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Carlsbad Lyft Accident Lawyer
Have you been hurt in a Carlsbad Lyft accident?
If you or a loved one were involved in a Lyft accident, you are likely feeling overwhelmed and agitated. What should you do next? How do you deal with Lyft and its insurance? Can you get compensation for your injuries and damages? Contact our car accident lawyers in Carlsbad for a Free Consultation.
We are The Levinson Law Group
We are a dedicated Carlsbad car accident law firm with extensive experience working with clients who have been seriously injured in motor vehicle collisions, including rideshare accidents.
Lyft accidents are unlike other vehicle accidents. Lyft is a corporation with drivers who are independent contractors and not employees. They use their own vehicles, and most have little to no experience transporting passengers commercially. These factors affect how you or your loved one can be compensated.
Do not face Lyft by yourself. Speak to a Carlsbad Lyft accident attorney to find out about your legal rights and options. Our lawyers are knowledgeable and successful in all aspects of the vehicle collision case, from the crash scene investigation to trial to appeal. Gordon Levinson used to represent the largest insurers in North America. Now he uses that knowledge and experience fighting for injured and aggrieved people against the big insurance companies. Put our experience, insider knowledge, and expertise on your side. Call today for your free consultation.
Lyft Accidents in California
Rideshare services have grown in popularity over the last decade. Lyft and other companies like it provide a unique on-demand transportation service. With convenience and easy access come risks. Lyft drivers are not immune from accidents.
According to a 2017 study conducted by the California Department of Insurance and California Public Utilities Commission, there are approximately 500,000 rideshare drivers in California. Rideshare drivers are involved in an increasing number of accident claims. According to the study, between 2014 and 2016, there were 9,388 claims related to rideshare accidents in the state. During the three-year study, insurance companies are estimated to have paid out $185.6 million in victim compensation.
As of October 1, 2019, Lyft had about 305,000 drivers in California. In 2020 there were one million active Lyft drivers and two million drivers on the roads annually.
Lyft Accidents and Insurance Coverage
Being involved in a Lyft accident is not like being involved in an accident with another driver. Even though Lyft states that it has good insurance coverage, the drivers are operating their personal vehicles, and most personal car insurance policies do not cover accidents while the car is being driven for commercial purposes.
While some insurance policies may cover carpooling, Lyft is not classified as carpooling because the driver is charging a fee. Unless a Lyft driver has commercial auto insurance, filing an injury claim may be difficult. This means that you or your loved one would have to determine if Lyft’s insurance can compensate damages and injuries after an accident.
Liability in Lyft Accidents
Lyft’s insurance is limited to liability, meaning the driver is personally responsible for damages. What is more, Lyft policies for accidents do not have a provision for medical payments resulting from a collision. These factors will make a Lyft accident claim more complex.
Rideshare companies such as Lyft require their drivers to use their personal vehicles. The use of private vehicles as a mode of transportation presents unique legal challenges in proving liability. There may be multiple people or entities responsible for causing a Lyft accident. If that is the case, it is essential to file a personal injury claim against all the correctly identified parties.
Much of Lyft’s liability depends on the driving Period in which the accident happened. There a three Periods:
Period 1
The driver is waiting to be booked but has not yet accepted a ride request. The driver’s insurance will cover the accident. Lyft’s insurance will only cover $50,000 for death and personal injury per person, $100,000 for death and personal injury per incident, and $30,000 for property damage.
Period 2
The driver has accepted a ride request and is driving to the pick-up location. Lyft provides $10,000 of medical payments coverage to the driver. Lyft’s $1,000,000 insurance is available for death, personal injury, and property damage.
Period 3
The driver has picked up the passenger – this Period starts when the passenger enters the vehicle and ends when the passenger exits the car, or the driver ends the transaction on the app. Lyft’s insurance shall also include $1,000,000 uninsured motorist (UM) coverage and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage.
Lyft Accident Causes
Lyft drivers are not immune to being involved in traffic accidents. Several different behaviors and factors can cause Lyft accidents, like:
- Speeding
- Inexperience
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy driving
- Vehicle malfunction
- DUI/DWI
Lyft riders take on risks when getting into a Lyft vehicle. Each year, hundreds of people are injured in Southern California Lyft accidents. If you were injured in a Carlsbad rideshare accident, you can bring a claim. An investigation into a rideshare accident determines who the defendants may be and what injuries were sustained. It also determines what vehicles were involved in a Carlsbad Lyft accident, who was driving at the time of the accident and who is financially responsible for those identified drivers.
There may be multiple insurance policies to cover losses after a Lyft accident.
What To Do After a Lyft Accident
After a Lyft car accident, a victim may be in shock and may not know what to do next. Here are simple steps to take after a vehicle collision:
- Call 911.
- Request medical treatment.
- Take time-stamped pictures of the accident scene, including any skid marks, injuries, vehicle positions, damages and traffic signs.
- Take pictures of license plates, insurance cards and driver’s licenses.
- Obtain and exchange all insurance information.
- Write down all witness contact information, if possible.
- See a doctor. Keep all receipts and medical records.
- Do not speak to Lyft or their insurance provider.
- Contact the Carlsbad Lyft accident attorney at The Levinson Law Group as soon as possible.
Accident Resources
Damages in a Carlsbad Lyft Accident
Rideshare victims may seek compensation for their injuries. Compensation in rideshare accidents varies in accordance with the details of the accident and the seriousness of injuries sustained. Depending on the facts of the Lyft accident, a victim may need to bring a claim against the rideshare company and/or a third-party.
Generally, there are two types of damages: economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages refer to the readily identifiable out-of-pocket costs someone incurs as a result of an accident. Economic damages include:
- Past medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Decrease in earning capacity
Additional Damages
Non-economic damages are intended to compensate accident victims for the less tangible harms caused by the accident like:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Humiliation
- Disfigurement
- Loss of reputation
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Physical impairment
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of society and companionship
Reach Out to a Knowledgeable and Experienced Carlsbad Lyft Accident Lawyer
At The Levinson Law Group, you will find skilled lawyers with years of experience in litigating Lyft accident cases. Often, Lyft will try to limit the compensation they pay out, questioning the seriousness of your injuries and damages. We will fight to get you the compensation you deserve for all your losses, including property damage, future medical care, rehabilitation and more.
With The Levinson Law Group, you will have a Lyft accident lawyer who is not afraid to stand up to negligent drivers and their insurance companies. Our team will investigate your claim and consult experts to establish liability. If a settlement is not possible, we are not afraid to fight your case in the courtroom. If you were injured in an accident with a Lyft vehicle in Southern California, please contact The Levinson Law Group. We work on a contingency fee basis, so there is no payment required unless you win. Contact us online or call (760) 827-1700 today to schedule your free consultation.
