Los Angeles Wrongful Death Attorney

There is nothing more tragic than losing a loved one in a fatal accident. Although no amount of compensation can truly repair your family after the loss, it can help you cope with the financial consequences and other losses associated with the death. A wrongful death claim provides compensation for funeral and burial costs and medical expenses, in addition to the compensation that the decedent would have earned and compensation for the loss of their assistance to their family members. In the lawsuit, the surviving family members must prove that the defendant failed to use reasonable care at the time of the accident and that this failure was the direct cause of the decedent’s death.

Los Angeles Uber Accident Lawyer

Los Angeles uber accident lawyer

In Los Angeles, arranging for an Uber driver to give you a ride is common. But are the Uber and Lyft drivers really safe? After all, these drivers face different scrutiny and rules than licensed taxi drivers do.

Using rideshare companies to get around town is considered a safe alternative to driving, and you may have never thought about getting into a rideshare accident.

If you were injured in an Uber accident, a rideshare accident lawyer could help passengers injured in Uber and Lyft accidents cover their medical bills and pursue civil justice. Get a free consultation with a personal injury law firm with no obligation. But consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney makes you better positioned to make informed decisions about filing claims.

Why You Need an Experienced Los Angeles Uber Accident Lawyer

Experienced uber accident lawyer

After a negligent driver causes a car accident with an Uber or Lyft driver, or when the Lyft or Uber drivers are at fault in motor vehicle accidents, the accident victims face many challenges in pursuing a damage claim.

Rideshare drivers are considered to be independent contractors. Initially, rideshare companies tried limiting their liability by shifting blame for Uber and Lyft accidents to the hapless drivers behind the wheel at the time of the auto accident.

However, the courts did not agree. A rideshare company is still liable for some wrongful death cases and Uber accident victims' injuries and property damage. Under California law, sorting out who is responsible for each victim's injuries is complex.

Rideshare Accident Statistics in California

According to research conducted by the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago, the increased popularity of rideshare companies in California and other big cities contributed to an uptick in traffic fatalities.

It is estimated that rideshare accidents drove up the number of traffic deaths by at least three percent from earlier decades when no one had ever heard of ridesharing services transporting passengers to their destinations.

To compare, traffic deaths in the United States in 2010 were 32,885, the lowest point in 61 years, but that was a year before Uber or Lyft. By 2016, those fatality numbers had soared to over 37,400.

Other worrisome national statistics have found the following:

Despite their apparent role in car accidents, Uber and Lyft services fill vital transportation roles in Los Angeles and other metro areas. But those involved in an Uber or Lyft accident can seek financial compensation by retaining a Lyft accident lawyer to litigate their personal injury lawsuit.

Common Causes of Uber Accidents in California

Although a motor vehicle accident can occur under any conditions, the top causes of Uber collisions in California are below.

Rideshare Driver Error

Rideshare driver error

Speeding is a prime cause of accidents and contributes to about a third of traffic deaths. Driving too fast contributed to nearly 30% of highway deaths in a recent year (2020).

Failing to stop at a red light or stop sign or yield to oncoming traffic are other examples of how a Los Angeles Uber or Lyft driver could cause or contribute to the injuries sustained by the accident victim.

Fatigue from juggling multiple jobs in a gig economy is another intrinsic element of rideshare accidents. They may be thriving on minimal hours of sleep and relying on catnaps to work impossible hours.

That's problematic because Uber and Lyft drivers who get behind the wheel when fatigued present nearly the same risk as those driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

A distracted Uber driver is hazardous as well. They need to interact with the Uber app to accept a ride request from a potential rider. If an Uber driver is unfamiliar with the rider's location or destination, they must use the GPS application on their phone. These distractions can wind up causing an Uber accident.

Third-Party Driver Error

Rideshare passengers involved in wrecks with other at-fault motorists who struck the Uber driver can file personal injury claims against the liable driver's insurer.

Suppose the at-fault driver doesn't have sufficient insurance coverage or lacks any liability insurance. In that case, the injured party can still seek compensation through the insurance policy in force for the rideshare driver at the time of the Uber accident in Los Angeles.

Vehicle Equipment Breakdowns

Vehicle equipment breakdowns

Some rideshare accidents and at least one wrongful death have been linked to equipment breaking down on the Uber drivers' vehicles or the company's self-driving cars.

Dangerous Road Conditions

Poor road conditions have been linked to traffic fatalities and car accident injuries. Some of the dangerous road conditions that can lead to an Uber car accident include:

The above conditions at or near the accident scene can cause serious injuries to car accident victims.

Rideshare Company Negligence

Rideshare company negligence

An Uber vehicle accident involving a poorly trained or unscreened driver could leave the company with culpability issues if the driver's negligence arose from the lax screening or training process.

Additionally, was the driver still active on the Uber app after already causing a collision or other hazardous event? If so, the rideshare company could face a lawsuit filed by an L.A. rideshare accident attorney.

Insurance Coverage in Uber Accidents

An Uber accident differs from a typical personal injury insurance claim because of the complex liability issues involved since the drivers are not company employees but contractors who work independently for themselves.

However, both rideshare providers carry million-dollar bodily injury liability coverage covering wrecks on the way to pick up passengers while passengers are riding with their drivers. They deny claims when the drivers bear the legal fault for the accident.

There are three different periods of liability coverage depending on when the accident occurred.

Period 1

This timeframe covers the period while the rideshare drivers are logged onto their apps and seeking passengers looking for a ride but do not have any riders with them.

At this point, there is financial compensation of at least $50k to cover bodily injury or death per individual, $30k in property damage insurance, and $100k per accident during period one. The driver is also protected by $200k of liability insurance.

Period 2

Once the drivers accept a passenger and are en route to pick them up, period two begins. Now, the million-dollar policy of commercial insurance coverage kicks in. Still, the insurance company will only pay if the injured third-party claimant or their Lyft accident attorney timely files their claim for damages.

Period 3

The final period applies to the period after the passenger has been picked up and is on their way to their destination. The million-dollar policy remains in effect for wrecks during this period. Again, claimants or their Uber accident lawyers can file a claim to recover compensation for their injuries, losses, and other damages.

Both Lyft and Uber must maintain coverage for uninsured and underinsured motorists.

Assigning Liability in Uber Accidents

In most types of personal injury claims, under the doctrine of vicarious liability, companies bear liability for their workers' on-the-job errors. Such is not the case with rideshare companies, unfortunately. They are not employees. Because their drivers' status is as independent contractors, different rules apply.

That is not to say that you might not have an Uber accident claim covered by the companies' commercial insurance coverage and property damage liability coverage. Everything depends on the unique circumstances of wrongful death or personal injury claim.

What to Do After an Uber Accident in Los Angeles, CA

What to do after an uber accident

Start by being proactive. One good tip is downloading your rideshare information onto your phone or computer or taking a screenshot before entering the car.

That information could be very helpful later should you need to contact the insurance company or personal injury lawyers after an accident involving a Los Angeles rideshare driver.

Not only will you have the name and photo of the driver, but information on the vehicle, the driver's expected route, times of departure, and estimated arrival. Just having that information alone provides your Uber accident attorney with a wealth of information on the independent contractors driving for the company.

The following are additional tips that can help assure your medical bills and other accident-related costs are covered by the insurance company bearing liability for your Lyft accident.

It is helpful to consult with an Uber accident attorney who can advise you of the value of your claim.

Deadline for Filing an Uber Accident Claim

Nearly all damage claims for personal injury must be filed with the California statute of limitations -- two years. The limit increases to three years if the claim is only for property damage.

There are exceptions to these time limits. Some injury diagnoses are delayed, which starts the clock at the time of the diagnosis. Those who were injured as minors also get extended deadlines. Reputable Lyft accident attorneys can provide more specific guidance on statutory filing limits.

Compensation for Uber Accidents in Los Angeles, CA

Compensation for uber accidents

Under California law, those suffering injuries can seek compensation for their accident-related costs. Below are some of the expenses Uber accident attorneys include in their lawsuits.

Loss of Income or Future Earning Capacity

Did you miss work after being injured? You may have lost an opportunity to close a big real estate deal or other business opportunities.

Property Damage

This includes any vehicle damage or damage to your property due to the wreck.

Pain and Suffering

This covers physical pain and emotional and psychological distress.

Out-Of-Pocket Expenses

You may have incurred travel costs for medical treatment (tolls, public transit fees, ferries, parking fees, etc.). Keep your receipts!

Medical Expenses

Medical bills after an accident add up fast. You could owe ambulance fees, hospital bills, physical and occupational therapy costs, and expenses for rented or purchased medical equipment.

The liable party's insurance carrier can reimburse co-pays and deductibles to your insurance company and even over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and medical supplies.

Call Omofoma Law Firm Today to Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With a Los Angeles Uber Accident Lawyer

Free case evaluation with a uber accident lawyer

Don't let insurance adjusters and corporate law firms devalue your claim against Uber. Rideshare accident injuries can be serious and life-altering.

You deserve justice after a Los Angeles rideshare collision. The experienced and knowledgeable Uber accident attorneys at Omofoma Law Firm can listen to your story and evaluate the merits of your rideshare accident claim.

We offer no obligation, free consultations for our rideshare wreck clients. We work on a contingency basis. That means you never owe a dime unless we negotiate a settlement on your behalf or win a judgment for you in court. We work hard for each client we take on.

Ready to pursue the civil justice you are owed? Fill out this online form to schedule an appointment with our Uber accident attorneys.

Call our Los Angeles office at (213) 474-3583 to schedule a free consultation.

Los Angeles Catastrophic Injury Attorney

Catastrophic injuries are life changing. These injuries could cause you to miss work, need extensive medical care and treatment for the rest of your life, and you'll likely never be the same again. We understand these injuries don't just impact your life but also the lives of your loved ones. It's important to work with a California injury attorney that understands the complexities of these cases and works tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve.

Los Angeles Bus Accident Attorney

Bus accidents often cause devastating injuries to multiple individuals. Many of these accidents could have been prevented had the bus driver followed state and federal regulations that are intended to improve safety. If you were injured as a result of a bus accident, it is important to contact an attorney who has experience handling this type of claim. Although bus accidents bear some similarities to car accidents, there are several complex aspects of these cases that may benefit from sophisticated legal representation. At Omofoma Law, our California bus accident lawyer is familiar with the unique dynamics that apply to investigating a bus accident and will hold the negligent parties accountable.

Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Attorney

Common Risks for Bicyclists on the Road

When you are riding a bicycle, you are at risk of being involved in a collision with a careless driver of a car or truck. Unsurprisingly, one of the leading causes of bicycle crashes is inattentive or distracted driving. All too often, drivers talk, text, check email, or look at social media sites while they should be paying attention. Taking your eyes off the road for even a few seconds can seriously delay a driver’s reaction time and ability to maintain a safe distance from a cyclist.

If the driver is also speeding, the outcome can be devastating or even fatal for the cyclist. Drivers often engage in right-hand turns when a cyclist is approaching in the bicycle lane, resulting in the driver T-boning the cyclist or causing the cyclist to collide with the vehicle. Under California law, drivers are required to check bicycle lanes when completing turns that require them to cross through the lane. Thus, a bicycle accident attorney in the area can help a victim hold a driver accountable for failing to take this precaution. Another common cause of bicycle accidents is failing to yield the right-of-way. If a cyclist is using the left-hand turn lane to complete a turn, it is critical that drivers pay attention and stay aware of the cyclist’s location. Also, many bicyclists are needlessly injured as a result of an intoxicated driver’s lack of capacity to watch out for nearby bicyclists. These are only a few examples of how drivers can cause bicyclists to suffer serious injuries.

Seek Compensation from a Careless Driver

>If you were harmed as a result of a careless driver’s inattention or failure to follow traffic laws, you can file a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation for your injuries and damages. The first step toward success is showing that the driver owed you a duty and failed to drive according to that duty. On the road, we each owe one another a duty to drive with the same caution and care that a reasonably prudent driver would use when facing a similar situation. This includes refraining from distracted driving activities, abiding by traffic laws, and adjusting our driving to account for any unusual conditions, such as construction or bad weather.

After showing that the driver did not abide by this standard, your bicycle accident attorney must show that this behavior was the direct cause of your injuries. If the driver can show that some other factor was to blame, such as your own negligent conduct, your recovery may be reduced. However, it will not be barred unless you were completely at fault for the accident. Finally, you will need to offer evidence that supports the amount of compensation that you are requesting, including past and estimated future medical bills, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and more. An experienced injury lawyer can help you review your claim and ensure that you are seeking the full amount of compensation that you need.

Get Advice on a Bicycle Accident Claim in Southern California

Like motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents can lead to some of the most painful and life-changing injuries. While you are coping with the disruption and stress that the accident has caused in your life, we will work tirelessly to assert your legal rights. We proudly assist clients located throughout the Los Angeles area, including in Long Beach, Manhattan Beach, Gardena, Hawthorne, Inglewood, Lakewood, Monrovia, Pacoima, Pico Rivera, Redondo Beach, South Gate, Van Nuys, Whittier. Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Orange, Santa Ana, Moreno Valley, Riverside, Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino, and other communities in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. To schedule a free consultation with a bicycle accident lawyer, call us at (213) 455-4050 or contact us online.

Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Understanding the Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Even if you are the safest rider on the road, you can still fall victim to another driver’s carelessness. One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is driver inattention. Far too many drivers use their cell phones or other electronic devices behind the wheel. Talking, texting, checking email, or surfing the web takes a driver’s focus away from the road conditions, which can change in a matter of seconds. Since motorcycles are much smaller than passenger vehicles, it can be more difficult for a driver of a car or truck to see a motorcyclist until it is too late. Drunk drivers are another common cause of motorcycle accidents because their faculties are too impaired to observe their surroundings, including nearby motorcyclists.

Many motorcycle crashes happen at intersections where a distracted or intoxicated driver fails to yield the right-of-way. Also, poor visibility or hazardous road conditions can also lead to accidents when motorists fail to adjust their speed and driving patterns accordingly. These are only a few examples of how motorcyclists can be injured due to motorist negligence.

Assert Your Legal Right to Compensation

A motorcycle accident attorney in the area can help a victim bring a personal injury lawsuit against a careless driver to recover compensation for his or her injuries. In this lawsuit, the plaintiff’s lawyer must show that the driver failed to use appropriate care and skill behind the wheel, similar to how a reasonably prudent driver would have acted when faced with the same situation. This includes refraining from distracted driving activities, driving appropriately for the roadway conditions, and obeying all California traffic laws.

After demonstrating how the defendant failed to use due care, you must prove that this careless conduct was the direct cause of your injuries. In other words, your motorcycle accident attorney will need to gather and present evidence that shows that you would not have been injured if the defendant had used the proper care. The crash also must have been foreseeable under the circumstances. After establishing this causal connection, the remaining task involves proving the amount of damages that you are entitled to receive from the defendant. Some common categories of damages that an injured motorcycle rider can recover include past and estimated future medical expenses, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering. Family members of a rider who was killed in a fatal accident can bring a wrongful death claim to pursue compensation for their loss.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Motorcycle Crash Lawyer

>Whether your injuries are moderate or severe, you deserve experienced and responsive legal counsel to help you fight for compensation from a careless driver. We have assisted motorcycle accident victims throughout the Los Angeles region, including in Long Beach, Manhattan Beach, Gardena, Hawthorne, Inglewood, Lakewood, Monrovia, Pacoima, Pico Rivera, Redondo Beach, South Gate, Van Nuys, Whittier. Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Orange, Santa Ana, Moreno Valley, Riverside, Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino, and other areas of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. We understand how daunting this process can seem, especially when you are also coping with painful injuries and the stress of the accident. We offer a free consultation to help victims of motorcycle and bicycle accidents learn more about how we can help. Call us at (213) 455-4050 or contact us online to schedule your appointment with a motorcycle accident lawyer.

Los Angeles Truck Accident Lawyer

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Although truck accidents come in many forms, there are certain common situations in which drivers can find themselves injured after being struck by a massive vehicle. Poor vehicle maintenance is a major cause of truck accidents. If a vehicle is not maintained properly, the driver may lose control or lack the ability to brake safely. Equipment failures are common on these vehicles because of their size and complexity. There are far more moving parts and mechanisms on a truck than a regular passenger vehicle. Improper cargo loading can also cause accidents, especially when the cargo shifts during transit and either spills onto the roadway or causes the driver to lose control. Lack of driver training, substance abuse by drivers, driver fatigue, and driver distraction are also common causes.

Bringing a Claim for Compensation Following a Truck Crash

Under California law, employers are vicariously liable for the negligent conduct of their employees if it occurs during the course and scope of business. This means that if a truck driver was driving under the influence at the time of the accident, for example, the trucking company can be held liable for any damages that the driver caused. This is one reason why it is critically important to investigate your accident with the assistance of a knowledgeable attorney who has experience with this type of claim. The trucking company may also be independently liable in certain situations, such as if it failed to perform an appropriate background check before retaining the driver or failed to perform appropriate maintenance on its vehicles.

In the lawsuit, showing a violation of a state or federal trucking regulation can be strong evidence of liability. For example, federal regulations place limits on the number of consecutive hours that drivers can operate a truck, and there are stricter standards for driving under the influence when a commercial truck is involved. Finally, since these accidents can cause such devastating, life-changing, or potentially fatal injuries, it is important to seek the maximum amount of compensation that you need. Our legal team is prepared to assist you with ensuring that you receive as much financial assistance as possible following the crash.

Explore Your Options with a Dedicated Motor Vehicle Collision Lawyer

Accidents when a truck strikes a car or motorcycle are traumatic and complex. We have seen firsthand what a victim and his or her family goes through after an accident and sometimes well into the future. Our team will investigate your claim diligently and ensure that your legal rights are asserted to the fullest extent possible. We represent victims in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas, including Long Beach, Manhattan Beach, Gardena, Hawthorne, Inglewood, Lakewood, Monrovia, Pacoima, Pico Rivera, Redondo Beach, South Gate, Van Nuys, Whittier. Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Orange, Santa Ana, Moreno Valley, Riverside, Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino, and other cities in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. Call us now at (213) 455 4050 or contact us online for a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer in the Downey area.

Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer

Los Angeles car accident lawyer

If you live in the local Los Angeles area, you understand how heavy traffic can get. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that car accidents are also common in the area, and you need to see a doctor as soon as possible following a motor vehicle collision in Los Angeles. Then, remember to schedule a case consultation with our car accident attorney.

At Omofoma Law Firm, we proudly represent the people of Los Angeles, and our Los Angeles car accident lawyers will make sure your rights are protected. Our personal injury law firm can provide a free consultation to see if you deserve compensation. Then, if you have a case, our Los Angeles car accident attorneys can file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf, negotiate with the insurance company, and maximize your car accident case compensation.

Learn more about our services for car accident cases below, and call us to schedule your case consultation to discuss your car accident injuries after a car crash.

How Our Experienced Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You With Your Case

Experienced car accident attorney can help you with your case

You can file an insurance claim with the insurance company and settle for a reasonable amount. While that might be the case, you will get more money if you work with our law firm instead.

The insurance company is in business to make money, and they don’t make money by paying out claims. If you talk to the insurance company alone, they will look for any reason to avoid paying out your claim. They could use your words against you, and even if they give you money, they will try to minimize your settlement.

Do not let this happen to you. Instead, rely on our experienced car accident lawyer to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and maximize compensation.

Car Accident Statistics in California

Given just how busy it is in California, it should come as no surprise that car accidents are prevalent. According to the CA Office of Traffic Safety, more than 3,600 people got killed in car accidents in 2019 alone, and alcohol played a role in more than 1,000 of those fatalities.

That is why you always need to put your health and safety first when you get behind the wheel of a car. Then, if you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, contact us to schedule a case consultation. 

Common Causes of Los Angeles Car Accidents

Common causes of car accidents

There are various reasons someone might be involved in a car accident in Los Angeles.

Some of the most common causes of car accidents in the local area include:

These are just a few of the many reasons someone might be involved in a motor vehicle accident in Los Angeles, and we can conduct a full investigation to see who was at fault and whether you are entitled to compensation. 

Common Injuries Resulting From Car Accidents In Los Angeles

Common injuries resulting from car accidents

There are plenty of injuries that you may suffer in a motor vehicle accident in Los Angeles.

Some of the most common examples include:

You may feel fine following a motor vehicle accident, but that is probably just the adrenaline going through your body. You must schedule an appointment with a doctor to ensure your injuries are not overlooked. 

California Car Accident Laws

There are a variety of car accident laws in California that could apply to your case. These laws will play a significant role because they will determine who is at fault in the accident and whether you can file a claim. Some of the most critical car accident laws you need to keep in mind include the following:

Statute of Limitations

You need to file your claim within a statute of limitations. In California, you have three years from your accident to file a personal injury or car accident claim against another driver. It might sound like a long time, but this period will go quickly, so contact us as soon as possible to schedule your case consultation.

Fault-Based Car Insurance

In CA, comparative fault and comparative negligence play a role in determining the size of your settlement. It means that you could be partially blamed for the collision. 

For example, if a judge or jury determines that you are 30% at fault for the accident, then the size of your settlement may reduce by 30%. If you want to maximize the size of your settlement, you need to contact us to schedule a case consultation.

Liability Laws

We must prove that the other driver was at fault to win your case. We will need to prove that the other driver had a duty of care to you on the road, and we will have to show that the driver somehow violated that duty of care. Then, we will need to prove that that violation was a direct cause of your damages. It can be challenging, so you must contact us as soon as possible. 

Proving Negligence in a Los Angeles Car Accident

Proving negligence

For us to prove that the other driver was negligent, there are several steps we need to follow.

They include:

If we can prove all these elements, we can win your personal injury claim. 

What to Do After a Car Accident in Los Angeles, CA

Following a motor vehicle accident in California, there are several essential steps you need to follow. They include:

We can review your case and see if you are entitled to compensation. 

Compensation for Car Accident Victims in California

Compensation for car accident victims

We may be able to recover several examples of compensation for car accident victims in Los Angeles.

Some of the most common examples include:

Medical Expenses

Your medical bills can be significant following an accident, even if you suffer common car accident injuries, and we may be able to pursue compensation to make sure your medical expenses are covered. We can seek compensation that can cover future medical costs as well.

Property Damage

If you have suffered property damage from the accident, you can have your car fixed or replaced. The other person’s insurance policy should pay to repair your vehicle, but you may have property damage above the limit of the other person’s policy. If that is the case, we can pursue additional compensation.

Pain and Suffering

If you have incurred significant pain and suffering due to the accident, we may be able to ask for compensation for your emotional distress as well.

Lost Wages

What happens if you are not able to go back to work? If so, we can pursue compensation to replace your lost wages after the accident.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

If you are no longer able to enjoy life the way you used to, we may be able to ask for additional compensation. It cannot be easy to quantify, but we can advocate for you.

Punitive Damage

Depending on the circumstances of the accident, we can pursue punitive damages as well. While punitive damages are not common, if the circumstances of the accident were particularly heinous, we may have a case.

Contact Omofoma Law for a Free Consultation With Our Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer

Experienced car accident attorney can help you with your case

After an accident, schedule an appointment with your doctor as quickly as possible. Then, reach out to us to schedule a free case consultation.

At Omofoma Law Firm, we advocate for car accident victims, and if you get injured in an accident, we may be able to pursue compensation on your behalf.

We will provide you with a comprehensive evaluation and act as your legal guide as we protect your rights and defend your interests. Give us a call today to schedule a case consultation with a member of our team.

Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer

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