Culver City
Lyft Accident Lawyer

A Lyft accident can leave you facing challenges that extend far beyond the crash itself. Unlike other motor vehicle collisions, rideshare accidents bring complex legal issues about who is responsible, what insurance applies, and how you can be compensated. The experienced attorneys at Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates have seen firsthand how these cases unfold and know the unique difficulties that victims and their families face after a Lyft accident. In this piece, we share important information about Lyft accidents, including how they happen, who may be held at fault, the rights available to victims under California law, the kinds of compensation that may be pursued, and how a Lyft accident lawyer can fight on your behalf to pursue justice and recovery.

About Lyft in Culver City

Lyft is a company that lets people use their personal cars to give rides to others through an app, similar to a taxi service but more flexible. When someone wants a ride, they open the Lyft app, and a nearby driver using their own car can accept the request. Because this involves both drivers and passengers, Lyft provides special insurance coverage to help protect everyone if an accident happens.

If the app is off, the driver’s personal car insurance applies. When the app is on and the driver is waiting for a request, Lyft provides limited third-party liability coverage in case of accidents. Once a ride is accepted and during the trip, Lyft’s coverage increases to include up to $1 million in liability coverage, plus additional protections like uninsured motorist and contingent collision coverage.

Different Types of Lyft Accidents You May Face

• Rear-End Collisions Involving Lyft Drivers — These accidents often occur when a Lyft driver follows too closely or becomes distracted by the rideshare app. Under California Vehicle Code § 21703, drivers must maintain a safe following distance. When they fail to do so, passengers and other drivers can suffer serious injuries.
• Head-On Crashes With Lyft Cars — Few accidents are as dangerous as a head-on collision. These crashes can result from Lyft drivers entering a street in the wrong direction, drifting across lanes, or driving under the influence. California Vehicle Code § 21651 prohibits driving the wrong way on a divided highway, but head-on crashes still happen on smaller Culver City streets.
• T-Bone or Side-Impact Lyft Accidents — Side-impact collisions frequently occur at busy intersections like Washington Boulevard and Sepulveda Boulevard. When a Lyft driver runs a red light or fails to yield, another car can strike the side of the Lyft vehicle. California Vehicle Code § 21800 outlines the right-of-way rules that are often ignored in these situations.
• Multi-Vehicle Freeway Pileups Involving Lyft Rides — Accidents on I-405 or I-10 near Culver City can quickly involve multiple cars. Lyft vehicles caught in heavy traffic conditions or sudden slowdowns may become part of dangerous chain-reaction crashes.
• Pedestrian Accidents Caused by Lyft Drivers — In busy crosswalks near shopping centers or schools, pedestrians are at risk when Lyft drivers fail to yield. California Vehicle Code § 21950 requires drivers to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, but violations are common and can have devastating results.
• Cyclist Accidents With Lyft Cars in Culver City Streets — Cyclists share the road with Lyft vehicles, especially on crowded local streets. Crashes can happen when a driver fails to check blind spots or opens a door into a cyclist’s path. California Vehicle Code § 21209 prohibits driving in bike lanes except under limited circumstances, yet cyclists remain vulnerable.
• Accidents Caused by Distracted or Fatigued Lyft Drivers — The constant need to respond to ride requests and GPS directions can distract drivers. California Vehicle Code § 23123 bans handheld cell phone use while driving, but Lyft drivers often face pressure to check their devices. Fatigue also increases risks during long shifts.
• Accidents Involving Intoxicated or Impaired Lyft Drivers — Driving under the influence is illegal under California Vehicle Code § 23152. Still, some Lyft drivers make the reckless choice to operate a vehicle while impaired, endangering both their passengers and others on the road.
• Single-Vehicle Lyft Crashes Due to Road Hazards or Driver Error — A Lyft accident may occur even when no other car is involved. Potholes, poor road maintenance, or sudden swerving can cause a Lyft driver to lose control. Responsibility for these crashes can depend on whether the driver, Lyft, or a government agency failed to address the hazard.
• Parking Lot and Pickup/Drop-Off Accidents Unique to Ridesharing — Congested parking lots and curbside pickup areas in Culver City create conditions for fender-benders and injuries. Lyft drivers rushing to meet passengers may fail to follow California Vehicle Code § 22106, which requires safe starting and stopping, especially in crowded areas.

Common Injuries From Lyft Accidents

• Whiplash and Neck Strain — Very common in rear-end crashes; sudden jerks strain muscles and ligaments.
• Back and Spinal Disc Injuries — Herniated or bulging discs from impact often cause long-term pain.
• Broken Bones — Arms, legs, ribs, and wrists frequently fracture when passengers brace during impact.
• Bruises and Cuts — Shattered glass, seatbelts, and airbags often leave visible marks or lacerations.
• Concussions and Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries — Even a minor hit to the head can lead to dizziness, confusion, or headaches.
• Chest Injuries — Airbags and seatbelts may cause bruised ribs or, in severe cases, fractured sternums.
• Leg and Knee Injuries — Knees can slam into seatbacks or dashboards, leading to torn ligaments or fractures.
• Shoulder Injuries — Sudden restraint by seatbelts can result in torn rotator cuffs or sprains.
• Severe Traumatic Brain Injuries — In high-speed crashes, head trauma may lead to permanent cognitive or physical disabilities.
• Spinal Cord Damage and Paralysis — Less common but devastating, these injuries can result in loss of movement or sensation.
• Internal Organ Damage — Blunt force trauma can harm organs like the liver or spleen, sometimes requiring surgery.
• Psychological Trauma — Anxiety, depression, or PTSD often follow a serious Lyft accident, even after physical injuries heal.

Where Lyft Accidents Happen Most in Culver City

• Busy Intersections — High-traffic crossings like Washington Boulevard and Sepulveda Boulevard often see crashes when drivers rush through yellow lights or fail to yield. California Vehicle Code § 21453 requires drivers to stop at red lights, but violations are common in these areas.
• Freeway Interchanges — The I-405 and I-10 interchanges near Culver City are frequent spots for multi-vehicle Lyft accidents. California Vehicle Code § 22350, the “basic speed law,” requires safe speeds for conditions, yet sudden slowdowns often cause chain-reaction collisions.
• Shopping and Entertainment Areas — Places such as Westfield Culver City and The Culver Steps create heavy drop-off and pick-up activity. Lyft drivers stopping abruptly in these zones risk accidents. California Vehicle Code § 22102 restricts U-turns in business districts, but hurried drivers often ignore this rule.
• Residential Neighborhoods — Pickups near schools and parks lead to congestion and unsafe stopping. California Vehicle Code § 22106 prohibits sudden stopping unless safe, yet these rules are often broken in crowded residential areas.
• Nightlife Districts — Culver City’s bars and restaurants draw late-night rides, increasing accident risks. California Vehicle Code § 23152 makes driving under the influence illegal, but alcohol-related rideshare crashes still occur in these hotspots.

Who May Be Sued in a Lyft Accident Case

• Driver Liability — If a driver is negligent by speeding, texting, or failing to yield, they may be personally responsible. For example, California Vehicle Code § 23123 bans handheld phone use while driving, yet distracted driving is a leading cause of rideshare accidents. Another driver may also be to blame if they collide with the Lyft driver.
• Lyft Corporate Liability — Lyft’s $1,000,000 insurance policy applies when a passenger is in the car or the driver is en route. California Public Utilities Code § 5433 requires rideshare companies to carry specific insurance coverage during different periods of a ride.
• Vehicle Manufacturer Liability — Defective brakes, airbags, or steering systems may cause Lyft accidents. California Civil Code § 1714.45 allows injured people to pursue claims against the manufacturers of defective products under strict liability principles.
• City or Government Liability — Dangerous road conditions, poor lighting, or lack of maintenance can contribute to Lyft accidents. California Government Code § 835 allows claims against public entities if unsafe roadways create a foreseeable risk of harm.
• California Rideshare Laws — State laws impose added responsibilities on transportation network companies. California Public Utilities Code § 5430 defines a “transportation network company” like Lyft, and California Public Utilities Code § 5433 sets insurance requirements, ensuring victims have coverage for their injuries.

Contact A Culver City Lyft Accident Attorney Samer Habbas

At Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates, we know that a Lyft accident is not like a typical car crash. You may be left wondering whether the Lyft driver, Lyft itself, or another motorist is responsible, all while facing serious medical care, time away from work, and the stress of mounting bills. Our attorneys have years of experience representing victims in rideshare cases, and we approach each case with the determination needed to confront large corporations and their insurers. We are prepared to build a strong claim, protect your rights at every stage, and pursue the financial recovery you need to move forward. To discuss your case with experienced Lyft accident attorneys, contact Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates by calling 949-727-9300 or contacting us online for a free consultation with a Lyft accident attorney in Culver City.

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