If you have been injured in an accident involving a Lyft rideshare vehicle or driver, you need help and guidance from experienced rideshare attorneys .
Whether you were a passenger in a Lyft vehicle or a driver, pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorcyclist struck by the driver of a Lyft rideshare vehicle, negligence is a critical factor, just as it is in any other car accident.
At the Vaziri Law Group , we understand the dangers of Lyft accidents. We would be honored to fight for you.
If a negligent Lyft driver has caused your injuries, you will receive compensation for your injuries, damages, and losses. You must get an experienced Los Angeles Lyft accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.
Learn more about California law for rideshare companies and car accidents below. Then, contact us for a free case consultation.
Table Of Contents
- Our Los Angeles Lyft Accident Attorney Fights for Your Rights
- What Types of Services Does Lyft Provide?
- Who Can Be Held Liable for an Accident Involving a Lyft Vehicle?
- Common Causes of Lyft Accidents
- If You're Involved in a Los Angeles Lyft Accident
- Injuries We See in Lyft Accidents
- Contact Our Los Angeles Lyft Accident Attorney To Schedule a Free Case Consultation
Our Los Angeles Lyft Accident Attorney Fights for Your Rights
Due to the presence of a rideshare company, an Uber or Lyft accident can be exceptionally complicated. However, you can still file a personal injury claim if someone else is responsible for the rideshare accident.
Our Lyft accident lawyer has experience handling Lyft accidents. We represent victims of these accidents, helping them recover the compensation they deserve. Our Lyft accident attorneys can also determine whether you can submit a Lyft accident claim.
Reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation.
What Types of Services Does Lyft Provide?
For example, the Lyft Standard service is the lowest-cost service for rides shared by up to four passengers in a standard sedan. Lyft Line is a service that matches riders traveling in the same direction. With this service, passengers share the cost of the ride, which means they pay less.
Lyft also offers more luxurious rides. Lyft Lux offers a premium black car service typically involving luxury vehicles. The rideshare company also caters to larger groups.
Lyft Plus offers rideshare options for groups of six or more passengers traveling together. And Lyft Premier claims to give passengers a "super luxury service" in a high-end vehicle.
Lyft is a rideshare company. You need to download the Lyft app onto your smartphone and request rides using the app. The app then connects passengers to Lyft drivers, who use GPS technology to locate and pick up passengers and transport them to their respective destinations.
Rideshare options such as Lyft have surged in popularity because they tend to be cheaper than traditional taxicabs.
Also, because Lyft drivers can respond expeditiously to passenger requests and the fare for the ride is paid through the app, the entire experience is extremely quick and convenient for riders.
Who Can Be Held Liable for an Accident Involving a Lyft Vehicle?
Depending on the circumstances and facts of the case, Lyft and/or the driver operating a Lyft vehicle can be held liable for an accident that results in injuries or fatalities.
However, three important factors may determine whether or not the rideshare driver was, in fact, on the job at the time of the accident.
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The Lyft driver must have been logged on to the app and connected to a passenger.
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A ride must have been accepted, and the Lyft driver must have been en route to pick up the passenger.
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The passenger was already in the rideshare vehicle being transported to his or her destination.
If the app is off during an accident, the Lyft driver's personal auto insurance must help compensate the injured victim. Like all motorists, Lyft drivers should have basic auto insurance coverage required under California law ($15,000 in bodily injury coverage per person/$ 30,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident, and $5,000 in property damage coverage per accident).
If the app is on but the Lyft driver has not been connected to a passenger, the driver must have additional coverage—$50,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per injured person, $100,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident, and $30,000 in coverage for property damage per accident.
During this period, Lyft must also provide an additional $200,000 in liability insurance. That changes once a passenger gets in the vehicle. In such cases, Lyft must carry a mandatory minimum of $1 million in auto insurance to cover the damages in case of an injury accident.
Lyft and other rideshare companies have argued that they should not be held liable for auto accidents because rideshare drivers are not employees but independent contractors.
This is why it is critical to retain the services of an experienced Los Angeles Lyft accident attorney if you have been injured in an accident involving a Lyft vehicle.
Because these cases could involve many liable parties, including Lyft, the company's insurer, the driver's insurance company, and other drivers and insurance carriers, they can get extremely complex.
Common Causes of Lyft Accidents
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Distracted driving . Like any other drivers, Lyft drivers can become distracted by their phones, particularly the rideshare app. This distraction can lead to a lack of attention on the road and result in accidents.
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Speeding . Some Lyft drivers may exceed speed limits to complete rides more quickly to maximize earnings. Speeding reduces reaction time and increases both the likelihood and severity of accidents.
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Fatigue . Many rideshare drivers work long hours, which can lead to fatigue. Driving while tired can impair reaction times and decision-making, similar to the effects of driving under the influence.
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Inadequate maintenance . Lyft vehicles that are not properly maintained can experience mechanical failures, such as brake failures or tire blowouts, leading to serious accidents.
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Poor road conditions . Drivers may encounter hazardous road conditions like potholes, road construction, or slick surfaces, which can be especially dangerous for drivers unfamiliar with the area.
If You're Involved in a Los Angeles Lyft Accident
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Call 911 immediately . Doing so ensures that you and any other injured parties receive medical attention. It also helps document the incident through official channels.
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File a police report : You must file a police report at the scene. Obtain a copy of the report, which is essential for any legal or insurance claims.
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Document the scene : Take photographs and videos of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, visible damages, and road conditions. This visual evidence can be critical in establishing how the accident occurred.
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Gather witness information : Collect names, phone numbers, and addresses of anyone who witnessed the accident. Witness statements can support your version of events and strengthen your claim.
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Report the accident to Lyft : Notify Lyft about the accident immediately. Follow their procedure for reporting an incident to ensure that all necessary information is relayed to them.
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Seek medical attention : Visit a healthcare provider immediately, even if you feel fine. Some injuries may not show symptoms immediately but could have long-term consequences.
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Consult a Lyft accident attorney : Contact an experienced Los Angeles Lyft accident lawyer who understands the complexities of rideshare accidents . They can guide you through the process of seeking compensation and protect your rights throughout.
Injuries We See in Lyft Accidents
A Lyft accident victim could suffer a variety of injuries. They include:
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Whiplash . This is a common injury in rear-end collisions involving Lyft vehicles, where the sudden jolt can cause severe neck strain.
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Concussions . Passengers or drivers may suffer concussions if they hit their heads during an accident. Brain injuries can have long-lasting cognitive effects.
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Broken bones . Collision with another vehicle or sudden stops can lead to broken arms, legs, or ribs among passengers and drivers.
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Lacerations and bruises . Broken glass or unsecured objects flying inside the car during a crash can cause serious cuts and bruising.
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Spinal cord injuries . These injuries can be particularly devastating, potentially resulting in permanent paralysis from damage to any part of the spinal cord.
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Emotional trauma . Many accident victims experience significant emotional or psychological distress, including PTSD, which can require long-term therapy.
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Internal injuries . Internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding, are less visible but can be life-threatening if not treated immediately.
Uber and Lyft accident claims can help you recover compensation for these injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do immediately after a Lyft accident?
Ensure your safety and the safety of others, then call 911. Document the accident scene with photos and gather contact information from witnesses and all parties involved. Then, reach out to us to discuss a personal injury lawsuit.
How is liability determined in a Lyft accident?
Liability is determined in a Lyft accident by verifying whether the Lyft driver was the direct cause of the accident, whether he was actively using the Lyft app at the time of the accident, and whether other parties were involved in or contributed to the accident. Liability in Lyft accidents can be complex, involving the Lyft driver, the company, or other drivers.
Can I sue Lyft if I am injured in an accident involving their driver?
Yes, you might be able to sue Lyft if their driver is at fault. The specific circumstances of the accident and the driver's status with Lyft at the time of the accident are crucial factors.
What compensation can I recover in a Lyft accident lawsuit?
The compensation you can recover includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages depending on the severity of your injuries and the impact on your life.
How long do I have to file a claim after a Lyft accident?
You typically have two years from the accident date to file for a personal injury claim according to California's statute of limitations. It is advisable to consult an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed on time.
Contact Our Los Angeles Lyft Accident Attorney To Schedule a Free Case Consultation
In many cases , a Lyft accident occurs when people least expect them. They can lead to mounting medical bills, emotional distress, and lost pay. After motor vehicle accidents, the Vaziri Law Group is proud to represent victims. We would be honored to fight for you as well. Call the Vaziri Law Group at 877-812-1085 for more information about pursuing your legal rights.