If taking a Lyft in Orange County ends in a harmful car accident, you have rights. Bridgford, Gleason & Artinian has represented clients in Lyft cases since the start of rideshare services in California. Our Orange County lyft accident lawyers have a nuanced understanding of what makes these cases different from typical car accident cases, and the challenges that victims often face when seeking justice and fair compensation. Contact us at (949) 831-6611 to request a free case consultation.
Why Hire Bridgford, Gleason & Artinian?
- Our Orange County car accident attorneys have more than 75 years of collective legal experience.
- We have a long track record of success in personal injury law, with nearly $2 billion won for our clients.
- We have a reputation for providing accident victims with exceptional legal representation.
- Our law firm maintains a large and well-trained team of attorneys and support staff.
- We are nationally recognized and award-winning lawyers in personal injury law.
- You won’t pay us for your Lyft accident case in Orange County unless we win.
How an Orange County Lyft Accident Lawyer Can Help
Automobile accidents that involve rideshare vehicles in Orange County can come with complicated insurance processes. These are not standard car accident cases involving two drivers and two insurance companies. They involve Lyft as a corporation, with potential insurance coverage options from the company’s policy. The most effective way to protect your rights and receive fair compensation for your Lyft accident is to hire an experienced personal injury attorney in Orange County. A lawyer can guide you through the steps it takes to file a claim against your Lyft driver, Lyft as a company or your own insurance provider. After a careful investigation of your Lyft accident, your lawyer can determine fault and use the evidence collected to support your injury claim. Your lawyer can communicate with insurance providers on your behalf to ensure the protection of your rights and negotiate for maximum compensation. Although most Lyft accident cases in California reach settlements, an attorney will also have the power to bring your case to trial, if necessary, for a fair outcome.
Common Lyft Accident Injuries
According to Lyft’s most recent Safety Transparency Report, from 2020 to 2022, 111 motor vehicle fatalities in the U.S. involved Lyft vehicles. Thousands of car accidents with nonfatal injuries were also reported among Lyft users. Some of these accidents resulted in severe and catastrophic injuries – especially those involving pedestrians and bicyclists. Common injuries suffered by Lyft accident victims include:
- Broken bones
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Muscle sprains and strains
- Torn ligaments
- Whiplash
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Disk herniation
- Internal injuries
- Seat belt syndrome
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Lacerations
- Burn injuries
- Amputations
Lyft accident injuries can result in expensive medical bills for necessary care, as well as lost wages, lost capacity to earn and disability expenses. Significant injuries can also inflict personal trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life. You may be eligible for compensation for all of these losses and more as a victim.
What Causes Lyft Accidents in Orange County?
Lyft and other rideshare drivers have a legal responsibility to obey traffic laws and drive prudently to get riders to their destinations safely. Unfortunately, Lyft drivers can make the same careless mistakes as standard motor vehicle operators. They are even more likely to engage in certain dangerous practices, such as distracted driving and cell phone use. Frequently reported Lyft accident causes in Orange County include:
- Distracted driving or driver inattention
- Ignoring traffic signs and signals
- Violating traffic laws
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Driver impairment or intoxication
- Drowsy driving
- Reckless or aggressive driving
- Speeding
- Tailgating (following too closely)
- Making unsafe lane changes
- Poor Lyft vehicle maintenance
Lyft and Uber drivers do not go through any special training before being permitted by rideshare companies to pick up and transport passengers. In addition, rideshare companies are known for conducting light background checks that do not go back further than the prior seven years. These issues can increase the odds of Lyft accidents being caused by negligent drivers.
Who Pays for a Lyft Accident in California?
Since California is an “at-fault” car accident state, it is necessary to determine the cause of your Lyft accident before you file an injury claim. This is because your claim will go through the insurance provider of the at-fault party. This could be the Lyft driver, but it could also be a third party, such as another driver who was in the wrong or a vehicle part manufacturer. If an on-duty Lyft driver is at fault for your accident in Orange County, you could have multiple options for financial recovery. California requires all drivers, including rideshare vehicle operators, to carry at least the state’s minimum required amounts of liability insurance. In addition, Lyft offers supplemental coverage in amounts that vary based on the phase of the ride. If a driver or individual outside of the Lyft vehicle caused the crash, his or her personal insurance company can be held liable, or financially responsible, for your medical bills and property damage. Finally, if no other options are available, your own car insurance or health insurance company may offer coverage, depending on your policy.
Ride Periods for Lyft Insurance Coverage
The amount that Lyft offers in insurance to injured rideshare passengers and other crash victims depends on the phase or period of the ride. There are three:
- Period 1: the app is on and the Lyft driver is waiting for a ride request. Up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident in bodily injury coverage plus $25,000 in property damage coverage is available.
- Period 2: the app is on and the Lyft driver is on the way to pick up a passenger. At least $1 million is available in third-party auto liability coverage, as well as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and contingency comprehensive and collision coverage.
- Period 3: the app is on and a Lyft ride is actively in progress. The same amounts of insurance apply as in Period 2.
Note that when the Lyft app is off or the driver is not logged on, the driver’s personal insurance applies.
Contact Us for a Free Lyft Accident Case Evaluation in Orange County, California
Lyft might offer a convenient way to get around, but these rides aren’t always safe. If you get hurt in a Lyft accident in Orange County, our local lawyers can help you understand your legal options and take the right steps forward. We have been leaders in personal injury litigation in Southern California since 1990. Find out how we can help you. Call (949) 831-6611 or contact us online today for a free case review.