West Covina Lyft Accident Attorneys
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Our West Covina Lyft Accident Attorneys Are Your Dedicated Legal Advisors After An Injury
Ridesharing apps enable users to hail a ride at any time and from anywhere. These apps have seen explosive growth in popularity in recent years. However, unlike traditional taxi companies, ridesharing services like Lyft may not operate under the same strict regulations, which could increase the likelihood of accidents. If you or your loved ones get injured in a rideshare collision, contact our West Covina Lyft accident attorneys at (888) 488-1391. We can help you prepare and file a personal injury claim.
Tourism plays a significant role in West Covina. Having thirty museums, over a dozen parks, and three hundred restaurants, the city offers plenty of entertainment to its guests. Locals and tourists enjoy using ridesharing apps like Lyft to explore these locations. They offer more affordable options for transportation and a shorter travel time. However, aside from their benefits, they also come with some downsides, such as the increasing rate of Lyft accidents.
Our legal team has been serving injured victims in West Covina and across California for decades. Arash Law is a full-service personal injury West Covina law firm that provides legal representation and support to injured victims. We help them understand their rights and options for seeking compensation under the law.
Settlement in motor vehicle accident in a Under Insured Motorist Claim against a ride share company; client suffered spinal injuries– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
Why Hire Our West Covina Lawyers For Your Lyft Accident Claim
Handling a Lyft accident claim can involve complex legal procedures, insurance negotiations, and documentation. Our West Covina accident attorneys assist clients in navigating these processes, helping to identify potential sources of liability and evaluate the losses resulting from the accident.
Our firm provides guidance on legal options, reviews applicable insurance coverage, and works to collect relevant evidence, such as accident reports, medical records, and witness statements.
Moreover, our Lyft accident attorneys in West Covina are dedicated to providing support in various ways. We help coordinate access to medical professionals in your area for the evaluation and treatment of your injuries. We can also assist with logistical concerns, including arranging complimentary transportation to appointments for clients with mobility or injury limitations.
We understand that sustaining an injury can result not only in physical challenges but also in financial difficulties. That’s why we operate on a contingency fee approach, which means you do not pay attorney fees unless compensation is obtained. Please note that certain costs still apply regardless of the outcome. This agreement may help alleviate your concerns about upfront legal fees.
What Our West Covina Lyft Accident Attorneys Do To Support Your Claim
Our West Covina accident lawyers who handle Lyft cases will take the necessary steps to support your claim. We will do the following:
- Conduct an intensive investigation of the accident.
- Collect significant evidence, like police reports and CCTV footage, to support your claim.
- Speak with possible eyewitnesses to back up your accounts of events.
- Consult a medical professional to evaluate and document the impact of your injuries.
- Consult a financial consultant to assess the economic losses resulting from the accident, including lost income and financial hardships.
- Consult a mechanic who can examine the damage to your vehicle.
- Determine who is liable for your injuries and damage to your property.
- Estimate the value of your case and the extent of your injuries and losses.
- Negotiate with the other party’s insurer on your behalf.
Additionally, our West Covina Lyft accident attorneys may recommend taking the case to court if negotiations fail. We can present your case before a judge or jury to pursue compensation for your medical bills, property repairs or replacements, and lost wages.
What Are The Common Causes Of Lyft Accidents?
Driver error is often the cause of collisions involving Lyft. A driver may exhibit negligent behavior, such as aggressive driving and disobeying traffic laws. Here are common factors that contribute to Lyft accidents.
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI) — While Lyft drivers are strictly forbidden from drinking before or during work, some do so to stay awake, endangering their passengers and other road users. Other drivers may also engage in DUI, putting everyone on the road at risk.
- Drowsy Driving — Despite knowing they need rest, some drivers may still choose to drive while fatigued. As a result, they run the risk of drifting off while driving or experiencing slower reaction times that can lead to accidents.
- Speeding — To increase passenger bookings and maximize their income, Lyft drivers may overspeed to reach their destinations as quickly as possible. Other drivers may also engage in speeding due to impatience, road rage, or other factors.
- Distracted Driving — Drivers may be distracted while on the road, often leading to head-on collisions. Lyft drivers are also prone to distractions while driving, such as using their cell phones to view their trips, GPS, maps, and passengers’ messages.
Lyft drivers may also be unfamiliar with the routes they travel. As such, they might be unaware of the dangerous road conditions in the area, including potholes, unclear signage, and construction zones. Being unprepared for these hazards can increase the risk of road accidents.
Apart from the driver, Lyft accidents can occur in the same ways as other motor vehicle collisions. Some examples are:
- Rainy Weather
- Auto Defects
- Other Drivers on the Road
Types Of Injuries Sustained In A Lyft Accident
Our Lyft accident lawyers in West Covina have also assisted victims who have suffered minor to catastrophic injuries, such as:
- Cuts and bruises
- Whiplash
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
- Amputations
- Bone fractures
- Wrongful deaths
Furthermore, many Lyft accident victims have developed mental health conditions like PTSD, phobias, anxiety, and depression. Some even reach the point of being afraid to drive or use a rideshare service.
Any injury is critical, whether it is mild or severe. So, it is ideal to consult a doctor right after the accident to detect hidden injuries (e.g., damage to internal organs) that could be life-threatening if left untreated.
If you have questions or concerns about your medical diagnosis or treatment following a Lyft accident, our attorneys can help connect you with qualified healthcare providers in West Covina and throughout California.
Establishing Liability In A Lyft Accident
Determining who may be responsible in a car accident involving Lyft can be a complex process due to the unique nature of rideshare services. The company itself is not automatically responsible for the negligence of its drivers. This is because Lyft drivers are considered independent contractors, not employees.
Our West Covina attorneys, who handle Lyft accident cases, will examine various factors, including:
- The circumstances of the accident.
- All potentially liable individuals and companies.
- Applicable laws and regulations.
- Insurance policies of the parties involved.
Arash Law’s team of attorneys carefully examines each aspect of the accident to identify any potential instances of negligence. The goal is to establish which parties might have contributed to your accident so that responsibility can be appropriately determined in the process of seeking compensation.
Does Lyft Provide Insurance Coverage For Victims?
Lyft carries a commercial insurance policy, but it doesn’t apply at all times. There are some instances where the driver will take responsibility for compensating the victim. Meanwhile, there will be situations where the company itself will bear some or all of the damages and losses resulting from the accident.
To determine liability in a traffic crash involving rideshare services, our lawyers in West Covina will find out when the Lyft accident occurred. The coverage would vary based on the period the driver was in, as outlined in the company’s insurance policy.
Here’s how Lyft’s insurance coverage works:
- Period 0 — The Lyft driver has not logged into the Lyft app yet. As the driver is not logged into the app, they are presumed to be using the vehicle for personal use. As such, they will solely be responsible for any resulting damages and losses.
- Period 1 — The Lyft driver has logged into the app and is waiting for a ride request. Lyft’s third-party insurance liability applies, which provides:
- $50,000/person for bodily injury.
- $100,000/accident for bodily injury.
- $25,000/accident for property damage.
- Period 2 — The Lyft driver has logged into the app, accepted a request, and is on their way to pick up the passenger. The coverage is extended to include:
- Up to $1 million for the total liability.
- Up to $1 million for accidents caused by uninsured and underinsured motorists.
- Additional coverage if a driver secures comprehensive and collision coverage on their personal auto policy (contingent on the car’s actual value with a $2,500 deductible).
- Period 3 — The Lyft driver has picked up the passengers and is on their way to their destination. The same coverage as in Period 2 applies.
Compensation Available For Lyft Accident Victims
Our attorneys can help you pursue compensation for economic and non-economic losses if you are injured in a Lyft accident in West Covina, regardless of whether you are a passenger, pedestrian, or motorist. We will help you pursue past and future medical bills, lost salary wages, property damages, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
Likewise, our lawyers can also help you seek non-economic damages, such as:
- Pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress.
- Lower life expectancy.
- Loss of enjoyment in life.
- Loss of a partner.
- Bodily disfigurement or dismemberment.
- Mental health concerns, such as anxiety and depression.
Although non-economic losses are difficult to quantify, our lawyers can still assign a monetary value to them using specific methods. We may consult medical and financial experts to help determine appropriate compensation amounts.
Why Should You Hire A Lawyer For Your Lyft Accident?
Some victims choose to file a claim themselves, but it may be wise to seek legal representation instead. Filing a claim can be challenging without a thorough understanding of the applicable laws, insurance requirements, and the procedural steps involved. Hiring a lawyer can help you navigate these challenges and allow you to focus on your recovery while they handle the legal aspects.
Here are a few important ways a West Covina accident lawyer can help with your case:
Your Lawyers Will Handle The Legal Tasks On Your Behalf
If managed independently, the process of filing a claim can be time-consuming and stressful. It entails:
- Obtaining police reports, CCTV footage, and medical records.
- Conducting interviews with eyewitnesses.
- Negotiating with Lyft’s insurance company and legal representatives.
- Consulting with expert witnesses, such as medical doctors or accident reconstructionists.
- Preparing and submitting necessary paperwork to the insurance company and, if applicable, the court.
- Attending court hearings, if the case proceeds to litigation.
Our West Covina Lyft accident lawyers can assist you with these tasks, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Your Lawyers Can Help Protect Your Rights
After an accident, you may be contacted by the other party’s insurance company or their representatives. These conversations can be important, but it’s also essential to understand that anything you say could later be reviewed and used in the claims process.
Insurance companies have a responsibility to manage claims efficiently and control costs. In doing so, they may take steps such as:
- Offering a quick settlement that might not fully account for current and future expenses.
- Hiring private detectives to investigate you and your loved ones.
- Soliciting a recorded statement before you could speak to an attorney.
- Communicating in ways that may discourage you from seeking legal advice or pursuing legal action.
Our Lyft accident attorneys in West Covina understand how the claims process works and the challenges that can arise. We encourage accident victims to contact us as soon as possible so we can help protect their rights and guide them through the claims process.
Your Lawyers Will Help You Pursue Compensation
Handling a personal injury claim on your own can be challenging, especially when determining fault or assessing the value of your case. Working with experienced Lyft accident lawyers in West Covina can help protect your rights and support your claim.
In addition to managing the legal and administrative aspects of your case, our attorneys can help address issues that may arise during the claims process. We will work to build a strong case, establish the other party’s liability, and seek compensation on your behalf. Our team can also help you estimate the potential value of your claim and assess whether the settlement offers you receive are reasonable based on your circumstances.
Statute Of Limitations For Filing An Accident Claim
According to the California statute of limitations, victims or claimants generally have two years to file a claim.
However, there might be certain exemptions if the case involves any of the following elements:
- Minor Victim — If the victim’s parents choose not to pursue the claim, the process will be paused and then resumed once the victim turns 18. The deadline will then be on their 20th birthday.
- Delayed Discovery — In cases where an injury manifests after the two-year deadline, the victim has another couple of years from the day of the diagnosis to file a claim.
- Government Entity — A victim has only six months to file a claim against the respective government entity if it’s involved in the accident.
Our West Covina attorneys can help you evaluate if your case qualifies for an exemption. We can also help you submit requirements within the applicable deadlines so your Lyft accident claims can proceed.
What To Do If You Are Injured In A Lyft Accident
After a Lyft accident, consider these recommended steps to protect your rights and safety:
- Stay calm and check your injuries first. Then, assess the condition of other people involved in the accident.
- If you’re a Lyft passenger or in another car, slowly get out of the vehicle. Move to a safer spot, away from passing vehicles, preferably on the side of the road.
- Call 911 and wait for the local authorities. Don’t leave, and don’t remove anything from the scene.
- Avoid making statements that could be interpreted as an admission of fault.
- Relay what happened to local law enforcement. Be as accurate as possible, but don’t provide your opinion.
- Let the paramedics check on you, even if you believe you didn’t sustain major injuries.
- Document the entire scene via photos, videos, or notes. Take pictures of your injuries, too.
- Get the Lyft driver’s information, including name, address, phone number, email, and insurance details.
- Look for eyewitnesses and ask if they are willing to give their statements to the police.
- Report the accident to Lyft through the app.
- Seek a doctor as soon as possible, even though you feel no pain. A thorough medical evaluation can assess your overall safety and identify any hidden injuries that may worsen over time.
- Call your insurance company. Inform them about your accident so they can help you prepare the required paperwork for your claim.
Consult an attorney. Our Lyft accident attorneys in West Covina can help you understand your next steps based on the specifics of your case.
Gomez v. PG Transportation (settled on 8/11/2023) – settlement involving a man who was struck by a car resulting in a mild traumatic brain injury as well as other orthopedic injuries.– TINA ESHGHIEH
Lyft Safety Tips For Passengers
Using Lyft means entrusting your safety to someone you may not know. While most drivers operate responsibly, accidents can still occur for various reasons, including the negligence of other drivers.
It’s important to take extra caution every time you hop in a Lyft car, and these safety tips can help:
- Always go to a safe place, like a well-lit waiting shed, while waiting for your ride. Better yet, stay inside a secure establishment.
- Check your driver’s reviews and ratings on the Lyft app.
- Check the vehicle description on the app once it arrives, including the car’s color, make, and plate number. Unless it matches the description, do not get into the car.
- Ask the driver for the name of the person they’re picking up. Check whether it matches yours.
- Share your ride information with friends and family via the app’s “Send ETA” feature.
- As much as possible, sit in the back seat. You’ll have access to two exit doors.
- Fasten your seatbelt, whether you’re in the front seat or the back.
- If possible, avoid sleeping while traveling. In doing so, you’ll be more aware of your surroundings and any oncoming danger.
- Do not hesitate to speak up if you observe your driver acting negligently, such as speeding, using their phone more often, or disregarding traffic signs. Report any odd driver behavior to Lyft.
- Take note of the contact details of an injury law firm that can provide legal assistance in the event of a crash. Arash Law’s number is (888) 488-1391. Reach out to our lawyers if you sustained injuries in a Lyft accident in West Covina. Our legal staff will guide you on the next steps to take.
Lyft Accident Statistics
In 2021, Lyft released a community safety report stating that 99% of its trips from 2017 to 2019 ended safely. According to the company, the safety incidents accounted for 0.0002% of all trips, which includes 49 motor vehicle fatalities. This figure translates to 0.79 incidents per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Sue Lyft For An Accident?
When Lyft’s negligence leads to your injuries, you may sue the company for damages. However, note that the company may not always be at fault for any accident involving a Lyft driver.
There are some cases, however, where Lyft could be liable, and you can sue the company. For example, it neglected to perform a background check on a driver, who turned out to have had a history of traffic violations before driving for the rideshare service.
You can seek help from our Lyft accident attorneys in West Covina, who can assess your legal options. You can also fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form, and our legal team will get back to you.
When Does Lyft's Insurance Policy Apply In An Accident?
Insurance coverage from Lyft applies once the driver has logged into the app and is waiting for a passenger. Before and after that period, the driver’s personal auto insurance would cover the damages in the event of an accident.
Our Lyft accident attorneys in West Covina can help you identify which insurance policy may cover your damages. Our legal staff is available to answer your questions and schedule a consultation with a lawyer.
A Lyft Driver Struck Me. Are They Liable?
When a Lyft driver hits you and causes property damage and injury, they may be held liable for compensating you. Either their personal auto insurance or Lyft’s liability policy would apply. If there are other parties to blame, their respective insurance policies may also take effect.
I Do Not Feel Any Pain After My Lyft Accident. Should I See A Doctor?
Some injuries are not immediately apparent. Certain types of injuries can manifest months or even years after the accident. To avoid potential health complications in the future, visit a doctor immediately to determine the exact condition of your health.
What If I Am A Passenger In A Lyft Accident?
If you sustained an injury while using a Lyft car, consider speaking with a lawyer promptly to determine your eligibility for compensation.
Our Lyft accident attorneys in West Covina can help you pursue compensation for your losses. We can also manage the legal aspects of your case, including evidence collection and coordination with the at-fault party, so that you can focus on healing.
Consult Our West Covina Lyft Accident Lawyers To Evaluate Your Case!
Looking for a lawyer is easy. You can ask Google for help by typing “Lyft accident lawyers near me.” The hard part, however, is finding one who has extensive knowledge of personal injury and ridesharing laws.
Our Lyft accident attorneys in West Covina are available to provide comprehensive legal representation. Our full-service personal injury law firm handles various accident cases, including ridesharing claims, helping many accident victims seek compensation for their injuries.
Call us at (888) 488-1391 or complete our online contact form for a free initial consultation. Discuss your Lyft accident with our attorneys in West Covina, and we can help you assess the strength of your case. We will also provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to proceed with your claims.
Our Lyft accident lawyers also cover West Covina’s nearby areas, such as Fullerton, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Pomona, Chino, Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino, Colton, Riverside, Moreno Valley, Perris, Menifee, Lake Elsinore, Murrieta, Temecula, Hemet, San Jacinto, Beaumont, Long Beach, Compton, Torrance, Inglewood, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Burbank, Santa Clarita, Simi Valley, and Thousand Oaks.
