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 Just A Phone Call Away
Ridesharing apps, which allow users to hail a ride at any time and anywhere, 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, potentially increasing the chances of accidents. If you or your loved ones get injured due to a Lyft driver, contact our West Covina Lyft accident attorneys at (888) 488-1391. We will assist you on how to file and secure your 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 cheaper options for transportation and a quicker travel time. However, aside from their benefits, they also come with some downsides, such as the increasing rate of Lyft accidents.
Arash Khorsandi, Esq., and his hundred-strong legal staff have been serving West Covina and the entirety of the Golden State for decades. Arash Law has assisted more than 3,000 clients and has won them over $500 Million in compensation, making us the top personal injury law firm in West Covina and California.
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
Our West Covina accident attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the injured against powerful companies like Lyft. We’re passionate about getting you the maximum compensation you deserve, regardless of the severity of your injuries. While some people might think that filing a Lyft accident claim is straightforward, it can be a long and complicated process that adds stress to your recovery.
Other law firms might not give your case the attention it needs, but Arash Law is different. We’re a client-centered firm that will handle the legal side of things so that you can focus on healing. We’ll fight to protect your rights every step of the way.
Moreover, our Lyft accident attorneys in West Covina are dedicated to providing support in various ways. We will refer you to the top medical specialists in the country and provide you with a complimentary vehicle if needed.
We understand that getting injured is a physically and financially draining experience. To further serve our clients, we offer a contingency fee approach, which means you will not pay us anything if we do not win your case. This agreement will at least alleviate your worries about upfront legal fees.
Arash Law has a proven track record and a 99% success rate in all kinds of personal injury cases, including Lyft accidents. Feel free to check out client testimonials to see how we’ve helped victims pursue justice and fair compensation.
What Our West Covina Lyft Accident Attorneys Do To Win Your Claim
Our West Covina accident lawyers, who also specialize in Lyft cases, will take the necessary steps to win 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 statement
- Consult a medical expert who can prove the impact of your injury on your overall health
- Consult a financial expert who can assess your financial status and ability to support your family
- Consult a reliable mechanic who can examine the damage to your vehicle
- Determine who is liable for your injuries and property damages
- Estimate the value of your case and the extent of your damages
- Negotiate with the other party’s insurer on your behalf
Additionally, our West Covina Lyft accident attorneys are willing to go to court if the insurers are unreasonable. We’ll present your case in front of a jury if that’s what it takes to recover the costs of your medical bills, property repairs or replacements, and lost wages.
What Causes Most Lyft Accidents?
The driver’s error most often causes collisions involving Lyft. They might exhibit negligent behavior, such as aggressive driving and disobeying traffic laws. Over the years, our West Covina attorneys have identified various 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.
- Drowsy driving – The majority of Lyft drivers are part-timers, and some come from the graveyard shift. Despite knowing that they need rest, they might still choose to drive while fatigued. As such, they are at risk of falling asleep at the wheel or having slower reaction times.
- Speeding – In order to get more passenger bookings and maximize their income, Lyft drivers tend to overspeed to reach their destinations as fast as they can.
- Distracted driving – Among all the motorists on the road, Lyft drivers are more prone to distractions. They usually use their cell phones to look at their trips, GPS, maps, and their passengers’ messages.
Lyft drivers might also not be familiar with the roads they travel on every day. As such, they might be unaware of the dangerous road conditions in the area, such as potholes, unclear signage, and construction. If they’re caught off guard, they might get into serious road accidents.
Apart from the driver, Lyft accidents can occur in the same ways as other motor vehicle collisions. Some examples are:
Types Of Injuries Sustained In A Lyft Accident
Our Lyft accident lawyers in West Covina have also assisted victims who have suffered other 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 also 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 always ideal to consult a doctor right after the accident to unmask any other injury that could be life-threatening if left untreated.
In case you are still unsure about the diagnosis made by your healthcare specialist, reach out to us. Our Lyft accident attorneys will connect you to the best healthcare providers in West Covina and California.
Determining Liability In A Lyft Accident
Determining liability in a car accident involving Lyft could become complicated because of the unique nature of rideshare services. Basically, the company itself is not automatically responsible for the negligence of its drivers. This is because Lyft drivers are independent contractors and not employees.
Furthermore, our West Covina attorneys, specializing in Lyft accidents, will have to examine various factors further, 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 will pursue every angle of the accident to see other instances of negligence. The goal is to establish which parties might have contributed so we can hold them accountable for compensating you.
Does Lyft Provide Insurance Coverage To 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 some situations where the company itself will shoulder some or all of the damages and losses 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 what 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 get economic and non-economic compensation 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 recover past and future medical bills, lost salary wages, property damages, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
Likewise, our lawyers will also help you secure 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
Even though non-economic losses are difficult to quantify, our lawyers can still assign a monetary value using some specific methods. Arash Law consults medical and financial experts to come up with a just compensation amount, something that other law firms might not do.
Why Should You Hire A Lawyer For Your Lyft Accident?
Some victims choose to file a claim themselves, but it’s more advantageous to have legal representation. First of all, you will likely experience difficulties in dealing with your injuries and filing a claim at the same time. Hiring a lawyer will help take some burdens off your shoulders.
Here are a few important ways a West Covina accident lawyer can prove to be valuable:
Your Lawyers Will Handle All The Tedious Tasks For You
The process of filing a claim is long, time-consuming, and stressful. It entails:
- Obtaining police reports, CCTV footage, etc.
- Talking to eyewitnesses
- Talking to Lyft’s insurance company and legal team
- Talking to expert witnesses
- Completing a variety of paperwork
- Filing of documents with multiple government agencies
- Attending court hearings, if necessary
Our West Covina Lyft accident lawyers can help you with all of these tasks, and you can spend more time on your rehabilitation.
Your Lawyers Will Protect You From Insurance Companies
When the other party’s insurance company or lawyers talk to you, they monitor every word that you say. Even if they claim to be helping, they are instead looking for information they can use to weaken or even nullify your case.
The goal of insurance companies is to release as little money as possible. They specialize in using dirty strategies, such as:
- Intimidating you into accepting their first offer, which is typically far below the true value of your case
- Hiring personal detectives to stalk you and your loved ones
- Lying to you by saying a recorded statement is required by law (but it isn’t)
- Discouraging you from going to a lawyer to know your rights
Our Lyft accident attorneys in West Covina are well aware of these tactics, so we always advise victims to reach out to us as soon as possible. We can protect you from insurers and other parties who want to take advantage of your vulnerability.
Your Lawyers Will Help You Receive Higher Compensation
Over the years, we have heard stories about victims who chose to handle their own cases but got less money than they expected. Some of them did not receive any compensation since the other party claimed they were at fault and, therefore, not eligible for any.
Apart from assisting you with the legwork, hiring our Lyft West Covina accident lawyers can also protect you from victim-blaming. Our legal team will build a solid case that will help prove negligence and get you maximum compensation. We will let you know everything you’re entitled to, preventing insurance companies from lowballing you.
We are known in the industry as a law firm that is not pressured by the at-fault parties’ intimidation tactics. This makes us the leading injury law firm in California because we know what you deserve and will do what it takes to obtain it.
Statute Of Limitations For Filing An Accident Claim
According to the California statute of limitations, the victims or claimants only have two years to file a claim.
However, there might be certain exemptions if the case involves any of the following elements:
- Minor Victim – In case the victim’s parents choose not to push the claim, the process will be paused and then resumed once they turn 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 Agency – A victim has only six months to file a claim against the respective government agency if it’s involved in the accident.
Our lawyers can help you determine if your case qualifies for an exemption. Similarly, our West Covina attorneys can help you submit all the requirements within the time frame to ensure your Lyft accident claims will proceed.
What To Do If You Are Injured In A Lyft Accident
- 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. Go to a safer spot, away from passing vehicles, preferably on the roadside.
- Call 911 and wait for the local authorities. Don’t leave, and don’t remove anything from the scene.
- Don’t say sorry to anyone, as apologizing might indicate you are to blame for the accident.
- 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, 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 proper medical evaluation will ensure your overall safety and reveal any injuries that might manifest later on.
- Call your insurance company. Inform them about your accident so they can help you prepare all the necessary papers needed for your claim.
- Consult with an attorney. Our Lyft accident attorneys in West Covina can help you figure out your next steps.
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 an unknown stranger. It is good if the driver is careful when taking a passenger to their destination. However, Lyft cars have been involved in numerous road accidents attributed to their negligent drivers.
- 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: car color, car 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. Ensure 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.
- Make sure you have Arash Law’s hotline number easily accessible: (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 what to do next.
Lyft Accident Statistics
In 2021, Lyft released a community safety report stating that 99% of their 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 are entitled to sue for damages. However, note that the company is not always 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 always 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 Insurance Policy Apply In An Accident?
Lyft insurance policy coverage 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 case they got into an accident.
Our Lyft accident attorneys in West Covina can help you identify which insurance policy will cover your damages. Our legal staff is on standby 24/7; give us a call at any time.
A Lyft Driver Struck Me. Are They Liable?
When a Lyft driver hits you and causes property damage and injury, they are most likely 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 would 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, it is always best to 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, you should speak with a lawyer immediately to determine your eligibility for compensation.
Partnering with our experienced Lyft accident attorney in West Covina would not just help you obtain the highest compensation possible. We will also help relieve some stress by doing all the stressful tasks, such as evidence collection and coordination with the at-fault party.
Consult Our West Covina Lyft Accident Lawyers To Evaluate Your Case Today!
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 a reliable and reputable one who has extensive knowledge of personal injury and ridesharing laws.
That’s what makes our Lyft accident attorneys stand out among other law firms in West Covina. Winning hundreds of ridesharing cases has made us one of the go-to personal injury law firms in California.
Call us now at (888) 488-1391 or complete our online form for a free initial consultation. Just discuss your Lyft accident, and our attorneys in West Covina will tell you if you have a viable 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.
