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 County Lyft Accident Attorneys Are Dedicated To Finding A Solution For You And Your Family
Ridesharing services have indeed transformed the transportation industry in San Francisco, with residents using Lyft to save money on gas and car maintenance. However, the increased usage of such services has also led to a higher risk of road accidents. If you are injured while riding a Lyft, call our San Francisco County Lyft accident attorneys at (888) 488-1391.
San Francisco County has an array of tourist attractions, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the San Francisco Giants’ Oracle Stadium, to name a few. Tourists and even locals rush from one attraction to another, using Lyft to save time and enjoy 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, you must know who to turn to. Look no further than our San Francisco law firm, founded by Arash Khorsandi, Esq. With many decades of experience in personal injury cases, Arash Law has assisted thousands of individuals and won over $500 Million in compensation. 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 County Lawyers To Win Your Lyft Accident Claim
Our accident lawyers are always on top of the changing rules and regulations in San Francisco regarding TNC services, ensuring that we can use every applicable law to prove negligence and pursue maximum compensation.
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, Lyft and Uber accident claims receive little attention from other law firms. Unlike our competitors, we never back down from a challenge.
- Investigating thoroughly and collecting evidence
- Giving you access to top medical specialists
- Employing the services of the best financial experts
- Providing you with complimentary transportation
- Helping you get your car fixed or replaced
You can reach our lawyers 24/7 via our landline and website. We have multilingual staff members, so we can comfortably discuss your case. Feel free to visit us in our office in San Francisco, as well as other locations in California, including San Jose, Riverside, Los Angeles, Sacramento, and more. If you can’t physically come to us, our legal team will meet you at your location instead.
Additionally, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means we don’t get paid if we don’t win your case. It demonstrates how confident our San Francisco County attorneys are in handling your Lyft accident claim.
Typically, we don’t emphasize our successes and milestones. Instead, we let our satisfied clients speak of our proven track record. Our thousands of client testimonials can help you decide whether we’re the right partner for you.
Common Causes Of Lyft Accidents
Considering that Lyft allows non-professional drivers to drive (in California, at least one year of licensed driving experience is needed to apply), road accidents have become more frequent. Based on our experience handling hundreds of cases involving the rideshare service, we have identified the most common reasons why Lyft drivers get into 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 radio station
Similarly, a variety of things besides their cell phones also cause Lyft drivers to become distracted. These 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
Lyft drivers are primarily part-time workers who may 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 for as long as they can. It only becomes a concern when a person knows they are tired and lacking sleep 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 experiences significantly reduced alertness and reaction times.
Car Malfunctions
Normally, a car should undergo mandatory preventative maintenance every six months or every 30,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, many Lyft drivers neglect this task to save on costs.
Lyft’s drivers use their own cars, making it difficult to ascertain that each one maintains their unit up to standard. When they fail to do so, they risk experiencing malfunctions like:
- Tire blowouts
- Engine and 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, it’s best to consult with Lyft accident lawyers who also specialize in handling car malfunctions in San Francisco County.
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 others.
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), 1,370 people were killed in alcohol-related auto accidents in 2021. An even more shocking fact is that the number has increased by 16% 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, contact our personal injury attorneys. We will guide you 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. As a result, the drivers create a self-imposed quota and do anything to meet it, 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
Get in touch with our Lyft accident attorneys in San Francisco County if you believe the driver’s reckless behavior caused your injury. We will ensure to get evidence of their negligence.
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 all major highways, but it is automatically reduced to 55 mph when it rains to prevent any accidents on slippery roads.
Authorities advise all motorists to maintain a slow speed during rainy weather and ensure that their wipers are working well so their visibility will not be obstructed, helping avoid an accident.
Poor Road Conditions
Potholes and poor road signage are among the most common traffic hazards. Frequently, they result in motorists losing control of their vehicles, which can lead to serious injuries or even death.
Lyft drivers pass through several streets and highways in San Francisco County every day. They are likely to encounter dangerous road conditions that might contribute to accidents.
Common Lyft Accident Injuries
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Bone fractures
- Internal injuries
- Severed limbs
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Wrongful death
Additionally, mental health issues are prevalent among Lyft accident victims. Examples are:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Adjustment disorder
- New phobias
- Depression
- Anxiety
No matter the severity, we always encourage injured victims to seek immediate medical attention. Doctors will be able to determine the extent of their condition and uncover any other possible injuries to prevent further health complications.
Likewise, we urge all victims to get in touch with our Lyft accident attorneys in San Francisco County. We will discuss how to hold the driver and other liable parties responsible for paying for medical expenses and property damage.
Compensation For Lyft Accident Victims
If you are injured while riding in a Lyft vehicle, you may be able to make a compensation claim. You can secure economic as well as non-economic damages from Lyft with the help of our San Francisco County accident lawyers.
Economic damages are any quantifiable financial losses. Medical bills, salary wages, and even your ability to provide for your family are all classified as such. They may also include the costs of repairing any damaged property.
Non-economic damages refer to losses that are not quantifiable. They include pain and suffering, the loss of enjoyment in life, the loss of a spouse, and bodily disfigurement. Other examples are mental health disorders that resulted from the accident.
These types of losses can be reimbursed financially. Our personal injury attorneys apply specific methods to calculate them. To know how much you deserve, 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 accept some responsibility for the accident, expect their legal team and insurance company to defend themselves aggressively. To minimize payouts, they might exploit loopholes and attempt to shift 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.
- Other drivers on the road
- Maintenance companies
- Other third-parties
Our San Francisco County Lyft accident attorneys have handled numerous cases. We specialize in protecting our clients from victim-blaming and preserving their innocence, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve.
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.
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 deems them 30% responsible for this incident.
The driver’s claim will 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. Nonetheless, our San Francisco County attorneys, who consistently win Lyft accident cases, will determine all liable individuals and companies. We will make sure they pay for your injuries.
Lyft’s Liability And Insurance Coverage
In determining the driver’s and Lyft’s liability in an accident, the following factors must be considered:
- The Lyft driver has logged onto the app even without a passenger.
- The Lyft driver has accepted a booking and is on their way to pick up the passenger.
- The Lyft driver has picked up a passenger and is on their way to their destination.
If a Lyft driver gets into a traffic accident while bearing the factors mentioned above, they would then be responsible for the victim’s injuries as well as any damages to other vehicles. The rideshare service’s third-party liability insurance would typically apply.
However, if the app is off, the driver is assumed to be using the vehicle for personal purposes. As such, their personal auto insurance policy would apply, and Lyft would not be liable for any damages.
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 per accident for property damage
- If, on the other hand, the Lyft driver has accepted a booking or is with a passenger, the claimant will be covered by its insurance policy as follows:
- At least $1 million for the total liability
- First-party coverages, including for uninsured and underinsured motorists
- Comprehensive & collision coverage up to the car’s actual value with a $2,500 deductible (only for drivers with comprehensive & collision coverage on their personal auto policy)
Should these policies confuse you, our San Francisco County Lyft accident lawyers can explain them further in line with your situation.
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.
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 Is Beneficial
Lyft is a large company with highly skilled lawyers protecting its interests. To level the playing field and increase your chances of success, you need a skilled attorney by your side.
Our San Francisco County lawyers have counseled Lyft accident victims who had been intimidated by representatives before partnering with us. They could be highly persuasive, pressuring claimants to drop the case. We can protect you from such things by fiercely advocating for your rights to compensation.
Arash Law has extensive experience and knowledge of handling Lyft cases. Our team knows every step of this lengthy, tedious process, and we’ll handle it all for you. You can focus on your recovery while we protect your rights and secure the maximum compensation amount you deserve.
What Should I Do After A Lyft Accident?
- 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.
- Start taking photos or videos of your injuries, surroundings, and your car’s damage if your vehicle gets hit. These will be your primary evidence; keep them.
- 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 unmask any other possible injury to prevent health complications.
- Talk to our San Francisco County Lyft accident attorneys to begin the claims process.
Lyft Accident Statistics
As of writing, Lyft has not released its latest accident statistics. But, 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 can take around three to six 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
That said, based on the cases that we have handled, no client waited for too long to get their claim. Arash Law’s attorneys are known for swiftly handling settlements with insurance companies. Most of the time, our cases don’t need to reach the courtroom.
Please contact our attorneys in San Francisco County to discuss your Lyft accident. We can estimate how long it will take and how much compensation you deserve.
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’s best 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 will apply. They will share responsibility based on their respective levels of contribution to the accident. The claimant will then receive an award that has been reduced by their percentage of fault.
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. With extensive experience, our Lyft accident attorneys in San Francisco County can immediately determine whether the victim is partly responsible for the incident or not. Even so, we will do everything to secure the highest compensation possible. We have won hundreds of such cases with millions in settlements.
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. The driver must also ensure the passenger’s safety in the event of an accident, such as by assisting them out of the vehicle and moving the car from the traffic to avoid other 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 The Best Lyft Accident Attorneys San Francisco County Trusts Today!
When you suffer injuries in an accident, you suffer both physically and financially. It’s unfair to carry these burdens due to another’s negligence. As such, we must make sure that the responsible party is held accountable for all the damages or losses you incur.
Our San Francisco County Lyft accident lawyers only have two goals: to keep you healthy and to get you the maximum compensation you deserve. Call us now at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation, and let’s start planning our strategy for winning 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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