Los Angeles Lyft Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Lyft accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The litigation process involving a Lyft accident can be very complex because multiple insurance providers are involved, and liability can be disputed. A Lyft accident lawyer can help you protect your rights and secure fair compensation.

At The Barnes Firm, we handle all car accident claims, including those involving a Lyft rideshare service. Our attorneys will investigate your case, gather critical evidence, negotiate with the insurer, and, if necessary, take your case to court to help you get the highest compensation available due to your injury and losses.

Navigating a Lyft accident claim alone can be overwhelming. Our lawyers offer personalized support to provide you with the most effective outcome possible for your situation. If you’ve been injured in a Lyft accident, our attorneys will help you get the best result possible.

Why You Need a Lyft Accident Attorney in Los Angeles

Rideshare accidents are more complicated than typical car accidents because of Lyft’s insurance policies and the many liable parties involved. These cases require thorough investigation to determine whether the Lyft driver, another motorist, or even Lyft itself is at fault. For this reason, having an attorney by your side can:

• Determine liability between Lyft, the driver, and other parties.
• Navigate through the complex insurance laws of California and get the maximum compensation available for you.
• Gather crucial evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage, and analyze it.
• Negotiate on your behalf with insurance companies when they want to settle with one for damages less than one deserves.
• Represent you in court, if necessary, so that you can fight your case and get compensation.

At The Barnes Firm, we combine deep legal knowledge in rideshare accidents with an unwavering commitment to protecting your rights. Our attorneys thoroughly analyze each case to pinpoint key factors that may have caused the accident, such as driver negligence, traffic violations, or defective vehicles. We work hard to obtain medical records, expert opinions, and accident scene reconstructions when necessary.

What to Do After a Lyft Accident in Los Angeles

After a Lyft accident, the following steps can be taken to help protect your legal rights and strengthen your injury claim:

1. See a Doctor: Some injuries take time to appear even if you are feeling fine. A medical check will ensure that your injuries are well-documented and will prevent further complications in the future.
2. Report the Accident:  Inform Lyft through their application and then call the local police. A police report can be very useful as evidence for your claim and can create an official record of the accident.
3. Gather Evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any vehicle damage. If at all possible, get dashcam footage from other drivers or surrounding businesses to back up your claim.
4. Get Contact Information: Get information from the Lyft driver, other drivers involved, and any witnesses. Note the make and model of all vehicles that took part in support of potential insurance claims.
5. Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters, and never accept a settlement offer without consulting an attorney first. Insurance companies may be trying to lowball you below what your claim is worth.
6. Contact a Lyft Accident Attorney: A knowledgeable attorney can guide you through the claims process to protect your rights.

Who Is Liable for a Lyft Accident?

Determining responsibility following a Lyft crash can be complicated because several parties share liability. A Lyft crash could result from many elements, including driver carelessness, outside road conditions, and mechanical faults.

The Driver

Lyft can be liable for compensatory damages whenever the driver is at fault for the incident due to recklessness, preoccupation, or negligence. Like other rideshare companies, Lyft drivers tend to be stressed out when transporting their passengers to the destination address as quickly as possible. This often results in speeding, unexpected lane changes, and failure to yield. Liability would also increase if they were drowsy or intoxicated. Likewise, if the Lyft driver fails to follow the traffic laws of the road or utilizes some other aggressive driving tactic such as tailgating, they will be held responsible for the resulting damages. Even failure to maintain a vehicle properly can contribute to driver liability.

Other Drivers

The other driver’s insurance can cover your damages if the accident was their fault. Examples include when other drivers drive through a red light, change lanes improperly, and drive aggressively, resulting in an accident. Other significant causes of accidents are drivers who text and use their phones while driving. There are also hit-and-run cases whereby the other driver flees the scene, leaving one to seek compensation under the cover of uninsured motorists.

Third-Party Liability

In some circumstances, liability might extend to manufacturers of vehicles, government entities maintaining the roads, or even to Lyft itself, should negligence in hiring or background checks be proven. Poor road conditions, defective auto parts, or poorly maintained Lyft vehicles can all cause accidents if there were mechanical failures in the car, such as a brake failure or malfunctioning steering, then even the manufacturer of the defective part can be liable. Similarly, Lyft can be held partially liable should they fail to conduct proper background checks on one of their drivers who happens to have a past record of reckless driving or DUIs.

How Lyft’s Insurance Policy Works

Lyft has three tiers of insurance depending on whether the driver is waiting for, en route to, or carrying a passenger when an accident occurs:

• App Off: The driver has his or her auto insurance; thus, his or her policy would be available if he or she gets into an accident while not on the app.
• App On—No Passenger: Contingent liability with Lyft covers $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. It covers a driver who is on the application and available to take rides but hasn’t accepted a passenger. It is secondary to the driver’s policy in case of any damages.
• In Transit or On a Ride: This is the $1 million liability insurance Lyft carries, which pays for medical expenses and damages to injured parties. It activates when a driver accepts a ride request and remains active until the passenger exits the vehicle.

Victims can also claim other parties that may be involved in the accident, depending on the facts surrounding the accident. An attorney will help identify every possible source of compensation and pursue your claim.

John Sheehan – Personal Injury Lawyer in Los Angeles, CA

“I am the managing attorney for the Los Angeles office of The Barnes Firm, one of the largest personal injury law firms in the nation. The attorneys at The Barnes Firm have the knowledge, experience and the resources to achieve maximum results for every client. I am proud to be a part of the excellent team of trial attorneys at the Los Angeles office of The Barnes Firm.”

Common Causes of Lyft Accidents in Los Angeles

Lyft accidents can occur due to various factors, including:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding/reckless driving.
• Fatigue.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs.
• Poor weather or hazardous road conditions.
• Mechanical failures/vehicle defects.
• Inexperienced or poorly trained drivers.

Los Angeles Lyft Accidents Most Common Injuries

Victims of Lyft accidents often suffer serious injuries, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
• Spinal cord injuries.
• Broken bones/fractures.
• Soft tissue injuries-whiplash, sprains.
• Internal bleeding and organ damage.
• Psychological trauma-PTSD, anxiety.
• Mechanical failures/vehicle defects.
• Inexperienced or poorly trained drivers.

How Much Compensation Can You Recover?

The amount of compensation depends upon three causes: severity of injuries, medical expenses, and liability factors.

Economic Damages

These cover tangible financial losses such as:

• Medical bills, including hospital stays, surgeries, and physical therapy.
• Lost wages and future earnings.
• Repair costs to property.

Non-Economic Damages

According to California Civil Code Section 1431.2, a victim may recover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Punitive Damages

Where there is negligence or intentional wrongdoing, punitive damages can be awarded under California Civil Code Section 3294.

How Long Do You Have to File a Lyft Accident Claim in Los Angeles?

In California, you have two years, starting from the date of the accident, to file a personal injury lawsuit. Most personal injury claims fall under this statute of limitations, meaning if you fail to file within this time, you could lose your right to pursue compensation. However, there are exceptions. This time is much shorter if the claim involves a government entity, city-owned vehicle, etc., and is usually six months from your accident. Failure to file within this period may lead to denial of your claim.

Apart from this, California also incorporates a “delayed discovery rule” that permits the two years to start at the very moment the injury was identified or diagnosed rather than from the period of the actual accident, providing that the appearance of an injury or trauma should not be initially apparent. Examples include traumatic brain injuries or internal injuries that do not immediately manifest symptoms.

Acting quickly is crucial to ensure your claim is filed on time and supported by substantial evidence. Gathering proof for the incident of injuries, testimony by eyewitnesses, and police reports can take time to piece together. A Lyft accident attorney is key in preserving such critical evidence, meeting crucial deadlines, and enhancing your overall prospect for the most outstanding compensation possible.

Should I Accept an Insurance Settlement Offer?

Before accepting any offers from insurance, you should speak with a lawyer. Insurance companies lowball their clients to close cases quickly. An attorney can help negotiate a settlement to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Why Choose the Los Angeles Lyft Accident Lawyers at The Barnes Firm?

At The Barnes Firm, our attorneys have a proven track record of helping secure maximum compensation for Lyft accident victims. When you choose us, you can expect:

• Free consultations: No risk and no obligation case evaluations.
• No upfront fees: We work on a contingency fee basis. You do not pay unless we win.
• Legal representation: We are committed to helping our clients get the best result possible.
• Personalized attention: Our attorneys provide dedicated support throughout your case.

Contact a Lyft Accident Attorney in LA Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Lyft accident, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. The attorneys at The Barnes Firm are ready to help you get the best result possible for your Lyft accident case. Call us today at (800) 800-0000 for a free consultation. You will pay nothing unless we win your case.