California was at the epicenter of the rideshare explosion over a decade ago, and since then we’ve seen employees for company’s like Lyft drive every inch of the state looking for those in need of a ride.

When you don’t have wheels or simply want to park your car, that Lyft app provides incredible flexibility for travelers going to work, school, or wherever else. That on-the-spot service does mean that sometimes frantic drivers are traveling the lanes, checking the Lyft app, corralling passengers, and presenting a traffic hazard.

Support for Lyft Accident Injury Victims in California

A Lyft employee could be tapping a phone to see where the latest ride request is, determining if it’s worth accepting when suddenly they cause a crash. The Lyft vehicle could ram the back of your car or strike you while you walk across a crosswalk, or cause a crash while you’re in the backseat.

These preventable distracted driving accidents can cause major injuries for victims. Head and brain injuries are possible as well as broken bones, and internal organ damage. All because a Lyft driver got into a hurry.

If you or a loved one are ever hit or hurt by a Lyft vehicle in an accident, contact the rideshare accident legal experts serving California. Our lawyers know what you’ll be facing when you try to ask Lyft for help paying for the care you need for your injury. They offer a free case evaluation for victims and will help you figure out just who should be footing the bill for what happened to you.

Lyft Distracted Driving Accidents in California

You may not have ever thought of the dangers rideshare drivers present as they drive alongside you each day. They can have a lot going on while also trying to safely arrive at the destinations marked on their phones.

And their phones are the biggest threat to your safety. Notifications can arrive minute by minute and draw each Lyft worker’s eyes from the lanes. Despite being illegal in California, Lyft drivers must interact with their phones constantly. They can also have their phones mounted on the windshield to allegedly make looking at them safer, but the biggest phones can block a substantial portion of their front view.

Beyond distraction, Lyft drivers can also battle anxiety over potential passengers and be tempted to engage in some reckless driving. They may want to speed or get a little aggressive to shorten a passenger’s ride and get a better review. They could cut off other motorists and hope those drivers have room to stop before hitting them.

Common Injuries that Earn Compensation in Lyft Accidents

These business practices can cause an accident at any time. When they do occur, other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians are put at risk of suffering severe injuries. There’s no reason Lyft shouldn’t be 100% responsible for the damages and injuries their drivers cause.

Lyft does back its drivers and their victims with insurance coverage. They provide up to a one-million-dollar third-party supplemental insurance policy. The catch is that since their drivers are considered contract workers, Lyft will force you to file a claim with the driver’s personal car insurance coverage first.

No matter what insurance company ends up taking responsibility, it’s important to get your accident claim right because you won’t get another chance. You might have a debilitating injury that you and your family will deal with for the rest of your life.

Any injury that involves a physical disability will understandably require more of a commitment of support from Lyft because it will take so much more to restore some freedom to the victim’s life. A permanent disfigurement from something like a face cut or scar can also factor into Lyft’s financial responsibility to victims. Any change in appearance can affect a victim’s outlook for the rest of his or her life.

These are other severe injuries that accident victims commonly suffer and that will hopefully earn what’s fair in support from Lyft:

• Brain injuries: Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) after a blow to the head can result in concussions, blackouts, and an inability to speak. The symptoms can be temporary or end up permanently robbing victims of their memories.
• Spinal Cord Injury:  Nerve damage can cause pain in every part of the body and a loss of control of limbs can also result. A permanent disability can arise and require an insurance company for Lyft to make a major investment in your wellbeing. Expensive medical equipment may be required and renovations to your home can also factor into an insurance settlement. Job training for a new career is another expense you should not have to cover yourself.
• Broken bones: Lyft can have to offer major assistance when victims deal with fractures. Bones can fail to mend and require surgery in the future. Amputations can also result from a compound fracture and serve as another cause for a permanent disability.

• Neck injuries: Thoracic Spine Injury (whiplash) disc nerve and ligament damage can be debilitating and painful. Treatment can include more than just a neck brace. Months of pain may be in store and surgery could be necessary.
• Soft tissue injuries: Muscles, tendons, and ligaments, including the tissue that holds organs in place, can suffer severe damage. A joint may become unstable after an accident or could be unable to bear weight. Reattachment surgery can be necessary in some cases and can require weeks of physical therapy.

Backseat Injury Risks for Lyft Passengers

Lyft passengers watching an accident from the backseat can be at risk of even more dangers. You usually don’t have much choice in the car your rideshare driver uses, but it can make a difference in safety.

Car manufacturers put the most advanced safety measures like airbags and updated seatbelts in the front seat. They usually don’t put enough focus on backseat safety.

Absorbing a crash in a Lyft vehicle can throw you into a major impact with the passenger door or the front seat. Head and chest injuries can be that much more severe for back seat occupants.

Contact a Lyft Accident Attorney Serving California

If you or a loved one were hurt in a crash caused by a Lyft driver, talk to a local Rideshare Accident Lawyer before you speak to any representative from Lyft. You can also reach out to us if you’re a Lyft driver who’s been hurt in an accident and you don’t feel like your employer is respecting your rights as a victim. All victims receive a first consultation completely free and it comes with absolutely no obligation to you.

Your lawyer can help you determine just who can be held responsible for your injury and what is fair compensation for what you’ve been put through.  Contact a California Lyft Accident Lawyer right now.