If you get involved in a Lyft accident in Bakersfield, it may be difficult to get the financial compensation you need for your medical expenses and various other losses. Our Bakersfield personal injury attorneys from Jacoby & Meyers can help you achieve your goals by handling your case with tailored legal strategies and attention to detail. Find out how we can help you by requesting a free consultation.
Understanding Lyft Accident Claims in Bakersfield
A Lyft or Uber accident is not the same as a typical car crash in Bakersfield. It involves a rideshare vehicle, meaning it has unique California laws and complex issues of liability, or legal and financial responsibility, for the crash. As an injured Lyft accident victim, you will need to understand your rights according to these systems.
For example, you may be eligible for coverage from Lyft’s required insurance policy, which offers up to $1 million to pay for injuries caused by Lyft accidents. The amount available under this policy will depend on the phase of your ride. If you were injured as a rideshare passenger, you can qualify for the full $1 million.
When to Contact a Bakersfield Lyft Accident Attorney
The most effective way to navigate the unique elements of a Lyft accident case in Bakersfield is by hiring an attorney to represent you. You can focus on healing from your injuries while your lawyer handles everything from the initiation of your case to a fair settlement or judgment award. A lawyer can manage, maintain and execute all necessary legal work for your case to succeed.
If you wish to file a personal injury claim for a Lyft accident that was caused by negligence, or someone’s failure to exercise reasonable care, you must contact an attorney within two years of the date of the crash. This is the legal deadline or statute of limitations under California Code of Civil Procedures § 335.1. If you wait too long to speak to a lawyer, you will lose the right to file a lawsuit.
What Makes Jacoby & Meyers Right for This Case?
At Jacoby & Meyers, we believe everyone deserves justice. We have taken on the California bar and federal courts to fight for the right to make high-quality legal services accessible to the general public. Since 1972, we have provided hard-working families in California access to top-tier legal and medical services to optimize their recoveries from serious accidents.
We are experts in serious automotive accident cases, including rideshare accidents. Our case results show that we have collected more than $2 billion for our clients – including $11 million on behalf of a rideshare accident victim with quadriplegia. We don’t take any money from our clients unless we win the case.
Types of Compensation Available for Lyft Accident Victims
An insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit for a Lyft accident in Bakersfield could result in financial compensation given to you for various losses. Receiving a fair amount can help you move forward with greater peace of mind, as you will have the money to pay for necessary medical costs and replace lost wages.
Available types of compensation can include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Emergency treatment costs
- Disability-related expenses
- Property damage
- Lost wages and employment benefits
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages, if applicable
The potential value of your case will depend on the circumstances, including the severity of your injuries and how much they will impact your life and well-being. Our attorneys can accurately evaluate how much your claim is worth and seek maximum compensation in and out of court.
How a Bakersfield Lyft Accident Lawyer Can Help
When you decide to work with an experienced accident attorney in Bakersfield, you can benefit from a long list of legal services. At Jacoby & Meyers, we can start by conducting a thorough investigation of your Lyft accident, including analyzing the scene of the crash and interviewing witnesses for statements. We can also contact Lyft to request information about its driver and collect data from the Lyft app.
We will collect evidence to support your claim against one or more liable parties. We can handle negotiations with multiple insurance companies, using our understanding of California’s rideshare laws and Lyft’s policy limits to maximize your settlement offer. Our attorneys are seasoned litigators who are prepared to take your case to trial for fair results, if necessary.
During your search for the right attorney, it’s important to look local. An attorney in Bakersfield will be familiar with local insurance practices and the courts in Kern County. A local attorney will also have relationships with top medical providers in Bakersfield who can help facilitate your physical and emotional recovery.
Steps to Take After a Bakersfield Lyft Accident
It is normal to feel frustrated or overwhelmed after a Lyft accident in Bakersfield. Try to stay calm and take the following steps to protect yourself:
- Check yourself for injuries. Go to the nearest hospital immediately for a professional medical evaluation. Don’t assume that you are uninjured, even if you initially feel fine.
- Document the scene. Call the police to report the accident if the Lyft driver doesn’t. Take a screenshot of the Lyft ride information in the app. Take pictures while you are still at the scene.
- Report the accident to Lyft. Use the app or the company’s website to notify Lyft of an accident involving one of its drivers.
- File an insurance claim. Tell Lyft that you wish to file a claim, or contact the driver’s individual insurance provider to file. Do not admit fault or accept a fast settlement.
- Contact an attorney. Consult with a Lyft accident lawyer in Bakersfield before making any final decisions about your claim.
As soon as you contact a lawyer, you can rest and relax while your lawyer fights for a positive case outcome on your behalf.
Contact a Bakersfield Lyft Accident Lawyer Today
A Lyft accident can result in painful injuries, expensive medical bills, time away from work and many other inconveniences. The Bakersfield personal injury attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers can help you recover from your accident and restore your life as much as possible with tailored legal services – starting with a free case consultation.
Our Bakersfield office is located at 2020 Eye St, Bakersfield, CA 93301. We offer flexible appointments with 24/7 availability and can come to you if you are injured. Contact us today to learn more. Call (661) 402-8934.