Injured in an Accident While Riding in a Lyft?
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a Lyft car accident, Compass Law Group, LLP is here to help. Our team of LA Lyft accident lawyers will fight for your rights and make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
Why Hire Compass Law Group, LLP for Your Lyft Accident Claim?
When you work with Compass Law Group, LLP, you’re more than just another case. You’re our friend and neighbor, and we will help advocate for you and your rights. Our team is committed to making the legal process as smooth and hassle-free as possible every step of the way.
What Sets Us Apart:
- Compassionate Support
- Proven Results
- Complete Transparency
- Relentless Advocacy
- Cutting-Edge Legal Strategies
- Free Consultations
Rideshare Accident Statistics in California
Services like Uber and Lyft took the market by storm in the 2000s when they were first introduced. These brands opened up a new world of transportation services, and with more traffic comes more hazardous accidents.
In just one year, Uber reported 97 deadly collisions resulting in 107 deaths. 21 percent of these deaths were rideshare passengers. The percentage of rideshare accidents increases in larger cities such as Los Angeles, meaning you need to know your rights as a rideshare passenger to keep yourself safe.
Most Common Causes Of Lyft Accidents
Lyft drivers are on the road all day transporting passengers to where they need to go. While there’s an inherent risk every time you drive on the road, rideshare drivers are at an increased risk of getting into an accident due to their frequency on the road. Common Lyft accident causes include:
- Distracted Driving
- Speeding
- Reckless Driving
- Driving Under the Influence
- Navigating Unfamiliar Roads
Common Lyft Accident Injuries
Car accidents can lead to serious injuries that have long-term repercussions. When you ride in a Lyft, passenger injuries can be just as severe. It’s important to be aware of the risks and what could happen in the event of an accident. Common injuries from a Lyft accident include:
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Chest Injuries Such as Rib Fractures
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Head and Facial Injuries
- Neck Injuries Such as Whiplash
- Internal Damage to Organs
- Hip, Leg, and Foot Injuries
- Soft-Tissue Injuries
- Cuts and Bruises
- Long-term Disfigurement
- Wrongful Death
Who is Liable in a Car Accident with a Lyft Driver?
Liability refers to who is deemed responsible for the accident happening. Fault for a car accident involving a Lyft vehicle can vary depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident. The following parties could be found liable for a Lyft car accident:
- The Lyft Driver
- Lyft
- Another Driver Involved
- The Car Manufacturer (such as the car malfunctioning)
- Local Authorities (such as improper signage or poor road conditions)
What Compensation Can You Receive for a Lyft Accident?
When you get into a car accident involving Lyft, you shouldn’t be responsible for the costs. Compensation from a Lyft car accident in California can come in the form of economic damages, non-economic damages, and in some cases, punitive damages.
Economic Damages
- Medical Bills
- Rehabilitation
- Short-Term Disability
- Long-Term Disability
- Property Damage
- Loss of Income
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and Suffering
- Emotional Distress
- Permanent Disfigurement
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Loss of Quality of Life
- Loss of Companionship
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages, also known as exemplary damages, are intended to punish the party at fault for negligent or harmful behaviors that led to the accident. The idea is to deter them from the behavior in the future.
It’s important to note that courts don’t distribute punitive damages readily. In fact, courts apply punitive damages to only about 5% of cases. It can be tough to earn these damages, but professional legal help from Compass Law Group can help.
What Evidence Can Prove Negligence?
For your Los Angeles Lyft accident attorney to prove negligence on Lyft’s part, they need specific pieces of evidence. This evidence includes:
- Eyewitness Testimonies
- Security Footage
- Dashcam Footage
- Photos and Videos of the Scene
- Ride Details from Lyft
- Police Reports
- Medical Records
- The Defendant’s Driving History
- Physical Evidence such as Skid Marks
What Are Passenger Rights for Lyft Passengers in Los Angeles?
As a Lyft passenger, you’re guaranteed certain rights. The California legal system protects these rights so you are protected as you use these services. Knowing your rights will help you better navigate the legal system and get the compensation you deserve. As a Lyft passenger in the city of Los Angeles, you have the right to:
- Report the accident to Lyft and local authorities
- Report safety issues
- Terminate a ride at any time for any reason
- A driver who safely operates the vehicle
- A driver not under the influence of any substances
- Make multiple stops during a trip
- A mobility aid-accessible vehicle through Lyft
Lyft Drivers’ Behavior Can Put You at Risk
Lyft drivers must keep their passengers safe throughout the trip and abide by local traffic laws. Certain driving behaviors put you as a passenger at greater risk of injuries, including:
- Distracted Driving: Using the app or maps while driving increases the risk of serious collisions and injuries.
- Driving While Fatigued: Lyft drivers work long hours, meaning they may drive while tired. This impairs judgment and puts you at risk.
- Reckless Driving: Not following driving laws or signs is dangerous and leads to car collisions.
- Poor Driver Screenings: Lyft drivers who aren’t properly screened before hiring increase the risk of rideshare accidents.
Lyft Drivers’ Rights After an Accident
If you’re a Lyft driver in California, you’re not left out to dry. You also have rights protected by the state, and these rights help keep you protected as you navigate the city. As a Lyft driver in Los Angeles, you have the legal right to:
- Coverage from Lyft insurance while transporting passengers
- Financial compensation if another driver is found liable
- Unbiased medical treatment of injuries
- Legal representation after an accident
Lyft's Insurance Coverage for Drivers
Insurance from Lyft covers certain damages depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident. Their insurance policies cover damages if the driver was in the middle of a trip with a passenger or on the way to pick up a passenger. Coverage can include bodily injury, property damage, liability coverage, and uninsured/underinsured coverage.
What Should I Do After a Ridesharing Accident in Los Angeles?
After an accident, take a moment to calm down. An accident is scary, but keeping a calm and level head helps you do what you need to do to keep yourself and others safe. Follow these basic steps immediately after a Lyft accident:
- Make sure you’re safe and have no life-threatening injuries.
- Gather photo and video evidence of the scene, including tire tracks, weather, and the state of the cars.
- Collect the contact information of the other drivers and any eyewitnesses.
- Contact local authorities and report the accident in the Lyft app.
- File a police report.
- Seek immediate medical attention and get a copy of the medical records.
- Contact a personal injury law firm in Los Angeles.
Can I Sue Lyft in Los Angeles If a Driver Hits My Car?
If a Lyft driver hits your car, you may be able to file a personal injury claim. Whether you were driving, walking, or biking, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Depending on whether the driver was “online” in the app or not, compensation for the accident can come from:
- The Driver’s Auto Insurance
- Lyft’s Insurance Coverage
- Both The Driver’s and Lyft’s Insurance
- Your Insurance Policy
Determining Liability for Lyft Accidents
Compass Law Group, LLP will dissect your case and determine the party who is liable for the damages. This varies from case to case, and their insurance coverage determines how much compensation you could earn. We’ll work with you to hold the right people accountable and get you the maximum compensation you deserve.
Statute of Limitations on Lyft Accidents in California
California drivers have a deadline to submit their personal injury claim after a Lyft accident. If you wait longer than the deadline, a judge will dismiss your claim, and you cannot receive financial compensation for the accident.
The statute of limitations for a rideshare accident in California is 2 years after the date of the accident.
Schedule Your Free Consultation with Los Angeles Lyft Accident Lawyer
Compass Law Group, LLP is your ally in the aftermath. We know the legal system like the back of our hands, and we’ll use our expertise to make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Our team has proven results and cutting-edge legal strategies to fight for your rights and maximum compensation.
Contact Compass Law Group, LLP today to schedule a free consultation with one of our Lyft accident lawyers in California. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless we win your case.
