Santa Monica Lyft Accident Lawyers
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Our Santa Monica Lyft Accident Lawyers Help Injury Victims Understand Their Options
Santa Monica is a densely populated city where ridesharing services like Lyft offer a convenient transportation alternative for commuters. However, with Lyft’s increasing popularity, there has also been a rise in traffic accidents. If you’ve been injured in one, our Santa Monica Lyft accident lawyers can help you pursue compensation for your medical bills and lost wages. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to learn if you have a valid claim.
With the beach on one side and towering mountains on the other, Santa Monica offers a charming escape from the urban sprawl of Los Angeles. One of its most popular attractions is Santa Monica Pier, located at the western terminus of the historic Route 66. This iconic pier has been featured in numerous Hollywood movies and is a favorite spot for both tourists and locals to enjoy the sunset.
Although Santa Monica is the classic postcard picture of Southern California, the city must contend with a large number of tourists and residents, which can strain its resources and contribute to traffic congestion. As with any busy city, the rise in traffic volume coincides with an increase in accidents, including those involving Lyft.
For decades, Arash Khorsandi, Esq., and our legal team have been helping victims pursue justice and damages. Discuss your case with us, and we’ll determine if you have grounds to seek financial compensation for your medical bills and related losses.
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 Choose Our Santa Monica Lyft Accident Lawyers?
Our Santa Monica Lyft accident attorneys are experienced at representing individuals who have been injured in rideshare-related collisions. We are committed to guiding clients through every step of the legal process and pursuing fair outcomes based on the specific facts of each case.
Here’s how we assist our clients:
- We can connect you with qualified medical professionals who can provide an expert evaluation of your injuries. We’ll work to help you receive timely and appropriate treatment.
- We’ll handle all the legal legwork, from dealing with insurance companies to filing documents, allowing you to focus on healing.
- We’ll assign you a dedicated case manager who can answer your questions and provide regular updates on the progress of your case, keeping you informed every step of the way.
- Insurance companies may try to minimize payouts, but our lawyers are skilled negotiators who know how to advocate for your rights. We’ll help you pursue compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and all other damages.
- Our Lyft accident lawyers understand that financial stress can add another layer of burden to the aftermath of an accident. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis. You won’t pay any attorney’s fees unless compensation is obtained. You may still be responsible for certain case-related costs.
Common Causes Of Lyft Accidents
Lyft has not provided any data on the causes of accidents involving its drivers. However, our Santa Monica Lyft accident attorneys have identified some recurring trends while working on our clients’ cases.
Here are some of the leading causes of Lyft accidents that we’ve encountered:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a common cause of accidents, and Lyft drivers are no exception. According to the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), in California, there were 140 people killed in 2021 involving distracted drivers, which was a considerable 27.3% increase from 2020.
Lyft drivers may be even more susceptible to distracted driving. They check their mobile phones for passenger information, pickup locations, and navigation. However, other factors can also be sources of distraction, such as outdoor advertisements, eating and drinking, or listening to loud music.
Speeding
Lyft drivers earn their income not through fixed salaries but based on the number of trips that they can complete each day. To increase their earnings, some drivers may intentionally overspeed just to bring their passengers to their destinations quickly. However, this practice can compromise the safety of the rider and other road users.
Drowsy Driving
Many Lyft drivers work part-time. They normally hit the road after long workdays or even night shifts. Driver fatigue can increase the risk of road accidents.
Drowsy driving is dangerous because it affects cognitive function. When a driver is fatigued, they struggle to maintain their focus, increasing the likelihood of drifting into other lanes or missing crucial traffic signals. The combination of slowed reflexes and compromised judgment creates a dangerous scenario for everyone on the road.
Driving Under The Influence
Operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs slows reaction times and clouds judgment, posing a significant risk to road safety. However, these substances have severe side effects that impair driving performance, including reduced concentration, blurred vision, increased risk-taking behavior, and heightened aggression.
To illustrate the dangers of DUI, the OTS reported 751 drug-driving-related fatalities in 2021 and 1,370 deaths from drug-impaired crashes across California that same year. Despite efforts by Lyft and the government to eliminate DUI, some drivers continue to disregard the imperative warnings against driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Poorly-Maintained Cars
Lyft vehicles undergo significant wear and tear, accumulating miles at a faster rate than most personal cars. Regular maintenance is crucial to promote the safety of both drivers and passengers. A sudden tire blowout can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, potentially resulting in swerving, rollovers, or collisions with other vehicles.
Contact us if a poorly maintained Lyft vehicle was involved in your accident. Our Santa Monica Lyft accident lawyers may be able to obtain maintenance records to see if any outstanding repairs or overdue services could have contributed to the collision.
Common Injuries In Lyft Accidents
Lyft accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to life-threatening. Here are some of the most common injuries in Lyft accidents:
- Cuts and bruises
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back injuries
- Whiplash or neck injuries
- Bone fractures
In addition, we have observed many injured victims suffering from mental health conditions, such as:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Adjustment disorder
- Panic disorder
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Various phobias
If you’ve sustained any of the injuries above, our Lyft accident lawyers in Santa Monica are here to help. Based on your specific case and medical needs, we can recommend medical specialists in your area who can provide the necessary treatment. Our team will also carefully document all medical expenses related to the accident and include them in your claim against the negligent party.
Who Is Liable In Lyft Accident Cases?
Unlike traditional car accidents with two identifiable drivers, Lyft claims often involve multiple potentially liable parties, including:
- Lyft Driver — The driver is often the primary party considered liable, especially if their negligence (e.g., distracted driving, speeding) caused the accident.
- Lyft — Depending on the specific stage of the driver’s trip when the accident occurred (app on but no passenger, en route to pick up a passenger, or with a passenger on board), Lyft’s supplemental insurance may apply, making them a potentially liable party.
- Other Drivers Involved — If another driver’s negligence contributed to the accident (e.g., running a red light or reckless driving), they could be held liable for their portion of the damages.
- Auto Parts Manufacturers — In rare instances, a faulty car part could be the root cause of the accident. Under California’s strict product liability laws, the manufacturer could be liable for damages.
- Government Entities — Poor road maintenance (inadequate signage, malfunctioning traffic lights) can contribute to accidents. A government entity responsible for road maintenance could also be held liable in the event of a collision.
- Third-Party Service Providers — Lyft may use third-party services for vehicle maintenance or background checks. If negligence by one of these providers contributed to the accident, they could be partially liable.
Our Santa Monica Lyft accident attorneys can help you identify all liable parties. We’ll help you pursue all possible avenues of compensation to support your recovery after the accident.
What Are The Four Periods In Lyft’s Insurance Policy Coverage?
Various insurance policies may apply after a Lyft accident. While Lyft drivers possess personal auto insurance, its coverage may be limited. Lyft also offers supplemental insurance, but its coverage levels and applicability depend on the specific stage of the driver’s trip.
Period 0 occurs when the driver is offline or has not yet logged into the Lyft app. If the driver gets into an accident during this period, their personal insurance will cover all the damages.
Period 1 is when the driver has already logged into the app and is waiting for a passenger to arrive. If they get into an accident, Lyft offers the following coverage:
- $50,000 for bodily injury per person.
- $100,000 for bodily injury per accident.
- $30,000 for property damage per accident.
Period 2 occurs when the driver has accepted a booking and is en route to pick up the passenger. If they get into an accident, Lyft offers up to $1,000,000 in total liability coverage. The rideshare company also provides underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage.
Period 3 applies when the driver has already picked up the passenger and is en route to the destination. If they get into an accident, the insurance coverage is the same as in Period 2.
Lyft may try to limit its liability depending on the insurance coverage period. Our Santa Monica Lyft accident lawyers will advocate for a fair settlement that reflects the damages you’ve suffered.
Seeking Compensation After A Lyft Accident In Santa Monica
If you have been injured in an accident or your vehicle is damaged when a Lyft car is involved, you may seek economic and non-economic damages as compensation.
Economic damages refer to losses that have an easily quantifiable monetary value and are related to your injury or property damage. These include the following:
- Hospital bills
- Therapy bills
- Laboratory fees
- MRIs and X-rays
- Medicines
- Missed salaries
- Transportation fees to medical appointments
- Other out-of-pocket expenses
In contrast, non-economic damages are not as easily quantifiable. Examples include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Death of a loved one
- Loss of enjoyment in life
- Loss of a body part
- Bodily disfigurement
- Mental health issues
Although it’s difficult to assign a strict dollar value to non-economic damages, our Lyft accident attorneys in Santa Monica have extensive experience calculating their worth. We’ll use various methods, including the per diem approach, to translate the impact of your pain and suffering into a compensable amount.
Additionally, we may consult with medical and financial experts to help demonstrate that the compensation you receive reflects the full scope of your injuries.
What To Prepare For A Consultation With A Lyft Accident Attorney
After a Lyft accident, the at-fault party’s insurance company may contact you to discuss a settlement. Their goal is not to offer sympathy but to find ways to weaken or deny your claim. To protect your rights, consult with our Lyft accident attorneys in Santa Monica. We can handle all communication with the insurance company on your behalf.
Before meeting with our lawyers, we encourage you to prepare the following:
- Copies of your hospital bills, lost wages, and other documentation.
- Your journal about the incident and your injuries.
- Details of the Lyft driver, witnesses, and other involved parties.
- Evidence, such as photos or videos of your injuries.
- Copy of police and medical reports.
- Any other relevant evidence or documents you have in your possession.
During your initial consultation, we’ll ask about what actually happened so we can determine whether you have a valid claim. At the same time, you can also ask our Santa Monica attorneys any questions you have regarding your Lyft accident.
Recommended Steps To Take After A Lyft Accident
There are several things you may consider doing after a Lyft accident. These steps are general recommendations meant to help you stay safe and protect your rights and interests. They are not intended as legal advice, as every situation is unique. Taking thoughtful action can make a meaningful difference in the aftermath of a crash.
- Check yourself for any wounds and injuries.
- If possible, go to a safe place away from traffic. If the accident occurred on a freeway, stay in the car and keep away from passing vehicles.
- Call 911 for police and medical assistance.
- Do not leave the accident scene. Wait for the authorities.
- The police may ask you questions about what happened. Tell them about what you have experienced, but do not apologize. An apology might be misconstrued as an admission of guilt, and it could potentially undermine your claim later on.
- Take photos or videos of your injuries or damage to your vehicle.
- Take the Lyft driver’s information, including their name, address, phone number, and insurance details. If possible, take pictures of their IDs.
- If a Lyft vehicle hits your car, call your insurance provider so they can prepare the necessary paperwork for your claim. If you’re a passenger in a Lyft vehicle, report the accident to the app.
- Visit the nearest medical clinic after the accident for a comprehensive medical examination.
- Call our Santa Monica Lyft accident lawyers. We will guide you through the claims process and advise you on the necessary steps to take to help strengthen your case.
Lyft Accident Statistics
Lyft is the second-largest provider of ridesharing services in the world. It holds a market share of 24% in the USA, trailing behind Uber’s 76%. In 2023, the ridesharing company had 21.4 million active users, contributing to its impressive $4.4 billion revenue.
Unfortunately, Lyft has not yet released an updated in-house safety case study. Based on their 2021 community safety report, 99% of their total trips from 2017 to 2019 were safe. However, according to the US National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), rideshare companies like Lyft have been linked to a yearly increase of 3% in road fatalities and injuries.
If you or your loved one is injured in one of these accidents, Arash Law is here for you. Our Santa Monica Lyft accident attorneys will represent your interests and help you obtain the justice you rightfully deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens If I Am Partially At Fault For A Lyft Accident?
California follows pure comparative negligence laws. Under this system, you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, the court may reduce the amount you receive based on the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you were 30% at fault in a Lyft accident with $10,000 in damages, you could still receive $7,000 in compensation.
Don’t hesitate to contact our Santa Monica Lyft accident attorneys to discuss the specifics of your situation. We’ll help you understand how California’s pure comparative negligence laws apply to your case.
How Long Does One Have To File An Insurance Claim For A Lyft Accident?
Based on California’s statute of limitations, you only have two years to file a Lyft accident insurance claim. There are certain exceptions, but we highly recommend acting quickly. Evidence fades with time, and witnesses’ memories can become fuzzy. The sooner you file a claim, the better your chances of preserving important evidence and building a solid case.
Contact the Lyft accident lawyers in Santa Monica to help you with all the groundwork. We can help you file on time and work to pursue a favorable outcome for your case.
How Much Compensation Can I Pursue For A Lyft Accident In Santa Monica?
The amount of compensation you may seek in a Lyft accident case can vary widely depending on factors such as the severity and type of your injuries, the specifics of Lyft’s insurance coverage, and other case-related circumstances.
If you were injured in a Lyft accident and are wondering, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer?” don’t hesitate to seek legal help to protect your rights and pursue compensation you may be entitled to. Our Lyft accident attorneys in Santa Monica can help you understand your options and guide you throughout the claims process.
How Long Will It Take To Resolve My Lyft Accident Claim?
Several factors can influence the timeline of your case, including the following:
- Severity of Injuries — More serious injuries typically require more medical treatment, leading to a longer wait time to determine the full extent of your damages.
- Determining Fault — If the fault is clear-cut, the process can move quickly. Disputes about who caused the accident can result in significant delays.
- Negotiation Process — Insurance companies may try to minimize payouts. Be prepared for some back-and-forth before reaching a fair settlement.
In most cases, Lyft accident claims are settled without going to court. Depending on the specifics of your claim, this process can take anywhere from a few months to years. If an agreement can’t be reached, our Santa Monica Lyft accident lawyers will pursue a lawsuit, which may take longer to resolve.
How Much Are The Fees For A Santa Monica Lyft Accident Attorney?
Many Santa Monica Lyft accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you do not have to pay for any attorney’s fees up front. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or court award you receive. The exact fee can vary depending on the lawyer and the specifics of your case. Please note that you may still be responsible for certain case-related costs, such as filing fees. We are committed to full transparency regarding all potential costs.
Contact Our Lyft Accident Lawyers In Santa Monica
If you or someone you love has been injured in a Lyft accident, you don’t have to face the situation alone. Our Santa Monica attorneys will help you pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to the Lyft accident. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Arash Law is here to stand by your side. We are not just your legal representatives; we’re also your allies and advocates during this difficult time. We’re here to listen, to understand, and to provide the legal support you need. We will work diligently to hold those responsible accountable and to pursue appropriate compensation for your injuries and losses.
In addition to serving Santa Monica, our lawyers assist Lyft accident and other personal injury victims in surrounding communities, including Culver City, Beverly Hills, El Segundo, Inglewood, West Hollywood, Lennox, Manhattan Beach, Hawthorne, Hermosa Beach, Lawndale, Westmont, Calabasas, West Athens, Alondra Park, and Redondo Beach, as well as in the rest of California.
