San Francisco County Lyft Accident Attorneys
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Our San Francisco Lyft Accident Attorneys Are Dedicated To Finding A Solution For You And Your Family
Ridesharing services have transformed the transportation industry in San Francisco, with residents using Lyft to save money on gas and car maintenance. However, the increased usage of ride-hailing services has also led to a higher risk of road accidents. If you are injured in a rideshare crash, call our San Francisco Lyft accident attorneys at (888) 488-1391.
San Francisco County boasts a diverse array of tourist attractions, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and Oracle Park (formerly known as the San Francisco Giants’ AT&T Park), to name a few. Tourists and even locals rush from one attraction to another, using Lyft to save time and make the most of every moment.
Unfortunately, pleasant moments can suddenly turn disastrous when a Lyft accident occurs. For this reason, guests and residents are advised to be cautious on the roads to avoid motor vehicle collisions.
When an incident does happen, a legal counsel can help protect your rights. Our San Francisco law firm is available to guide you through your legal options. With decades of experience in personal injury cases, Arash Law has assisted individuals in pursuing compensation for their losses. Feel free to contact us using this online form.
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
Why Hire Our San Francisco Lawyers For Your Lyft Accident Claim
Our accident lawyers stay up-to-date with the changing rules and regulations in San Francisco regarding TNC services. This practice enables us to utilize every applicable law when establishing negligence and pursuing fair compensation for damages.
Litigation experience is simply one of many factors to consider when selecting Lyft accident attorneys in San Francisco County. Having a comprehensive grasp of ridesharing law is another thing. Unfortunately, due to their complexity compared to other car accident cases, claims involving Lyft and Uber accidents can be overwhelming to manage independently. Our San Francisco Lyft accident attorneys can guide you throughout the claims process and can handle the legal matters on your behalf.
When you partner with us, our legal team aims to assist you with the following:
- Investigating thoroughly and collecting evidence.
- Facilitate referrals to local medical professionals.
- Employing the services of financial analysts to help estimate your losses.
- Managing communications and negotiations with insurance companies.
- Representing you in court if necessary.
- Providing you with complimentary transportation, if needed.
- Helping you pursue compensation for property damage and car repair costs.
You can reach out to us via our landline and website. Our staff can arrange for translation services if you’d like to discuss your case in your preferred language. Feel free to visit our office in California. If any reason is preventing you from visiting us, our legal team can meet you at a location of your choosing.
Additionally, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t have to pay attorney fees unless compensation is obtained. Please be aware that clients are still responsible for certain case-related costs regardless of the outcome. Under this fee structure, you can gain access to legal counsel without worrying about upfront legal costs. Our San Francisco Lyft accident attorneys will discuss this arrangement and potential costs during your free case review.
Common Causes Of Lyft Accidents
Lyft’s policy for allowing non-professional drivers to drive (in California, at least one year of licensed driving experience is needed to apply) has contributed to the increase in traffic accidents. Through our experience with rideshare accident cases, we have observed the common reasons why Lyft drivers are involved in accidents.
Distracted Driving
In general, distracted driving is one of the major causes of car accidents in the United States. But Lyft drivers are more susceptible to this as they spend more time taking their eyes away from the road and using their phones more often to:
- Check for new bookings.
- Check GPS.
- Call or text their passengers who are waiting at the pick-up point.
- Select music on their phone or tune in to a radio station.
Other factors that can also cause Lyft drivers to become distracted include:
- Scanning for passengers on the sidewalk, waiting sheds, etc.
- Eating and drinking while driving.
- Looking at outdoor advertisements.
- Talking to their passengers.
Driver Fatigue
Many Lyft drivers are primarily part-time workers who work full shifts before picking up passengers and driving them to their destinations. Even full-time drivers may engage in drowsy driving, pushing themselves to work long hours to get more passengers and earn more.
There’s nothing wrong with doing side hustles or working as long as they can. However, it may become a concern when a person knows they are exhausted and sleep-deprived but still drives, potentially putting their passengers at risk.
Driving while fatigued is similar to driving with a blood alcohol level just above the legal limit. In both situations, a person can experience significantly reduced alertness and reaction times.
Car Malfunctions
Typically, cars are recommended to undergo preventative maintenance every six months or every 30,000 miles, whichever comes first. Because Lyft drivers use their personal cars, it can be difficult to verify that each vehicle receives maintenance according to these guidelines. When they fail to do so, they risk experiencing malfunctions like:
- Tire Blowouts
- Engine & Transmission Failures
- Steering Issues
- Faulty Electrical Wiring
- Brake Failures
However, some auto defects are the result of carelessness on the part of the manufacturer. The vehicle or a certain part might be faulty due to its design or manufacturing process. In these cases, consulting San Francisco Lyft accident lawyers who handle cases involving car malfunctions can explain legal implications and help your claim.
Driving Under The Influence (DUI)
Throughout the country, driving under the influence is a constant problem. Although government agencies continually remind drivers to stay off the roads when intoxicated, some continue to do so, risking their lives and those of others.
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), 1,355 people were killed in alcohol-related auto accidents in 2023. The number has decreased 4.5% from the previous year.
Lyft has been doing its part to keep its drivers sober. Still, some disregard the company’s guidelines and warnings, resulting in fatal car accidents.
If you have been injured in a Lyft accident in San Francisco County, consider contacting our personal injury attorneys. We will assess your case and provide guidance on how to proceed with your claim.
Reckless Driving
Unlike day jobs with fixed hourly rates, driving for Lyft has a different payment structure that’s based on the driver’s number of completed trips. Some drivers may feel pressure to complete more trips in less time, which can contribute to risky driving behaviors, such as:
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Disregarding Traffic Signs
- Running Red Lights
These reckless driving behaviors often result in various motor vehicle accidents, including:
- Rear-End Collisions
- Side-Impact Collisions
- Head-On Collisions
- Rollover Accidents
- Side-Swipe Collisions
If you believe the driver’s reckless behavior caused your injury, our Lyft accident attorneys in San Francisco County can help you understand your rights and the necessary steps to pursue an insurance claim. We will work diligently to investigate the case and gather evidence to establish negligence, which is an essential element in the claims process.
Inclement Weather
Unpredictable weather conditions are also one of the leading causes of accidents in the United States. The Department of Transportation (DOT) reports that there are nearly 5,700 fatalities and over half a million injuries in wet pavement crashes annually in the entire country.
California has a 65 mph speed limit on major highways, but it is automatically reduced to 55 mph when it rains to prevent any accidents on slippery roads.
Authorities advise motorists to maintain a slow speed during rainy weather and keep their wipers in good working condition so their visibility will not be obstructed, helping avoid an accident.
Poor Road Conditions
Potholes and inadequate road signage are common traffic hazards that can increase the risk of accidents. Lyft drivers in San Francisco County navigate a variety of streets and highways daily, where such dangerous road conditions may be present and could potentially contribute to collisions.
Common Lyft Accident Injuries
Over the years of working with Lyft accident victims, our San Francisco County lawyers have observed that whiplash, contusions, and lacerations are the most common injuries. In more severe cases, clients have sustained injuries that significantly impacted their daily lives, such as:
- Back Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Bone Fractures
- Internal Injuries
- Severed Limbs
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Additionally, Lyft accident victims may also suffer from mental health issues, including:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Adjustment Disorder
- New Phobias
- Depression
- Anxiety
No matter the severity of their injuries, accident victims need to seek immediate medical attention. Doctors can assess the extent of their condition, identify hidden injuries, and provide appropriate medical care to prevent further health complications.
Additionally, victims may seek legal representation by getting in touch with our Lyft accident attorneys in San Francisco County. We will discuss how you may be able to hold the driver and other liable parties responsible for paying for your medical expenses, property damage, and related losses.
Compensation For Lyft Accident Victims
If you are injured while riding in a Lyft vehicle, you may be able to pursue a compensation claim. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you can seek economic and non-economic damages from Lyft. Our San Francisco County accident lawyer can help identify the available compensation and estimate the potential value of your claim.
Economic damages are any quantifiable financial losses, such as medical bills, salary wages, and earning potential. They may also include the costs of repairing any damaged property.
Non-economic damages refer to losses that are intangible and often difficult to quantify. They include pain and suffering, the loss of enjoyment in life, the loss of companionship, and bodily disfigurement. Other examples are mental health disorders that resulted from the accident.
These types of losses may be reimbursed financially through a legal claim. Our personal injury attorneys apply specific methods to calculate them. To learn about potential compensation for your case, reach out to our San Francisco County Lyft accident attorneys by calling (888) 488-1391.
Who Is At Fault In Lyft Accidents?
California is an “at-fault” state, where the person who causes the accident is liable for the victim’s injuries and property damage. The same applies to Lyft; the authorities will evaluate whether the driver, the company, or anyone else is at fault.
However, car accident cases involving Lyft are more complicated. An internal investigation is necessary to confirm whether the driver was logged into the app at the time of the incident. If yes, Lyft’s third-party liability insurance may apply. If not, the driver might be solely at fault and will have to settle the damages with the victim without Lyft’s involvement.
While Lyft may acknowledge some responsibility for the accident, please be aware that their legal team and insurance company are likely to defend their position assertively. To minimize payouts, they may look for factors that could affect liability, including shifting blame to the victim. Be cautious with your words and actions, as they could be used to weaken your claim or even make you appear partially at fault.
Note that rideshare incidents may involve more than one party responsible for the resulting injuries, which can include:
- Other Drivers on the Road
- Maintenance Companies
- Other Third-Parties
Our San Francisco County Lyft accident attorneys have handled rideshare cases involving multiple at-fault parties. We carefully gather evidence, assess liability, and evaluate the proportion of fault among all involved. Our team is committed to helping our clients protect their rights to seek just compensation for their losses.
Comparative Fault System In California
California follows the comparative fault principle when it comes to personal injury cases. As an extension, San Francisco County also follows this rule.
In an accident, the authorities will investigate the actions of all parties involved to determine the level of negligence. As a result, a percentage of participation will be allotted to each party. If the victim is found to be partly responsible, their claim would be reduced accordingly.
To demonstrate comparative fault, here’s an example:
A driver exits parallel parking and is rear-ended by a Lyft vehicle. Then, they sue the rideshare driver for property damage and minor injuries. However, CCTV footage shows them not checking the side mirror before leaving the parking spot. As a result, the court may deem them 30% responsible for this incident.
The driver’s claim may be reduced by their percentage of fault, which is 30% in this case. If their total damages amounted to $100,000, they would only receive $70,000 after deducting $30,000.
Comparative fault can be a tricky subject, as multiple parties can share liability for a single incident. Our San Francisco County Lyft accident attorney can help identify all potentially liable parties, evaluate the proportion of fault among them, and develop the legal arguments needed to support your case. We can help you file a personal injury claim against them to pursue compensation for damages.
Lyft’s Liability And Insurance Coverage
In determining the driver’s and Lyft’s liability in an accident, the following factors must be considered:
Statute Of Limitations On Lyft Accidents In California
California imposes a two-year deadline for filing a personal injury claim or lawsuit. Yet, there are some exemptions to the statute of limitations in situations involving:
- Minor Victims — The deadline will be suspended if the parents or guardians of the underage victim decide not to pursue the case. The plaintiff will still have two years after their 18th birthday to file a claim.
- Delayed Discovery — If the injury is discovered later than the accident, the statute of limitations will start from the date that the victim found out about it.
- Government — Victims must file a claim with the respective government agency within six months.
Missing deadlines may result in the forfeiture of your case. Seeking prompt legal help from a Lyft accident lawyer in San Francisco County can help preserve your rights to compensation. They can explain your deadlines and initiate the claims process as soon as possible. Moreover, our attorneys can represent you in court proceedings, though your presence may be required for key events like providing testimony.
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
How Hiring Our San Francisco County Lawyers After Your Lyft Accident Can Be Beneficial
Lyft is a large company with skilled lawyers protecting its interests. While you are not legally required to hire a lawyer, having one can guide you through the claims process, help meet important deadlines, and advocate for your rights throughout your case
Our San Francisco County lawyers have counseled Lyft accident victims who were hesitating to file a claim or considered dropping their case before partnering with us. We can guide you through each step of the legal process, explaining your options, potential challenges, and what to expect when pursuing a Lyft accident claim.
Arash Law has years of experience in handling Lyft cases. Our team is knowledgeable in the complexities of rideshare cases and can manage the legal requirements on your behalf. You can focus on your well-being while we protect your rights and seek compensation for your losses.
What Should I Do After A Lyft Accident?
Having handled Lyft collision cases, our attorneys in San Francisco County have compiled a guide on what to do in the event of an accident. The following steps may help protect your safety and rights:
- Check yourself for any injuries.
- Go to a safer area away from passing vehicles, preferably by the roadside. Do not leave the scene.
- Call 911 for police and medics.
- Take photos or videos of your injuries, surroundings, and damage to your vehicle if it was hit. These can help support your claim.
- Get the name, address, cellphone, email, and insurance details of the Lyft driver.
- Ask for eyewitnesses. Get their contact details and ask for their permission to testify.
- Report the incident using the Lyft app.
- Contact your insurance company and explain your situation.
- Seek a doctor for further medical assessment and uncover any hidden injuries to prevent health complications.
- Talk to a San Francisco County Lyft accident attorney to help you understand your rights and guide you throughout the claims process.
Furthermore, avoid disclosing any sensitive information to anyone, especially insurance adjusters, in order to protect your rights. Never apologize, as well, since saying sorry might imply that you’re admitting fault, which could be used to devalue or deny your claim.
Lyft Accident Statistics
As of writing, Lyft has not released its latest accident statistics. However, according to the U.S. National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), ridesharing services like Lyft have been associated with an increase of around 3% in road fatalities and injuries nationwide. In its 2021 report, OTS revealed that there were 4,232 traffic accident fatalities and injuries in San Francisco County.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lyft Accidents
How Long Does A Lyft Case Take To Settle?
On average, a simple Lyft accident claim may take several months. But some complicated cases can take longer to settle due to various reasons, like:
- The at-fault party has not been clearly established.
- The victim declines Lyft’s undervalued offer.
- Lyft does not agree with the claim amount demanded by the victim.
- The negligent parties refuse to accept liability.
Arash Law’s attorneys strive to resolve cases efficiently. We aim to settle claims without going to trial. However, please be aware that prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our San Francisco County Lyft accident lawyers are available to discuss your Lyft accident. We can help calculate your potential compensation and work to keep your case moving forward.
Can I Sue Lyft After An Accident?
Yes, but only in some cases. The company itself isn’t usually liable for the resulting damages because Lyft drivers are not considered employees. Rather, they are acting as contractors.
If you get injured in an accident involving a Lyft car, the driver’s personal auto policy insurance and/or the rideshare service’s third-party liability will apply. That said, certain circumstances may allow you to sue the company, such as when they:
- Failed to do a proper background check on a driver who turned out to have a history of traffic violations.
- Knew that the driver had a history of reckless driving, but hired them anyway.
- Failed to enforce safety standards, contributing to an accident.
It is generally advisable to work with San Francisco County Lyft accident attorneys who are familiar with these situations. Find out if you have a valid claim by filling out our “Do I Have A Case?” form. Our lawyers will reach out to you to discuss your legal options.
What If Two Drivers Are At Fault For A Lyft Accident?
In an incident where both drivers are at fault, the comparative fault rule generally applies. Each driver’s level of fault is assessed, and any compensation awarded to the injured party may be reduced in proportion to their own share of responsibility.
Can I Still Claim Compensation If I Contributed To The Lyft Accident?
In California, the injured can still claim compensation even if they were up to 99% at fault. Our Lyft accident attorneys in San Francisco County can help assess the extent of any responsibility you may have. They can also guide you through your options for seeking the compensation available in your situation.
What Is The Duty Of The Lyft Driver In Case Of An Accident?
When a Lyft driver accepts a passenger’s booking, their primary responsibility is to take them to their destination safely. In case of an accident, the driver must also take reasonable steps to protect the passenger’s safety, like helping them out of the car and moving it from traffic to prevent further collisions.
Furthermore, Lyft drivers are required to cooperate with the authorities, share their contact and insurance policy information, and file separate incident reports with the rideshare company.
Call Our Lyft Accident Attorneys In San Francisco County
An accident can leave you dealing with injuries that impact you physically and financially. As such, our San Francisco Lyft Accident Attorneys work diligently to help you seek accountability from the responsible party for all the losses you incur.
Our Lyft accident lawyers in San Francisco provide legal guidance to support your recovery and help you pursue compensation under the law. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation, and let’s start planning our strategy for your case.
In addition to San Francisco County, our Lyft accident attorneys also offer our services to nearby areas, including Hillsborough, San Bruno, Miramar, San Mateo County, Oakland, Alameda County, Emeryville, San Rafael, San Quentin, and Marin County.
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