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 Award-Winning Sonoma County Lyft Accident Lawyers Are Dedicated To Making You Stronger
Lyft is one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around Sonoma County. However, there’s no telling 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 and confidential 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 path to recovery 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.
Call Sonoma Lyft accident attorneys immediately. We can safeguard your rights, preserve evidence, and build a strong case. Our team will stand by your side every step of the way, fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.
How Experienced Sonoma County Lyft Accident Lawyers Can Help You
Our Sonoma Lyft accident attorneys will fight hard for your maximum financial recovery, whether at the negotiation table or in a courtroom. We will seek out all avenues to ensure that all of your damages, including medical bills, ongoing treatment, income loss, and emotional distress, are accounted for and acknowledged in the claims process. Our lawyers will not let insurance companies take advantage of you during this challenging period of your life.
Dealing With Insurance Settlement Negotiations
Gathering evidence for your Lyft accident is already time-consuming. 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, ensuring that the necessary paperwork is completed correctly and deadlines are met.
Insurance companies are businesses — they will always prioritize their profits. They may delay or deny claims. Let our team deal with negotiations on your behalf. We will not allow them to pressure you into accepting low settlement offers. We won’t let any of their dirty tactics derail our goal of securing the best outcome for you.
Dealing With The Possibility Of Filing A Lawsuit
Not all claims result in a favorable insurance settlement. Chances are, Lyft and the insurance company will fight tooth and nail to avoid liability or reduce the amount they have to pay you. If you can’t settle with the insurance company, the only way to get the financial compensation you deserve is to take your case to court.
Our Lyft accident attorneys in Sonoma County are prepared to take your case to trial. With our extensive courtroom experience, we will present your case before a judge or jury, advocating for the maximum financial recovery you deserve.
Our track record of success and renowned reputation speak volumes about the strength and determination we bring to every case. We have faced off against large corporations with seemingly bottomless resources and have emerged victorious time and time again. Our team is relentless in its mission to bring justice to injured Lyft accident victims.
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
Hiring the right Lyft accident attorney can increase your chances of obtaining a fair settlement. We can take the legal burden off your shoulders and let you focus on healing. Here’s what our Sonoma County injury law firm can offer:
Knowledge & Experience
We will use our extensive knowledge of personal injury and ridesharing laws to investigate the accident and build a strong case for you. Our firm has successfully litigated numerous cases involving Lyft accidents and has a proven track record of obtaining favorable outcomes for our clients.
Personalized Strategy
Each client deserves 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 dedicated legal team will work closely with you to understand the intricacies of your case and develop a legal strategy specifically designed for your situation.
Proven Track Record
We’ve won over $500 Million in settlements and awards for thousands of clients. We have what it takes to secure your financial compensation. You can trust our Sonoma County Lyft accident attorneys to help you get paid for all your losses beyond hospital bills. A former client obtained a $1,125,000 settlement with our help. The client suffered a back injury after a rideshare accident and resided in Colorado throughout the entire claims process. Amidst the challenges we faced during litigation, we still managed to secure a substantial recovery.
Reliable Network
We go above and beyond to ensure that every aspect is thoroughly investigated and accounted for. Our injury lawyers can work with trusted specialists, including accident investigators and medical professionals, who can provide expert opinions that can bolster your claim.
No Fee Unless We Win
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, you will not be required to pay any upfront fees. Instead, our payment will be a pre-agreed percentage of the amount we recover for you. This not only alleviates the immediate financial burden but also incentivizes us to do our best and fight for maximum compensation.
A former client named Sara S. said, “Arash Law is a great firm! The attorneys and case managers made me feel like my case was their number one priority. And it showed because we won … I was always well informed and even though it took a while, I would not hesitate to use them again.”
You can receive the same exceptional legal representation as Sara did. Call (888) 488-1391 to speak with one of our top-notch Lyft accident lawyers serving Sonoma County and the rest of California.
Types Of Lyft Accidents
Lyft is a popular ridesharing service that allows people to request rides from drivers in their local area using the Lyft app. It uses GPS to locate nearby drivers and allows users to track the location of their rides in real time. 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, like car accidents, are a real risk. Our Lyft accident lawyers in Sonoma County help victims pursue monetary compensation. 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 almost always 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, with Lyft providing 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 pick-up 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 champions for the injured, our Lyft accident lawyers in Sonoma County will help you navigate the legal complexities and ensure you make well-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 constantly using the app and fatigued driving, as some work other jobs.
Lyft’s Negligence
Lyft drivers are classified as independent contractors rather than employees, which helps the company escape accountability for most Lyft accidents. 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 when the accident happened.
Mechanical Failures
Regular maintenance is crucial for the proper functioning of a vehicle. When Lyft drivers fail to ensure proper maintenance, brakes, tires, and other critical components 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 get to the bottom of your crash to determine what caused it and who is liable. Our clients were guaranteed the most favorable outcomes thanks to our years of experience, empathy, and diligence.
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, our truck accident lawyers have encountered collisions involving massive commercial vehicles that lead to catastrophic or fatal injuries.
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 help victims recover physically and financially 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.
Our Lyft accident attorneys can get you access to the top medical specialists in Sonoma County and beyond. As your legal ally, our duty extends beyond the primary goal of recovering compensation. We will also ensure you get the proper medical care you need.
Liable Parties In A Lyft Accident
Your injuries after a Lyft accident could be attributed to multiple parties aside from the Lyft driver. Figuring out who these at-fault parties are can be a complex and difficult process. More importantly, holding a big corporation responsible for an accident requires a lawyer who can level the playing field.
Our Lyft accident lawyers in Sonoma can hold the following one or more of these parties responsible for your injuries:
- 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 to avoid liability. 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 bad road conditions or insufficient 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 proof and proving that the other party breached their duty of care, causing you harm and damage. To effectively establish negligence, our Sonoma Lyft accident attorneys will help you 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 provides that they must observe the highest standard of care in driving their passengers to their destinations safely.
- Breach Of Duty — You must demonstrate that the driver had the duty to exercise the utmost 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 Recover After A Lyft Accident
Under California law, accident victims may be entitled to financial compensation for their injuries and other damages. Both economic or monetary losses and non-economic or intangible damages are recoverable. Our Sonoma County injury lawyers who have won Lyft accident claims can also help you win yours and recover the following damages:
- 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 loss of 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 instead of directly compensating the victim.
Obtaining compensation means dealing with big corporations, from the rideshare giant Lyft to insurance companies, who are known to either downplay or reject personal injury cases. You risk having your claim denied without legal representation. Our Lyft accident lawyers will fight hard to make these corporations take your case seriously. We are ready to assist you in obtaining the highest possible financial settlement, even if it means taking your case to court.
What To Do After A Lyft Accident In Sonoma County
Following a Lyft accident, you must take crucial steps to ensure your safety and protect your right to compensation. After moving to a safe location, our Lyft accident lawyers encourage you to do the following if you’re still able:
- Seek Medical Attention — Make sure the responders medically evaluate and treat you at the accident scene. You should also get checked at a hospital.
- Speak With Law Enforcement — Call 911 and ask for the police. Ensure they file an official accident report, which you can use later if you file a claim. When giving your statement, only state what happened 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 website. Contact our Lyft rideshare accident lawyers if the company seems to be ignoring you or taking its time addressing your claim.
- Remain Confidential — Insurance companies will look for any excuse to reduce your payout. 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 less than you deserve. A lawyer can evaluate the claim, assess the full extent of the damages, and negotiate a fair settlement that covers all your losses.
- Speak With Arash Law — Hire our Sonoma County Lyft accident attorneys. We can help you protect your rights and obtain the compensation you deserve.
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 skillfully presented to prove 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 time 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 them within the allotted time frame only adds to the pressure. The longer you wait to bring a legal case, the harder it gets to obtain a favorable outcome.
Hiring the best Lyft accident attorneys in Sonoma County can alleviate the burden of having to deal with the accident’s aftermath. We can ensure your case is filed correctly and on time.
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 before. 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.
Lyft maintains commercial insurance that offers specific coverages depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. Victims can receive up to $1 million for their injuries and losses.
How Much Is The Average Settlement For A Lyft Accident In Sonoma County?
Lyft’s insurance coverage for accidents can reach up to $1 million. However, the amount you can obtain will vary based on the circumstances. Generally, the more severe the injuries and damages are, the higher the possible amount.
A Lyft injury settlement can be worth tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, with some cases reaching $300,000 to $1 million or more. In fact, we managed to set the record for the largest motorcycle settlement against a ridesharing service in Tulare County in 2021. Our client, the motorcyclist in the claim, suffered spinal and wrist injuries. In a separate case, we also secured a $1 million settlement for a client who got involved in a low-speed ridesharing collision.
Our Sonoma County car accident lawyers specializing in Lyft cases cannot guarantee a specific amount, but we will ensure your compensation covers all your ongoing and future losses.
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. Our Sonoma County Lyft accident attorneys can’t guarantee an exact timeline, but we can provide a close estimate.
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 the right Sonoma County Lyft accident attorneys, you can often resolve the claim directly with the rideshare service’s insurance provider.
Can I Still Recover 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 got injured in the accident they caused.
- All parties found to be responsible, including the victim, will share liability for the accident.
If you are partly at fault for the accident that injured you, you may still be able to claim compensation. In fact, the state allows you to recover damages even with 99% of the blame. The court will determine the percentage of liability each responsible party will share for the accident. 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 percentage of fault and ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible.
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?
Not knowing or being able to speak English is not a problem when filing a claim or lawsuit. Our Sonoma County Lyft accident lawyers have multilingual staff and access to translators. We can help you translate any discussion or conversation during your doctor’s appointments, depositions, and hearings.
Can I File A Lyft Accident Claim As An Undocumented Immigrant?
Even if you’re an undocumented immigrant who gets into a car accident and sustains injuries, you can submit an injury claim or lawsuit and recover compensation. You are entitled to monetary recovery for 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 calculate 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. A contingency fee means the lawyer gets paid for their services only if you win. This protects clients from further financial burden while incentivizing your lawyer to fight for the full amount possible.
Our Lyft accident lawyers in Sonoma County don’t charge fees upfront. You don’t pay for anything unless we win.
Get Help From The Lyft Accident Lawyers Sonoma County Trusts
It’s difficult to deal with the aftermath of a Lyft accident on your own, but you don’t have to. Trust Arash Law, led by the esteemed Arash Khorsandi, Esq., to be there for you during these trying times. Our dependable Lyft and Uber accident lawyers will help you navigate intricate legal requirements and insurance policies. We are here to safeguard your rights while securing the best outcome for your case.
Choose our Sonoma County Lyft accident lawyers, who have experience and commitment to take on large insurance providers successfully. Call (888) 488-1391 as soon as possible or complete our “Do I Have A Case?” form.
Our Lyft accident lawyers serving 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.
