Rideshare drivers regularly take unsafe risks on the road. In fact, the San Francisco County Transportation Authority released a report that people driving for rideshare apps often exceed the 10-hour drive-time limit California law imposes on those who transport passengers to try to reduce the risks of fatigued driving.
Passengers and others on the road can be harmed by those rideshare drivers who behave unsafely. If and when that happens, contacting an Anaheim Lyft accident lawyer is vital. These cases can be complicated because of the relationship between the drivers and the rideshare app and you need an expert legal advocate on your side.
The Anaheim personal injury attorneys at JSM Injury Firm APC have extensive experience representing those injured by rideshare drivers, including passengers and other motorists on the road. We will fight to get you fair compensation through a settlement or in successful litigation, and we don’t charge legal fees unless we win. Give us a call at (949) 404-4826 to schedule a free consultation and learn more.
Your Legal Rights After an Anaheim Lyft Accident
Lyft maintains third-party liability insurance that applies in certain circumstances, such as when drivers have the app on and are waiting for a request from passengers, as well as when drivers are en route to pick up passengers or when passengers are in the car. You can see the details of Lyft’s insurance on the company’s website.
However, it can be complicated to determine when this coverage applies. That’s because it’s important to know that Lyft is not vicariously liable for injuries their drivers cause.
While a case called Lathrop v. HealthCare Partners Medical Group (2004) 114 Cal.App.4th 1412 makes clear that”under the common law doctrine of respondeat superior, a principal or employer is vicariously liable for the acts of an agent or employee committed in the course of employment,” Lyft drivers are not employees.
The California courts upheld Proposition 22, which has reaffirmed that Lyft drivers are independent contractors. This means that Lyft isn’t automatically responsible for the driver’s actions. Because of the way drivers are classified, you’ll need to work with an experienced attorney to determine the circumstances under which Lyft’s insurance coverage could help you to get the compensation you deserve.
JSM Injury Firm APC knows the ins-and-outs of California laws on rideshare accidents and we can work with you to devise the best legal strategy for your case.
How an Anaheim Lyft Accident Attorney Can Help You
You have a limited period of time after a Lyft accident to pursue a legal claim for compensation under California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1, which imposes a two year statute of limitations for actions resulting from “assault, battery, or injury to, or for the death of, an individual caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another.”
You should not hesitate to reach out to JSM Injury Firm APC today to talk with our Anaheim Lyft accident lawyers about how we can help you take action within the time allowed. Give us a call at (949) 404-4826 to schedule your free consultation with our Anaheim accident lawyer so we can get started working on your case and get you the compensation you deserve.
