Rideshare companies have grown exceedingly popular in recent years, and few have been as successful as Lyft. The company has drivers throughout the state, with many of them operating in the Bakersfield area. While it is true that Lyft drivers expand options for getting around town, they also increase the level of traffic. This can likewise increase the rate of accidents.
If you were hurt in a collision with a Lyft driver, you could have the right to pursue legal action against them. If successful, you could recover a monetary award based on the damages you sustained. Let our Bakersfield Lyft accident lawyers review your case and assist you with your pursuit of justice.
Damages for a Bakersfield Lyft Accident Lawsuit You Could Recover
Whether you pursue an insurance claim with Lyft or file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver, you could be entitled to financial compensation. The total value of your case will depend on the types of damages you experienced in the accident. Some common examples include:
Property Damage
If your vehicle was damaged or destroyed in a Lyft accident, the at-fault party could be liable for those property damage expenses. That means you could recover the cost to repair or replace your damaged vehicle.
Medical Bills
You could also face extensive medical bills after a Lyft accident. While serious injuries can result in costly medical care, the same is true for relatively minor injuries. Any trip to the emergency room could put a strain on your finances. Compensation could ease that strain by recouping the cost of your medical care.
Lost Wages
Nadrich Accident Injury Lawyers
Bakersfield, CA 93301
661-371-3588
The financial strain that comes with unexpected medical bills could be made worse with a sudden loss of your primary source of income. If you are too hurt to work, you might be forced to go without weeks’ or months’ worth of paychecks.
How Long You Have to File a Lyft Accident Lawsuit in California
Any person injured in a Bakersfield Lyft accident faces a limited timeline to file a lawsuit. If you wait too long, you could lose your opportunity thanks to something known as the statute of limitations. CCP § 335.1 gives you two years from the date of your Lyft accident to file a lawsuit. If you fail to do so on time, the court will typically dismiss your case.
There are exceptions to be aware of when it comes to the statute of limitations. For example, injured victims below the age of 18 typically have more time to file a lawsuit. However, it is risky to assume any exception applies in your case. Your attorney could give you a clear picture of how much time you have to file.
Your Attorney Could Help After a Bakersfield Lyft Accident in Many Ways
The guidance of our attorneys could be valuable following a Lyft accident. This is true whether you were struck by a Lyft driver, injured while traveling as a passenger in the rideshare vehicle, or operating a Lyft vehicle yourself. Our legal counsel could assist you in pursuing fair compensation.
Identifying At-Fault Parties
You might not be aware of every party that is partially to blame for your accident. While it might be clear that the Lyft driver is to blame, other parties, like additional drivers or even the vehicle manufacturer could also be at fault. A careful investigation by your attorney serving Bakersfield could identify who was at fault.
Evaluating Your Case
If you have never been involved with a personal injury lawsuit before, you likely have little idea what your case might be worth. Your attorney cannot guarantee a specific outcome or tell you with certainty what your case is worth. However, a careful review of your medical records and other evidence could provide a strong basis to estimate what a settlement might look like.
Identifying Insurance Coverage
One of the ways that Lyft accidents are often more complicated than other motor vehicle collisions is the presence of multiple insurance policies. In addition to the coverage of the Lyft driver, Lyft or your own insurer could involve other policies. Our attorneys could identify the policies covering your injuries and inform you of what policies would pay out before the others kick in.
Negotiating a Settlement
For most people, the best-case scenario for their Lyft accident case is resolving it through a negotiated settlement. Settlement offers are common in these cases, but your attorney could prevent you from accepting one that is less than the actual value of your case. Their experience in negotiating agreements with the insurance companies could benefit your case.
Pursuing Litigation
A lawsuit will not always be necessary following a Lyft accident. If insurance coverage is available, a settlement could occur before filing a lawsuit is necessary. However, it does not always work out that way. If litigation becomes necessary, your attorney could ensure you file your case on time and meet all of the requirements set out in the law.
If your case goes to trial, your attorney can take the steps necessary to prepare you for court. Up until the day of trial, they could continue working toward an agreeable settlement offer.
You Could Recover Compensation Following a Lyft Accident in Bakersfield
Seeking financial compensation on your own following a Lyft accident can be a stressful and challenging process. You could be dealing with insurance adjusters and attorneys that make their living resolving personal injury claims. This could put you at a major disadvantage in getting the most out of your case.
The good news is that you never have to take on the personal injury process alone. Our Bakersfield lawyers could assist you in securing the compensation you deserve after a Lyft accident. If you have questions about how Nadrich Accident Injury Lawyers could help, we have answers. Reach out as soon as possible for your free consultation.