Tuolumne 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 Tuolumne County Lyft Accident Lawyers Offer A Supportive Approach To Injury Cases
Are you injured in a Lyft accident and unsure what to do next? You can reach out to our Tuolumne County Lyft accident lawyers for legal guidance. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation where you can discuss your situation with our team.
Since Lyft’s introduction in Tuolumne County, it has provided locals and tourists with a convenient alternative to public transportation. They can get a ride with just a few taps on their smartphone. However, this convenience can come at a cost. When you get into a Lyft, you’re placing your safety in the hands of a stranger. Unfortunately, no one can guarantee safety. Accidents can happen anytime and anywhere.
When a Lyft ride goes wrong, consider consulting our Tuolumne County Lyft accident attorneys. We help victims pursue compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and other related losses. Each case is approached with attention to the individual’s circumstances.
Why You Need Tuolumne County Lyft Accident Lawyers
Lyft accidents can be challenging to handle due to complex insurance policies, unique rideshare policies, and Lyft’s involvement. Getting help from qualified lawyers allows you to navigate these issues effectively and helps you understand your legal rights. With their help, you can avoid the confusion that comes with the claims process. They’ll manage the necessary tasks on your behalf, including:
- Preparing the necessary paperwork and filing a personal injury claim.
- Communicating and negotiating with insurance companies.
- Reaching out to witnesses and getting their testimonies.
- Collecting evidence that can be difficult to obtain, such as CCTV or dashcam footage, the Lyft driver’s app or phone data, and more.
Our Tuolumne County Lyft accident lawyers will guide you through each stage of the process and keep you well-informed of your legal options. Your case will be handled with attention to detail and experienced legal guidance.
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
Choosing an experienced lawyer to represent you can significantly affect the outcome of your case. They can help you understand your options and navigate the complexities of a personal injury case. Our attorneys in Tuolumne County carefully evaluate each situation and advise clients on the legal processes involved.
Here are other reasons to consider working with our Lyft accident lawyers:
- Our Tuolumne County injury law firm has experience with handling personal injury matters that involve negotiating with insurance companies and large corporations.
- Our lawyers can gather relevant information, coordinate with medical professionals and experts, and advocate on behalf of clients throughout each stage of the case.
- Our attorneys carefully consider all legal avenues for seeking compensation and are prepared to take a case to court when appropriate.
- We strive to maintain clear communication for our clients. If English is not your mother tongue, we can work with translators to provide language assistance and help you understand your situation.
Have some questions or legal concerns? You can call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free case review.
Establishing Negligence In Lyft Accident Claims
One of the most important tasks of our Tuolumne County Lyft accident lawyers is working to build a well-supported case. This involves demonstrating the four elements of negligence:
- Duty of Care — In the context of Lyft accidents, Lyft drivers are obligated to exercise the utmost care to ensure the safety of their passengers. They also have a duty of care towards other road users and pedestrians, requiring them to act as a reasonably prudent person would. This includes adhering to traffic laws, maintaining vehicle safety, and avoiding reckless or distracted driving behaviors. Additionally, Lyft must conduct thorough background checks on its drivers and continually update and maintain its app and systems to prevent them from contributing to unsafe conditions.
- Breach of Duty — A breach of duty in Lyft accidents happens when a driver or Lyft doesn’t uphold the required care standards. For instance, a driver texting and causing a crash, or Lyft not deactivating a driver with numerous reckless driving complaints, leading to an accident, both demonstrate a breach of duty.
- Causation — In Lyft accidents, proving causation involves showing that the rideshare driver’s or Lyft’s breach of duty directly caused the accident and the claimant’s injuries. This may include demonstrating that the accident wouldn’t have occurred without the driver’s distraction or Lyft’s failure to act on complaints about the driver. Establishing causation can be difficult, particularly when other factors contributed to the accident.
- Damages — In the context of Lyft accidents, damages encompass both the financial and non-financial losses suffered by the victims. This can include medical expenses, lost income, rehabilitation costs, as well as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
Your claim may be invalid if these elements are not established. Our experienced personal injury lawyers can help you demonstrate negligence and pursue the compensation you may be eligible for.
Hurt In A Lyft Accident?
Common Causes Of Lyft Accidents
Once we take on your case, our Tuolumne County Lyft accident attorneys will launch an extensive investigation to identify the cause of your crash. Understanding what happened can help determine who should be held responsible for your damages.
Here are some of the most common factors that can contribute to Lyft accidents:
- Driver Errors — Lyft drivers and third-party drivers are as prone to making mistakes as any other motorist on the road. For example, they could get into a rear-end accident if they fail to notice the driver in front has stopped because they were distracted. They might also cause accidents by:
- Running red lights.
- Driving too fast for the conditions.
- Falling asleep at the wheel.
- Driving under the influence.
- Engaging in road rage.
- Reckless merging and overtaking.
- Lyft’s Negligence — The company itself could breach its duty of care to its customers by failing to implement safety measures properly, hiring drivers without performing background checks, and more.
- Vehicle Breakdowns — Malfunctions can occur due to bad product design, manufacturing errors, or poor maintenance. Tire blowouts, brake failure, or steering wheel issues can lead to loss of control of the vehicle, potentially leading to an accident.
- Dangerous Road Conditions — Poor road design, potholes, debris from road construction, insufficient signage, and broken traffic lights could contribute to traffic crashes. For instance, the poor condition of Tuolumne Road has already resulted in significant property damage. Sections of the pavement are crumbling, creating hazardous conditions that could easily lead to collisions, causing injury.
The Responsible Parties In An Accident
After the cause(s) have been identified, we will trace them to the individual or company that should be held accountable. Here are some potentially responsible parties:
- The Lyft driver
- Lyft, Inc.
- Another driver
- The vehicle manufacturer
- The property owner
- The government
In some situations, multiple parties can be held responsible for an accident. This is where the concept of comparative negligence comes in. Each party will be investigated for their level of contribution to the incident, which will then determine the portion of damages for which they may be responsible. If you’re partially at fault for the accident, your potential compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Identifying liability, assigning fault, and holding the liable parties accountable for rideshare and other car accidents requires legal knowledge. Our Tuolumne County Lyft accident lawyers help evaluate these aspects and assist clients in seeking compensation for their injuries and related losses.
Lyft’s Insurance Coverage For Accident Victims
If the Lyft driver is at fault for your injury, you may be eligible to file a claim against their auto insurance, Lyft’s third-party liability coverage, or both. The applicable policy and coverage depend on the driver’s status on the app:
- Logged Out — If the accident occurred while the driver is not logged into the Lyft app, their auto insurance policy is responsible for paying you. Lyft doesn’t provide coverage during this time.
- Logged in with No Active Booking — If the driver has logged in but is still waiting for a ride request, Lyft provides limited coverage of $50,000 per person or $100,000 per accident for bodily injury. For property damage, the limit is $30,000. These apply to damages not covered by the driver’s policy.
- Accepted a Ride — After the driver clicks accept and starts driving toward the pick-up point, they’re covered by Lyft’s $1 million policy. A driver, pedestrian, or any person who gets injured in an accident caused by a Lyft driver may be entitled to file a claim.
- Picked up the Rider — The same $1 million coverage remains in effect once the ride is in progress. However, the final payout still varies based on the severity of the injuries, the cost of medical treatment, lost wages, and damage to personal property.
Navigating Lyft’s insurance policies and determining which coverage applies can be complicated, especially when multiple parties and coverage periods are involved. Our Tuolumne County Lyft accident lawyers can address any concerns you may have and provide knowledgeable guidance throughout the claims process.
Available Damages In A Lyft Accident Claim
If you’re injured in a Lyft accident caused by someone else, you may be eligible to seek compensation for damages. The amount depends on the losses you incurred and how they affected your finances, emotional well-being, or lifestyle. Some examples of damages you may pursue through a personal injury claim are:
- Medical expenses, including any surgery, therapy, or treatments needed.
- Lost income from being unable to work while recovering.
- Potential future earnings if your injuries prevent you from returning to work for an extended period or permanently.
- Repair or replacement of damaged property, like your car, smartphone, or other personal items, damaged in the accident.
- The physical pain and suffering you’re going through due to your injuries.
- The anxiety, mental anguish, depression, and other emotional or psychological trauma arising from the accident.
- Inability to enjoy previous hobbies, particularly if you were disabled due to the Lyft accident.
- Loss of independence, strained relationships, and damage to social reputation.
There is no set amount for each loss, as injuries can affect individuals differently. For example, the impact of a broken wrist varies from one person to another. One person with lower pain tolerance may experience significant discomfort and require more medications, while another may manage with minimal treatment. Additionally, some people may find it impossible to do their jobs with an injured wrist, while others may be able to continue working with a few minor adjustments.
These variations make it challenging to assess damages, as they depend not only on the injury itself but also on the individual’s unique circumstances. To assess the potential value of your claim, our Lyft accident attorneys in Tuolumne County can help evaluate your situation and guide you in seeking compensation that reflects how the accident affected your life.
What To Do After A Lyft Accident
Try to stay calm so you can better protect yourself and your rights. Here are the immediate steps you can take:
- Check yourself for injuries.
- If you can, move to a safer area, away from any immediate danger.
- Call 911 for emergency help. Cooperate with the police and EMTs upon their arrival.
- Exchange information with other involved parties, including the Lyft driver. Note important details like their name, address, phone number, driver’s license, and insurance policy info.
- If there are any witnesses, politely ask if they can provide a statement to the police. Request their contact details as well.
- Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including the road conditions, weather, debris from the accident, and property damage.
Consult A Doctor
Once you’ve taken the appropriate steps at the scene, seek further medical attention. Some injuries don’t have obvious or concerning symptoms. Sometimes, a headache isn’t just a headache; it could be a sign of a brain injury, a common consequence of traffic accidents. Delaying treatment can lead to serious complications.
Moreover, visiting a doctor creates a medical record that details the type of injuries you sustained, the date you were evaluated, and the recommended treatments. Our Tuolumne County lawyers can use this as evidence linking the Lyft accident to your injuries and demonstrating the extent of your damages.
Contact An Injury Law Firm
Our Tuolumne County Lyft accident attorneys offer a complimentary initial consultation. For a more productive conversation, we recommend bringing anything that can help us review your case details, including:
- Photos and videos of the accident.
- A copy of your police report, if available.
- Your medical reports, doctor’s notes, and records related to your injuries.
- Repair or replacement estimates for damaged property.
- A journal documenting your recovery, pain, inconveniences, and suffering you’ve experienced.
- Receipts, bills, and other financial documents.
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
The Deadline For Filing A Lyft Accident Claim
In general, you have two years from the date of the accident to initiate a claim. This deadline is outlined in California’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases, which also specifies some exceptions. For example, if you discovered your injuries late, the clock will start ticking from the date you discovered (or should have reasonably discovered) your injuries.
If you miss the two-year window, you’ll generally lose your case and may not be able to seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, and other damages. If you don’t want to miss your chance, consider consulting a Lyft accident lawyer in Tuolumne County. They can help keep track of deadlines and file the necessary paperwork within the required timeframe.
Rideshare Accident Statistics
As ridesharing services have grown in popularity, the safety risks on the road have also increased. A previous study by the University of Chicago found a correlation between their introduction and a roughly 3% rise in traffic-related fatalities.
Lyft’s latest data also shows an increase in motor vehicle deaths reported on the platform. Previously, it recorded 105 fatalities or a fatality rate of 0.76 per 100 million miles traveled from 2017 to 2019. This increased to 111 deaths between 2020 and 2022, raising the fatality rate to 0.85.
These are not just numbers. They reflect lives lost in preventable accidents. In addition to fatalities, ridesharing accidents often result in injuries, leaving victims to face medical expenses, physical pain, and time away from work, family, and personal activities.
Whether you’re dealing with an injury or the wrongful death of a family member after a rideshare collision, our Tuolumne County Lyft and Uber accident lawyers are here to help. We are committed to pursuing the financial resources you may need to move forward and rebuild your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Sue Lyft For An Accident?
It’s possible to sue Lyft itself, but only in certain cases. It often cannot be held liable for an accident caused by one of its drivers, who are considered independent contractors. Because of this classification, liability laws governing employer-employee relationships don’t apply to them. For you to have a valid case against Lyft, you must establish that its negligence solely or partially caused the accident.
For example, the Lyft driver who caused your accident had a history of reckless driving. Lyft had a duty not to hire such drivers, but the rideshare company breached it by hiring them anyway. They are negligent if they are aware of it or fail to perform a background check, as they are supposed to.
There are many other scenarios in which Lyft could be sued. Fill out our “Do I Have A Case Form,” and our Tuolumne County Lyft accident lawyers will evaluate your case.
How Much Is My Lyft Accident Case Worth?
The value of your case depends on various factors, one of which is the severity of your injuries. Even minor injuries, like bruises, cuts, and whiplash, deserve compensation. The costs of lab tests, diagnostic procedures, doctor fees, etc., should be accurately reflected in your claim.
More serious injuries like broken bones, spinal cord injuries, joint damage, and brain trauma can drive up the value of your settlement. These conditions may result in long-term treatment, disabilities, diminished quality of life, and more. The financial impact can extend beyond medical expenses, especially if you become unable to work. Ultimately, the value of your case depends on both the short- and long-term consequences of your injuries.
You might be wondering, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer to determine how much my case is worth?” Our Lyft accident attorneys in Tuolumne County won’t just provide an estimate of your losses; we can also help you pursue compensation that reflects the harm you suffered.
How Much Does A Lyft Accident Lawyer Cost?
Most injury law firms, including Arash Law, work on a contingency basis, which means you won’t be charged any fees for the legal services of your attorney. They are only paid if compensation is obtained. Please note that you may still be responsible for certain case-related costs.
We recognize that injured victims already deal with significant financial strain due to their medical expenses, loss of income, and ongoing treatments. This payment arrangement allows our Lyft accident lawyers in Tuolumne County to represent victims without immediate legal costs.
Can I Still Pursue Compensation If The At-Fault Driver Is Uninsured Or Underinsured?
If you’re injured in a Lyft accident that was the fault of an uninsured or underinsured motorist, you may still have options. Our Tuolumne County lawyers who handle Lyft accidents will review whether you can pursue compensation through:
- Your Auto Policy — If you have UI/UM motorist coverage in your auto insurance policy, you may be able to file a claim for bodily injuries.
- Lyft’s UI/UM Insurance — If you were riding a Lyft during the accident, Lyft’s $1 million policy may cover your damages. However, coverage availability and the amount you may pursue depend on the specific details of your case.
How Long Does It Take To Resolve My Lyft Accident Case?
Cases involving minor injuries and clear liability could be resolved within a few months. However, some claims with multiple parties, long recovery periods, a lack of solid evidence, and major disputes can go on for a couple of years or so.
While our Tuolumne County Lyft accident lawyers strive to keep the process moving as efficiently as possible, we cannot guarantee an exact timeline. We can provide an estimate after thoroughly reviewing your case, but even then, there’s no guarantee that the case will proceed as expected. If the case proceeds to trial, the timeline could be extended significantly. That’s why our attorneys only recommend this option when it appears to be the most appropriate course of action.
Call Our Lyft Accident Lawyers In Tuolumne County
Many things could go wrong in a claim, but we’re here to help you address them. Whether you’re struggling with your next steps, a denied claim, inadequate insurance coverage, or other issues, we are here for you. Our Lyft accident attorneys in Tuolumne County have the experience to handle various challenges and pursue compensation in accordance with the law.
We’ll listen to your story in a free initial consultation, determine the appropriate steps to take, and offer personalized legal advice. Call us at (888) 488-1391.
Arash Law serves the entire Tuolumne County, including Sonora, Cedar Ridge, Columbia, Jamestown, Mono Vista, Phoenix Lake, Pine Mountain Lake, Soulsbyville, and Twain Harte. Our lawyers handle a wide range of practice areas, including truck accidents, premises liability, workers’ compensation, and more.
