According to at least one study, Sacramento is the worst city for drivers in the state of California. Nationally, it ranks 23rd for driver experience and safety. While taking a Lyft can seem like a great way to potentially limit the chances that you’re involved in a car accident while navigating the state’s Capital, that might not necessarily be the case.
Lyft drivers aren’t professionals. Unlike others who drive for commercial purposes, Lyft drivers don’t have to take additional safety tests, obtain specialized endorsements, or get a special license. Most often, they’re everyday people just trying to make a living by driving for a second source of income. Given the nature of the job, drivers for Lyft are also likely to be distracted, engage in aggressive tendencies while maneuvering Sacramento’s busy city streets, and/or fall asleep at the wheel.
This can set the stage for serious accidents in which Lyft passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and occupants of other vehicles can suffer serious physical injuries or wrongful death.
If you’ve been injured in a Lyft accident in Sacramento, call the Sacramento accident attorneys at Singleton Schreiber right away. You may have the opportunity to pursue damages from the Lyft driver, an insurance company, or another liable party, and our Sacramento Lyft accident lawyers are ready to help you maximize your recovery.
Call our Sacramento, CA, law office to arrange a free consultation with our award-winning legal team today.
How Can I Get Compensation After a Lyft Car Accident in Sacramento, CA?
Insurance will be the primary way to obtain compensation after a Lyft car accident in Sacramento. But, whose insurance company will pay for your crash-related damages, such as your medical bills, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering?
Under the state’s fault-based insurance system, you’re empowered to seek compensation from anyone whose negligence or wrongful action contributed to your Lyft rideshare accident. Typically, the at-fault party’s insurance company will cover your losses - at least up to the policyholder’s limits.
So, if the Lyft driver caused your car accident, you can file a claim with their personal insurance company to recover compensation for your losses. In California, Lyft drivers are required to maintain a policy with at least $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident in bodily injury and $15,000 per accident in property damage.
There’s a good chance that these benefits won’t be enough to cover the full extent of your Lyft accident damages, especially if you’ve suffered a spinal cord injury, broken bones, nerve damage, burn injuries, or a brain injury. In these situations, you can potentially file a claim to recover compensation from Lyft’s insurance provider.
How Does Lyft’s Insurance Coverage Protect Me in a Sacramento Car Accident?
Lyft is typically immune from litigation when one of its drivers is involved in a car accident. However, rideshare companies must maintain insurance policies to help victims when their drivers are working.
Lyft has two separate policies, each of which is effective under different circumstances.
When a Lyft driver is awaiting a ride request through the rideshare’s app, the following insurance benefits can be available:
- $50,000/$100,000 in bodily injury, and
- $25,000 in property damage.
When a Lyft driver accepts a ride request, Lyft’s insurance benefits will cover up to one million in damages, including those related to medical expenses, lost wage, disability, property damage, and pain and suffering.
However, Lyft’s insurance policies are secondary to other applicable policies. You’ll need to exhaust benefits that can be paid from a negligent Lyft driver’s insurance policy before recovering anything from Lyft’s insurance carrier.
What Causes Most Lyft Accidents in Sacramento?
Like other types of car accidents, most Lyft crashes happen because someone is negligent.
Some of the leading causes of Lyft rideshare accidents in Sacramento are caused by:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Drugged driving
- Drowsy driving
- Aggressive driving
- Unsafe passing
- Illegal turns
- Braking errors
- Blind spot errors
- Following too closely
- Ignoring traffic signals
There are times when auto defects, bad weather conditions, and road defects can also contribute to Lyft car accidents throughout the city of Sacramento.
Is There a Time Limit on Filing a Lyft Accident Claim in California?
Yes, California has a two-year statute of limitations that applies to most Lyft injury claims. This means you’ll have two years from the date of your Lyft accident to formally seek compensation from the Lyft driver’s insurance company, Lyft’s insurance carrier, or directly from a liable party.
Barring any exceptions - like if a child was injured or if a government agency is liable - you’ll lose the ability to recover compensation if you miss the filing deadline.
You can protect your rights by making sure you contact an experienced Lyft accident attorney in Sacramento, CA, right away.
Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Attorney After a Lyft Accident in Sacramento?
Lyft injury cases can be more complicated than other types of car accident claims. This is due, in large part, to the fact that several insurance companies might be involved. Each insurance company will work hard to deny you the opportunity to recover compensation. You need time to focus on your recovery, which is why you shouldn’t hesitate to hire an experienced Sacramento personal injury lawyer to handle your fight for compensation.
Singleton Schreiber is the top choice of crash victims and families in California’s state capital because we’re local litigators with an unrivaled ability to achieve life-changing case results. Our top-rated litigators have successfully won over $3 Billion in damages from insurance companies, corporations, manufacturers, government agencies, and employers.
Our clients benefit from individualized representation that’s focused on getting the best results every time. We’re thorough, thoughtful, and aggressive when it matters most. It’s why we’re recognized by Law Dragon 500, The National Trial Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and Best Lawyers in America as leaders in civil litigation.
There’s no charge for an initial case evaluation with our nationally acclaimed California trial attorneys, so contact our Sacramento law office for help today. Members of our team are always available to take your call.
