Northridge Lyft Accident Lawyer
Since it was launched 8 years ago, Lyft has become a household name associated with rideshares. An army of 2 million drivers serve 30 million riders and provide over 1 million rides daily, providing solutions for inefficient or limited public transit systems, an answer for people who want to celebrate but avoid strict laws against intoxicated driving, or simply avoid the high price of car ownership. However, the advantages of using rideshare services vanish quickly if you’re injured in an accident involving one of these vehicles. It can be confusing to know how to handle the aftermath of a traumatic accident and what steps to take. The experienced Northridge Lyft accident attorneys at Walch Law know the complex process of handling cases involving rideshare drivers, rideshare services, and their insurance companies, and we can guide you through these tricky waters to get the compensation you deserve quickly. Robert and Gary’s more than 45 years of experience has produced a success rate of over 98%, so we understand how to effectively fight for you, so you get the check and closure you need. Call today to learn more and get started!
Northridge Lyft Accident RisksNorthridge, a town in the San Fernando Valley with a population of 124,312, is sandwiched between the busy 405, 101, and 118 freeways. This makes getting to the LA Metro area as well as surrounding restaurants, bars, shops, beaches, and parks convenient, and it encourages the use of rideshares like Lyft to avoid parking hassles, using subpar public transportation systems, and go to social events responsibly. However, the increased presence of these rideshare vehicles on overcrowded, dangerous roads can be attributed to an estimated 2 to 3 percent of the accidents in the area and untold numbers of injuries.
What Causes Lyft Accidents?Motor vehicle accidents are caused by a number of factors, and because of the uniqueness of the service offered by Lyft this means passengers and other drivers can be involved in accidents and injured in almost any way imaginable. Lyft accident claims can arise when:
- Lyft drivers are struck by a non-Lyft driver who is at fault
- Lyft drivers behave negligently and cause a collision
- Lyft drivers strike a pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorized scooter rider
- Lyft passengers are injured in a crash resulting from the negligence of a Lyft driver or third-party motorist
Even when the Lyft driver or another motorist didn’t cause the accident, there may be other parties that are at-fault for the victim’s injuries. These can include:
- Auto repair shops that negligently perform repair work or maintenance
- Vehicle manufacturers that negligently designed or constructed a vehicle
- A government agency tasked with designing, building, or maintaining safe roads
To simplify what could otherwise be a complicated question, Lyft explained its policy coverage when a Lyft drivers is involved in a car accident. The company provides coverage from the time a passenger’s ride request was accepted until the phone app is used to end the ride. The parties covered by the policy receive:
- Liability coverage
- Both underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage
- Contingent to primary coverage, both comprehensive and collision insurance coverage. This coverage pays for damage to a Lyft driver’s vehicle even if they caused the collision. It also covers physical damage inflicted from incidents where no collision occurs. To qualify, the Lyft driver must be carrying both collision and comprehensive coverage on their personal auto insurance policy. After the driver pays a $2,500 deductible, Lyft’s coverage pays up to the actual cash value of the vehicle or the cost of repair, whichever is less.
In this case, the driver’s own auto insurance policy – which Lyft requires drivers to keep – will handle the claim.
Driver Mode is Active but No Ride Request Was Received or AcceptedHere, Lyft’s insurance coverage applies without the driver needing to pay a deductible. Currently, the policy limits are:
- $50,000 bodily injury per person
- $100,000 maximum per accident
- $25,000 property damage
Lyft’s enhanced coverage pays up to $1 million in liability.
Damages You May Recover from a Lyft AccidentAfter establishing that another party was at-fault and liable for your injuries as a result of negligence or reckless behavior, you may be entitled to damages to make you whole for the harm you suffered. Just like all motor vehicle collisions, Lyft accidents can cause catastrophic injuries and fatalities. It’s not uncommon to see serious physical, emotional, and financial consequences as the result of a car accident, so damage awards are vital to help victims pay medical bills and make up for lost income from an inability to work. It’s possible for victims to receive compensatory damages for, among other things:
- Medical bills
- Lost income and lost future earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
Astronomical medical bills, the possible inability to work in the short-term or long-term, and pricey vehicle repairs may make you think you can’t afford the expense of hiring an attorney. The skilled Northridge Lyft Accident Lawyers at Walch Law understand the financial stress you are under, so we take all of our cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing until you get paid. We’ll start to fight for you as soon as you hire us and work to get the maximum possible compensation on your behalf. Contact us today to learn why Robert and Gary are the team you want in your corner.