Lyft Accident Lawyers in Chino Hills, CA Recovering Financial Compensation for Victims Injured in Lyft Accidents
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries after being involved in a car accident that involves a Lyft driver, or Lyft vehicle, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim. The laws that surround personal injury cases can be extremely complex in California and difficult to navigate on your own. You need a skilled accident attorney to represent you in your accident claim.
A significant number of travelers are utilizing ridesharing services. Due to the increased volume of traffic on the roadways, incidents involving Lyft accident claims are also on the rise. Lyft and its drivers do carry insurance that varies due to the different rideshare services offered.
Subsequently, it is imperative that you seek a qualified Lyft accident attorney to handle your personal injury claim. The Lyft insurance adjuster will be looking out for the interests of the company. It is essential that you obtain legal representation that will look out for your interests and not those of the insurance companies.
The Paris Law Firm has a highly qualified legal team with extensive experience handling Lyft accident claims. Contact our law offices in Chino Hills, California, to speak with an accident attorney in Chino Hills, Ca. Other law firms may have attorneys who handle cases that involve ridesharing accidents but lack the experience necessary to obtain the settlement you deserve.
Who Is Liable For a Lyft Accident?
Lyft accident cases can be extremely complicated from a legal perspective. California law is often complicated when it comes to determining who is accountable and who will ultimately end up paying a settlement.
Depending on the circumstances that surround the accident, Lyft or the Lyft driver can be held legally responsible for the accident. However, obtaining compensation can depend on a variety of factors, such as whether:
- The Lyft driver was already signed into the app and was being connected to a passenger.
- The Lyft driver was on the way to pick up a passenger after a ride had been accepted.
- The passenger was in the Lyft vehicle and was being transported to their destination.
When the driver turns off their app, their own personal insurance is active and is expected to meet the minimum insurance requirements set by California law. If the Lyft app is on, but the Lyft driver has not yet been connected to a passenger, the driver must carry additional coverage.
During the period when the driver is on the way to pick up passengers, Lyft’s insurance company also provides an additional $200,000 in liability insurance. However, once a passenger has been picked up and entered the Lyft vehicle, Lyft’s insurance company, by law, must carry a minimum mandatory amount of $1 million dollars in auto insurance. This is considered to be the primary coverage in the case of an accident.
Lyft drivers are considered to be independent contractors, and subsequently, Lyft’s insurance company may attempt to deny that the company has any responsibility for the accident case.
Additionally, many times after an accident has occurred, the coverage provided by Lyft insurance may not be adequate to cover all of the medical costs and other damages suffered by accident victims. It would then become necessary to turn to the driver’s policy for coverage. In the end, it may be vital to include Lyft, the driver’s insurance company, and any other driver’s insurance company if there was another vehicle involved in the accident claim.
Greg Paris from The Paris Law Firm is an accident attorney in Chino Hills who has a proven track record of being able to obtain maximum compensation for his clients. If you have been injured, do not trust your future to an unqualified Southern CA personal injury attorney. You may need a settlement that can take care of future medical bills and other expenses related to your care for an unforeseeable amount of time.
What Should I Do If I am Injured While Riding in a Lyft Vehicle?
If you have been injured in a car accident while riding in a Lyft vehicle, your first thought should be protecting yourself. Your driver should already be familiar with safety procedures and know to pull off to the shoulder or other safe areas out of the direct flow of traffic. Be certain to check both yourself and others for any injuries.
After checking for injuries, you should call 911 immediately and request an ambulance if anyone has been seriously injured. Even if you do not think that you have been injured, it is highly advisable that you seek medical attention. Many times our clients have found that they were in shock and not fully aware of their injuries in the immediate aftermath of an accident. You should also be certain to file a police report, as this could prove to be essential if you find the need to pursue litigation.
Along with making the police report, be certain to gather information as to your Lyft driver’s name, license, and insurance information, along with details provided by witnesses. Use your phone to document any of your injuries, damage to the vehicles, and where the accident occurred.
One of the most crucial steps that you can take is to speak with a Lyft accident attorney who has the experience and qualifications necessary to handle these types of legal claims. Having an attorney on your side from the beginning is one of the best ways that you can protect yourself if you need to pursue future litigation.
What Types of Damages Can I Recover if I Was Injured While Riding in a Lyft Vehicle?
Regardless of whether or not you were riding in the Lyft vehicle or in another vehicle when the accident occurred, you should be aware that filing a Lyft accident claim is more complex than most accident cases.
One especially important thing to remember is that after the accident occurs, you must notify Lyft immediately in order to file for compensation. The company offers a 24-hour emergency number, which actually puts you in contact with a Lyft insurance adjuster. You should also be advised that any statements you make to the adjuster are recorded. This is done so that later a Lyft accident attorney may attempt to limit their liability or significantly decrease the amount of money that they may have to pay out in a settlement.
Some of the possible damages that you may be able to recover include:
- Pain and suffering
- Past and future medical bills
- Lost wages/loss of future wages due to your inability to work
Due to the various laws that surround liability and possible litigation when dealing with ridesharing companies such as Lyft, you need to hire a skilled accident lawyer. At The Paris Law Firm, we are not intimidated by insurance companies who may be seeking to deny you the compensation you deserve. Contact our law offices today to speak with an experienced Lyft accident attorney in Chino Hills.
How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help Me With My Lyft Accident Case?
If you have been injured in a Lyft accident, you need to hire a lawyer who understands the many complex legal areas that surround the ridesharing industry. The California law that regulates these types of accidents can be extremely confusing, especially when it comes to determining which one of the potential insurance companies is actually responsible for paying the claim.
The Paris Law Firm has a proven record of being able to negotiate settlements that are fully favorable to our clients. We are dedicated to protecting your interests by achieving the best possible outcome for your case. Greg Paris is an accident attorney in Chino Hills, California, with a strong reputation for being able to get you the compensation that you deserve.
Contact our law offices by calling (909) 325-6185 and scheduling a free initial consultation and case review with a qualified car accident attorney in Chino Hills. We understand the toll that accidents can take on both you and your family. Often the insurance company will attempt to pay you far less than your claim is actually worth. In cases such as these, often the only way to hold the negligent party accountable is to begin litigation against them. Our law office looks forward to assisting you with your injury case.