If you’re involved in an accident with a Lyft vehicle in Thousand Oaks, whether you’re a passenger, driver, motorcyclist, cyclist, or pedestrian, the last thing you want is to suffer serious injuries. Unfortunately, this is often exactly what happens.
At Quirk Accident and Injury Attorneys, we have years of experience with helping car accident victims like you. We have the expertise to make sure you get a fair outcome for your injuries and damages. We can help you navigate the complex world of insurance companies, ensuring you don’t get caught in the middle. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about our firm and how we can help you recover from your Lyft accident.
How is a Lyft Accident Different From a Regular Car Accident in Thousand Oaks?
When you’re in a Lyft accident, you’re probably wondering if your rights and options are any different than a regular car accident. The good news is, relatively speaking, there’s no difference in the eyes of California law. As a car accident victim, even involving a Lyft, you have the right to bring a claim for your injuries and damages.
While your rights are the same, there are some differences in Lyft accidents:
- Multiple parties – In a typical car accident, you usually deal with the drivers of the involved vehicles and their insurance companies. In a Lyft accident, there may be additional parties, including the Lyft driver, the Lyft passenger(s), and Lyft’s insurance company.
- Insurance coverage – Lyft drivers are required to have their own insurance, but Lyft also provides additional insurance coverage when a driver is actively using the app. The insurance coverage may vary depending on the stage of the ride (app on, waiting for a ride, or during a trip). This can affect how the claim is processed and who covers the damages.
- Liability issues – Determining liability in a Lyft accident can be more complex. It may involve assessing the actions and responsibilities of the Lyft driver, the other driver involved, and Lyft itself.
- Reporting and documentation – When a Lyft accident occurs, it’s essential to report it to both the local authorities and Lyft as soon as possible. This documentation is crucial for insurance claims and potential legal actions.
- Passenger injuries – If you are a passenger in a Lyft during an accident, you have the right to file a personal injury claim. This process is distinct from regular car accidents, as you might be dealing with both the driver’s insurance and Lyft’s insurance.
Responsibility of Lyft Drivers
Even when you have insurance coverage, legal process may hinge on the driver’s classification at the time of the accident. Lyft designates its drivers as “independent contractors,” which means that the driver’s personal insurance will be responsible for covering your damages. The extent of their coverage can significantly impact your potential recovery. For instance, if your damages surpass the driver’s personal insurance coverage, and the driver is at fault, you might need to go up against the company in the claims process
In terms of legal responsibility, normal car accident rules apply. This means that negligence will determine liability:
- The other driver or party had an obligation to operate their vehicle safely without causing harm to others.
- The other driver or party did not follow through with this obligation.
- This violation led to the occurrence of the accident.
- The accident, in turn, led to your injuries and additional damages.
Regardless of who is found to be liable for causing your accident and injuries, you’ll need to go through the claims process in order to fully pursue your legal options against the liable parties. This means, at the very least, an insurance company is going to get involved. Thus, it’s important to know what you can do to strengthen your claim.
How To Strengthen a Thousand Oaks Lyft Accident Claim
The best way to look at a Lyft accident is to view it the same way as any other car accident in Thousand Oaks, especially in terms of what you should do to protect your rights and health. When you’re involved in one of these accidents, you should make sure to do the following:
- See a doctor – Your health is the top priority. Get medical care for any injuries, even if they seem minor. Medical records are very important to your claim.
- Collect evidence – Document the accident scene. Take photos of the vehicles involved, the location, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Get witness contact information.
- Report the accident – Report the accident to the local police and obtain a copy of the police report.
- Contact Lyft – Inform Lyft about the accident and document the details of the ride through the Lyft app, including the driver’s information.
- Keep any records – Maintain all records related to the accident, including medical bills, repair estimates, and any correspondence with Lyft or insurance companies.
- Tell your insurance company – Contact your insurance company and the Lyft driver’s insurance to report the accident.
- Document your damages – Keep records of all accident-related expenses, which you can then try to recover through a claim.
- Witness statements – Get statements from witnesses who can support your version of events.
- Protect your claim – Be cautious about discussing the accident on social media or with anyone other than your attorney. Insurance companies may use this information against you.
- Document your recovery – Keep a record of your recovery progress, including any ongoing medical treatments, physical therapy, or emotional distress.
While California law allows you to pursue a claim for damages, it’s ultimately going to come down to how strong your claim is. Taking these steps and making sure you have extensive documentation and evidence is the best way to keep your claim viable. The other part of the equation, though, is working with our team to help you actually file your claim.
Damages in a Thousand Oaks Lyft Accident
Just because you’re offered a settlement by Lyft or the driver’s insurance company doesn’t mean you have to accept it. In fact, it’s common for the company to make a lowball offer, hoping you’ll agree to it. However, with the assistance of our committed car accident lawyers in Thousand Oaks, you have other options.
These damages are factored into the insurance company’s settlement offers, but you can also pursue them through a lawsuit. In general, a car accident claim can is made up of the following types of damages:
- Medical expenses related to the accident.
- Lost wages.
- Potential loss of future income, particularly if you have permanent injuries.
- Costs associated with repairing your vehicle or other damaged property.
- Pain and suffering.
- Psychological trauma stemming from the accident.
- Diminished quality of life.
- Scarring or disfigurement.
It’s important to note that these damages are general, and the specific amount you can recover depends on the unique details and circumstances of your case.
Another key point to consider is that California’s car accident law follows the principle of “comparative negligence.” This means that your potential compensation is adjusted based on your percentage of fault in the accident. Additionally, there is a two-year time limit, known as the statute of limitations, for filing injury claims in California. This means you have a two-year window from the date of the accident to file your lawsuit.
Lyft Accident Victims in Thousand Oaks Can Count on Quirk Accident and Injury Attorneys
Anytime you face a car accident in Thousand Oaks, it can be unfortunate and even tragic. They can also bring overwhelming challenges for you and your family as you deal with injuries and other losses. This is true whether you’re driving your own car, or are riding in a Lyft.
At times like these, it’s essential to contact our team of experienced and knowledgeable car accident lawyers at Quirk Accident and Injury Attorneys. We’re here to provide you with the guidance you need to access the treatment and benefits you rightfully deserve. To begin the process, please contact us today for a free consultation. You can count on our experience.