Santa Monica Lyft Accident Lawyers
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Trusted Santa Monica Lyft Accident Lawyers Who Help Victims Recover Millions In Compensation
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 get your medical bills and lost wages paid. 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 City. 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 many Hollywood movies and is a favorite spot for tourists and locals alike to enjoy the sunset.
Although Santa Monica is the classic postcard picture of Southern California, the city has to deal with a large number of tourists and residents, which can strain 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 many decades, Arash Khorsandi, Esq., and our hundred-strong legal team have been assisting victims to obtain justice and fair compensation. We have secured over $500 Million in settlements and court verdicts. Discuss your case with us today, 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?
When you choose our Santa Monica Lyft accident lawyers, you maximize your chances of a successful claim. Our team has many decades of combined experience, consistently securing favorable outcomes for our clients. Beyond these accomplishments, we can also help you with the following:
- We can connect you with trusted medical professionals who can provide an expert evaluation of your injuries. We’ll work to ensure 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 often try to minimize payouts, but our lawyers are skilled negotiators who know how to counter these tactics and fight for your right to fair compensation. We’ll ensure that you receive the payment for medical bills, pain and suffering, and all other damages.
- Our Lyft accident lawyers understand that financial stress can add another layer of burden after an accident. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis. You won’t pay a dime upfront or out of pocket for our services. You won’t pay anything if we can’t recover compensation for you.
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 client’s 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 a cause of distractions, 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 on a part-time basis. They normally hit the road after long workdays or even night shifts. Despite knowing they are sleep-deprived, many still choose to accept rides, putting people’s lives at risk.
Drowsy driving is dangerous because it affects cognitive function. When a driver is fatigued, they struggle to maintain focus, increasing the likelihood of drifting 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
Some Lyft drivers take a few alcohol shots or stimulant drugs before or during their duties to keep themselves awake. 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, with the number rising to 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 ensuring 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.
Get in touch with us right away if a poorly maintained Lyft car caused your accident. Our Santa Monica Lyft accident lawyers can 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 our Santa Monica Lyft accident lawyers encounter:
- Cuts and bruises
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back injuries
- Whiplash or neck injuries
- Bone fractures
- Wrongful death
In addition, we have also observed that many of our injured clients also suffered 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 reputable medical specialists in your area who can provide the necessary treatment. Our team will also ensure all medical expenses related to the accident are accurately documented and included 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 for liability, especially if their negligence (e.g., distracted driving, speeding, etc.) 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, its 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 upkeep could also be held responsible in case a collision occurs.
- 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 ensure you’re made whole again after your 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 logged into the Lyft app yet. 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. 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 happens when the driver has accepted a booking and is on their way 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 takes place when the driver has already picked up the passenger and is on their way 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 fight for the maximum amount you’re entitled to, regardless of the insurance period or which insurance company tries to downplay your claim.
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 damage and non-economic damage as compensation.
Economic damages refer to everything that has an easily quantifiable monetary value and is 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 easy to quantify. 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 ensure 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 as soon as possible. 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 all the questions you have regarding your Lyft accident.
Critical Things To Do Following A Lyft Accident
There are several things you should do after a Lyft accident. Taking the right steps can help save your life and protect your rights and interests.
- Check yourself for any wounds and injuries.
- If possible, go to a safe place away from traffic. If the accident happened on a freeway, stay in the car, 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 complete medical examinations.
- Call our Santa Monica Lyft accident lawyers. We will guide you on what else you need to do.
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 stronger your case will be.
Contact the Lyft accident lawyers Santa Monica counts on to help you with all the groundwork. We’ll ensure your claim is filed on time and increase your chances of a successful resolution.
How Much Compensation Can I Claim For A Lyft Accident In Santa Monica?
Lyft accident claims can range from several thousand to several million dollars, depending on the severity and type of injury, Lyft’s insurance policy coverage, and other factors.
To give you an idea of how much your compensation is worth, here is an example of a real-life case that we successfully handled. Our client sustained wrist and spinal injuries following a collision with a rideshare vehicle while riding his motorcycle. The other party admitted fault and a settlement was reached for $1,550,000.
If you were injured in a Lyft accident, don’t hesitate to say, “I need a personal injury lawyer” to protect your rights and ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Our Lyft accident attorneys in Santa Monica can help you obtain the maximum compensation possible.
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, things move quicker. Disputes about who caused the accident can result in significant delays.
- Negotiation Process – Insurance companies often 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 over a year. If an agreement can’t be reached, your Santa Monica Lyft accident lawyers will need to pursue a lawsuit, which can take much longer.
How Much Are The Fees For A Santa Monica Lyft Accident Attorney?
Many Santa Monica Lyft accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. 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. In general, expect anything between 33% and 40%.
Contact The Lyft Accident Lawyers Santa Monica Trusts
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 recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to the Lyft accident. Call us now 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 secure the maximum possible compensation for your injuries and losses.
Apart from Santa Monica, our lawyers also assist Lyft accident and other personal injury victims in nearby areas, such as 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.
