Lyft Accident Lawyer Santa Monica, CA

Experienced Santa Monica Lyft Accident Lawyer

Lyft drivers are a common sight in Los Angeles County, but as their numbers increase, so also does the chance that you’ll end up in an accident with one. If you use Lyft, you still take a risk of getting into a wreck. Whether you were the Lyft passenger or the unfortunate other driver, you have the right to demand compensation for your losses after a collision. Our Santa Monica, CA Lyft accident lawyer can help you understand your next steps and give you personalized legal advice about your claim.

Getting the money you need to pay your medical bills and rebuild your life after a Lyft accident can be more difficult than you think, especially once Lyft and its insurance company get involved in the case. You need a powerful ally to represent your interests in court and in negotiations—the team at Choulos & Tsoi Law Firm. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Our Lyft Accident Attorney Can Help After a Collision

If you’re in a crash with a Lyft driver and you didn’t cause it, you likely have grounds to file a suit for compensatory damages. If the Lyft driver is transporting a passenger, then they are covered by a Lyft policy with a $1 million limit. We intend to make sure that you get as much of that million dollars as possible. Even if the Lyft driver isn’t transporting a fare, they may still owe you compensation if they, not you, caused the wreck. They will be covered by their own insurance policy, but our attorneys can still help you negotiate a better settlement than you may be able to on your own.

Our firm has extensive resources to prove that the Lyft driver was negligent and caused the wreck. Maybe they were distracted looking for their destination or trying to secure a customer. Or, maybe they were reckless, speeding, or even under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Our private investigators can uncover details to help build our claim, and our attorneys use their in-depth knowledge of California rideshare liability laws to build a solid case on your behalf.

Seeking Compensation From the Driver and Lyft

You’re entitled to compensation for your material losses after a Lyft accident, including any property damage (vehicle, phone, etc.), medical bills, and a loss of earning potential if you’re injured too badly to work. Our forensic accountants and vocational experts help us properly value the extent of these losses. You’re also entitled to compensation for the pain and suffering and emotional trauma you suffered, and we can help you get that, too. Although these damages are more difficult to quantify, they do have substantial value, and we strive for the highest possible amount for your non-material losses.

Don’t let Lyft and its insurance company bully you into a lowball settlement. Your lawyer can take the lead in your case, negotiate a fair settlement for you, or take the case to trial if the insurance company refuses to pay you a fair settlement.

Hurt in a Lyft Collision? We Can Help

The aftermath of a Lyft accident can be chaotic and painful. Don’t fight alone. Let the team at Choulos & Tsoi Law Firm help you get the money you need to move forward after the wreck. Call us today for a free case review with our Santa Monica Lyft accident lawyer.

Top Causes of Accidents Involving Lyft Drivers

If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a Lyft driver, you may be wondering what caused the crash and who is responsible. Rideshare crashes can be more complicated than other roadway accidents because they often involve multiple parties, including the Lyft driver, other drivers on the road, and sometimes even the rideshare company itself. Understanding the most common causes of accidents involving Lyft drivers can help you build a stronger case if you are pursuing a lawsuit for your injuries. For legal guidance after a collision, call our Santa Monica, CA Lyft accident lawyer at Choulos & Tsoi Law Firm. Schedule a consultation today to hold the liable party accountable for their actions and get the compensation you deserve.

Driver Distractions and Inattention

One of the leading causes of accidents involving Lyft drivers is driver distraction. Lyft drivers, like other motorists, may become distracted by their phones, GPS systems, or even passengers during the ride. Since rideshare drivers rely on their smartphones for navigation, ride requests, and communication with passengers, there is a significant risk of their attention being pulled away from the road. Looking at the screen for directions or checking messages while driving can be distracting, making them more likely to cause an accident.

In addition, Lyft drivers lose focus by talking to passengers, eating, or engaging in other activities while driving. Distractions reduce the driver’s reaction time, impair their ability to make quick decisions, and increase the risk of accidents. If you’ve been injured in a Lyft accident due to a distracted driver, proving this as the cause of the crash will be critical to your case.

Aggressive or Reckless Driving

Another common cause of Lyft accidents is aggressive or reckless driving. Some Lyft drivers may feel pressured to complete rides quickly in order to maximize their earnings, leading them to drive recklessly, speed, or violate traffic laws. They may make sudden lane changes, fail to signal, or run red lights to reach their destinations faster.

Reckless driving can also involve tailgating or cutting off other vehicles on the road. These behaviors are dangerous and increase the likelihood of collisions, especially in busy urban areas where Lyft drivers are frequently fighting traffic. If the Lyft driver’s aggressive driving contributed to your accident, establishing their recklessness will be crucial in proving liability for the crash.

Poor Road Conditions and Vehicle Maintenance

While the behavior of the Lyft driver is often the primary factor in accidents, external conditions can also play a significant role. Poor road conditions, such as potholes, construction zones, or poorly marked lanes, can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles or make sudden, dangerous maneuvers to avoid hazards. These road conditions are particularly dangerous when the driver is unfamiliar with the area or distracted by other factors, such as managing the rideshare app.

In addition, vehicle maintenance issues can contribute to accidents involving Lyft drivers. If the Lyft driver’s vehicle was not properly maintained, like worn-out brakes, bald tires, or faulty steering, these mechanical issues could lead to a crash. Lyft drivers are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are in good working condition, and failure to do so can make them liable for accidents caused by mechanical failure.

Pursuing Legal Action After a Lyft Accident

If you’ve been injured in a Lyft accident, proving liability is key to securing compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Whether the cause of the accident was distracted driving, reckless behavior, or poor road conditions, having clear evidence and expert testimony will help demonstrate the driver’s negligence and establish fault.

It’s important to work with our experienced Santa Monica Lyft accident lawyer who can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and help you manage the legal process. Our attorney can also assist in dealing with Lyft’s insurance company, which may try to reduce the payout or deny responsibility for the accident. With the right legal guidance, you can hold the responsible parties accountable and recover the compensation you deserve.

If you’ve been injured in a Lyft crash, understanding the cause of the accident will be key to proving liability and seeking compensation for your injuries. Whether the driver’s actions or external conditions were at fault, gathering the right evidence and working with our skilled Santa Monica Lyft accident lawyer can ensure that your legal rights are protected. Contact Choulos & Tsoi Law Firm now to set up a meeting and review your options. Choose the firm that offers supportive, attentive, and sensitive legal solutions for personal injury claims. We have a desire to help and a determination to win. Call our offices today.

Types Of Evidence To Collect After A Rideshare Accident

After a rideshare accident, gathering the right evidence can strengthen your case and help you recover compensation for your injuries and damages. Similar to truck accidents, rideshare collisions have multiple parties at play that extend beyond the people involved in the crash, so determining fault gets complicated quite quickly. Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver, having thorough documentation is essential when pursuing a claim. Here, our Santa Monica, CA Lyft accident lawyer breaks down seven key types of evidence to collect after a rideshare accident:

Accident Scene Photos

Photographs provide a clear, visual record of the accident. Take pictures of the vehicles involved, the surrounding area, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Be sure to capture different angles to document the extent of the damage and any contributing factors, such as skid marks or debris.

Police Report

Contact law enforcement immediately after the accident. A police report provides an official account of the incident, including details about the parties involved, statements from witnesses, and the officer’s assessment of fault. Request a copy of the report for your records as it can be a critical piece of evidence in your claim.

Witness Statements

If there were bystanders who saw the accident, ask for their contact information and statements. Witness accounts can help establish what happened and support your version of events. Be sure to note their names, phone numbers, and any other relevant details. This information will come in handy if our Santa Monica Lyft accident lawyer needs to reach out to anyone to confirm details or seek more information to strengthen your claim.

Rideshare App Records

As a passenger in a rideshare vehicle, the app’s records can confirm the trip details, including the time, date, and route of the ride. Screenshots of your ride receipt or trip history can establish that you were in the vehicle at the time of the accident. This information will also help identify the driver and their rideshare company.

Medical Records

Seek medical attention immediately after the accident, even if you don’t feel seriously injured. Medical records document the extent of your injuries and the treatment you received. Keep copies of doctor’s notes, test results, prescriptions, and bills, as they can help demonstrate the impact of the accident on your health and finances.

Driver Information

Collect the names, contact details, and insurance information of all drivers involved in the accident, including the rideshare driver. If the rideshare driver was at fault, their personal auto insurance or the rideshare company’s policy may apply. Be sure to note the make, model, and license plate numbers of the vehicles involved.

Surveillance Footage

Nearby security cameras or traffic cameras may have captured the accident. Check with local businesses or authorities to see if footage is available. Video evidence can provide an unbiased account of the events leading up to and during the collision.

Our Experienced Team Is Here To Help

Gathering evidence is just the first step in building a strong case. If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, our Santa Monica Lyft accident lawyer at Choulos & Tsoi Law Firm can help you pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. We have over 45 years of experience handling California personal injury and auto insurance cases. We know how to address situations where rideshare companies are involved, and we’re committed to protecting your rights.

Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case. Let’s work together to secure the compensation you deserve.