case by:
- Investigating the details of the Lyft accident that left you injured to figure out the cause and who may be at fault.
- Looking into the Lyft driver’s status at the time of the accident.
- Crafting a substantiated case that aims to pin down the liable party’s responsibility and shield you from unjust blame.
- Pursuing financial compensation from all potentially liable parties, with the goal of factoring in the potential value of a victim’s losses.
- Representing your interests in talks with insurance companies and, if necessary, taking your case to court.
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
Reasons To Consult Our San Bernardino County Lyft Accident Lawyers
When looking for a Lyft accident lawyer, consider if they have the knowledge, experience, and qualities your case specifically needs. The following are a few reasons to work with our San Bernardino injury law firm on your claim.
- Knowledge — The laws governing ridesharing are relatively new and specialized. However, our Lyft and Uber accident lawyers are familiar with them and work to keep ourselves updated on any developments that may affect rideshare accident claims in the future.
- Experience — We have managed various accident cases for injured clients over the years. That includes claims involving rideshare vehicles, like those from Lyft. As such, we’ve likely handled cases similar to yours in the past. We may be able to use that experience when reviewing your case and helping you decide on your next legal steps.
- Client-Focused Approach — If you hire us, expect one-on-one attorney representation. Our Lyft accident lawyers will work to better understand your unique situation so we may prioritize your needs when pursuing compensation.
- No Fee Unless We Win — We aim to make our services more accessible to injured victims by taking cases on a contingency fee basis. Clients only pay our attorneys if they’re awarded a settlement. However, they may pay for some other case-related fees regardless of the case outcome.
Our San Bernardo County lawyers for Lyft accident cases are ready to review your case. Contact us to schedule your free initial consultation and find out more about how we might help you pursue the guilty parties responsible for your injuries.
What Our Clients Have To Say About Our Lyft Accident Lawyers
If you’d like to learn more about how your case may be handled by our Lyft accident lawyers, consider these reviews from our previous clients:
“I appreciate Arash Law firm for their invaluable assistance in my Lyft accident case.
The team’s guidance at every step was commendable. A special shout-out to my amazing Case Manager America for keeping me consistently updated throughout the entire process. Their professionalism and support made a challenging situation much more manageable.”
— Jimmique P. (Google Reviews)
“I highly recommend Arash law firm for any type of vehicular accident.
The process is simple and easy and smooth. I basically start the process from home with their team of professionals. The law firm guided me from the start to the completion of the case without any difficulties and or complication. Every aspect of the case were handled at my convenience as I recover from the accident. The law firm cater to my situation were everything handled from the comfort of my home. Thank you very much to Arash Law from the bofrom of my heart.”
— Edgar A. (Yelp)
Our San Bernardino County Lyft accident lawyers are knowledgeable about the statutes and insurance regulations surrounding rideshare accidents. We are here to help you understand your rights in case you’re injured in one.
Lyft’s Insurance Coverage For Accidents
Lyft’s liability can be difficult to establish. The fact that Lyft drivers are classified as independent contractors rather than employees means that, in many cases, the company cannot legally be held responsible for its drivers’ actions. Nevertheless, insurance coverage may be provided when accidents involving Lyft vehicles happen.
Rideshare trips are divided into different periods, with Lyft providing various coverages depending on the driver’s app status at the time of the accident. Our Lyft accident lawyers serving San Bernardino County can pinpoint which period applies to your case. However, please note that the policy limits listed below are likely to differ from the amount of compensation you may be eligible to pursue from Lyft itself. The different periods are as follows:
Period 0
During this time, the driver is offline on the Lyft app and driving for personal reasons. If an accident happens, the driver’s auto insurance, not Lyft’s, will cover the accident.
Period 1
This period begins when the driver goes online on the app but has not yet accepted a ride request. In an accident, Lyft offers liability coverage of up to $50,000 for each person injured, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
Period 2
Lyft’s liability coverage increases to up to $1 million if an accident happens when the driver accepts a trip and is traveling to the passenger’s pick-up location. Lyft’s insurance includes coverage for uninsured/underinsured motorists.
Period 3
In case an accident happens while the Lyft driver is actively transporting a passenger, Lyft offers the same $1 million coverage in Period 2.
Common Causes Of San Bernardino County Lyft Accidents
Ride-hailing has reinvented how people get around. These services aim to improve road safety by lowering traffic and discouraging drunk driving, but they increase the risk of accidents in certain ways. Among the potential causes of Lyft collisions that our San Bernardino accident attorneys often see are:
- Speeding, especially when driving on unfamiliar roads or in places with a lot of foot traffic.
- Inexperience, lack of training, and driver error, including the failure to stay in lane, communicate with other drivers, and maintain control of the vehicle.
- Fatigued driving, as some drivers might spend long, often irregular workdays for other jobs, or drive for many hours without taking a break.
- Nighttime driving is more likely to result in accidents in scenarios that combine heavy traffic and a potential lack of lighting.
- Vehicle defects and breakdowns due to faulty components or poor maintenance.
- Poor road conditions, including potholes and debris, worsened by inclement weather.
These factors are also common in other types of cases handled by our car accident lawyers. However, Lyft drivers, in particular, are prone to distracted driving accidents. They use their phones to see ride requests, take calls, or get directions. These distractions may take their attention off the road, significantly reducing their reaction time.
Hurt In A Lyft Accident?
Potential Injuries Sustained By Lyft Accident Victims
A lot of factors can affect the type and severity of your injuries. One example is the type, size, and weight of the vehicles involved. Our truck accident lawyers, for instance, observe that victims are more likely to sustain more severe injuries when heavier commercial vehicles collide with smaller passenger cars.
Here are some of the most common types of injuries Lyft accident victims sustain:
- Whiplash and other neck injuries.
- Back and spinal cord injuries.
- Head and traumatic brain injuries.
- Internal bleeding and organ damage.
- Lacerations and soft tissue injuries.
- Broken bones, including rib fractures.
- Partial or full paralysis.
- Traumatic or surgical amputation.
- Wrongful death.
Following a Lyft accident, you should seek medical attention immediately. You may feel fine, or you may think your injuries are not that severe, but some injuries don’t show symptoms until days later. By seeking medical care, you prevent your injuries from worsening and improve your chances of a full injury recovery. When seeking compensation, our San Bernardino County Lyft accident lawyers can also use your medical records to connect your injuries to the accident and potentially prove your damages.
Liable Parties In Your Lyft Accident
Part of our responsibility as Lyft accident lawyers is to look into the accident and identify the potential parties at fault. Multiple parties may be involved in Lyft accidents, which may add complexity to the situation. Nevertheless, our San Bernardino County personal injury attorneys handling Lyft accident cases can work to hold one or more of the following parties liable for injuries and other damages:
- The Lyft Driver — If you were a Lyft passenger, you may be able to file a claim with Lyft’s insurance. If a Lyft driver hits you while you are in another vehicle, you might seek damages from the driver’s or Lyft’s insurance, depending on the driver’s app status at the time of the accident.
- Lyft, Inc. — The rideshare giant is only liable in certain cases. It might have failed to screen its drivers adequately before hiring them. Our Lyft accident lawyers can help you look into the possibility of holding the company directly liable.
- Third Parties — If another motorist caused the Lyft accident, you’ll likely have to file a claim with their insurer; Lyft may then provide additional coverage. Other liable parties might include a pedestrian crossing despite the risk, a vehicle manufacturer for flaws, or the government agency responsible for road maintenance.
If the court finds the victim partially responsible for the accident, they might still be able to pursue compensation. California’s pure comparative negligence rule allows for the distribution of fault for an accident in case there are multiple parties involved.
The catch is that the amount of compensation a victim can seek is reduced by the percentage of their fault in causing the accident. For example, if the victim’s damages amount to $100,000 but they are found to be 25% liable, they may only be able to pursue $75,000.
How To Prove Negligence In A Lyft Accident
For you, the injured party, to pursue compensation under California’s fault system, you must first establish the responsible party’s negligence. Our San Bernardino County Lyft accident lawyers can help you do so by proving each of the following:
- The responsible party owed you a duty of care.
- The responsible party broke their duty of care.
- The breach directly caused the accident.
- The accident resulted in your injuries and losses.
To be able to pursue your claim, you and your lawyer must prove that someone else was at fault for the accident that caused your injuries. In case multiple parties are involved, the court will evaluate your case and determine the percentage of fault each party bears.
Damages You Can Potentially Seek In A Lyft Accident Claim
By filing an insurance claim or bringing a lawsuit, injured victims of Lyft accidents can seek damages. In most cases, you may be entitled to pursue two types of compensatory damages. Economic damages are measurable financial losses, while non-economic damages are intangible losses that are harder to quantify.
Our San Bernardino County Lyft accident attorneys can help injured victims potentially seek the following damages:
- Ongoing and future medical expenses, including doctor appointments, medications, surgeries, hospital stays, and rehabilitative therapy.
- Lost salaries and earning potential.
- Costs of repairing or replacing damaged property.
- Other out-of-pocket expenses, including in-home nursing care and replacement services.
- Physical discomfort and emotional suffering.
- Reduced or loss of enjoyment of life and activities.
- Loss of consortium or companionship.
- Burial and funeral expenses for a wrongful death.
- Punitive damages, but only in rare cases where the defendant’s actions were extremely negligent, intentional, or malicious.
If you decide to work with our Lyft accident lawyers on a valid claim, we can help calculate your damages thoroughly and estimate their potential worth. Doing so aims to help us review whether the settlement offers you receive align with the extent of your losses. We may negotiate these offers with insurance parties on your behalf and potentially bring your case to court if a settlement cannot be reached.
What To Do After Your Lyft Accident In San Bernardino County
Lyft accident victims might not know what to do after the crash. Our Lyft accident lawyers in San Bernardino County encourage you to remain calm and take certain steps so you can protect your well-being and your potential right to pursue compensation. For example:
- Move to a safe location, if possible, but do not leave the scene. Drivers who leave the scene of a crash may be charged with causing a hit-and-run accident. Check yourself and others involved for injuries. Call 911 and request help, providing as much detail as possible.
- Gather evidence if you can, including pictures and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, damage to the vehicle, and other relevant information like skid marks.
- Collect information from other parties involved, including their names, addresses, and contact and insurance details. Politely ask for witnesses’ contact information as well.
- Get medical help at the scene and in the hospital. Medical attention is critical to rule out serious injuries and document your accident-related damages.
- Avoid discussing the accident on social media and with anyone other than your lawyer. You might accidentally say or post something that weakens your potential claim for compensation.
- Do not accept insurance offers without legal counsel. While a large check may be tempting, you need to carefully review if it aligns with the actual value of your losses.
- Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 so our Lyft accident lawyers can review your claim. We can explain your legal rights and options so you can understand whether or not you can pursue compensation.
Evidence To Gather For Your Lyft Accident Case
To streamline the claims process, it can help to build a substantiated case backed by relevant supporting evidence. Our San Bernardino County Lyft accident lawyers can help you collect the necessary proof to demonstrate you weren’t responsible for the accident. If you can, gather critical evidence at the accident scene.
- Police Records — The official police report can help identify who may be at fault and offer an objective summary of the accident.
- Photo & Video Evidence — Visual proof showing your injuries, damage to the vehicle, and other relevant details can help provide an additional level of credibility to your claim.
- Eyewitness Testimonies — Statements from those who witnessed the accident can help verify your claim.
- Medical Records — These documents can prove how serious your injuries are, how they have affected your life, and that the accident directly caused them.
- Instances of Driver Negligence — Through an investigation, your Lyft accident lawyer may be able to obtain evidence of the driver’s negligent action, including speeding, distracted driving, or violating traffic regulations.
When our Lyft accident lawyers take on a case, it is part of our process to investigate it independently. We work to preserve all the necessary pieces of evidence to demonstrate the responsible party’s negligence and liability for the accident. Call (888) 488-1391 to learn if we may be able to do the same for you.
Gomez v. PG Transportation (settled on 8/11/2023) – settlement involving a man who was struck by a car resulting in a mild traumatic brain injury as well as other orthopedic injuries.– TINA ESHGHIEH
Statute Of Limitations For Lyft Accident Claims
In California, accident victims have two years to file a lawsuit against the liable party. This statute of limitations applies to all personal injury cases. For claims against a government agency, the deadline is six months. Some exceptions exist, like for minors or incapacitated defendants. Our San Bernardino County Lyft accident lawyers can help you file and pursue a valid claim within the applicable legal deadlines.
Rideshare Accident Statistics
Lyft’s latest report covering 2020 to 2022 indicates that safety incidents occurred in only 0.0002% of rides. The report also stated that 111 motor vehicle fatalities occurred, showing a 31% rise in incident frequency along with a 14% rise in vehicle miles traveled.
This may not look like a significant percentage, but you need to consider that Lyft’s nearly two million active drivers transported 20.3 million riders in 2022 in the U.S. and Canada. That percentage represents a substantial number of safety incidents. As ride-hailing services become part of the norm in transportation, accidents resulting in fatalities and injuries may thus become more likely to occur.
In fact, a 2019 University of Chicago study found that ridesharing is correlated with a 3% annual increase in traffic deaths nationwide, which translates to roughly 987 deaths per year. With Lyft and other ridesharing services growing by the minute, these figures may similarly rise in the coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Victims Have To Seek Medical Attention After A Lyft Accident, Even With A Minor Injury?
If you’ve been in a Lyft accident, see a doctor right away, even for minor injuries. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, might not show symptoms immediately. A comprehensive medical exam can help you receive the necessary care and maintain records that may support your compensation claim.
Is It Necessary To Report A Lyft Accident To The Police?
Part of your obligation after getting involved in an accident is to report it to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within ten (10) days. This is especially true if your crash resulted in extensive property damage, bodily injuries, or death. When law enforcement officers get to the scene of the collision, they will record the details and complete an official accident report.
When filing a claim for compensation, you can use this report to support your case. Speak with our Lyft accident lawyers in San Bernardino County, and we can assess whether we may obtain this report for you.
Can I Pursue Compensation If The Responsible Party Is Uninsured?
In case you’re a passenger in a Lyft ride and an uninsured driver crashes into your vehicle, Lyft’s $1 million liability insurance may cover the accident. In situations where Lyft’s coverage isn’t applicable, having supplementary damage coverage can be helpful. For example, MedPay can pay your hospital bills up to the extent of your coverage.
This also applies to underinsured motorist (UM) coverage, which may cover lost wages and additional costs related to your injury. In any case, our San Bernardino County Lyft accident lawyers can evaluate your case and help you look for other potential avenues for compensation if necessary.
Should I Negotiate With The Insurance Company After A Lyft Accident?
If insurance companies believe their insured is at fault, they’ll likely offer a settlement that aims to cover your losses. As an injured party, don’t accept an offer without having an attorney look at it first. Experienced Lyft accident lawyers in San Bernardino County can evaluate your case and calculate the potential value of your damages. They’ll aim to help you review the offers you receive so you can decide whether to accept or counter them. In the case of the latter, we may be able to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
Will I Go To Court When Pursuing A Compensation Claim?
Most injury claims are settled out of court. Still, settlements aren’t always certain. Our San Bernardino County Lyft accident lawyers can discuss all possible scenarios regarding your claim. In the event your case does proceed to trial, you may be called to testify in court. Your experienced attorney can help prepare you for both situations.
How Much Is My Lyft Accident Worth?
It’s not easy to estimate the amount of a Lyft accident settlement. Various factors are at play, such as the severity of your injuries and how they affect your life. More serious injuries may lead to higher settlements that cover medical costs, mental distress, and other expenses, though this is not a hard and fast rule. Future medical expenses and lost income might also be factored into the payment if these injuries result in long-term impairments or disabilities.
What Happens When A Lyft Driver Hits A Pedestrian?
Accidents involving pedestrians can potentially result in severe injuries. As the injured party seeking compensation, it is your responsibility to demonstrate that you sustained significant damages after being struck by a Lyft. Your San Bernardino County Lyft accident attorney can help you obtain and present evidence of the driver’s negligence.
How Much Do San Bernardino County Lyft Accident Lawyers Charge?
There’s no average cost for legal representation after a Lyft accident in San Bernardino. How much a lawyer charges you usually depends on the facts of your case, such as the number of parties involved or whether it needs to be litigated. However, our San Bernardino County Lyft accident lawyers likely won’t make you pay us up front. Under our contingency fee arrangement, we only collect a pre-arranged percentage of the award or settlement if our client is awarded compensation. However, they could still be responsible for some other court costs and case expenses as outlined in our fee agreement.
Contact Arash Law’s San Bernardino County Lyft Accident Lawyers
Call us at (888) 488-1391 or complete our “Do I Have A Case?” form for a free initial consultation if you are injured or if someone you love was killed in a Lyft accident. We can personally address your concerns and help you understand the claims process. More importantly, our Lyft accident lawyers can help you understand whether you can pursue compensation for your injuries and other losses.
Our San Bernardino County Lyft accident lawyers also serve the following neighborhoods: Tecopa, Shoshone, Desert Hot Springs, Sky Valley, Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Palm Desert, Indio, Coachella, Beaumont, San Jacinto, Hemet, Moreno Valley, Riverside, Perris, Menifee, Corona, Los Angeles, and Anaheim. However, you can consult Arash Law after being injured in other accidents that take place throughout California.
