Victorville Lyft Accident Lawyers
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Victorville Lyft Accident Lawyers Help You Seek Accountability For Your Losses
Injured in a Lyft collision? We understand how confusing and overwhelming it can be to deal with the aftermath of an accident. From medical bills to lost income and emotional distress, the challenges can feel insurmountable. Arash Law has helped accident victims and their families pursue a legal claim to help cover their damages after a crash. Call our dedicated Victorville Lyft accident lawyers at (888) 488-1391 for a free case evaluation.
Rideshare services like Lyft make getting around Victorville easier than ever. However, while convenient, they are not without risks. Your safety depends on the driver’s abilities, and some may not have received specific training for transporting passengers. If you’ve been injured in a Lyft accident, contact us for personalized legal guidance and support.
Why You Need Victorville Lyft Accident Lawyers
Although you can file a claim on your own, having Victorville Lyft accident attorneys on your side might be beneficial for the following reasons:
- Experienced Legal Representation — After a Lyft accident, navigating the unique and complex legal challenges that arise can be overwhelming and confusing without the guidance of experienced legal representation. We can assist you throughout the claims process and are dedicated to advocating for your rights.
- Proving Liability — Lyft accidents can involve multiple parties, and identifying each one and their degree of responsibility is a difficult process. Our Victorville car accident lawyer who focuses on Lyft-related cases will investigate your case and gather evidence to help identify potentially liable parties.
- Settlement Negotiation — Pursuing fair treatment and compensation after a Lyft accident is challenging. Insurance companies typically contact you post-accident to settle quickly, but the offers usually don’t reflect your actual losses. We will assess your damages and review settlement offers to help you make informed decisions about your case.
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 Support Your Claim
Our Victorville Lyft accident lawyers have experience handling different types of personal injury cases and assisting clients in seeking accountability against the liable parties.
At Arash Law, our priority is to help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries and losses following a crash. From the moment you meet with our personal injury attorneys, we take on the burden of managing the legal complexities and building a well-documented case.
Our Victorville accident lawyers work to evaluate the full extent of your damages. These include not only your medical bills and property damage but also lost wages, mental anguish, and pain and suffering. We will carefully assess how your injuries have affected your life and include this information when filing a claim on your behalf.
After determining the scope of your losses, we use it as the basis for negotiations with the insurance company. While Lyft provides insurance coverage for accidents involving its drivers, settlement negotiations can be challenging. Our team of negotiators approaches discussions well-prepared with evidence-based arguments and a thorough understanding of the law.
If negotiations stall or the insurance company refuses to offer a fair deal, we can take your case to trial. Our litigation attorneys are ready to advocate for your rights, whether through settlement negotiations or litigation.
Contact us to learn how to get started without upfront fees. Our Lyft injury attorneys will also evaluate your case for free.
Common Causes Of Lyft Accidents
Our Victorville Lyft accident lawyers have the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to help uncover the possible causes of your crash. However, identifying the causes is only part of the equation. To support your case, you must show there’s negligence involved.
For example, inclement weather is a common cause of crashes, accounting for approximately 21% of motor vehicle accidents. Can someone be responsible for natural occurrences? In such cases, our lawyers conduct a thorough investigation to explore other possibilities. Although the weather can’t be controlled, carelessness can occur when someone fails to prepare for foreseeable hazards or drives recklessly in risky conditions.
Here are some other examples of factors that are often tied to someone’s negligence:
- Fatigued driving
- Driving under the influence
- Distracted driving
- Violating traffic laws
- Reckless driving
- Vehicle malfunctions
- Dangerous road conditions
Hurt In A Lyft Accident?
Finding Who’s Responsible For A Lyft Accident
After identifying the causes, our Victorville Lyft accident lawyers will gather evidence to help point out which individuals or companies may have been negligent. For instance, the following parties may be deemed potentially liable:
- Lyft Driver — If a Lyft driver is careless while driving, such as being distracted, speeding, or breaking any traffic laws, it could lead to an accident. In such cases, the driver could be held legally responsible for the damages.
- Lyft, Inc. — The rideshare company may not always be responsible for the negligence of its drivers, so you can’t sue Lyft directly in many cases. However, there are instances in which it can be held liable, such as when an accident occurs due to its failure to implement safety measures or hire responsible drivers.
- Another Driver — Even if the Lyft driver upholds a reasonable standard of care while driving, an accident can still occur due to the negligence of another driver. This makes the other party solely or partially responsible.
- A Third Party — Car manufacturers may share some responsibility in cases of defective vehicles, while government agencies can be at fault for poor road conditions. If the collision involved a commercial vehicle, our truck accident lawyers can look into the trucking company or cargo loader.
The at-fault party’s insurer is legally responsible for reimbursing your expenses from the accident. However, seeking compensation can become complicated in certain situations. For example, in a hit-and-run incident, the driver who caused the accident might not be present to provide information about their insurance. A hit-and-run accident lawyer can explore alternative sources of compensation, such as uninsured motorist coverage or other applicable insurance policies.
Similarly, it can be challenging to seek damages if the at-fault party doesn’t have insurance. Furthermore, filing a claim with Lyft can be challenging due to the complexity of its insurance terms. Our Lyft accident lawyers in Victorville can evaluate your case and help you explore other potential avenues for compensation.
The Basis Of Lyft Accident Claims
Most Lyft accident claims in Victorville are based on the concept of negligence. To be eligible for compensation, you must prove the defendant’s negligence by demonstrating the following elements:
- Duty of Care — The defendant has a duty to act in a way that minimizes the risk of harming you.
- Breach of Duty — The defendant failed to uphold this obligation by behaving recklessly, negligently, or unlawfully.
- Causation — The breach of duty directly caused the accident in which you were injured.
- Damages — You incurred compensable losses as a result of the accident.
Proving negligence is relatively straightforward if you were a passenger in an accident involving Lyft. Lyft drivers are required to exercise a reasonable duty of care to maintain safe transportation to your destination. If they disregard this duty and cause a car accident, for example, they may be held liable for the resulting damages.
However, note that you also must act reasonably to avoid causing harm to others. If you neglect that responsibility, you can be held partially responsible for the resulting accident. California’s comparative negligence law allows you to pursue a claim even if you share some fault. However, your percentage of liability reduces the amount you can pursue.
Our Victorville Lyft accident lawyers are committed to meticulously investigating your case, reviewing all available evidence, and helping you hold the negligent parties responsible for your damages.
Types Of Damages In A Lyft Accident Claim
If you’re injured due to someone else’s fault, you may be able to seek damages to cover your immediate and future losses. These might include:
Current And Future Medical Costs
Compensation in a personal injury claim aims to help cover the treatment costs for your injuries. Since not all injuries require the same level of care, the amount you can pursue for your medical costs varies. A minor cut usually does not require hospitalization, but more serious injuries such as concussions or spinal cord injuries may require emergency care, diagnostic testing, inpatient monitoring, and in some cases surgery or long-term rehabilitation.
Lost Wages
If your injuries force you to take time off work, you might lose the income you need to pay your bills and buy groceries. Our Victorville Lyft accident lawyers work to help you pursue compensation for your lost wages.
We will also consider the Lyft accident’s effect on your potential earnings. For example, you might be forced to make a career change after an amputation. If you miss several days of work while recovering from a broken bone, you might miss out on promotions, bonuses, or career opportunities. These losses may be recoverable in a claim.
Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Beyond medical bills, other costs resulting from the accident may also qualify for compensation. For instance, if your car was totaled in a head-on collision with a Lyft, you may be able to include the costs of replacing your vehicle in your claim. This applies to any personal belongings, such as your phone, laptop, bag, etc.
Other fees, such as childcare and transportation costs for attending your doctor’s appointments, may also be eligible for reimbursement. If your injuries require you to make modifications to your home or if you need other accommodations for your rehabilitation, you may also be able to include the costs in your claim. Keep a record to help your Victorville Lyft accident attorney account for all your expenses.
General Damages
The intangible effects of the accident may also be included as part of your claim, including:
- Physical pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress.
- Psychological impacts, like anxiety and PTSD.
- Reduced quality of life.
- Reduced ability to do the activities or hobbies you used to enjoy.
- Loss of consortium.
These non-economic damages may be harder to quantify because they don’t have fixed costs, and it is difficult to prove them with receipts. As such, they might also be heavily contested. Our Victorville Lyft accident lawyers work to build a well-documented case to support your claim.
How Lyft’s Insurance Policy Works
If your accident involves a Lyft driver, it doesn’t always mean you can file a claim with the rideshare company. If they were logged out of the Lyft app at the time of the incident, their auto insurance shoulders the responsibility for the resulting damages. Lyft’s third-party liability insurance coverage is only in effect when the driver is logged into the app. Coverage further varies according to different periods:
- Period 1 — The driver is waiting for a ride request. If an accident occurs at this stage, Lyft’s insurance steps in after the driver’s primary insurance runs out. Per the local insurance requirements, Lyft should provide coverage up to:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury.
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury.
- $25,000 per accident for property damage.
- Period 2 — The driver is on the way to pick up the passenger. Lyft’s insurance acts as the primary policy for covered accidents during this period. It provides up to $1 million for the resulting damages.
- Period 3 — The driver has picked up the rider and is en route to the drop-off location. Lyft’s million-dollar policy also covers accidents that happen during active trips. Additionally, drivers and passengers are covered by up to $1 million for accidents caused by an uninsured third-party driver.
Getting into an accident with a Lyft driver often involves several layers of challenges, particularly when it comes to knowing whom to contact for compensation. Our Victorville Lyft accident lawyers are familiar with ridesharing regulations that apply in California and will work to pursue fair compensation based on your injuries and losses in accordance with California law.
What To Do After A Lyft Accident
The following steps are general recommendations that may help you protect your well-being and preserve important information. These are not intended as legal advice and should not be used as a substitute for consulting a qualified attorney. You may consider actions such as:
- Keep calm and prioritize your safety. Assess your injuries first. Move to a safer place, such as the side of the road, if it will not cause further harm.
- Call 911 to request emergency medical services. This also helps local police to arrive at the scene to create an official incident report, which can be used for insurance claims and legal processes.
- Exchange information with all people involved in the collision, including the Lyft driver, other motorists, and vehicle occupants. Include their names, phone numbers, insurance policies, and license plate numbers.
- If there are any witnesses, also ask for their contact details. You may need to contact them for their testimony later.
- Take pictures of the vehicles involved, visible injuries, road conditions, and any other relevant details related to the crash. Documenting the accident scene can provide visual evidence and help establish liability and the extent of damage.
- Visit your doctor immediately, even if you feel fine after the accident. Some injuries may not show immediate symptoms.
- Report the accident to Lyft.
- For Passengers — You can file a report through the Help section in the app.
- For Third Parties — Fill out the online form on Lyft’s website.
- Contact Lyft accident lawyers in Victorville. We can assist you in seeking accountability from the at-fault parties and navigating the complexity of insurance and personal injury claims. Additionally, we’ll handle necessary tasks, such as securing accident reports, CCTV footage, traffic camera recordings, and other forms of evidence to support your claim.
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
How Soon You Need To Take Legal Action After A Lyft Accident
In California, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. After this period, you may lose the eligibility to seek compensation for your injuries.
However, some exceptions could extend your deadline. Some examples are:
- Delayed discovery of injuries.
- Incidents involving minors or legally incapacitated plaintiffs.
- Cases where the defendant is out of state or in prison.
Our Victorville Lyft accident lawyers work efficiently to file paperwork within the allowed timeframe, gather evidence before it disappears, and prepare a well-supported case tailored to your needs.
The Dangers Of Lyft Services
While Lyft emphasizes its commitment to safety, the recent Safety Transparency Report suggests otherwise. In fact, motor vehicle fatalities involving its drivers have only increased. From 2017 to 2019, the company recorded a rate of 0.76 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT). During the 2020–2022 period, this figure increased to 0.85 per 100 million VMT, representing a 14% rise.
The rise in fatal Lyft accidents highlights the risks associated with riding or sharing the road with Lyft vehicles. These not only lead to deaths but also injuries that can have a lasting impact on victims. Our Lyft accident attorneys in Victorville understand the consequences of each incident. We remain committed to representing those who were victimized by the negligence of Lyft drivers, the rideshare company, or other entities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need A Lyft Accident Attorney If My Injuries Are Minor?
Even if your injuries appear insignificant, it may be helpful to consult with Victorville Lyft accident lawyers after receiving medical treatment. Some injuries might worsen over time or have long-term consequences. Without legal representation, you might miss out on compensation for future medical costs or ongoing discomfort that could develop later.
Our attorneys can work with your doctor and other medical specialists to properly document your injuries and their potential impact on your overall well-being.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Lawyer?
Hiring a personal injury lawyer in Victorville is often done on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay lawyers’ fees unless your claim results in a settlement. Instead, your attorney’s payment is deducted from the settlement or court award we obtain on your behalf. If there’s no compensation, you won’t owe us for our legal services.
Our Victorville Lyft accident lawyers will discuss these fees and other case-related costs that will be charged separately, regardless of the outcome, during your case review and before you sign any agreement.
Can I File A Claim With Lyft If I Am Injured As A Cyclist Or Pedestrian?
You may be able to seek compensation from Lyft if its driver injured you while logged into the app. Lyft provides a commercial insurance policy for its drivers, which can cover damages incurred by the rider or third parties, including bicyclists and pedestrians. However, the coverage depends on the circumstances of your accident.
Our Victorville Lyft accident lawyers also handle bicycle and pedestrian accidents and can assess the eligibility of your claim. We can also identify which policy applies, guide you through the claims process, and advocate for your rights.
How Much Is My Lyft Accident Claim Worth?
The value of a Lyft accident claim varies widely. It depends on factors like:
- The nature and severity of your injuries.
- The accident’s impact on your work, activities, hobbies, and other aspects of your life.
- Any ongoing or future treatment required.
- Long-term impacts, such as disabilities, disfigurement, and chronic pain.
- Available evidence.
Your lawyer’s skill will also play an important role, as the outcome of your claim depends on their ability to substantiate your claim. At Arash Law, we consider and verify all your losses. Our Lyft accident lawyers in Victorville aim to help you pursue a claim that accurately reflects the full impact of the accident on your life.
Contact Our Lyft Accident Lawyers In Victorville
If you’re thinking, “I need a personal injury lawyer,” our Victorville Lyft accident attorneys are prepared to advocate for your rights through negotiations and litigation.
The aftermath of a Lyft accident can be overwhelming, as you may have to deal with medical bills, paperwork, and more. It can get exhausting, especially when you’re trying to recover and find a sense of normalcy.
Our team provides a personalized approach to your unique needs. Regardless of your citizenship or socioeconomic status, we are ready to assist you in pursuing a legal claim against the responsible parties. We will thoroughly evaluate your case and develop a customized strategy tailored to your unique circumstances. Call (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
Aside from Lyft accidents, our law firm also handles Uber accidents, commercial vehicle collisions, truck accidents, slip and falls, and more. Additionally, we serve other areas in San Bernardino County, including Apple Valley, Hesperia, Adelanto, El Mirage, Helendale, Lucerne Valley, Oak Hills, Phelan, and beyond.
