Suffering an injury in a Lyft rideshare can be a daunting experience, but you could be entitled to compensation. Many individuals are uncertain about their legal standing after facing accidents in Uber or Lyft vehicles – This is where the expertise of our dedicated Lyft accident attorneys becomes invaluable. Tackling the intricacies of rideshare accident claims without seasoned legal guidance can be overwhelming, but with the right attorney, you can navigate the legal maze confidently.

In 2019, Lyft released its first safety report, which indicated that 105 people died from car accidents involving Lyft vehicles between 2017 and 2019. With the growing popularity of ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft, there is a growing number of people who find themselves in accidents.

When you’re a victim of a ridesharing accident, know that you’re not alone. Just as with accidents in private vehicles, you possess strong legal rights. If you or someone close to you has suffered due to a mishap in a rideshare vehicle, you could be eligible for rightful compensation. At Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we stand beside you as fierce advocates, ensuring you understand your rights and guiding you every step of the way. Reach out for a complimentary consultation, and let us champion your cause, helping you secure the justice and compensation you deserve for your Lyft car accident injuries.”

What is Lyft?

Lyft is a leading rideshare platform, connecting locals and tourists with travel options through its user-friendly mobile app. Users input their start and end points, and a driver swiftly arrives for pick-up. Lyft drivers are independent contractors using their vehicles to provide transportation. While Lyft and its counterpart, Uber, are the facilitators connecting drivers to riders, they also retain a share of the driver’s earnings. Rideshare companies have become very popular among locals and tourists alike all around the country.

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Liability

How Liability Is Determined In A Lyft Accident

It can be especially challenging to determine who is to blame in a ridesharing collision. Contract workers, who are primarily autonomous or independent, are used by ridesharing providers to fulfill service requirements. If you were injured in a car accident caused by a driver you booked via Lyft, you may be able to hold the driver personally liable.

Furthermore, rideshare companies have made significant efforts to avoid legal risks, even though they do not always hire contract workers with the safest cars or personal competence to offer clients safe services. 

Ridesharing drivers are also not tested for medical conditions that can impair their attentiveness and make them more unsafe on the road, which is another concerning factor. In some cases, you may be able to sue the ridesharing business for placing dangerous drivers on its platform and putting you in danger. 

Speak to an experienced attorney if you have been involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, and they can explain your options and offer you sound legal advice.

Time Frame

The Statute of Limitations for Ridesharing Accidents

If you’ve been hurt in a rideshare accident, like with Lyft or Uber, time is ticking. Every state has its own rules, and many give you just a few years to make a claim. This might sound like a long time, but when you’re dealing with injuries, medical bills, and recovery, time can fly by.

Not sure where to start or how long you have? That’s where we come in. Our experienced car accident lawyers specialize in rideshare cases. We know the rules, the companies, and the best ways to get you what you deserve.

Starting your claim early can make a big difference. Why? Because the evidence is fresh. Witnesses can recall more details soon after the accident. And if there are security cameras nearby, getting footage is much easier right after the incident.

Every moment counts. If you’ve been in a rideshare accident, don’t put off getting the help you need. Reach out to our expert Lyft Accident Lawyer team today, and let us fight for you.

Negligence

Determining Whether the Lyft Driver Was Negligent

If you’ve been injured as a passenger in a Lyft, understanding negligence is key to your claim. Here’s what you need to know:

  1. Duty of Care: Every Lyft driver has a clear responsibility to keep their passengers safe. This duty is straightforward to establish because, by getting behind the wheel, drivers commit to acting responsibly.
  2. Breach of Duty: It’s not just about recognizing the driver’s responsibility. You must demonstrate that the Lyft driver failed in their duty, leading directly to your injuries.
  3. Connecting the Breach to Your Injury: It’s essential to draw a clear line between the driver’s actions (or lack thereof) and your injuries. This means showing that if not for the driver’s negligence, you wouldn’t have been hurt.
  4. Documenting Damages: You’ll need to highlight the impact of the accident. This could be financial, like medical bills or missed work, known as economic damages. Or it could be emotional and physical pain, termed non-economic damages.

Examples of Lyft driver negligence include:

  • Distracted Driving: Using a phone, adjusting the radio, or not focusing on the road.
  • Aggressive Behavior: Overly assertive driving that puts passengers at risk.
  • Impaired Driving: Operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Ignoring Traffic Rules: Overlooking signs or not following road rules.
  • Drowsy Driving: Operating the vehicle when too tired or even falling asleep.
  • Speeding: Driving faster than is safe or permitted.
  • Tailgating: Not keeping a safe distance from the car in front.

There are many ways a Lyft driver can be negligent. If you believe your Lyft driver’s actions (or inactions) led to your injuries, it’s crucial to speak with a seasoned personal injury lawyer. They can guide you through the specifics of your case and help determine if you have a valid claim against the driver or even Lyft itself.

Responsibility

On-Duty Versus Off-Duty Lyft Accidents

A rideshare accident case offers a special set of obstacles when it comes to proving who is responsible for paying accident victims for any injuries. Only when the Lyft driver is considered “on-duty” is Lyft’s insurance company financially accountable for your damages as a passenger or the other driver of the vehicle involved in a crash with a Lyft driver.

Furthermore, a driver may be considered on-duty if they have received a request from a customer and are on their way to pick them up or if they have a customer in their vehicle and are taking them to their destination. However, if the Lyft driver was “off-duty” at the time that the accident occurred, you must seek compensation from the driver and his personal auto insurance policy. A Lyft driver is considered to be off duty if he or she has not yet accepted a request from a customer or does not have a customer in their vehicle.

Damages

Resulting Damages from Lyft Accidents

Damages are all the expenses or losses that you may have incurred as a result of an accident. A ridesharing collision may result in many expenses, even if you do not have a car that needs repair. Following an automobile accident, medical bills are typical. 

Emergency services almost always attempt to transport you to an emergency room. Even if there are no apparent injuries at first, it may be in your best interest to get medical attention because many injuries do not show up until a few days after the incident. 

Medical treatment can be extremely costly, especially if you do not have health insurance coverage. When incidents of this nature occur without warning, it can often put people in debt, as many are forced to pay hefty medical bills with their credit cards. Accident victims of a ridesharing vehicle can have all their medical bills compensated.  

Personal injury law firms will help accident victims get compensation for their injuries without putting more financial burden on them by charging on a contingency fee basis. If you were injured due to a negligent driver,  you should not be responsible for the damages. So, how do you determine who is the negligent driver?

What Compensation Can You Seek in a Lyft Accident Lawsuit?

If you’ve been involved in a Lyft accident, you might be wondering about potential compensation. With the guidance of a skilled car accident attorney, you could pursue damages for:

  • Medical Bills: Covering both your immediate and future medical expenses.
  • Lost Earnings: Compensation for wages you’ve lost and potential future earnings.
  • Pain and Emotional Trauma: For the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve endured.
  • Loss of Future Earnings: Especially relevant if the accident leaves you permanently disabled.
  • Property Damage: If you had personal items damaged or if you were driving another vehicle involved in the accident.
  • Wrongful Death: In tragic cases where the accident is fatal, compensation can cover funeral costs, burial expenses, and the profound loss experienced by loved ones.

The exact compensation you might receive depends on the details of your accident and the extent of your injuries and losses. To understand your potential claim better, it’s essential to consult with our rideshare accident attorneys.

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Lyft Accident Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do After a Lyft Accident?

Who Can File a Claim Against Lyft Following an Accident?

How Much Does a Lyft Accident Lawyer Cost?

What Are Common Injuries in an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Do I Need a Lyft Accident Lawyer?

Should I Accept a Settlement Offer from an Insurance Company After a Car Accident?

Trust Our Lyft Accident Attorneys to Secure Your Compensation

Experiencing an injury in a Lyft accident can be overwhelming, both physically and emotionally. In such challenging times, you need a trusted legal partner to navigate the complexities of personal injury claims. That’s where Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys come in.

From the moment you reach out to us, we prioritize your well-being and rights. We offer every accident victim a comprehensive, no-obligation consultation, ensuring you’re fully informed about your potential claim and next steps.

It’s about more than just the legal process. We understand the emotional toll an accident can take. That’s why we’re dedicated to supporting you every step of the way, ensuring you feel heard, understood, and represented.

Your journey to fair compensation starts with a single call. Let our legal experts champion your cause, ensuring you receive the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve. Call Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys at 1-800-229-7989 today and take the first step towards healing and recovery.