Visalia Lyft Accident Lawyers
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Our Top-Rated Visalia Lyft Accident Lawyers Have The Experience And Knowledge You Need
As the demand for Lyft grows, so do incidents involving its vehicles and drivers. If you were recently injured in a traffic crash involving the ridesharing service, immediately call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation. Our Visalia Lyft accident lawyers will assist you in filing a personal injury claim for compensation.
Tourism plays a big role in Visalia’s economic growth spurt—a huge thanks to Sequoia National Park, Mooney Grove Park, and Kings Canyon National Park, which attract thousands of tourists annually. However, nature isn’t all Visalia has to offer. Locals also enjoy hanging out on Main Street in downtown Visalia, a great place to cool down with drinks and bar food. And for a safe ride home, Lyft provides transportation.
Lyft has become a popular way to get around in Visalia. Many people find it much more convenient than taking metered taxis or driving their own cars. Aside from not having to worry about parking, they can relax even while their ride is stuck in traffic. It is important to know, though, that ridesharing services do not always guarantee the highest level of safety.
Lyft accidents are on the rise, causing injuries to passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists. If you are injured in one, make sure to reach out to the Lyft accident lawyers Visalia trusts. Arash Khorsandi, Esq., together with his hundred-strong legal staff, have been serving the City of Visalia and the entire Golden State for many decades now.
Our personal injury law firm has assisted thousands of satisfied clients, recovering over $500 Million in compensation on their behalf. Get the help you deserve. Don’t hesitate to contact us today for a free case evaluation.
A farm worker, suffered multiple broken bones and other orthopedic injuries resulting from an auto accident where the defendant driver attempted to make a left turn in front of our client in heavy fog.– ARASH KHORSANDI
Why You Need Our Experienced Lyft Accident Attorneys
Were you involved in a Lyft accident and wondering, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer for my Lyft accident?” The answer is yes, especially if you want to maximize your compensation and focus on recovery.
Although you can file a personal injury claim without a Lyft accident lawyer, having one on your side gives you a significant edge. Here’s why we highly recommend getting legal representation:
Determining Liability Can Be Complex
Determining liability is rarely straightforward, especially in rideshare accidents. Lyft doesn’t have an employer-employee relationship with its drivers, so the company might not always be accountable for a Lyft accident. There are also some other parties who you might not even consider to be responsible.
To ensure you’re filing a claim against the right parties, you must have an in-depth understanding of the insurance policies and unique laws surrounding ridesharing services. Our Lyft accident lawyers in Visalia can identify these possible parties.
Gathering Evidence And Proving Negligence Is Easier With A Lawyer
To get fairly compensated, you’ll need proof of wrongdoing and evidence of your damages. This can include medical reports, photos and videos, eyewitness statements, digital records, expert opinions, and more.
Our Lyft accident attorneys already have established methods of obtaining these pieces of evidence and using them to strengthen your claim.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies Is A Pain In The Neck
Processing a claim often involves numerous calls from claims adjusters. This can be tiring, especially since you need to be constantly vigilant to protect your claim. Insurance companies may use tactics you’re unfamiliar with. Insurance providers lie, cheat, and manipulate victims in several ways.
You don’t have to face all these challenges alone. Our Visalia Lyft accident lawyers will handle all of them on your behalf so you can focus on healing instead.
How Can Our Visalia Lyft Accident Lawyers Help You Get Compensation?
Make sure your claim is protected by having us on your side right from the start. Our Visalia lawyers for Lyft accident cases will meticulously review all evidence, consult with medical and financial experts, and calculate your damages to determine how much you’re entitled to.
Following an accident, the at-fault party’s insurance provider might contact you to investigate and offer a seemingly tempting settlement. However, you should not accept this offer without first consulting an attorney. You should not agree to anything, sign any documents, or provide recorded statements without legal advice.
Statistics have shown that victims who seek compensation with legal representation receive higher settlements than those without. They are sometimes pressured into accepting a low offer through intimidation or harassment. They may even be unaware of the true value of their claim. Sadly, some injured victims received nothing at all.
If we can’t reach a reasonable resolution with the insurance company, we will escalate the case to court. That is how confident we are in our investigation and litigation abilities. Our personal injury attorneys have already won thousands of Lyft accident cases in the past, so we know we can win yours, too.
Our Lyft accident attorneys are committed to helping you with your case by:
Doing All The Legal Legwork
Most people think that filing a personal injury claim is merely a two-step process of filling out a claim form and then receiving the settlement check right away. In reality, it involves extensive and time-consuming paperwork.
Forcing yourself to stay on top of these tasks while recovering from injuries will jeopardize your healing progress. Getting injured in an accident is stressful enough, both physically and financially. Imagine how exasperating to file the claim all by yourself in a long queue on crutches or a wheelchair with a neck brace on.
Leave these grueling tasks to our Visalia Lyft accident lawyers. We know the ins and outs of the whole process, so you can trust us to handle your claim efficiently and effectively.
Investigating The Accident Thoroughly
Our Visalia Lyft accident attorneys will meticulously investigate your case. We’ll leave no stone unturned, gathering every scrap of evidence, exploring all possibilities, and interviewing witnesses to build a comprehensive understanding of the incident. Our legal team will then use our extensive knowledge, skills, and everything we’ve gathered to build a solid claim.
Communicating With The Other Parties
Our attorneys are dedicated to securing the highest settlement for you. When you partner with us, we will handle all communications with the other party and anyone else involved, including negotiating with their insurance company. Taking this step will give our Lyft accident lawyers a better position to advocate for your right to fair compensation.
Working On A Contingency Fee Basis
Every victim has the right to pursue a legal claim, even if they have no money to pay legal fees upfront. Our Visalia attorneys will work on your Lyft accident case on a contingency fee basis. Essentially, you won’t owe us anything unless we recover compensation for you.
This payment arrangement will ease your stress and give you the opportunity to fight for what you deserve. And since we only get paid if we win your case, you can be confident that we’ll put in our best efforts to win your case.
Providing Personalized Attention
Our Lyft accident lawyers in Visalia will develop a strategy tailored to your specific needs and goals. Additionally, we will assign you a designated case manager whom you can contact anytime with questions or concerns regarding your claim. Our legal team is committed to bringing you peace of mind, so you can expect us to be there for you when you need us.
Learn more about how our personal injury lawyers, specializing in Lyft and car accidents in Visalia, can help. We have hundreds of client testimonials online that demonstrate how we have assisted victims with their claims and rehabilitation.
Typical Causes Of Lyft Accidents
Fatigue Or Drowsy Driving
A significant portion of Lyft drivers are part-timers. They often have full-time jobs before logging into the app to start accepting passengers. Some are even coming from a graveyard shift.
While there’s nothing wrong with working two jobs (or more) to make ends meet, the problem arises from not having enough rest. Driving while fatigued poses a significant risk to passengers and the general public. Drowsiness impairs a driver’s reaction times, alertness, and decision-making skills, increasing the likelihood of a collision. In a case that our Lyft accident lawyers have handled, a driver has fallen asleep while transporting a passenger, causing severe injuries and damages.
Driving Under The Influence
Since drowsy driving can be dangerous, some drivers resort to stimulants to stay alert. However, others make the risky choice of driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. These substances significantly impair driving ability by causing:
- Reduced concentration
- Blurred vision
- Heightened aggression
- Increased risk-taking tendency
- Altered perception
- Decreased motor coordination skills
Even if the driver’s goal is to alleviate some fatigue, the trade-off is not worth it. In 2021, around 1,166 people died in alcohol-involved crashes, which represented around 26% of all traffic fatalities in the state. Meanwhile, drug-related accidents led to 683 deaths.
If you get injured in a rideshare incident involving an impaired driver, call our Visalia Lyft accident lawyers right away. We will ensure that the negligent driver is held responsible for your injuries.
Speeding
Lyft drivers are independent contractors and not regular employees of the company. They do not have fixed salaries. Instead, they base their income on the number of trips they complete every day. This payment structure, while flexible, inadvertently incentivizes speed over safety. In order to maximize their earnings, some drivers overspeed to finish rides as fast as possible.
Speeding endangers the driver, their passengers, and other road users. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), speeding contributed to 29% of total traffic fatalities nationwide in 2022, claiming 12,151 lives that year, or 33 people a day.
Distracted Driving
Among all motorists, Lyft drivers are particularly prone to distracted driving because they have to regularly use their phones to check for passenger bookings, make or receive calls from passengers, use navigation apps, and more.
Our Lyft accident lawyers recognize that distracted driving isn’t solely attributed to distractions inside the vehicle. External factors, such as outdoor advertisements, the scenery, and traffic events, could contribute to distracted driving as well.
As per the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), 140 people were killed in 2021 in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers, which is a huge 27.3% increase from the previous year.
Driving On Unfamiliar Roads
When Lyft drivers are not familiar with the roads, they could get confused and make mistakes, such as:
- Driving the wrong way
- Making a careless U-turn
- Slowing down to read the map
These behaviors could lead to accidents, especially since other motorists won’t be able to predict the driver’s maneuvers properly.
Failing To Maintain The Lyft Vehicle Properly
Lyft drivers use their own vehicles and are responsible for their maintenance. It is only necessary to submit a vehicle inspection report once during the application process. However, some drivers might mistakenly assume that maintaining their cars is not a big deal after that.
In reality, the opposite is true, as ridesharing vehicles are subject to more wear and tear than regular cars due to longer driving hours under various weather and road conditions and constant door opening and closing, among other factors.
Tires and brakes are often neglected, as they might appear fine on the outside but are worn out on the inside. When a tire bursts or the brake malfunctions, the driver could lose control of the car and cause serious injuries to passengers and nearby people.
Skilled Visalia Lyft accident lawyers would still have to determine if the malfunction was due to poor maintenance or a design flaw. If it’s the latter, we might have to file a claim against the manufacturer of the defective part.
Encountering Other Risk Factors
Our Lyft accident lawyers have also handled rideshare-related cases involving other factors, such as:
- Poor road conditions, like potholes and manholes
- Construction zones
- Other drivers’ negligence
- Adverse weather
You should consult our Visalia attorneys for Lyft accident claims if you are injured in one. We’ll determine the cause to find out who’s liable for your damages and injuries. Alternatively, you can fill out our “Do I Have A Case Form?” and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Common Injuries Victims Of Lyft Accidents Sustain
Victims in car accidents can suffer a range of injuries, varying in severity and long-term impact. In the accident cases our Lyft accident lawyers have handled across Visalia and California, lacerations and contusions are commonly reported. These injuries often require minimal recovery time, but they still result in medical expenses and pain. If the cut is deep, the victim might even have to get stitches, miss work, and deal with an unsightly scar.
Other injuries demand more extensive treatment and rehabilitation, however. Here are some examples:
- Whiplash & neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Head trauma
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back injuries
- Broken bones
- Amputations
- Internal damage
We have also observed that many victims develop psychological trauma, such as adjustment disorders, anxiety, and depression. Severe cases of PTSD may require ongoing therapy sessions.
Additionally, some injuries might not manifest immediately. Our Visalia Lyft accident lawyers have helped many clients who only noticed something was wrong months after the incident. We’ve successfully connected those injuries to the accident and secured compensation for their recovery.
After any type of accident, make sure to consult a doctor. Then, reach out to our legal team. We can discuss your options and help you pursue compensation for your medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and other losses related to your injury.
What Damages Can You Recover After A Lyft Accident?
If you’re injured, you might have a valid claim for compensation. Our lawyers specializing in Lyft accident cases will help you recover economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages refer to losses with a specific monetary value, such as hospital bills, laboratory fees, therapy bills, medicines, lost salary wages, car repairs, and other relevant expenses.
On the other hand, non-economic damages involve intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of a limb or bodily function, loss of companionship, reduced quality of life, and PTSD.
While non-economic losses are not easily quantifiable, our Visalia Lyft accident attorneys have certain methods to assess their value accurately. We even collaborate with medical and financial experts to ensure that all aspects of your damages are accounted for and fully compensated.
Who Is Liable For A Lyft Accident?
Determining liability in a Lyft accident is more difficult compared to an ordinary car crash, given that it could involve the rideshare company itself. While the driver is almost always blamed due to negligence, other parties could also be at fault for the incident.
Our Lyft accident lawyers in Visalia will investigate and may find fault with the following individuals or companies:
- Lyft
- Vehicle manufacturer
- Car mechanic
- A third party, such as another motorist or a pedestrian
- Government entities
Consulting a Lyft accident lawyer can help identify all liable parties and ensure they are held accountable for your injuries and damages.
Comparative Negligence Law In California
All parties who contribute to an accident will share liability, and this may include the victim. Nevertheless, California’s pure comparative negligence laws allow injured victims to pursue compensation, even if they were 99% at fault. The catch is that their percentage of fault will reduce the amount they will receive.
Here’s an example of how comparative negligence affects cases and the compensation awarded to the victim:
A Lyft driver was waiting at the stoplight on the corner of Main Street and S. Conyer St. When the light turned green, the driver proceeded to cross the intersection. However, the car struck a pedestrian who suddenly darted across the street. As a result, the pedestrian suffered injuries.
Upon reviewing the CCTV footage, it became clear that the pedestrian had crossed the street irresponsibly. However, their attorney was also able to prove that the driver was still liable for failing to avoid a potentially preventable collision. Ultimately, the court assigned 60% of the liability to the pedestrian and 40% to the driver.
Suppose the pedestrian requested $1,000,000 in compensation. After deducting $600,000 (corresponding to their assigned level of fault in the incident (60%), they would only receive $400,000.
Feel free to ask our Lyft accident lawyers in Visalia about how comparative laws apply to your case. We will ensure you won’t be unfairly blamed for the accident. Rest assured that we will do our best to pursue the highest compensation once you decide to proceed with the case.
Statute Of Limitations In Visalia, CA
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident or discovery of the injury. To ensure you don’t miss this deadline and lose your right to compensation, consulting our Visalia Lyft accident lawyers promptly is crucial.
This time limit offers several benefits:
- Allowing the court system to prevent backlogs, ensuring it can operate efficiently and resolve cases in a timely manner
- Preserving evidence that could degrade or become lost over time
- Ensuring that witnesses are still around to testify
- Preventing plaintiffs from holding the threat of filing a lawsuit over the head of the other party
However, there are exceptions to this rule:
- Minor Victims – If their guardians choose not to pursue the case, the minor can initiate the claim when they reach legal age. Their two-year deadline begins on their 18th birthday.
- Delayed Discovery of Injury – If the injury manifests much later than the accident, the statute of limitations begins from the date of diagnosis or discovery.
- Government Premises – If the accident occurred on government property or involved a government entity, the victim typically only has six months to file a claim.
If you want to know if your case qualifies for any exemptions or extensions, reach out to us immediately. Contact our Lyft accident attorneys in Visalia today to discuss deadlines and other important aspects of your case.
December 2016: $22M+ verdict in a mild traumatic brain injury case. The entire details of the case can be found in the public record filings by the defendant entity that sued its defense.– BRIAN BEECHER
Does Lyft Have Insurance Coverage For Accidents?
Lyft provides third-party liability insurance coverage for collisions involving its drivers, but it doesn’t apply all the time. Our Lyft accident lawyers will have to investigate what the driver was doing at the time of the incident to determine two things:
- Which insurance policy is applicable
- The extent of coverage
A Lyft accident can fall into one of these four periods:
Period 0 – If the driver is not yet logged into the app, Lyft’s coverage won’t apply. Instead, the driver’s auto insurance policy would likely apply in compensating the victim.
Period 1 – If the driver is logged into the Lyft app, waiting for a passenger booking, and gets into an accident, Lyft can provide coverage in the following amounts:
- $50,000 for bodily injury per person
- $100,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
Period 2 – If the driver accepts a ride request and is on their way to pick up their passenger, they have insurance coverage of up to $1,000,000 for total liability and up to $1,000,000 for underinsured and uninsured losses if an accident occurred during this time. Lyft provides additional coverage if a driver secures comprehensive and collision coverage on their personal auto policy.
Period 3 – If the accident happens when the driver has picked up the passenger and is on their way to their destination, the coverage is the same as in Period 2.
The driver’s insurance coverage, whether their own or Lyft’s, isn’t the only policy we have to consider. Visalia Lyft accident lawyers will have to look at the insurance policies of all other parties potentially liable for your injuries. Leave it to us to determine how much you’re entitled to.
What To Do After A Lyft Accident
No one plans to get into a Lyft accident, but it’s a possibility as long as the rideshare company continues to operate in Visalia and California. As such, being prepared for one can make all the difference.
Our Visalia Lyft accident attorneys recommend taking these five important steps if your Lyft gets in a crash:
- Ensure Your Safety. Check yourself for pain or injuries. If there’s bleeding, use a cloth to apply pressure and slow it down. Ask the driver to move away from traffic to avoid further harm but remain on the scene. If you’re on a freeway, stay inside the car.
- Call for Help. Dial 911 immediately. Tell the dispatcher about your condition so they can give you instructions. Request police assistance.
- Collect Evidence. Cooperate with law enforcement and ask how to get a copy of the police report. If possible, take photos or videos of your injuries, any damages, and traffic conditions.
- Get Medical Attention as soon as possible. See a doctor or go to the emergency room for a full evaluation. Mention you were in a car accident so they can check for potential injuries, such as concussions.
- Consult an attorney. Learn your legal options by reaching out to our Visalia Lyft accident lawyers at (888) 488-1391.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Sue Lyft For Damages In A Car Accident?
Yes, but only in some cases. Lyft is not always directly liable for accidents involving its drivers, although it does provide third-party liability coverage for the people who drive for it. This means you’d initially file a claim with the insurance provider, not Lyft itself.
However, your legal counsel could hold the company directly responsible in some situations. For instance, if the incident happened as a result of the company’s carelessness in hiring drivers, you might have grounds to sue Lyft directly.
Contact our Lyft accident attorneys in Visalia to see if you have a valid case against the company.
What If I Was A Passenger In A Lyft Car During The Accident?
If you’re injured in a Lyft accident as a passenger, you might be able to claim compensation from the company’s third-party liability insurance provider. This situation would fall under Period 3, which is covered by a $1 million total liability policy.
Rideshare insurance coverage is complicated to navigate. Consider seeking help from a Lyft accident lawyer knowledgeable about all related policies, laws, and regulations.
What Happens If I Am Partially Liable For A Lyft Accident?
If you are partially at fault for causing a Lyft accident, your portion of liability will lower the amount you would have received. For example, if you are 30% responsible, then your claim will be reduced by 30%.
Even if you share some blame, you can still seek maximum compensation with the help of experienced Lyft accident lawyers in Visalia. They can help protect your claim from the at-fault parties, who will fight to increase your accountability and reduce the amount they owe you.
What Happens If A Lyft Accident Is Fatal?
If a loved one dies in a ridesharing accident involving Lyft, their family may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. We understand this is an incredibly difficult time, and our Visalia Lyft accident lawyers are here to help. We can assist you in recovering compensation for the following:
- Medical bills incurred by your loved one before passing away
- Loss of financial support the victim provided to your family (if applicable)
- Burial and funeral expenses
- The emotional distress caused by this loss
Is It Safe To Ride With Lyft?
Using Lyft is mostly safe, according to the company. In 2021, Lyft reported that 99.9% of trips from 2017 to 2019 ended without safety incidents. This figure is impressive, but we cannot ignore the fact that there are still motor vehicle accidents, sexual assaults, and physical assaults involving this rideshare service.
Contact The Best Lyft Accident Lawyers Visalia Has To Offer
If you’re injured in a crash, speak with our Visalia lawyers, who specialize in Lyft accident cases. Whether you’re a passenger, driver, pedestrian, or another motorist, you might be entitled to compensation.
Let’s discuss your case in detail. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation. Our Visalia Lyft accident lawyers will evaluate the circumstances to see if you have a viable claim.
Our law firm also serves victims in nearby cities and communities, including Farmersville, Exeter, Tulare, Lindsay, Dinuba, Kingsburg, Hanford, Orange Cove, Reedley, Corcoran, Parlier, Porterville, Selma, Lemoore, Redbanks, and Sanger.
