805-962-1930 Santa Barbara Lyft Accident Attorneys
Created in 2012, Lyft is a rideshare platform similar to its competitor, Uber. There are currently fewer Lyft drivers than Uber drivers and operations in fewer cities but there has been explosive growth in recent years. The company offers lower prices, pays drivers more, and possesses features that Uber lacks, which helps them keep a competitive edge.
Like its fellow rideshare program, Lyft has an extensive history of vehicle accidents and alleged criminal acts from drivers. If you suffered injuries in a Santa Barbara Lyft accident, you can seek compensation for your damages. The knowledgeable auto accident lawyers with Maho Prentice, LLP, can help you file a claim against Lyft’s insurance company or a personal injury lawsuit, ensuring you meet all filing deadlines and are awarded compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages caused by negligent rideshare companies.
Uber and Lyft Statistics
The frequency of rideshare accidents involving Lyft vehicles occurs more often than one may think. Like other vehicle operators, mistakes can be made by Lyft drivers, resulting in terrible crashes. They may drive drowsy or drunk, break road rules, or text and drive. Some Lyft crashes are the fault of defective vehicle parts, unsafe road conditions, or another driver.
In other situations, a Lyft driver may not maintain their vehicle according to the standards suggested by Lyft. This can result in tire blowouts or other hazardous situations during a rideshare.
With roughly three million active monthly users, Lyft has seen a significant increase in popularity and use over the last several years. These statistics may be lower than those of Uber, but they prove users’ interest in ridesharing platforms. Unfortunately, more Lyft drivers in Santa Barbara means more Lyft-related crashes.
While no concrete data exists on the number of rideshare accident cases each year, news stories report dozens of accidents involving rideshare vehicles across the country.
Requirements for Lyft Drivers and Their Vehicles
Lyft’s website states that safety is “a top priority,” yet the company only reviews a driver’s criminal background from the past seven years. Lyft’s hiring practices have created an ongoing argument about the safety of ridesharing.
Lyft will automatically disqualify an applicant who has convictions for felonies and violent crimes. However, if the conviction occurred more than seven years ago, Lyft will not see it on the driver’s record. Fingerprinting is not done by Lyft, and in-person meetings never occur before hiring.
These hiring practices have resulted in criminal assaults and drunk and reckless driving. If a drunk driver caused your motor vehicle accident, our Lyft accident lawyers can help you.
The History of a Car Accident Involving Lyft
Since 2014, when the first Lyft passenger fatality occurred, the company has stood trial for alleged stalking, attacks by drivers, and drunk driving. Driver assaults and car crashes have plagued Lyft for almost a decade. The vehicle requirements for Lyft drivers are as follows:
- Vehicles must be model year 2005 or newer with four doors.
- The driver must receive a full vehicle check from a mechanic using the lift vehicle inspection form. The inspection checks:
- Safety belts
- Tires
- Exhaust system
- Bumpers
- Speedometer
- Horn
- Doors
- Lights
- Windows
- Steering
- Brakes
- Drivers must receive an updated inspection once per year or every 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.
- The vehicle owner is responsible for properly maintaining the vehicle at all times. Failing to do so can result in a car accident, and the driver may be at fault.
Contact Our Lyft Accident Attorneys in Santa Barbara
The Lyft accident lawyers at Maho Prentice, LLP, have successfully pursued and litigated cases involving Lyft. Contact us via our online form to discuss your legal options for seeking compensation for your injuries.