Santa Clara 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.
Our Experienced Santa Clara County Lyft Accident Lawyers Are Committed To Support Injury Victims
Ridesharing services offer easy and safe on-demand transportation. However, they are not immune to road accidents. If you’re injured in one, our Santa Clara County Lyft accident lawyers will assist you in pursuing compensation for your injuries and losses. Call (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
Santa Clara County is less than 60 miles away from San Francisco, the birthplace of the ride-hailing giant Lyft. Over the years, Lyft has become a popular transportation option in Santa Clara. It provides a simple and affordable way to get to work, run your errands, or travel anywhere else in the county.
Unfortunately, the rideshare service also sees its fair share of accidents that result in unimaginable pain and suffering to victims. If you’ve been injured in a Lyft crash, you need legal representation to help you seek justice and monetary compensation to cover your accident-related expenses.
Arash Law advocates for the rights and interests of injured victims and has experience dealing with large corporations, such as Lyft. Discuss your case with us, and our legal team will guide you through your options.
Why Hire Arash Law Santa Clara County Lyft Accident Lawyers
Our Santa Clara injury law firm offers legal services and representation backed by years of experience dealing with Lyft and other ridesharing companies. Our services include the following:
- Legal Knowledge — Our Lyft accident attorneys will use their experience and knowledge of personal injury and ridesharing laws to determine liability. Afterward, we will craft an evidence-backed argument for your claim and pursue a fair settlement.
- Personalized Strategy — We will take the time to hear your story, respond to your questions and concerns, and devise a legal strategy that suits your goals and needs. Our injury lawyers understand that every client is unique and requires personalized attention.
- Resources & Network — Our Lyft accident lawyers in Santa Clara County have the resources to examine your case thoroughly so that no detail is overlooked. We will tap our network to obtain testimonies from accident reconstructionists, medical specialists, and financial experts.
- No Win, No Fee — We take cases on a contingency basis, which means you don’t have to pay attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Instead of paying us up front, we will only receive payment based on our agreed-upon percentage of the compensation recovered, although clients are still responsible for certain case costs regardless of the outcome. Our lawyers will explain our fee structure and potential costs during your free initial consultation.
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
Why Injured Victims Seek Our Santa Clara County Lyft Accident Lawyers
Our experienced Santa Clara County Lyft accident lawyers are committed to providing skilled legal representation to help injured victims seek compensation for their losses. The lawyers at Arash Law have handled various Lyft accident cases and are ready to assist with yours. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 to begin your pursuit of fair compensation.
How Our Lyft Accident Attorneys Can Help You
Our Santa Clara County Lyft accident lawyers can pursue monetary compensation on behalf of injured victims. We can build an accident case using the evidence available to establish the potentially responsible party’s negligence. We use our legal knowledge and experience to assist you in the following ways:
- We will conduct a thorough and impartial investigation to identify who may be responsible for your Lyft accident. Our lawyers can collect police reports, photographic and video evidence, eyewitness statements, and other pieces of evidence.
- Our attorneys can assess your case to estimate an appropriate value for the compensation you may be entitled to. Aside from your medical bills, other damages you may pursue include lost income, property damage, and emotional pain.
- Our Lyft accident lawyers are familiar with Lyft’s insurance policies. We can negotiate on your behalf, keeping the discussions centered on fair compensation. Lyft and its insurance company may try to challenge the extent of their responsibility. Our attorneys can help you protect your rights throughout the claims process.
- Arash Law advocates for your rights and is ready to take legal action and represent you in court if a settlement cannot be reached during negotiations.
Lyft’s Insurance Policy
In California, employers may be held responsible for their employees’ negligence on the job. However, Lyft drivers are classified as independent contractors, not employees, which complicates liability in an accident. Despite this, Lyft and similar companies must have insurance policies covering accidents with their drivers, with coverage details depending on the driver’s app status during the incident. Understanding these policies and identifying which ones apply to a specific case may require the knowledge of Lyft accident lawyers in Santa Clara.
Your Lyft driver’s insurance coverage is governed by three distinct periods including:
Period 0
Accidents that happen during Period 0, when the driver is not logged into the Lyft app, are covered by the driver’s auto insurance, not by Lyft’s insurance. Your Santa Clara Lyft accident attorneys can help you file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Lyft requires its drivers to carry an auto insurance policy meeting minimum coverage limits set by the state. In California, the minimum requirements are:
- $30,000 for injury or death to one person.
- $60,000 for injury or death to more than one person.
- $15,000 for property damage.
Period 1
Period 1 starts when the Lyft driver logs into the app, indicating they’re ready for a ride request but have no pickup request yet. Lyft provides the following coverage for accidents during this period:
- $25,000 for property damage.
- $50,000 for injury per person.
- $100,000 for injury per accident.
Period 2
During Period 2, when a Lyft driver is en route to pick up a passenger and gets into an accident, Lyft offers $1 million in liability coverage.
Period 3
Period 3 begins when the passenger enters the Lyft vehicle and continues until the end of the ride. Coverage for accidents during this period is the same as in Period 2.
It’s crucial to remember that Lyft’s insurance only covers accidents that happen when the driver is online and working for the company. It’s also dependent on the driver retaining their auto insurance policy.
Contact our experienced Santa Clara Lyft accident lawyers. We’ll help you understand and work through these complex rideshare regulations.
Common Causes Of Lyft Accidents In Santa Clara, CA
The factors behind most Lyft accidents are the same as those of other car accidents, with driver error being one of the primary causes. It’s essential to understand these causes in order to identify the potentially liable party. Our Santa Clara lawyers, well-versed in Lyft accident cases, have compiled the following common factors:
Phone Usage & Other Distractions
Our Santa Clara Lyft accident lawyers highlight that Lyft accidents can occur due to distracted driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes that not looking at the road for even five seconds at 55 mph is equivalent to driving blind for the distance of a football field. Distractions can include eating, talking to passengers, reaching for objects, or external distractions. Particularly for Lyft drivers, using their phones to navigate the app for ride requests and directions poses a significant risk.
Fatigued Driving
Lyft mandates a six-hour break for drivers after every 12 hours of driving to prevent drowsy driving accidents. However, this policy doesn’t consider drivers’ potential exhaustion from other jobs, posing a risk on the road. In case of an accident, our Santa Clara Lyft accident attorneys can access driving logs to demonstrate that a driver’s fatigue may have been a contributing factor.
Driving Under The Influence
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal and dangerous, as it impairs a driver’s abilities, increasing the risk of serious accidents. In Santa Clara County, alcohol-related traffic accidents remain a serious concern, with data from UC Berkeley’s SWITRS showing ongoing fatalities from impaired driving incidents.
Our DUI lawyers for accident victims are committed to seeking compensation on behalf of our clients. If you were injured or lost a loved one due to a drunk Lyft or third-party driver, contact our Santa Clara Lyft accident lawyers.
Reckless Driving
Reckless drivers might speed or tailgate, increasing accident risks by losing control or not having enough time to react to sudden stops. Our Lyft accident attorneys in Santa Clara have dealt with such cases, offering legal help for those wanting to pursue claims or lawsuits against such drivers.
Lack Of Maintenance
Lyft vehicles must be from 2008 or newer and free from salvage titles. They undergo inspections for safety. However, due to frequent use, they may experience more wear and tear. To mitigate this, Lyft collaborates with body shops for maintenance and diagnostics. Despite these efforts, not all drivers may adhere to regular vehicle maintenance, potentially leading to issues like tire blowouts or worn brake pads that could cause accidents.
Failure To Yield
Our Lyft accident lawyers in Santa Clara have seen many types of road accidents. Sadly, plenty of these were caused by drivers who refuse to yield the right of way. Like other motorists, Lyft drivers must yield to pedestrians. A distracted Lyft driver might miss a pedestrian crossing the street. Young children, in particular, might be unable to see the approaching vehicle or react quickly enough to avoid it.
Inclement Weather & Poor Road Conditions
Inclement weather can lead to slick roadways. Drivers must adjust their driving accordingly or risk losing control of their vehicles. Moreover, the low visibility caused by heavy rain might affect the driver’s vision.
Poor road conditions, including potholes, road defects, and debris from construction zones, also contribute to Lyft accidents. Inclement weather worsens these conditions, further increasing the risk of accidents. Our car accident lawyers in Santa Clara who handle Lyft collisions can help you file a lawsuit against the government agency in charge of road maintenance and seek to hold that agency accountable for your injuries and damages.
Hurt in a Lyft Accident?
Injuries Typically Sustained By Lyft Accident Victims
In a collision with a Lyft vehicle, all drivers, passengers, and other road users involved could sustain moderate to catastrophic injuries. The list below includes the common injuries that our Santa Clara personal injury lawyers have encountered while helping clients seek compensation:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) — TBIs can greatly affect a personal injury claim due to potential lifelong effects like memory disorders and cognitive impairment. The injury’s severity may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, potentially increasing the compensation amount.
- Neck & Back Injuries — Injuries like whiplash from a rear-end collision can lead to chronic pain and long-term medical care. These injuries can affect your ability to work and perform daily activities, which are critical factors in determining the value of your claim.
- Spinal Cord Injuries — Spinal cord injuries can result in permanent paralysis, dramatically altering the victim’s life. The extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and potential need for lifelong assistance make these injuries a significant component of a personal injury claim, often leading to higher compensation demands.
- Fractures & Joint Damage — Broken bones and joint damage can cause severe pain and immobility, impacting your ability to work and enjoy life. These injuries often require surgery and long-term rehabilitation, which are considered when calculating your compensation.
- Burn Injuries — Severe burns from accidents can lead to permanent scarring, disfigurement, and lung damage from smoke inhalation. The extensive treatment and potential for lifelong physical and emotional impact make burn injuries a critical factor in Lyft accident claims, which may warrant substantial compensation.
Potentially At-Fault Parties In A Lyft Accident
Victims must first identify the at-fault party to pursue compensation. Identifying who was negligent would seem straightforward, but a thorough investigation might reveal that the situation can be more complicated. Our Santa Clara County Lyft accident attorneys will look at your case to determine the party at fault, which could be one or more of the following:
- Lyft Driver — Your safety as a passenger primarily depends on your driver. Lyft drivers must drive carefully to prevent accidents. However, Lyft drivers are prone to distractions, fatigue, and other issues that increase the risk of an accident.
- Lyft Company — The company can be held liable in certain cases. These include failing to thoroughly check a driver’s background before hiring, ignoring a driver’s criminal record, retaining an unsafe driver (such as after a DUI), and failing to provide adequate safety training.
- Third-Party Driver — Even if the Lyft driver is driving safely, a Lyft accident could still happen due to the negligence of other drivers. Driver error puts all vehicles on the road in danger.
- Manufacturer, Inspectors, or Mechanics — Auto defects caused by design or manufacturing flaws lead to many accidents. In these cases where even the safest driver is powerless to stop, the manufacturer could be liable regardless of fault. Likewise, vehicle mechanics or inspectors can be held liable if their poor repair work caused the accident.
- Local Government — A government agency might be liable if unsafe road conditions or inadequate road maintenance caused the Lyft accident. It might have failed to fulfill its responsibility to repair malfunctioning traffic signals, potholes, and other hazardous obstructions. Our Lyft accident attorneys are equipped to handle cases involving the government that require a different process.
How To Establish Negligence In A Lyft Accident Case
Our Santa Clara County injury lawyers can handle your Lyft accident case while you focus on recovering from your injuries. More importantly, we can provide you with experienced representation and help you pursue just compensation. To establish grounds for a case, your Lyft accident attorney must demonstrate the key elements of negligence, including the following:
- The at-fault party owed you a legal duty of care. However, for cases involving commercial and rideshare drivers, they have the highest duty of care to exercise utmost diligence for the safety of others.
- The at-fault party breached this duty. For example, your Lyft driver ran a red light at an intersection and caused a T-bone collision with another vehicle.
- The accident directly resulted from the at-fault party’s actions or inaction.
- The accident resulted in actual losses and damages.
Important Evidence To Gather For A Lyft Accident Case
To establish the at-fault party’s negligence and your losses, you need evidence. It must be proven that their breach of duty caused the accident and that you suffered actual damages. Here are crucial pieces of evidence your lawyer can collect to back up your Lyft accident case:
- Official police report and medical records.
- Pictures and videos of the accident scene, including footage from traffic cameras and dashcams, if available.
- Testimonies from witnesses and experts.
- Citations or arrests for texting while driving, driving while intoxicated, speeding, or similar violations.
- Driver data and logs from the Lyft app.
Our Lyft accident attorneys in Santa Clara County can help you collect and present the evidence available in your specific circumstances to establish negligence. Contact our legal team to learn about the merits of your case and options for pursuing compensation.
Damages Victims Can Pursue After A Lyft Accident
Accurately predicting how much money you will receive in a settlement or award is nearly impossible. Nevertheless, our traffic accident lawyers handling Lyft accident cases in Santa Clara County can estimate the potential value of your case.
You can receive compensatory damages in California to “make you whole again.” These damages are classified as economic or non-economic. Economic damages are tangible financial losses, while non-economic damages are intangible losses that may be challenging to quantify. These damages include:
- Current and future medical expenses, including surgery, hospitalization, medications, and ongoing care.
- Lost wages from missed work.
- Reduced or lost earning capacity due to temporary or permanent disability.
- Repair or replacement costs for property damage.
- Any other out-of-pocket expenses.
- Pain and suffering.
- Loss of consortium or companionship.
- Reduced quality of life.
- Mental or emotional trauma, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Wrongful death damages.
Each case is unique, so this list is not exhaustive and only shows the common damages many accident victims seek. Our Lyft and Uber accident lawyers can answer any questions you may have about your personal injury case. Contact us for a free initial consultation.
What To Do After A Lyft Accident In Santa Clara County
Getting injured in a Lyft accident can leave you feeling confused, not knowing what to do next. In these situations, it’s important to remain calm to maintain your well-being and protect your rights. Our Lyft accident lawyers in Santa Clara County encourage you to take the following steps if you’re still able:
- Prioritize safety by moving to a safe location (without leaving the scene). Call 911 and request police officers and medical responders. When speaking with the police, state what happened and refrain from making assumptions.
- Start gathering evidence. Take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, damage to all vehicles involved, and relevant details like skid marks and the weather. Collect witnesses’ contact details and the other party’s insurance information.
- Have yourself medically evaluated at the scene and at a hospital later. Let your doctor assess you, even if you feel fine or think your injuries are minor. It’s critical to undergo a thorough checkup to rule out major issues. Strictly follow your doctor’s treatment plan.
- Don’t discuss the accident with anyone apart from the authorities and your legal counsel. Even seemingly innocent statements about your situation may be used against you. Avoid posting details on social media for the same reason.
- Carefully evaluate settlement offers before agreeing to them. Similarly, refrain from signing documents or making recorded statements without seeking legal guidance. Initial settlement offers may seem enticing, but they may also fail to account for the full extent of your losses. Your legal counsel can help you assess whether an offer is fair.
- Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391. Our Lyft accident lawyers in Santa Clara County advocate for your right to seek just compensation, whether at the negotiation table or inside the courtroom.
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 Accident Cases
The statute of limitations sets the time frame injured victims are allowed to bring legal action. In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is two years from the accident date or discovery of the injury. Therefore, you only have two years to bring a case for damages against the party at fault, starting from the date of the accident or the day you discovered or should have discovered your injuries. The deadline may be tolled if the case involves:
- A minor
- A mentally incapacitated defendant
- An out-of-state defendant
You might forfeit your right to bring a case and obtain damages if you fail to file within the timeframe. The court can dismiss your case upon the defendant’s motion. To avoid this, consider working with experienced Santa Clara County Lyft accident attorneys who can inform you of the deadlines that may apply to your case and help you adhere to them. A prompt call to our attorneys may give them enough time to investigate the accident and build a case against the responsible party.
Lyft Accident Statistics
According to the company’s latest report covering 2020 to 2022, safety incidents involving Lyft occurred in only 0.0002% of rides. Based on this report, motor vehicle fatalities may continue to be a public safety concern, with multiple factors affecting road safety trends over time.
The rideshare company has millions of active drivers and passengers in the U.S. and Canada alone. As ridesharing services become the norm in transportation, more and more accidents resulting in fatalities and injuries are likely to be reported.
A 2019 University of Chicago study found that the arrival of ride-hailing services accounted for around 3% annual increase in traffic deaths nationwide, or about 987 deaths per year. With Lyft continuing to expand its services, further studies may help understand its impact on traffic patterns and safety outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do I Need A Lawyer For My Lyft Accident Case?
You can manage a Lyft accident case on your own. Hiring a lawyer may seem unnecessary for minor accidents. However, having a Lyft accident attorney represent you may benefit your case and improve your position in seeking just compensation. The other party will more likely take your case seriously if you have a lawyer. This is especially true when the party you’re seeking to hold liable has a legal team working to protect them from liability.
Hiring Santa Clara County Lyft accident attorneys also means you have someone experienced and knowledgeable on your side. The legal system can be complex and overwhelming; you may need to work with someone who can guide you through it and help you understand the process.
How Much Compensation Can I Get For My Lyft Accident Claim?
Many factors affect the amount of compensation you can claim. These include the extent of your injuries, possible lifelong impairments or disability, and the complexity of your case. Our skilled injury attorneys handling Lyft accident cases in Santa Clara can calculate your losses to give you an idea of the potential damages you may pursue.
Can I Get Compensation If I Was Partially Responsible For The Lyft Accident?
California’s pure comparative negligence rule allows you to recover damages even if you share responsibility for the accident. Comparative negligence allocates liability to all involved parties. If you’re proven to have contributed to the accident, your total compensation will be reduced according to your share of liability. That means if your total award is $100,000 but you’re found to be 20% at fault, you may receive $80,000 instead.
The defendant may contest your share of liability to reduce the amount they have to pay. Our Santa Clara County lawyers handling Lyft accident cases will work to protect you from unfair blame and pursue financial recovery on your behalf.
What Happens If The Lyft Driver Was At Fault For The Accident?
If the Lyft driver is found to have caused the accident, they would have to pay for the damages that result from it. In the claims process, it is important to understand the period in which the accident occurred. The Lyft driver’s status on the application plays a huge role in identifying whether their personal or the rideshare’s insurance policy is applicable.
If they were offline on the Lyft app at the time of the accident, their insurance will cover the accident. If they caused the collision while transporting a passenger or traveling to pick up one, Lyft’s insurance coverage would apply. Skilled legal representation may benefit your case when establishing the driver’s potential negligence and liability for your injuries.
How Does The Claims Process Generally Work For Lyft Accidents?
Typically, the claims process for Lyft accidents starts when you report the accident to Lyft. This can be done through the Lyft app or by calling their customer service line. Next, you need to obtain evidence, document your losses, and build your case. Santa Clara County Lyft accident lawyers can help you with this step.
After gathering all the necessary evidence, your attorney will prepare and file a claim on your behalf. They will handle all communication with the insurance companies, including negotiating a settlement or litigating if necessary.
Should I Settle My Lyft Accident Claim Or Take It To Court?
Most Lyft accident claims are settled out of court, though some are filed as formal lawsuits. A settlement may be the preferred recourse, as it helps you avoid the lengthy and costly litigation process. More importantly, it’s often a faster way to resolve disputes and seek compensation.
However, the opposing party’s insurance provider may challenge the extent of their liability or disagree with your lawyer’s estimate for a fair settlement value. In such instances, taking your case to court with the help of a Lyft accident attorney may be necessary. Presenting your case before a judge may help you pursue just compensation. However, litigation usually carries risks, so you should discuss this course of action with your attorney before proceeding.
Can I Sue Lyft For My Accident?
Suing Lyft for an accident might be possible under certain conditions. Your Lyft accident lawyer might be able to demonstrate that the rideshare company failed to check a driver’s record comprehensively before hiring or neglected to provide adequate safety training and measures. In this case, you can file a lawsuit against the company and pursue damages for your injuries and losses.
Keep in mind that corporations often have legal teams defending them when considering such actions. In this case, it may be wise to hire a lawyer to represent your interests. Consult with our Santa Clara County lawyers experienced in Lyft accident cases to know more about your legal options.
Who Can File A Personal Injury Claim After A Lyft Accident?
Anyone residing in California can file a claim or lawsuit and pursue damages after an accident. Even if you’re undocumented, you can claim compensation for your injuries or the wrongful death of a loved one, regardless of their immigration status. The law doesn’t allow the opposite party to use your immigration status to deny or dispute your claim.
Santa Clara County houses a diverse community of immigrants from Vietnam, China, India, and other countries. In fact, the county has a large Hispanic and Asian American population. This diversity is reflected in the law, which doesn’t discriminate against individuals based on their race, age, education, gender identity, or socioeconomic status. All injured victims, regardless of their background, can seek compensation for their accident-related losses.
Can You Help Me If I Don’t Speak A Different Language?
If you wish to discuss your case in a language other than English, our staff can arrange for translation services upon request. We value clear and open communication with our clients, whether in person or over the phone, and during medical appointments, depositions, or court hearings.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Lyft Accident Lawyer In Santa Clara County?
The cost of hiring an attorney can vary depending on various factors. Some attorneys charge hourly fees for their legal services. Our Lyft accident lawyers in Santa Clara County take cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that you don’t have to pay attorneys’ fees unless we receive compensation on your behalf, although certain case expenses still apply regardless of the outcome. Instead, our payment will be an agreed-upon percentage of the compensation you may receive through a settlement or verdict.
By deferring the upfront costs, you can seek legal representation without worrying about your current financial situation. As our lawyers’ fees are contingent upon the outcome of your case, we are incentivized to work diligently to help you pursue fair compensation.
Seek Help From The Lyft Accident Lawyers Serving Santa Clara County
At Arash Law, we endeavor to help injured accident victims with their claims. Our Santa Clara County Lyft accident lawyers will work diligently to pursue financial compensation from the liable party, even if it’s a corporation like Lyft.
For our attorneys, your case is not only another claim to manage but also a personal undertaking to help you move forward after an accident. Schedule a free initial consultation by calling (888) 488-1391 or completing our “Do I Have A Case?” form here. From commercial truck accidents to slip-and-fall cases, our Santa Clara County lawyers are here to assist you.
Our Lyft accident lawyers serve Santa Clara County’s neighboring cities and communities. These include Logan, Aromas, San Juan Bautista, Hudner, Hollister, Dunnerville, Fremont, Newark, East Palo Alto, Redwood City, Woodside, Portola Valley, San Gregorio, Pescadero, Boulder Creek, Ben Lomond, Scotts Valley, Pasatiempo, Santa Cruz, Capitola, Corralitos, Freedom, and Watsonville.
