Lyft Accident Lawyer in Encino - Get the Compensation You Deserve
Trusted Rideshare Accident Attorney for San Fernando Valley Residents
The convenience of technology may simplify many things, but it is not without its problems. Services provided by ridesharing apps like Lyft and Uber are reported to have resulted in a 2-3% increase in U.S. traffic deaths since 2011.
If you were injured in a Lyft accident, Williams And Seemen can help. Our Encino Lyft accident attorneys have decades of experience in personal injury law and can help you receive the compensation you need.
Reach Williams And Seemen at (818) 536-7776 or online to schedule a free consultation with our Encino Lyft accident attorneys.
Understanding Damages in Lyft Accident Cases in California
Though the type and extent of injuries varies from case to case, as does the amount of money plaintiffs request, there are typically only a few kinds of damages that injured parties seek.
The three main types of damages in Lyft accident cases are:
Economic Damages: What You Need to Know
- Medical Expenses: Costs for hospital visits, surgeries, emergency care, medication, physical therapy, and ongoing medical treatments related to injuries from the accident.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work during recovery. This includes both current lost wages and potential future earnings if the injury affects long-term earning capacity.
- Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace damaged property, such as your vehicle or personal items that were damaged in the accident.
- Rehabilitation Costs: Expenses for physical therapy, occupational therapy, or any other rehabilitative services needed to recover from injuries.
Non-Economic Damages: Understanding Your Rights
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and discomfort resulting from the injuries. This includes both acute pain experienced immediately after the accident and chronic pain that persists.
- Emotional Distress: Damages for mental anguish, anxiety, depression, or other emotional issues that arise from the accident and its aftermath.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the impact on your ability to enjoy daily activities and hobbies that you engaged in before the accident.
- Loss of Consortium: Damages awarded to the spouse or family members of the injured party for the loss of companionship, support, and intimacy due to the injuries sustained.
Other Potential Damages You May Be Entitled To
- Disfigurement: Compensation for any permanent physical scars or disfigurements resulting from the accident.
- Permanent Disability: Damages for long-term or permanent disabilities that affect your ability to perform everyday activities or work.
How to Hold Lyft Accountable for Your Injuries
Lyft drivers are ordinary people who contract with these companies to offer rides for money. Most of these drivers only have personal vehicle insurance, and since they were driving for pay, their personal liability won’t cover the accident.
Lyft does offer their drivers the option to purchase liability insurance, which means they can be held responsible if one of their contracted drivers causes an accident.
If you need help pursuing the damages you are owed, contact our team of Encino Lyft accident attorneys. We have a combined 25 years of experience with a focus on personal injury, and we can be an advocate for you.
Steps to Pursue a Lyft Accident Claim in California
Pursuing a Lyft accident claim involves several steps in the legal process. Here’s a detailed overview of what you can expect:
- Seek Medical Attention: Prioritize getting medical help for any injuries sustained in the accident. Even if injuries seem minor, a medical evaluation is crucial for both health and legal reasons. Keep detailed records of all medical treatments, diagnoses, and expenses.
- Report the Accident: Report the accident to Lyft and the DMV.
- Gather Evidence: Collect evidence from the scene of the accident, including photos of the damage, your injuries, and the scene itself. If possible, obtain contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident occur. Get the Lyft driver’s details, including their name, insurance information, and Lyft’s contact details.
- Contact an Attorney: Consult with a personal injury attorney experienced in handling Lyft accident claims. Our Encino Lyft accident lawyers can guide you through the process, help gather evidence, and ensure your rights are protected.
- File a Claim: If a fair settlement cannot be reached with the driver, we help you prepare legal documents, file them with the court, and initiate the legal process.
Navigating the legal process can be complex, but having an experienced attorney by your side can help streamline the process and improve your chances of a successful outcome.
Contact Our Dedicated Encino Lyft Accident Lawyers Today
If you have serious injuries, face complex legal issues, or encounter disputes with insurance companies, our Lyft accident attorneys can help you negotiate fair settlements, ensure you receive appropriate compensation, and manage legal procedures effectively.
With over 20 years of combined experience, Williams And Seemen lawyers team in Encino can provide valuable support, especially when dealing with multiple parties or disputed liability.
If you've been injured in a rideshare accident, contact us today by calling (818) 536-7776 to schedule a consultation with our Encino Lyft accident lawyers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lyft Accident Claims
Who can be held liable for the injuries I sustained in a Lyft accident?
Liability can fall on several parties, including the Lyft driver, another driver involved in the accident, or even Lyft itself if the driver was negligent. An attorney can help determine liability based on the details of the accident.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Lyft Accident Claim?
In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, it’s advisable to start the process as soon as possible.
Is It Necessary to Go to Court For a Lyft Accident Claim?
Many claims are settled out of court through negotiation with the insurance company. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, you may need to file a lawsuit and go to court.
You have questions
We Have Answers-
How do I know who is at fault?
Understand that determinations of fault are not always clear or consistent. For instance, a responding officer might deem you or the other party at fault, but the officer’s opinion is not binding upon the insurance company. Even if the insurance company determines you to be at fault, you might still be able to recover. This is one of many reasons you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can thoroughly investigate the case in order to support and document who is truly at fault. When at the scene, avoid volunteering your opinion about who is to blame for the accident. You might think you were at fault and later learn that the other driver is as much or more to blame than you are for the accident. Keep in mind, statements you make about the accident could be used against you at a later time.
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Why should I hire an attorney, can't I just handle my claim myself?
I have been hurt in an accident, what do I do?The short answer is yes, you can handle your personal injury claim yourself, but it is never a good idea. Remember, the insurance company is there to represent the best interest of their insured. This means they will sometimes try to deny liability for your property damage, minimize your medical expenses, or outright deny your claim for bodily injury compensation. Personal injury law is complex and requires an experienced professional to analyze every factor involved in your case to ensure your rights are protected. This is why it is important to hire an experienced personal injury attorney with an in depth knowledge of the law to secure the best possible outcome for you and your family.
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I have been hurt in an accident, what do I do?
First and foremost, seek medical treatment. This might include emergency care, urgent care, or a visit to your physician. It is a good idea to see a doctor in the abundance of caution because you could be injured and not know it right away. Once you are diagnosed, map out and consistently follow the physician’s plan for recovery. Remember, the main goal is to ensure that you recover from your injuries. Sometimes this requires physical therapy and or chiropractic treatment. Unfortunately, most insurance adjusters will not properly evaluate your injuries without tangible proof that you sustained and suffered from a particular injury.