Oxnard Lyft Accident Lawyer

With ineffective public transportation, strict enforcement of laws against driving under the influence, high gas prices, and crowded roads, it’s no wonder the rideshare service Lyft is a go-to for many residents in and around Oxnard. Unfortunately, these advantages quickly disappear once an accident with injuries occurs. Because of the different parties and insurance companies involved, it can be confusing to know what you should do afterwards. However, the experienced Oxnard Lyft accident attorneys at Walch Law understand how these cases work and can help you navigate what can be a complex process. Robert and Gary more than 45 years of experience and a client success rate above 95+%, so we know to make successful cases and recover for victims like you. Call today to get started!

Oxnard Lyft Accident Risks

Oxnard is a busy town within easy driving distance of Los Angeles. Its location also puts it next to the dangerous, overcrowded 101 freeway but temptingly close to nightlife, restaurants, and shopping destinations. Lyft has helped its more than 18.6 million Lyft riders avoid spending excessive amounts of time looking for parking, avoid time-consuming public transportation, and travel responsibly to and from social events, bars, and nightlife. It also helps commuters multitask and avoid focusing on gridlock on the way to work. However, these extra cars in the area, adding extra traffic to already dangerous roads, do play a part in the 1598 people in Oxnard injured or killed in 2017 in car accidents.

How Do Lyft Accidents Occur?

Though car accidents can occur in many ways, because of the unique rideshare service provided by Lyft and the multitude of situations where different insurers may become involved the possible causes of accidents are nearly endless.

• A Lyft driver may be hit by an at-fault non-Lyft driver
• The Lyft driver is at-fault for a collision
• A pedestrian, bicyclist, or electric scooter rider is struck by a Lyft driver
• A Lyft driver’s passenger is hurt due to either the Lyft driver or another motorist’s negligence

Even if the Lyft driver was not the cause of the accident, other parties may be alternately responsible for a victim’s damages, including:

• Other drivers
• Repair shops performing negligent, substandard work
• Government agencies in charge of maintaining roads in a safe condition

When Does Lyft’s Insurance Cover Damages?

Lyft laid out policies on its website explaining when its company insurance coverage is available to drivers and passengers involved in a car accident. From the moment that a passenger’s a ride request has been accepted by a driver until the ride is ended on the service’s phone app, coverage is provided by the company. Protected parties are entitled to:

• Auto liability coverage
• Comprehensive and collision coverage contingent to the primary coverage. This pays for damage to a Lyft driver’s car even if they are at-fault, as well as physical damage suffered as the result of non-collision incidents. The driver must have valid collision and comprehensive coverage through their own private insurance policy for Lyft’s coverage to apply. The coverage will pay up to the actual cash value of the driver’s car or its repair cost, whichever is less, once the driver pays a $2,500 deductible out of pocket
• Uninsured and uninsured motorist coverage

  If the Lyft Driver is Not Logged into Driver Mode and Not Accepting Rides

The driver’s personal auto coverage, which they are required to carry when driving for Lyft, applies.

When the Driver Mode is Active but the Driver Has Not Received or Accepted a Request

In this case, the driver is covered by Lyft’s insurance policy. The driver does not have to pay a deductible to receive the benefits, which are currently:

• $50,000 bodily injury per person
• $100,000 maximum per accident
• $25,000 property damage

  Once a Ride Has been Accepted but Before It Is Ended Via the Phone App

Lyft will pay up to $1 million in liability through an enhanced insurance coverage.

What Damages Can I Recover?

Once you establish someone else’s liability for your injuries due to their negligence or recklessness, you may be awarded damages as compensation. Any car accident can cause catastrophic injuries or death, and Lyft accidents are no exception. Because of the severe financial and physical consequences that can result, so it’s important victims be able to pay their expenses. Courts may award damages for injuries including:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Property damage
• Emotional distress

To be eligible for damages you must prove them to a court, so it’s important you keep documentation like paystubs reflecting lost income, car repair bills, and hospital bills.

Speak to a Lawyer Right Away

You may think after a Lyft accident that you can’t afford to hire an attorney; mounting medical bills, a potential short- or long-term inability to work, or hefty car repair expenses can add extreme financial stress to an already traumatic experience. The skilled Oxnard Lyft Accident Lawyers at Walch Law recognize your anxiety, so we take every case on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay until after we’ve gotten you paid. From the moment you hire us we’ll start fighting for you to receive the most money possible so you can focus on your physical and emotional recovery. Contact us today to take the first steps, have your questions answered, and see why we’re the team you want on your side.

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