Lyft offers Californians a convenient way to get around and avoid the hassle of public transportation. But what happens if you suffer an injury in a Lyft accident? You have a right to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages but take steps to protect your rights, like contacting an experienced Lyft accident attorney at J&Y Law.
Our firm has the skills, resources, and determination to protect your rights and get you just compensation. We handle all Lyft accident claims on contingency, meaning you pay nothing to us until we recover for you. Contact our office today for a free consultation.
Steps to Take After A California Lyft Accident
Being injured in a Lyft accident is frightening, but stay calm and take the following steps:
Call 911 Immediately
The first thing to do is call for help. The California Highway Patrol will quickly respond and send for an ambulance once you call 911. This important first step will ensure you get medical treatment. Also, the police report will be valuable evidence in your Lyft accident claim. Another thing to do is report the accident to Lyft through the rideshare app, which will create an electronic record of the accident and capture factual evidence such as the date, time, and geolocation.
Seek Medical Attention
Lyft accidents can result in all types of injuries, such as:
- Lacerations and bruises
- Broken bones
- Neck and head injuries
- Whiplash
- Back injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
Seeking medical attention is crucial for your recovery. Make sure you follow your doctor’s order’s about ongoing care and limiting your activities. The medical record of your treatment will help to document your injuries, validate the associated medical expenses, and support your personal injury claim.
Gather Information
Gather and exchange information with all parties involved, including the Lyft driver, other motorists, and witnesses, if possible. Our Lyft accident attorney will interview all parties to build a successful claim.
Take Pictures
Taking pictures of the accident site, the damage to the rideshare vehicle, the other vehicle, and your injuries is a good idea because accident photographs are compelling evidence. If you cannot gather information and take pictures due to your injuries, ask someone to help.
Contact Our Lyft Accident Attorney As Soon As Possible
Once you start to heal, contact J&Y Law as soon as possible. Our legal team will get to work immediately, collect evidence, interview witnesses, and take the necessary legal actions to initiate your Lyft accident claim.
Common Causes of Lyft Accidents
Lyft accidents, like other motor vehicle accidents, typically result from:
- Distracted driving – Lyft drivers are more prone to distracted driving than other motorists because they use GPS and smartphone apps to locate passengers and their destinations.
- Fatigued driving – Lyft drivers work long shifts at all hours of the day and night, increasing the risk of drowsy driving. For this reason, California law only allows rideshare drivers to transport passengers for up to 12 hours, and they must be logged off the app for 8 consecutive hours afterward.
- Driving under the influence – Lyft drivers may use stimulants to stay alert or consume alcohol in between fares, creating hazards for themselves, passengers, other motorists, and pedestrians.
- Speeding – Lyft drivers often feel pressured to transport passengers as quickly as possible, so they may speed, increasing the risk of a high-impact collision.
- Tailgating – Lyft drivers traveling too quickly may tailgate and be unable to avoid read-ending another vehicle ahead.
- Poor vehicle maintenance – Under California law, all rideshare drivers must have their vehicles inspected annually or every 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, malfunctions can still occur and contribute to an accident.
Regardless of the cause, it takes an experienced Lyft accident attorney to hold the responsible party accountable and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose J&Y Law Firm
After a Lyft accident, you need an attorney who can go up against a big tech company like Lyft and fight hard for every dollar you deserve. That’s where J&Y Law can help. Once you become our client, we will handle all the details of your claim, including:
- Investigating and photographing the accident site
- Obtaining and reviewing the police report
- Collecting medical evidence to document your injuries
- Communicating with the involved insurance companies and their attorneys
- Negotiating a fair and just settlement
- Filing a Lyft accident lawsuit, if necessary
We have an impressive track record of success, having recovered substantial settlements and jury awards. We will stand by you every step of the way and protect your rights.
Damages We Will Fight For
In a successful Lyft accident claim, you can recover economic and noneconomic damages, such as:
- Medical expenses and rehabilitative costs
- Lost wages – present and future
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability/disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
Trust J&Y Law to get you the compensation that meets all your future medical and financial needs.
Contact Our Experienced California Lyft Accident Attorney Today
Being injured in a Lyft accident is overwhelming, but we are here to help. At J&Y Law, we know how to hold Lyft accountable in and out of the courtroom. Contact us today so we can start working on your claim.