Tulare County Lyft Accident Lawyers
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Tulare County Lyft Accident Lawyers Navigating Legal Claims With Care
Injured while riding a Lyft? You might be eligible to seek damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and more. Our Tulare County Lyft accident lawyers are here to assist you in pursuing compensation for your losses. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
Tulare County is located in the heart of the Central Valley. It offers a wide range of outdoor recreational activities accessible year-round to visitors and locals. It is common for these individuals to use ridesharing services like Lyft to visit the county’s go-to attractions.
Lyft aims to provide a convenient and easily accessible mode of transportation. With just a few taps on the app, you can request a ride, track your driver’s location, and meet your driver at the designated pickup point. While Lyft offers numerous benefits for travelers, it also contributes to an increase in traffic accidents. If you’re injured in a collision involving a Lyft vehicle, we can help.
If you suffered damages in this incident, seek legal assistance from our Tulare County Lyft accident attorneys. We will use our knowledge and experience to guide you through every step of the process.
Why Hire Arash Law’s Tulare County Lyft Accident Lawyers
Our Tulare County Lyft accident lawyers are dedicated to helping you navigate the challenges that follow a rideshare incident. We understand how stressful and overwhelming it can be to be involved in a Lyft accident. On top of your injuries, you may also have to deal with emotional trauma and financial hardship. You don’t have to face these burdens alone.
Our personal injury lawyers can assist you in pursuing compensation for your damages. With extensive experience in personal injury law, our team is equipped to handle Lyft accident cases and guide you through each stage of the process.
Additionally, our attorneys in Tulare County offer contingency fee arrangements, meaning you won’t be required to pay attorney fees unless compensation is recovered through a settlement or verdict. Certain case-related expenses may still apply, and these will be discussed with you in advance.
We keep clients informed throughout the process and offer support as their case progresses. Reach out us to discuss your situation and explore your available legal options.
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
How Our Lyft Accident Attorneys Can Help You
Seeking compensation for damages after a Lyft accident can be challenging. From determining whose policy will cover your losses to dealing with insurance adjusters, the claims process can be complex and time-consuming. Our Tulare County injury law firm is ready to assist you during this difficult time. We can:
- Analyze the accident scene, collect evidence, and assess liability.
- Collaborate with professionals from various fields and obtain testimonies to support your claim.
- Provide dedicated support and guidance, empowering you to make well-informed decisions.
- Handle all correspondence and negotiations with insurance companies.
- Build an evidence-based case if your case proceeds to trial.
Insurance companies may dispute liability by questioning the estimated cost of repairs, medical expenses, or other losses associated with the accident. They may also encourage early settlements that do not fully reflect the extent of a victim’s losses.
Our Tulare County personal injury lawyers, with experience in Lyft accidents, can help you navigate these negotiations. We can present evidence to support your claim and pursue an appropriate resolution based on the facts of your case.
Typical Lyft Accident Scenarios
Lyft crashes can occur in various ways. While these scenarios differ in how or why they happen, they can all have life-altering consequences.
- A Lyft Passenger Gets Injured in a Traffic Collision — Lyft passengers may sustain injuries in rideshare accidents due to their drivers’ negligence. These incidents can happen when the drivers engage in reckless driving or disregard traffic regulations.
- A Lyft Driver Strikes a Pedestrian — Negligent Lyft drivers can cause pedestrian accidents, resulting in severe injuries since pedestrians lack the protection afforded by seat belts, airbags, or a vehicle’s frame. California law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians so they can cross roads safely, regardless of crosswalks.
- A Lyft Driver Collides with Another Motorist — Unfortunately, car accidents are common in Tulare County. Collisions may happen due to the negligence of the rideshare driver or a third-party motorist. Under California law, injured individuals have the right to seek compensation from the at-fault driver. Lyft’s liability insurance may also provide coverage to both rideshare passengers and third-party motorists.
Knowing how an incident occurred is crucial to determining who is responsible for compensating your damages. Our Tulare County car accident lawyers who handle Lyft cases can evaluate the details of the incident and help you assess liability.
Common Causes Of Lyft Accidents
Lyft accidents are caused by a lot of different factors, including the following:
- Lyft Driver Errors — Lyft drivers, like other motorists, don’t receive physical training before offering rides. Consequently, they may be prone to committing driving errors, such as:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Running red lights
- Disregarding traffic signs
- Ignoring the right of way.
- Improper loading/unloading
- Lyft’s Negligence — Lyft might still be liable for accidents involving its drivers, particularly if it fails to properly vet drivers, letting in those with bad records or inadequate experience.
- Third-Party Driver Errors — Even with careful navigation, Lyft accidents can occur due to reckless third-party motorists making wrong maneuvers, resulting in crashes.
- Mechanical Failures — Lyft crashes happen due to mechanical issues, such as faulty brakes and tire blowouts. If an inherently defective product caused the crash, the manufacturer may be held liable.
- Dangerous Road Conditions — Lyft drivers may crash on roads with potholes, missing guardrails, poor intersections, and malfunctioning traffic lights. These conditions can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles. Victims can file claims against the responsible government office.
If you sustain injuries in a Lyft accident due to any of these factors, consult with our attorneys in Tulare County. We will help you gather the necessary evidence to identify the accountable parties.
Usual Injuries Sustained By Victims In Lyft Accidents
Collisions involving Lyft vehicles can result in serious harm, altering a person’s life in an instant. Our Tulare County Lyft accident lawyers can help victims who have sustained any of these common injuries:
- Head & Brain Injuries — Concussions and TBIs can cause neurological issues, significantly raising compensation claims due to long-term effects.
- Back Injuries — Sprains, strains, and fractures impair mobility and cause chronic pain, impacting the claim value for ongoing treatment and discomfort.
- Internal Injuries — Organ damage and internal bleeding are life-threatening and require prompt medical care, increasing the urgency and value of the claim.
- Fractures — Broken bones demand weeks or months of treatment, justifying higher compensation for extended medical care and lost wages.
- Lacerations & Bruises — Cuts and bruises, especially from glass or metal shards, can lead to infections and require medical attention, impacting the claim amount.
Potentially Liable Parties In A Lyft Accident
Most Lyft crashes involve multiple negligent parties. Among them are the following:
- Lyft Drivers — Lyft drivers must maintain a safe driving record and adhere to traffic laws. If they engage in reckless driving behaviors and cause an accident, they may be held liable. Examples are driving while distracted, speeding, running red lights, and violating traffic laws.
- Lyft — Lyft, as a transportation network company (TNC), may also be held liable in certain circumstances. If it fails to conduct strict screening or proper background checks, it could face accountability if one of its drivers causes an accident.
- Other Third Parties — Lyft accidents may also arise due to the negligence of other parties. These include car manufacturers, maintenance companies, or government agencies responsible for road maintenance. If your Lyft accident involved a commercial truck, our truck accident lawyers can help victims seek liability from the responsible party.
If these parties neglect their responsibilities and contribute to Lyft accidents, they may be liable for the victims’ damages. Proving their liability, however, can be daunting. Consider seeking legal representation from our Lyft accident lawyers in Tulare County. We will help you build a case backed by evidence.
Proving Negligence In A Lyft Accident Case
California follows a fault system to determine who is responsible for any accident, including Lyft collisions. Under this legal principle, liable individuals should compensate victims for their injuries and losses. However, this process is not easy.
To seek reparation, the plaintiff must demonstrate the following elements of negligence:
- The defendant owed them a duty of care.
- The defendant failed to exercise reasonable care.
- The breach of duty directly caused the Lyft crash.
- The Lyft accident victim sustained physical, emotional, and financial damages.
This task can be strenuous, especially since it requires thorough investigation and evidence gathering. Work with our Tulare County Lyft accident attorneys. We will take care of all the legwork for you so you can focus on your well-being.
Lyft’s Insurance Policy
California law requires TNCs like Lyft to maintain commercial insurance policies to cover damages involving their rideshare drivers. However, it’s critical to note that the rideshare company’s third-party liability insurance does not cover all accidents. The coverage is dependent on the driver’s activity when the incident occurred.
- Period 0 — The Lyft driver is inactive in the app during this period. If an accident happens, the at-fault driver’s auto insurance should cover the damages.
- Period 1 — During this period, the Lyft driver logs into the app and waits for a ride request. If accidents occur during this time, the responsible driver’s auto insurance should first cover the damages. If their policy is insufficient, Lyft’s third-party liability insurance may provide coverage of at least $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage.
- Period 2 — This phase provides coverage when the driver is en route to pick up the passenger. During this period, Lyft may cover damages up to $1 million.
- Period 3 — This period applies when the driver transports a passenger until they drop them off. If an accident occurs, coverage is the same as Period 2.
Lyft urges riders and other affected road users to report crashes involving their drivers. A company representative will then contact you to ask for additional information. If Lyft offers you compensation after its assessment, don’t accept it yet. Instead, consult with our Tulare County Lyft accident lawyers. We will investigate the incident to see how Lyft’s insurance policy may work in your case.
Compensation After A Lyft Accident
Under California law, victims of Lyft-related incidents have the legal right to seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages from responsible parties. These include the following:
- Medical Bills — Individuals injured in a Lyft accident may require extensive medical care and rehabilitation, which can result in significant medical expenses.
- Lost Wages — Serious bodily harm may require a victim to take time off work to focus on their health. However, this may lead to lost earnings.
- Loss of Earning Capacity — Injuries resulting in disabilities may force victims to resign from their current jobs. As a result, they lose not only their current income but also their future earnings.
- Pain & Suffering — One of the most immediate effects of a Lyft accident is physical pain. Victims may experience anything from mild discomfort to chronic pain. The physical pain is also often accompanied by emotional distress. The accident can cause fear, anxiety, grief, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Lyft accidents can also lead to tragic outcomes. In such cases, the surviving family members have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. This legal action aims to alleviate their financial burdens and compensate them for the following:
- Pain and grief of the surviving loved ones.
- The victim’s medical expenses when they were still alive and receiving medical care.
- Funeral and burial expenses.
- Loss of potential financial support, especially if the victim is a breadwinner.
- Loss of consortium.
To pursue compensation available for your damages, seek help from our Tulare County Lyft accident lawyers. We will evaluate the extent of your losses and compute their potential value, which we’ll discuss with insurers.
Statute Of Limitations For Lyft Accident Cases
California’s statute of limitations allows plaintiffs to file their personal injury claims within two years from the date of the Lyft accident. However, the time limit may still vary depending on the circumstances. For instance, the deadline may be paused or tolled if the plaintiff is a minor or if the defendant is out of state.
Failure to file within this time frame may mean losing your right to pursue compensation. Consider working with our Lyft and Uber accident attorneys in Tulare County. We can help file your case correctly and promptly to prevent missing deadlines.
What To Do After A Lyft Accident In Tulare County
After being involved in a Lyft collision, you might get overwhelmed or confused. However, knowing what to do next is critical to preserving your legal rights.
Our attorneys in Tulare County suggest that you take these steps following a Lyft accident:
- Quickly assess if you or anyone else is severely injured. Call 911 for prompt medical attention. Afterward, see a doctor for a thorough physical examination, even if you feel fine. Remember, some injuries may not manifest symptoms right away. When receiving medical care, get copies of relevant records, bills, and invoices, which are vital in calculating out-of-pocket expenses.
- Notify the authorities about the incident. California law requires drivers to report collisions involving injuries or property damage exceeding $1,000 to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
- Collect evidence. These include photos of the location, your injuries, damaged vehicles, and skid marks. Also, ask the involved parties and witnesses for their names, contact numbers, and insurance information.
- File an accident report. You may do so by completing Lyft’s online form. You should also notify your insurance company about the incident. However, avoid oversharing and be careful with your words, as opposing parties may use them to weaken your case. Additionally, do not accept their offer without seeing a lawyer first.
- Consult with Arash Law. Seeking immediate legal advice from our Lyft accident lawyers in Tulare County can help process your claim. Moreover, you can focus on your well-being, knowing you have knowledgeable advocates working on your behalf.
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
Lyft Accident Statistics
In 2023, Lyft had 21.4 million active riders and a revenue of $4.4 billion, reflecting a 7.5% year-on-year growth.
To ensure safe rides, Lyft revealed it has implemented various measures. These include carefully screening drivers and requesting riders and drivers to share their locations. The rideshare company also collaborated with authorities for emergency assistance and maintained a safety team available 24/7.
Unfortunately, despite these measures, accidents involving Lyft drivers still occur. In its latest safety transparency report, the TNC revealed 0.0002% of its trips ended with safety concerns.
Our lawyers in Tulare County understand that Lyft accidents have devastating repercussions. That is why we remain committed to extending our legal services to help victims get through this challenging time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Lyft Accidents
Can I Initiate Legal Action Against Lyft After An Accident In Tulare County?
Generally, victims should file a claim with Lyft’s insurance company first to seek damages. While Lyft’s insurance coverage can provide financial protection, there may be circumstances where you have the option to sue Lyft directly. However, initiating legal action against Lyft can be a complex legal matter. Consult with an experienced attorney to understand your rights and options.
How Much Is My Lyft Accident Claim Worth?
Determining the precise value of your Lyft accident claim is challenging. Many factors can influence the amount of compensation. Among these are the following:
- The type of injury you sustained.
- The severity of your wounds.
- Your impacted capacity to work and earn money.
- Your present and future out-of-pocket expenses.
- Your percentage of fault.
- Your pain and suffering.
Speak with our Tulare Lyft accident lawyers. We will assess the specifics of your case and help you understand how each factor may influence the potential value of your claim.
What Happens If The At-Fault Driver Does Not Have Auto Insurance?
If the driver responsible for your accident is uninsured, you have the option to submit a claim to your insurance provider to use your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. If not, you might be compelled to initiate a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver to pursue compensation for your damages.
California law requires all drivers to maintain auto insurance with the prescribed minimum coverage. Unfortunately, not all drivers comply with this rule. If you get injured in a Lyft accident due to the negligence of an uninsured or underinsured motorist, contact our lawyers in Tulare County. We will explore all legal avenues so you can seek compensation for your losses.
Can I Still File A Claim Even If I’m Partially Responsible For A Lyft Accident?
You may pursue a personal injury claim even if you are found partly responsible for a Lyft accident in Tulare County. California follows the pure comparative negligence rule. Under this legal system, victims can initiate legal action, even if they are up to 99% at fault. However, the compensation you can pursue will be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
Should I Talk To Lyft’s Insurance Company Before Consulting An Attorney?
Many victims wonder, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer before talking to an insurance adjuster?” The proper thing to do is to consult your attorney before talking to any insurance company. Keep in mind that insurance companies are focused on managing costs and will work to limit their financial exposure.
You may need Lyft accident lawyers in Tulare County to handle negotiations on your behalf. By seeking legal representation, you can protect your rights.
How Much Do Lyft Accident Lawyers Charge In Tulare County?
Most personal injury law firms in Tulare County operate on a contingency fee basis. Arash Law is one of them. Our Tulare County Lyft accident lawyers work in a similar type of agreement. In other words, clients are not required to pay attorney’s fees unless an appropriate compensation for the case is reached. Still, certain case-related expenses may still apply. To learn more about this payment arrangement and how we can assist you, contact us at (888) 488-1391.
Contact Our Tulare County Lyft Accident Lawyers
Planning to file a Lyft accident case? Avoid the stress of navigating the complex legal system. Our Tulare County Lyft accident lawyers can manage your claim. From gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies, we will guide you every step of the way. We will build an evidence-based case to support your claim.
Arash Law is available to provide legal services throughout Tulare County, including Visalia, Tulare, Porterville, Dinuba, Lindsay, Farmersville, Exeter, Orosi, Earlimart, and Woodlake. To learn more about your legal rights, reach out to our Lyft accident attorneys in Tulare County by calling (888) 488-1391. We offer free initial consultations.
