Lyft Accident Lawyers

Alternative modes of transportation are often necessary when individuals do not have a personal vehicle, access to a vehicle, or it is unsafe for them to drive. 

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have become increasingly popular over the last decade. Unfortunately, since Lyft drivers generally do not have extensive training, nor are they held to a higher standard the way bus drivers, commercial truck drivers, and even taxi drivers are, the risk of an injury or collision is high. 

Experienced Lyft accident lawyers can help you demand the compensation you are owed after a rideshare accident. Are you ready to take that control of your life? Call 1-800-Injured for a 100% free consultation. Learn more about how much your case could be worth, when Lyft’s $1 million auto insurance coverage applies, and how to make the liable party pay.

Disclaimer*

1-800-Injured is an attorney and medical referral service.

Common Causes of Lyft Accidents

Determining the cause of your Lyft accident will help your personal injury attorney figure out who is responsible for compensating you for your damages. Many times, Lyft rideshare drivers are found liable. This is generally because they are engaging in some type of unsafe driving behaviors, such as:

• Speeding
• Following too closely
• Failure to stop at a traffic light or stop sign
• Making illegal turns
• Aggressive driving
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Distracted driving
• Driving while fatigue
• Failure to yield to the right of way

However, it is important to keep in mind that Lyft accidents are not only caused by irresponsible Lyft drivers. Rideshare vehicle defects, dangerous road conditions, inclement weather, and even wildlife have also been known to contribute to Lyft rideshare accidents. 

For this reason, your Lyft accident lawyer must conduct an in-depth investigation. This way, they can uncover the identities of all those that contributed to the serious injuries you sustained.

Common Types of Lyft Accidents

The type of Lyft accident you were involved in could help your car accident lawyer figure out who is at fault. Some of the most common types of Lyft accidents include:

• Distracted driving Lyft accidents
• Rear-end collisions
• Multi-vehicle pile ups
• Sideswipe accidents
• Head-on collisions
• Single-car accidents
• Lyft accidents on highways
• Lyft accidents at intersections
• T-bone accident

Common Injuries That Occur in Lyft Accidents

One of the most common reasons more Lyft accident victims do not seek compensation for the damages is because they have concerns that their injuries are not going to be taken seriously. You may have serious concerns that your injuries are not severe enough to pursue a personal injury lawsuit or rideshare accident insurance claim. 

However, it is important to keep in mind that the injuries you are diagnosed with will not necessarily determine whether you have the ability to move forward with your claim. What matters is how substantially your injuries have affected and may affect your life in the future. Some of the most common types of injuries Lyft accident victims endure include:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Anxiety
• Spinal cord injuries
• Concussion
• Road rash
• Soft tissue injuries
• Organ failure
• Back injuries
• Broken and fractured bones
• Hip injuries
• Facial trauma
• Whiplash

If you are coping with another type of injury that was not included above, be sure to contact proven Lyft accident attorneys for help. This way, you can find out which legal options are available and how much compensation your Lyft accident case could be worth.

Lyft Accident Attorneys Establish Liability in Rideshare Accidents

To establish liability for your Lyft accident, the personal injury attorney handling your case will need to conduct a thorough investigation. Throughout the course of the investigation, they will collect the evidence needed to prove the defendant’s liability. In many cases, Lyft drivers are found responsible. However, that does not necessarily mean you will file a lawsuit against the Lyft driver. 

In some situations, you may be able to file a claim against Lyft’s insurance policy. We will need to establish that the Lyft rideshare driver was in driver mode and waiting for a passenger or actively transporting a passenger if you hope to file a claim against the $1 million auto insurance policy. 

This is because these are the only times Lyft’s insurance is active. Otherwise, you may need to file a claim against the Lyft driver’s personal auto insurance policy or your own insurance if you purchased personal injury protection or no-fault coverage.

Responsibility for Lyft Accident Victim’s Damages 

Most states require liable parties to compensate victims for their damages. The same is true in Lyft accident claims. If the Lyft driver is at fault, you may be able to file suit against the rideshare driver or even Lyft itself, depending on the circumstances of your case. 

However, other parties could share liability for the accident as well, based on the cause of the collision. Some of the other parties that could be partially at fault include:

• Lyft passengers
• Auto parts designers
• Motor vehicle parts manufacturers
• Government agencies
• State Departments of Transportation
• Motor vehicle dealerships and executives
• Auto parts distributors
• Vehicle parts retailers
• Safety inspectors
• Motor vehicle maintenance workers
• Other third parties

Recoverable Damages After a Lyft Accident

Whether you file a Lyft accident claim against the rideshare driver’s personal auto insurance policy, Lyft’s $1 million auto insurance policy, or move forward with a personal injury claim, you have the right to be compensated for every single loss you have experienced. 

Some of these damages could be recovered through insurance settlements, but in most cases, insurance will only cover medical bills and property damages. To recoup any other loss, you may need to move forward with a personal injury lawsuit or hope that your case settles outside of court.

Economic Damages 

Economic damages include every monetary loss related to your collision. When you have to take time off work to heal from your injuries, you can recover compensation for lost wages, loss of employee benefits, and even lost a future potential earnings if your Lyft car accident injuries are so severe you cannot continue working or provide for yourself.

You will also be entitled to compensation for the total value of your medical bills. Medical expenses can be extensive and costly. Examples of recoverable medical bills include:

• Ambulance bills
• Insurance company co-pays
• Prosthetic limbs
• Hospital bills
• Medical treatment
• Reconstructive surgery
• Mental health counseling
• Future medical care
• Medical home accommodations
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Diagnostic testing
• Experimental procedures and treatments
• Emergency room care

The liable party will also be expected to compensate you for the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle, the diminished value of your vehicle, rental car expenses, reimbursement for the rideshare trip, lots of household services, and any other out of pocket or financial costs.

Non-Economic Damages

The damages that do not have financial values are commonly known as non-economic damages. Although they do not have a fixed monetary worth, their impact will likely be felt across multiple aspects of your life, and should be taken into consideration accordingly. Some examples of non-economic damages you may be entitled to include:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Skin scarring and disfigurement
• Embarrassment and shame
• Indignity, shock, and fear
• Reputational damage
• Psychological distress and mental anguish
• Permanent disability
• Loss of consortium
• Reduced quality of life

Lyft Accident FAQ

Fighting for the compensation you deserve after a Lyft accident can be notoriously complex. Thankfully, experienced rideshare accident lawyers can help you understand how the claims process works, which laws apply to your case, and what to expect as you navigate your lawsuit. 

We have answered some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding Lyft and rideshare accident claims below. If you have additional questions we do not cover here, do not hesitate to contact 1-800-Injured for a free consultation.

Does Lyft Screen Prospective Drivers Before Contracting Them?

Lyft conducts basic background checks which include running prospective drivers through the National Sex Offender Registry. However, rideshare companies do not regularly check the driving history of potential drivers, which often means irresponsible motorists are able to sign up as independent contractors through Uber or Lyft.

What Should I Do If I’m Struck By a Lyft Accident While Walking?

If you are struck by a Lyft rideshare driver while walking, you may be entitled to total compensation for your damages. Your rideshare accident attorney and personal injury law firm will evaluate the details of your personal injury case and gather as much evidence as possible so you can hold the negligent Lyft driver accountable.

What Are Punitive Damages?

You might also be hoping that punitive damages be awarded in your case. However, in many states, punitive damages are no guarantee. They are typically only awarded if the liable party’s conduct was intentionally harmful or malicious. 

The court system must find it appropriate to punish the liable party beyond the damages you are entitled to recover. This will send a message to the community that similar conduct is not going to be tolerated by the court system which will hopefully deter future Lyft accidents.

Get Help From an Experienced Lyft Accident Attorney Today

Do not let your hesitation about moving forward with your case prevent you from recovering the maximum compensation that is rightfully yours. Lyft drivers and other at-fault parties should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. 

You may require an experienced Lyft accident lawyer to help you get the most out of your claim. Fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-Injured to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today.