Lyft has been providing ridesharing services in Southern California since 2012, offering passengers a convenient alternative to public transportation and taxis. With more and more rideshare vehicles on the road, being involved in a Lyft accident is increasingly becoming more common.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Lyft Accident, turn to SoCal Injury Lawyers. We are knowledgeable in the insurance rules that apply to Lyft accidents and will help you obtain the compensation you deserve. We are fluent in Arabic and Spanish and know that underserved communities rely on Lyft for transportation.
Regardless of where your Lyft Accident occurred, we are dedicated to holding Lyft and its drivers accountable. We will offer you knowledge, compassion and superior personal service. Please contact our office today for a free consultation.
How does Lyft operate?
Lyft relies on satellite technology and smartphone apps that connect passengers with Lyft drivers. Passengers request a ride through the app, which signals a Lyft driver, who then uses GPS navigation to locate and retrieve the passenger. The passenger pays through credit card information stored in the app, which makes the transaction safe and convenient. Because Lyft sets standards for vehicles, they are typically newer models, which provide passengers with a cleaner and more comfortable ride than taxis.
Who is Liable for Lyft Accidents in Southern California?
Although insurance laws governing Lyft accidents can be complicated, both Lyft and its drivers can be held liable for accidents that cause injuries to passengers, other motorists, and pedestrians. However, coverage depends on a number of factors:
- Was the Lyft driver logged onto the app and being connected to a passenger?
- Was the Lyft driver traveling to retrieve a passenger?
- Was the Lyft passenger being taken to his or her destination?
When the app is off, the Lyft driver must carry at least the minimum required liability coverage:
- $15,000 bodily injury coverage per person
- $30,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident
- $5,000 of property damage coverage per accident
When the app is on but the Lyft driver is not connected to a passenger, the driver must have additional coverage:
- $50,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person injured in an accident
- $100,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per accident
- $30,000 of property damage liability coverage per accident
Lyft is also required to provide an additional $200,000 in liability insurance at this stage.
Finally, when a passenger is traveling in a Lyft vehicle, Lyft is required to provide $1 million in automobile insurance, which is intended to be the primary source of coverage. While Lyft has previously attempted to deny liability by claiming that its drivers are independent contractors, California’s labor law has been revised to narrow the definition of independent contractor.
Although Lyft and its insurance company often seek to settle claims for as little as possible, SoCal Injury Lawyers have the skills and experience to level the playing field. When you work with us, we will help you obtain compensation that considers all your future medical and financial needs.
Recoverable Damages in a Lyft Accident
In a successful Lyft accident claim, you may be awarded damages such as:
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If a loved one has been killed in a Lyft accident, we will consider filing a wrongful death lawsuit to compensate you for the loss of companionship and support your loved one would have provided.
Contact Our Experienced Southern California Lyft Accident Lawyers
If you have been injured in a Lyft accident, you should not go up against Lyft and its insurer on your own. SoCal Injury Lawyers has a proven track record of helping Lyft accident victims obtain meaningful compensation.
We will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the Lyft accident that caused your injuries and work tirelessly to hold Lyft and/or its driver accountable. While personal injury claims are often resolved through settlement negotiations, we are fully prepared to litigate your Lyft accident case to help you obtain the maximum compensation you deserve.
SoCal Injury Lawyers handles Lyft accident cases on a contingency basis. This means we will not charge you any attorneys’ fees until we obtain compensation for you. When you become our client, you can rest assured we will fight to protect your rights. Please contact our office today to speak with our experienced Lyft accident attorneys.