Traveling by car has become more convenient than ever. With rideshare services like Lyft, you no longer have to hail a cab. Now, a car can pick you up and take you to your desired location by just entering basic information into an app.
Although Lyft is convenient, there are risks associated with using it. Drivers of rideshare services do not undergo a unique training and carry minimum auto insurance coverage.
Luckily, there are some actions you may take if you have been injured in a Lyft accident to protect your right to compensation for your injuries.
At Legal Giant, we defend injured persons in all accident cases, including those involving rideshare vehicles. We provide free initial consultations and never charge fees until we successfully claim your damages.
How Do Lift Accidents Happen?
Several factors might lead to a Lyft accident. The Lyft driver could be at fault if they disregarded a traffic rule, drove recklessly, were distracted, or were under the influence.
The accident may also have been caused by Lyft’s negligent recruiting, training, or supervision of its driver.
For instance, Lyft would be liable if they failed to ensure that the driver was adequately trained on traffic laws before allowing them to carry passengers. Of course, other motorists on the road could also have caused the Lyft accident.
You should file a claim for negligence if a Lyft driver were involved in the collision. However, you must demonstrate that the negligent party, whether the driver, the company, or a third party, violated the duty of reasonable duty of care, thus causing your injuries.
Lyft has recently been the target of many high-profile lawsuits due to vehicle accidents. In a California lawsuit, a negligent Lyft driver hit a light pole when he fell asleep while driving. A 70-year-old woman who was his passenger sustained traumatic injuries, ultimately leading to her death.
In another incident, a Chicago passenger sued Lyft to seek compensation for his severe head injuries after being hit while riding in a Lyft car. The driver in this incident was charged with driving under the influence.
The Lyft driver had crossed the center line and collided with another car head-on. The driver’s careless behavior led to the death of another passenger.
How Does Insurance Work with Lyft Vehicles?
Most states require Lyft and other rideshare drivers to carry specific types of insurance. Above everything else, it is crucial to understand your state’s laws to know whether Lyft complied with your state’s liability insurance requirements.
Lyft offers a wealth of insurance-related information on its website. The company offers certificates and proof of insurance in several states and discusses different scenarios related to insurance coverage in the event of an accident.
Lyft company also acknowledges that the subject of insurance is complex. It, therefore, informs you when and how their policies can cover the driver and passengers in the event of an accident.
Lyft’s insurance coverage applies if the driver provides a rideshare service when the Lyft app is on. Their car accident insurance provides coverage of up to $1 million for third-party auto liability, contingent comprehensive and collision, and uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury.
On the company’s website, you can find information on insurance coverage when waiting for a ride request and express drive coverage, among other topics. They have a separate web page that discusses coverage for Lyft deliveries.
What Does Lyft Say About Reporting an Accident Involving One of Its Vehicles?
Lyft provides guidelines for reporting an accident involving one of its vehicles on its website. The company advises you to call 911 in an emergency or activate an alert directly on the Lyft app. By selecting
When you do this, an ADT representative will contact the police to share your location information. No phone calls will be made to you unless explicitly requested.
Drivers who enable their ADT alert will always receive a phone call. If the call goes unanswered, ADT will notify 911 of your location. You will receive real-time updates about the progress of your emergency call.
Lyft also has a button on its website that links you with their Claims Customer Care representatives when you want to report an accident. This especially applies to situations where vehicles collide, strike objects, or cause property damage to third parties.
The company also has a form you can fill out for post-collision inspections if one of their drivers causes damage to your vehicle. You use this form after reporting an accident to them.
How Do You Recover from Injuries and Damages?
It takes a long and painful process to recuperate from your injuries. Initiating the claims process alone and during recovery would be challenging.
You can work with an experienced Lyft car accident attorney to increase your chances of receiving fair and reasonable compensation. Generally, you initiate the process by filing a claim against Lyft, the driver, or their insurance provider.
When it is unclear who is responsible for the accident, you can take legal action against different parties for damages. For instance, if the driver was driving recklessly, Lyft can also be held accountable if they did not train or screen the driver as expected.
The negotiation process starts once you file the claim. But it might be tough to negotiate a settlement with a big firm like Lyft or its insurance provider.
After all, the insurer’s goal is to limit liability and reimbursements. Besides, victims sometimes lack the same degree of resources, whether time, money, or legal.
An experienced Lyft accident attorney can assist you in navigating the complex process of filing a personal injury claim. Your lawyer will meet with you before filing your lawsuit to discuss the trial process and procedures involved.
What Steps Should You Take to Protect Your Rights Following a Lyft Accident?
Here is a comprehensive checklist:
At the accident scene
- Move to a safe place, off the road and away from the traffic
- Call law enforcement and first responders to report the accident
- Take the contact information of the Lyft driver and other parties involved in the accident
- Take the contact information of potential witnesses. If possible, obtain their statements on their observations of what happened.
- Take photos of the accident scene if you can
- If injured, visit the emergency room or urgent care. It is crucial to seek medical treatment immediately
In the days that follow
- Continue seeking medical care. Some injuries take a long to manifest, and others can become life-threatening if you wait.
- Write a comprehensive account of the accident in your own words.
- Report the car accident to Lyft using their online forms. But only provide relevant details; do not discuss liability or the extent of your injuries, and never admit fault.
- Obtain a copy of the police report and other reports taken at the accident scene.
In the weeks and months that follow
- Consult with a skilled Lyft car accident attorney to file your claim and begin negotiations with Lyft, the driver, or their insurers.
- Keep copies of any reports, documents, invoices, or correspondence.
- Keep your invoices and proof of payments related to your injuries and damages, including medical bills or car repairs.
- Continue with your medical treatment
- If you miss work due to injuries resulting from the accident, keep track of the time and income you are losing.
- Keep a periodic journal of your pain, mental anguish, and discomfort.
- Appraise your attorney for any updates to your case, including new medical treatment you receive or correspondence from Lyft or its insurance company.
How Can an Attorney Help You Get Compensation for Your Injuries?
Hiring a qualified attorney for your Lyft car accident claim can benefit you in several ways. Here a just a few of the functions that a Lyft car accident attorney can carry out:
· Evaluating the facts of your case
Your lawyer can assist with investigating your Lyft accident scene by interviewing critical witnesses, gathering crucial information, and recreating the accident.
Putting the pieces of what happened together is vital to record the facts of your case and assemble the evidence required to persuade the insurance provider to settle or the jury to rule in your favor accurately and successfully.
· Providing legal counsel
An attorney will guide you, define your legal rights and options, and discuss the possible next steps to take in your case.
Remember, Lyft and its insurance provider have no scarcity of qualified legal counsel. You can only ensure you are getting the legal assistance you need by hiring your own Lyft car accident attorney.
· Conducting legal research and applying it to your claim
Accident lawsuits are frequently complicated and may entail numerous legal issues. An experienced lawyer will be able to identify the pertinent legal issues, conduct legal research, and apply the law to the events of your case to submit your claims.
· Calculating your damages
Placing a monetary value on the injuries you suffered in a Lyft accident can be pretty difficult, especially for non-economic damages like pain and suffering or the loss of life.
A lawyer who has dealt with similar situations like yours can assist you in determining the worth of your damages and work with you to make sure you are demanding a just, reasonable, and sufficient amount.
· Representing you in negotiations
Negotiating with a big company like Lyft and its insurance carriers might be difficult. Since large corporations like Lyft have access to a wealth of financial and legal resources, their goal in a lawsuit is to deny responsibility and reduce the compensation for damages.
Legal representation during negotiations with Lyft and its insurance might significantly impact your ability to collect damages.
· Filing the relevant petitions and motions in the proper court
The documentation involved in personal injury claims can be extensive, most of it very specialized, and has to be in a specific format. A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can guarantee that your documents are correctly organized, relevant, and procedurally thorough.
It is crucial to have a competent Lyft car accident attorney during the claims process to gather your evidence, argue your claims, and advocate for you to receive adequate compensation for your damages.
An attorney will not only aid in building your case but will also assist in anticipating and disputing the claims made by Lyft, the driver, and the insurance provider.
Call a Lyft Car Accident Attorney Today
Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney is the best decision in your Lyft car accident case. At Legal Giant, we want to help you understand your options and rights after an accident and discuss possible subsequent actions.
Our partner lawyers will assist you in getting a just and reasonable payment and collaborate with you in negotiations with Lyft and its insurance. Get in touch with our personal injury lawyers for a free case evaluation today.
