Sonoma 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 Sonoma County Lyft Accident Lawyers Offer Legal Support For Rideshare Crash Victims
Lyft is one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around Sonoma County. However, there’s no way to predict when an accident will happen. In an instant, your comfortable ride could turn into a tragedy. If you or a loved one is injured, call our Sonoma County Lyft accident lawyers at (888) 488-1391 and schedule a free initial consultation.
Following an accident in Sonoma County, your nightmare does not only involve dealing with your injuries. Trying to claim compensation from the Lyft driver and the company’s insurers can make your health treatment even more complicated. These companies have extensive resources and a team of attorneys ready to do everything in their power to protect their bottom line.
Our Sonoma Lyft accident attorneys can advocate for your rights, preserve evidence, and build a well-supported case. Our team will stand by your side every step of the way to assist you in pursuing compensation.
How Experienced Sonoma County Lyft Accident Lawyers Can Help You
Our Sonoma Lyft accident attorneys can seek compensation on your behalf, whether at the negotiation table or in a courtroom. We can help you explore avenues to address your damages, including medical bills, ongoing treatment, income loss, and emotional distress, checking if they are properly accounted for and acknowledged throughout the claims process. Our lawyers can handle negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf during this challenging period.
Dealing With Insurance Settlement Negotiations
Gathering evidence for your Lyft accident is already a time-consuming process. The fact that you have to deal with insurance adjusters simultaneously can be overwhelming. Our Sonoma County Lyft accident lawyers can take over the process for you, filing paperwork and managing legal deadlines.
Insurance companies are businesses — they will prioritize their profits. Let our team represent you and deal with negotiations on your behalf. We can help you make informed decisions about settlement offers.
Dealing With The Possibility Of Filing A Lawsuit
Not all claims result in a favorable insurance settlement. It is possible for Lyft and the insurance company to contest liability or seek to minimize their financial obligation to you. If you can’t settle with the insurance company, taking your case to court may be necessary to pursue just compensation.
Our Lyft accident attorneys in Sonoma County are prepared to take your case to trial. With our courtroom experience, we can present your case before a judge or jury, advocating for a fair and appropriate settlement for your claims.
Our client was driving with his wife and son on a two-lane highway when a drunk driver crossed the double yellow lines, causing a head-on collision that claimed the life of a loving wife and mother.– ARASH KHORSANDI
Why Hire Our Lyft Accident Attorneys For Your Case
A skilled Lyft accident attorney can help you navigate the legal process of filing a claim. They can manage the paperwork, allowing you to focus on healing. Here’s what our Sonoma County injury law firm can offer:
Knowledge & Experience
We will use our knowledge of personal injury and ridesharing laws to investigate the accident and build a case for you. Our firm has litigated numerous cases involving Lyft accidents and helped clients seek compensation for their losses from ridesharing-related accidents.
Personalized Strategy
Each client receives individualized attention. Your situation is unique and requires a tailored approach that meets your needs. Our Lyft accident attorneys in Sonoma County understand that a one-size-fits-all approach simply will not work. Our legal team will work closely with you to understand the intricacies of your case and develop a strategy specifically designed for your situation.
Reliable Network
We can investigate and document your case. Our injury lawyers can work with various professionals, including accident investigators and medical professionals, who can provide expert opinions that can support your claim.
Contingency Fee Agreement
The financial burden of an injury often falls on accident victims. That’s why we offer our services on a contingency basis. Under this arrangement, clients won’t be charged attorney’s fees unless compensation is obtained through a settlement or verdict. Certain case-related expenses may still apply. However, this arrangement enables victims to access legal services without incurring upfront costs.
Types Of Lyft Accidents
Lyft is a popular ridesharing service that enables users to request rides from drivers in their local area through the Lyft app. It utilizes GPS to locate nearby drivers and enables users to track the real-time location of their rides. Whether you’re seeking panoramic ocean vistas in Bodega Bay, a safari adventure in Santa Rosa, or original Peanuts artworks at the Charles M. Schulz Museum, you can easily use Lyft to get around.
While the rideshare service provides a convenient mode of transportation, Lyft accidents can happen at any time. Our Lyft accident lawyers in Sonoma County assist victims in pursuing monetary compensation for their injuries and losses. These victims may be injured in one of the following common scenarios:
- A Lyft driver strikes another vehicle.
- Another driver collides with a Lyft vehicle while it’s on the way to pick up or actively transporting a passenger.
- A Lyft driver hits a motorcyclist or bicyclist.
- A Lyft driver runs into a pedestrian walking along the sidewalk or crossing a marked crosswalk.
Regardless of specific circumstances, Lyft accidents typically result in harm or losses for drivers, passengers, and other road users. Although ridesharing services are popular, their widespread use significantly contributes to the growing risk of accidents.
Lyft’s Insurance Policy For Accidents
Part of what makes Lyft accident claims stressful to deal with is the insurance coverage involved. Four distinct periods exist, during which Lyft provides insurance coverage for three. The amount of compensation you can claim depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.
Period 0
This period is when the driver is offline and using the vehicle for personal reasons. Any accident when the driver is not logged into the app should be covered by the driver’s auto insurance, not by Lyft.
Period 1
Period 1 starts when the driver logs into the app and waits to receive a ride request. Lyft provides the following third-party liability insurance if an accident happens:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury.
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury.
- $25,000 per accident for property damage. California law requires $30,000, so this could apply to a claim.
Period 2
This period refers to the time the driver accepts a ride request and is en route to the passenger’s pickup location. Any accident during this period is covered by Lyft’s $1 million third-party auto liability coverage, which may include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and contingent comprehensive & collision coverage.
Period 3
Lyft offers the same insurance coverage in Period 2 if an accident occurs while the driver is actively transporting a passenger.
All these legal and insurance talks can easily overwhelm the average Joe. As advocates for the injured, our Lyft accident lawyers in Sonoma County can help you navigate the legal complexities and provide guidance to help you make informed decisions throughout the claims process. We are here to represent you — whether you’re an injured passenger, an injured driver, or the family member of an accident victim who tragically passed away.
Common Causes Of Lyft Accidents In Sonoma County
Negligence can take on so many forms. The following are some of the most common factors our Sonoma County Lyft accident lawyers have encountered:
Lyft Driver Error
Among the most common driver errors that lead to accidents are driving under the influence, speeding, reckless driving, and violating traffic regulations. Lyft drivers are particularly prone to distracted driving due to the constant use of the app and fatigue from working other jobs.
Lyft’s Negligence
Lyft drivers are classified as independent contractors rather than employees, which helps the company avoid accountability due to their independent contractor classification. Still, certain situations may allow you to hold Lyft accountable, such as when they failed to conduct a thorough background check on a driver.
Third-Party Driver Error
You can still get involved in an accident even if your Lyft driver is driving safely. If another motorist causes a collision with your Lyft, the at-fault driver’s auto insurance covers the damages. Lyft may also offer additional coverage, depending on the status of the Lyft driver at the time of the accident.
Mechanical Failures
Regular maintenance is essential for a vehicle to function properly. When Lyft drivers fail to maintain their vehicles in proper working condition, such as checking brakes, tires, and other critical components, they can malfunction unexpectedly.
Dangerous Road Conditions
Potholes, a lack of guardrails, poorly planned intersections, malfunctioning traffic signals, and other hazardous road conditions sometimes lead to Lyft accidents. These conditions can worsen in inclement weather, such as during heavy rains. In California, you can file a claim against the relevant government agency for failing to maintain optimum road conditions.
Our Sonoma County personal injury lawyers for Lyft accident cases can help you identify potentially liable parties and determine potential legal steps you can take.
Hurt In A Lyft Accident?
Typical Injuries Suffered By Lyft Accident Victims
Traffic accidents can lead to severe injuries for victims. The circumstances surrounding these incidents can vary greatly, resulting in varying types and severity of injuries. For instance, collisions involving massive commercial vehicles can lead to catastrophic or fatal injuries. In such instances, our truck accident lawyers can provide assistance.
A Lyft accident can have similar consequences, causing victims to suffer potentially lifelong injuries. Not to mention, such traumatic accidents can scar you emotionally and psychologically, causing invisible and often irreparable harm.
Our Sonoma County Lyft accident lawyers can assist victims in addressing physical and financial issues resulting from:
- Fractured skull, concussion, and other traumatic brain injuries.
- Whiplash and other neck injuries.
- Back and spinal cord injuries.
- Broken ribs and other chest injuries.
- Injuries to the legs and knees.
- Fractured bones.
- Scrapes, cuts, and bruising.
- Internal injuries like organ damage and internal bleeding.
- Traumatic or surgical amputations.
As your legal advocate, we go beyond just seeking compensation; our Lyft accident attorneys can connect you with medical professionals in Sonoma County.
Liable Parties In A Lyft Accident
Your injuries after a Lyft accident could be attributed to multiple parties aside from the Lyft driver. Determining who these at-fault parties are can be a complex and challenging process. More importantly, you may need an experienced accident attorney to hold a big corporation responsible for your losses.
Our Lyft accident lawyers in Sonoma can help you identify who may be liable for your injuries and losses. These parties may include:
- The Lyft Driver — Drivers must operate their vehicles responsibly and adhere to traffic laws. If they were negligent (e.g., by running red lights or speeding), they may be held liable for an accident.
- Lyft — Lyft categorizes its drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. Still, you can hold Lyft accountable if its negligence resulted in the accident. For instance, it failed to conduct a thorough background check before hiring a driver, or it did not address safety reports or complaints about the driver.
- Third-Party Drivers — If another driver’s negligence or recklessness caused the collision, they can be held liable for the damages and injuries you incurred.
- Vehicle Manufacturers — A flaw in the design or manufacturing of a vehicle or an auto part can cause accidents. You can sue the manufacturer for damages because they are held strictly liable for accidents caused by auto defects, such as defective tires or a malfunctioning Automatic Braking System (ABS).
- Public or Private Entities — External factors, such as poor road conditions or inadequate signage, can also contribute to Lyft accidents. In such situations, you may be able to file a claim against the relevant agencies in charge of maintaining their premises.
How Do You Prove Negligence In A Lyft Accident Claim
In a Lyft accident claim or lawsuit, you must first prove the responsible party’s negligence. This entails gathering evidence and proving that the other party breached their duty of care, resulting in harm and damage to you. To establish negligence, our Sonoma Lyft accident attorneys can help you gather evidence to prove the following elements:
- Duty of Care — You, as the injured victim and plaintiff, need to prove that the defendant had a legal duty to you. In the case of Lyft drivers, the law requires them to maintain the highest standard of care when driving their passengers to their destinations safely.
- Breach of Duty — You must demonstrate that the driver had the duty to exercise reasonable caution, vigilance, and prudence to keep you safe, but failed to do so by speeding, distracted driving, or driving recklessly.
- Causation — You need to prove that the accident and your injuries were caused directly by the driver’s breach of duty. Had the defendant not acted carelessly, the accident would not have happened.
- Damages — Lastly, you and your lawyers must present proof of the losses you incurred as a direct consequence of the accident. These losses include lost wages, pain and suffering, medical bills, property damage, and other tangible and intangible damages.
Damages You Can Seek Compensation For After A Lyft Accident
Under California law, accident victims may be able to seek financial compensation for their injuries and damages. These losses can be monetary and intangible damages. Depending on your case, our Sonoma County injury lawyers who have handled Lyft accident claims can help you pursue the following:
- All ongoing and future accident-related medical expenses, including emergency room bills, hospitalization, operations, and ongoing rehabilitation.
- Loss of income from missed work and reduced or lost earning capacity.
- Compensation for temporary or permanent disability.
- Repair or replacement costs for property damage.
- Pain and suffering, emotional anguish, and reduced quality of life.
- Damages from the wrongful death of a family member, including burial and funeral expenses.
Punitive damages are awarded in very rare cases where the defendant’s actions are judged to have been particularly malicious or intentional. These are intended to penalize the defendant and discourage similar behavior.
Obtaining compensation involves dealing with large corporations, ranging from the rideshare giant Lyft to insurance companies. Without legal representation, you might find the process too overwhelming. Our Lyft accident lawyers can represent you and advocate for your interests. We are here to help you pursue compensation for your losses, even if litigation becomes necessary.
What To Do After A Lyft Accident In Sonoma County
Following a Lyft accident, you must take crucial steps to help protect your safety and your right to compensation. After moving to a safe location, our Lyft accident lawyers encourage you to do the following if you’re able:
- Seek Medical Attention — Allow responders to evaluate and treat you at the scene, and follow up with a hospital visit to document any injuries.
- Speak With Law Enforcement — Call 911 and ask for the police. Make sure they file an official accident report, which you can use later if you file a claim. When giving your statement, stick to the facts and avoid making assumptions or apologizing.
- Gather Evidence — Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, damage to the vehicle, and any relevant details. Ask witnesses for their contact details and the other involved parties’ contact and insurance information.
- Report the Crash to Lyft — Report the accident through the app or the Lyft website. Contact our Lyft rideshare accident lawyers if the company seems to be ignoring you or taking its time addressing your claim.
- Remain Confidential — Avoid posting about the accident on social media or discussing it with anyone other than your lawyer.
- Don’t Accept Initial Offers — By accepting the initial settlement offer without legal counsel, you may miss out on potential compensation or settle for an amount that may not fully cover your losses. A lawyer can evaluate the claim, assess the extent of your damages, and negotiate a settlement amount on your behalf.
- Consult a Sonoma County Lawyer — Consulting a lawyer after a Lyft accident in Sonoma County can help you understand your rights, navigate insurance issues, and pursue compensation for your losses.
Evidence For Your Lyft Accident Claim
The burden of proof lies with the plaintiff, and it is their responsibility to establish negligence on the part of the responsible party. Crucial evidence must be gathered and presented to establish negligence. Our Lyft accident lawyers serving Sonoma County and the rest of California can gather the following pieces of evidence to substantiate your claim for damages:
- Medical Records — Records pertaining to your injuries and medical care can serve as proof of your damages. Comprehensive medical records can also link your injuries to the accident, further proving that the at-fault party’s negligence directly caused your damages.
- Accident Reports — Official accident reports made by the police at the accident scene can include important details regarding the collision that your Lyft accident lawyer can use for your claim.
- Driver Records — A pattern of careless driving behavior might be shown by examining the Lyft driver’s driving history, including prior infractions or records of collisions.
- Vehicle Maintenance Records — Proof of routine maintenance and inspections of the Lyft vehicle can help prove or disprove claims of mechanical failure.
- Eyewitness Testimony — Your version of events can be supported by the statements made by witnesses who saw the accident.
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 Accidents
The statute of limitations in California, which sets the deadline for taking legal action, applies to all personal injury claims, including Lyft accidents. Injured victims have two years from the date of the accident or discovery of the injury to file a lawsuit.
Certain exceptions may apply. For instance, the statute will be tolled if the case involves a minor plaintiff or a mentally incapacitated or out-of-state defendant. The deadline is also shortened to six months if you’re filing a claim against a government agency. Regardless, the case will be dismissed by state law if it’s submitted after the applicable deadline expires. When this happens, you will no longer be allowed to claim compensation.
It’s challenging enough to take on large corporations like Lyft and their insurance and demand compensation. Having to prepare all the required paperwork and filing it within the allotted time frame only adds to the pressure. The longer you wait to bring a legal case, the harder it can be to obtain a favorable outcome.
Hiring experienced Sonoma County Lyft accident attorneys can alleviate some of the burden. They can identify which deadline applies to your case, file your claim, and help you organize evidence.
Lyft Rideshare Accident Statistics
Ride-hailing has led to a rise in the number of car accidents, injuries, and fatalities involving all types of road users. Ridesharing, in general, has also been associated with a 3% annual increase in road fatalities across the country, which translates to 987 deaths per year.
With 20.3 million riders and roughly two million active drivers in the US and Canada in 2022, Lyft poses more hazards than ever. The company’s latest Safety Transparency Report stated that safety incidents occurred in just 0.0002% of rides between 2020 and 2022. The number may seem small, but they also reported 111 motor vehicle deaths. This fatality rate represented a 14% increase per vehicle miles traveled and a 31% increase in incident frequency compared to their previous report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Difference Between Personal Auto Insurance And Commercial Lyft Insurance?
Drivers must have personal auto insurance that satisfies the state’s minimum criteria. These policies pay for property damage, injuries, and legal expenses resulting from an accident. However, they typically have lower coverage limits.
In addition, Lyft maintains commercial insurance that offers specific coverages depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.
How Much Is The Average Settlement For A Lyft Accident In Sonoma County?
There’s no specific average amount available, but Lyft’s insurance coverage for accidents can reach up to $1 million. However, the amount you can obtain will depend on your specific situation. Generally, the more severe the injuries and damages are, the higher the possible settlement.
If you want to know the potential value of your case, our Sonoma County car accident lawyers can provide an estimate based on the factors of your case, including medical bills and other losses. You can discuss your case in a free initial consultation.
How Long Does It Usually Take To Settle A Lyft Rideshare Accident Claim?
The time it takes to settle a Lyft accident claim can vary significantly from case to case. Some claims may be resolved in a matter of weeks, while others may take several months or even years. The length of the settlement depends on various factors, including the severity of injuries, the extent of property damage, and the cooperation of all parties involved.
Can I Take Legal Action Against Lyft After A Rideshare Accident?
Generally, if you’re involved in a Lyft accident, you need to file a claim against the driver’s auto insurance or Lyft’s commercial insurance. Lyft provides up to $1 million in liability coverage. It also provides coverage when uninsured or underinsured motorists are involved.
However, it is still possible to file a civil lawsuit against Lyft under certain circumstances. For instance, you can hold the rideshare service directly liable if it negligently hired or retained a dangerous driver. However, a lawsuit is generally not necessary in most situations. With representation from Sonoma County Lyft accident attorneys, you can resolve the claim with the rideshare service’s insurance provider.
Can I Still Seek Compensation If I Contributed To The Lyft Accident?
California is an at-fault state that follows the pure comparative negligence rule. This means:
- The at-fault party must cover the damages of the victim who was injured in the accident they caused.
- All parties that are found partially responsible, including the victim, will share liability for the accident.
If the court finds you partially at fault for the accident that injured you, you may still be able to claim compensation. In fact, the state allows you to pursue damages even if you’re 99% responsible. The court will determine the percentage of liability each responsible party will share for the accident, and your degree of fault will reduce your financial reward.
For example, you sustained $100,000 in damages but were found to be 25% at fault. That means you can receive up to $75,000. Sonoma County Lyft accident lawyers can help you determine your potential percentage of fault and advocate for you if you feel you are being unfairly blamed.
What If Both Drivers Are At Fault For A Lyft Accident?
In a collision between a Lyft driver and another motorist where you are the injured passenger, both drivers might be found liable for your losses. The two drivers might be required to share the cost of your medical expenses and other damages. Under the state’s pure comparative negligence rule, the amount each party must pay will depend on how much of the accident they were to blame for.
Can You Help Me File A Lyft Accident Claim Even If I Don’t Speak English?
Yes, we can assist you with filing a Lyft accident claim even if you prefer to speak in a language other than English. We can arrange for translation services to support you throughout the process and facilitate communication during all necessary appointments and proceedings. Your language preference will not be a barrier to pursuing your claim.
Can I File A Lyft Accident Claim As An Undocumented Immigrant?
Even if you’re an undocumented immigrant who gets into a car accident, you can submit an injury claim or lawsuit and pursue compensation if you sustain injuries. You may be able to seek compensation for the damages caused by an accident, just like any other resident. Additionally, your immigration status will not be used against you, especially in court. California does not look into an accident victim’s race, gender, socioeconomic status, or education to award financial compensation.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire Lyft Accident Lawyers In California?
Understanding legal fees is crucial to calculating the cost of hiring a lawyer. Attorney fees depend on the case’s complexity and the attorney’s time, skills, and resources. Most Lyft accident lawyers take cases on a contingency fee arrangement. Our firm also works in a similar agreement. In other words, clients are not required to pay attorney’s fees unless compensation is secured. Certain case-related expenses are charged separately, which will be discussed by our lawyers before you agree to representation.
Get Help From Lyft Accident Lawyers In Sonoma County
It’s difficult to deal with the aftermath of a Lyft accident on your own, but you don’t have to. Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., can help you during these trying times. Our Lyft and Uber accident lawyers can assist you in navigating the intricate legal requirements and insurance policies. We are here to advocate for your rights while helping you pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.
Hire our Sonoma County Lyft accident attorneys, who have decades of combined experience representing clients against large corporations and insurance companies. Call (888) 488-1391 or complete our “Do I Have A Case?” form to schedule a free initial consultation.
Our Lyft accident lawyers in Sonoma County also provide legal services to neighboring cities and communities, including Napa, Fairfield, Vallejo, Richmond, San Rafael, Novato, Gualala, Anchor Bay, Point Arena, Manchester, Hopland, Cobb, Hidden Valley Lake, Middletown, Calistoga, Angwin, St. Helena, and Yountville.
