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for Over 25 Years
Los Angeles Lyft Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a Lyft accident in Los Angeles, you need an experienced Lyft accident attorney who understands the complex insurance and liability issues unique to rideshare crashes. Steven M. Sweat, a Los Angeles Lyft accident attorney with over 25 years of experience, has helped countless Lyft accident victims recover maximum compensation for their injuries. Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, or driver involved in a Lyft-related collision, our firm provides aggressive legal representation and personalized attention to every case.
With over 9.7 million residents in Los Angeles County and a sprawling network of over 500 miles of freeways, the risk of motor vehicle accidents is substantial. The rise of rideshare services like Lyft has only added to this complexity. In fact, studies have shown that the introduction of rideshare services can correlate with an increase in certain types of accidents. [1] This underscores the importance of having a knowledgeable LA Lyft accident attorney on your side.
Table of Contents
- Why Choose a Los Angeles Lyft Accident Attorney?
- What to Do After a Lyft Accident in Los Angeles
- Understanding Lyft’s Insurance Policies
- How Is Liability Determined in a Lyft Accident?
- Filing Deadlines for Lyft Accident Claims
- Damages You Can Recover in a Lyft Accident Claim
- Common Injuries in Lyft Accidents
- Common Causes of Lyft Accidents in Los Angeles
- The Impact of California Law on Rideshare Accidents
- What to Expect from the Lyft Accident Settlement Process
- How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Lyft Accident Attorney?
- Serving Lyft Accident Victims Throughout Los Angeles County
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Contact a Los Angeles Lyft Accident Attorney Today
Why Choose a Los Angeles Lyft Accident Attorney?
The use of ride-sharing apps has skyrocketed in Los Angeles, with millions of residents and visitors choosing Lyft for their transportation needs. With this increased popularity comes a greater risk of accidents. An experienced Los Angeles rideshare attorney can help injured victims navigate the complexities of a Lyft accident claim and recover the compensation they deserve.
What to Do After a Lyft Accident in Los Angeles
If you are involved in a collision while riding in a Lyft, there are several crucial steps to take to protect your health and your legal rights.
Stay Calm and Assess for Injuries
Remain as calm as possible and check yourself for any injuries. Request medical assistance immediately, even if you feel fine. Some serious injuries may not present symptoms for hours or even days after a collision.
Document the Scene
If you are able, use your smartphone to take photographs of the vehicle damage, the positions of the cars involved, and the license plates of all vehicles. This photographic evidence can be vital for your claim.
Gather Information
As an injured passenger, you have the right to obtain information from all drivers involved. Take pictures of your Lyft driver’s license and insurance card, as well as the information of any other drivers.
Save Your Ride Receipt
Keep a digital copy of your Lyft ride receipt. This serves as proof that you were a passenger at the time of the accident.
Speak with Law Enforcement
When police officers arrive, provide a clear and honest account of what happened from your perspective. Do not downplay your injuries; simply state that you need to be examined by a medical professional. Be sure to get the investigating officer’s name, badge number, and the incident report number.
Understanding Lyft’s Insurance Policies
Liability in a Lyft accident depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash. An experienced Lyft accident lawyer in Los Angeles can help you navigate the different insurance scenarios.
| Driver’s Status | Available Insurance Coverage |
| Offline or App Off | The driver’s personal auto insurance policy applies. |
| App On, Waiting for Request (Period 1) | Lyft’s contingent liability coverage may apply, offering up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. |
| En Route to Pick Up (Period 2) or During a Ride (Period 3) | Lyft’s $1 million third-party liability insurance applies, along with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. |
How Is Liability Determined in a Lyft Accident?
Determining liability in a Lyft accident can be complex and may involve multiple parties.
- The Lyft Driver: If the Lyft driver’s negligence caused the accident (e.g., speeding, distracted driving), they can be held liable.
- Other Drivers: If another driver’s actions caused the crash, their insurance would be the primary source of compensation.
- Lyft: In some cases, Lyft itself may be held liable, such as if they failed to conduct a proper background check on a driver with a history of reckless driving.
- Vehicle Manufacturers: If a vehicle defect contributed to the accident, the manufacturer could be held responsible.
- Government Entities: If poor road conditions or inadequate signage played a role, the city or county may be liable.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lyft Accident Claim?
In California, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a Lyft accident lawsuit under the California Statute of Limitations.
However, it is crucial to act quickly. You should not wait the full two years to begin the legal process. Here’s what you should do:
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Document everything related to the accident.
- Contact a Los Angeles Lyft accident attorney as soon as possible.
- Allow your attorney to handle all communications with insurance companies.
Starting the process early allows your legal team to preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case for maximum compensation.
What Type of Damages Can I Recover After a California Lyft Crash?
If you’ve been injured in a Lyft accident, you may be entitled to recover various types of damages.
Economic Damages in Los Angeles Lyft Accident Cases
These are tangible financial losses, including:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation costs
Non-Economic Damages for Lyft Accident Victims
These are non-monetary losses, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
Punitive Damages in Lyft Accident Claims
In rare cases of extreme negligence or recklessness, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party and deter similar conduct in the future.
What Are Common Types of Injuries That Happen to Lyft Passengers?
Lyft accident injuries can be severe and life-altering.
Traumatic Brain Injuries from Lyft Accidents
Head injuries and concussions are common in rideshare accidents and can have long-lasting cognitive and physical effects.
Spinal Cord Injuries in Rideshare Crashes
Damage to the back and spinal cord can lead to herniated discs, chronic pain, or even paralysis.
Soft Tissue Injuries and Whiplash
Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries to the neck and back are frequent in rear-end collisions and can cause debilitating pain.
Other common injuries include broken bones, lacerations, internal injuries, and psychological trauma such as PTSD.
What Are Some Common Causes of Lyft Accidents in California?
Lyft accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers using their phones or navigation systems.
- Driver Fatigue: Rideshare drivers often work long hours, leading to impaired judgment.
- Speeding and Reckless Driving: Violating traffic laws to complete rides faster.
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Impairment from alcohol or drugs.
- Inexperienced Drivers: Lack of familiarity with Los Angeles roads.
The Impact of California Law on Rideshare Accidents
California laws, particularly Assembly Bill 5 (AB5) and Proposition 22, have significantly impacted the legal landscape for rideshare companies. While Prop 22 classifies drivers as independent contractors, it also mandates certain benefits and protections. An experienced Lyft accident attorney in Los Angeles will be well-versed in these laws and how they affect your case.
What to Expect from the Lyft Accident Settlement Process
The settlement process for a Lyft accident claim typically involves several stages:
- Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation: Your attorney will review the details of your case and advise you on your legal options.
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Your legal team will collect all relevant evidence, including police reports, medical records, and witness statements.
- Demand Letter: Your attorney will send a demand letter to the at-fault party’s insurance company, outlining your damages and demanding a settlement.
- Negotiation: Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement.
- Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will file a lawsuit and prepare for trial.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Lyft Accident Attorney?
We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no upfront fees. We only get paid if we win your case, and our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict we obtain for you. This allows you to access high-quality legal representation without any financial risk.
Serving Lyft Accident Victims Throughout Los Angeles County
As a Los Angeles Lyft accident attorney, Steven M. Sweat represents accident victims throughout Los Angeles County, including Downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Westwood, Koreatown, and surrounding areas. With millions of Lyft rides occurring annually in Los Angeles—particularly in high-traffic areas like LAX, Hollywood Boulevard, and the Sunset Strip—the risk of serious accidents is significant. Our firm understands the unique challenges of navigating Lyft accident claims in Los Angeles Superior Court and works with local medical providers, accident reconstruction experts, and investigators to build the strongest possible case for our clients.
What to Expect from the Lyft Accident Settlement Process
The settlement process for a Lyft accident claim typically involves several stages:
- Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation: Your attorney will review the details of your case and advise you on your legal options.
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Your legal team will collect all relevant evidence, including police reports, medical records, and witness statements.
- Demand Letter: Your attorney will send a demand letter to the at-fault party’s insurance company, outlining your damages and demanding a settlement.
- Negotiation: Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement.
- Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will file a lawsuit and prepare for trial.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Lyft Accident Attorney?
We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no upfront fees. We only get paid if we win your case, and our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict we obtain for you. This allows you to access high-quality legal representation without any financial risk.
Serving Lyft Accident Victims Throughout Los Angeles County
As a Los Angeles Lyft accident attorney, Steven M. Sweat represents accident victims throughout Los Angeles County, including Downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Westwood, Koreatown, and surrounding areas. With millions of Lyft rides occurring annually in Los Angeles—particularly in high-traffic areas like LAX, Hollywood Boulevard, and the Sunset Strip—the risk of serious accidents is significant. Our firm understands the unique challenges of navigating Lyft accident claims in Los Angeles Superior Court and works with local medical providers, accident reconstruction experts, and investigators to build the strongest possible case for our clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if the other driver in a Lyft accident is uninsured?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may be able to file a claim under Lyft’s uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which provides up to $1 million in coverage.
Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes. California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, but your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Can I sue Lyft directly for an accident?
While you can sue Lyft, it is often more complex than suing the driver. Liability typically depends on whether Lyft was negligent in its hiring or retention of the driver. An experienced attorney can evaluate whether a direct lawsuit against Lyft is a viable option in your case.
How long will my Lyft accident case take?
The timeline for a Lyft accident case can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the case, the severity of the injuries, and the willingness of the insurance company to negotiate a fair settlement. Some cases may resolve in a few months, while others may take a year or more to go through the litigation process.
Contact a Los Angeles Lyft Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Lyft accident, don’t wait. Contact the law offices of Steven M. Sweat for a free, no-obligation consultation. We are here to help you understand your rights and options. Call us at (866) 966-5240 or fill out our online contact form to get started.
References
[1] Hillstone Law. (2025, September 14). California Uber Accident Statistics & Trends in 2024. Retrieved from https://hillstonelaw.com/california-uber-accident-statistics-trends-in-2024/