With the high number of ridesharing vehicles on the road comes the increased likelihood of accidents involving these vehicles. Lyft accidents can happen when a Lyft driver – or third-party driver – is negligent in some way. Depending on when the accident occurred, you can file a claim or lawsuit against Lyft for the injuries you suffered in the accident.
The process is not simple, however. Fortunately, a trusted rideshare accident lawyer in your area can determine your legal options and handle every step of the claims filing and litigation processes for you.
How do Lyft Accidents Most Frequently Occur?
Lyft accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, often due to the negligence of either Lyft drivers or other drivers on the road.
- One frequent cause of Lyft accidents is distracted driving. Lyft drivers may use their phones for navigation or communication, which can divert their attention from the road. If they are checking their apps or responding to messages while driving, they may not notice sudden changes in traffic conditions or other hazards. This distraction increases the risk of collisions with other vehicles.
- Speeding is another common issue in Lyft accidents. Some Lyft drivers may feel pressured to complete rides quickly to increase their earnings or to adhere to tight schedules. Speeding reduces the driver’s ability to react to unexpected obstacles or changes in traffic patterns, making accidents more likely.
- Impaired driving also poses a significant risk. Although Lyft has strict policies against impaired driving, there are still cases where drivers may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while they are behind the wheel. Impaired drivers have diminished judgment and slower reaction times, which can lead to serious accidents.
- Failing to obey traffic signals and signs is another cause of accidents. Lyft drivers, like all drivers, are required to follow traffic laws. Running red lights, ignoring stop signs, or not yielding the right-of-way can lead to dangerous collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians.
- In addition to Lyft driver negligence, accidents can also result from the negligence of third-party drivers. For instance, if another driver is speeding or driving recklessly, it can create a dangerous environment for Lyft drivers and their passengers. Poor road conditions or mechanical failures in other vehicles may also contribute to accidents.
- Finally, inadequate vehicle maintenance can be a problem. While Lyft drivers are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are in good condition, sometimes issues like brake failure or tire blowouts occur. Proper maintenance is crucial for preventing Lyft accidents and injuries.
An experienced Lyft accident lawyer can promptly investigate your accident circumstances and determine your potential avenues for recovering compensation.
Common Injuries in Lyft Accidents
In a Lyft accident, individuals can suffer from a range of injuries, each requiring different courses of medical treatment. The severity of these injuries can vary greatly, but the most common ones include:
- Whiplash – This injury occurs when the victim’s head is suddenly jerked backward and forward, straining the neck muscles. Symptoms typically include neck pain, stiffness, and headaches. Treatment often involves rest, pain medication, and physical therapy to restore movement and alleviate discomfort.
- Back Injuries – These injuries can range from mild strains to serious conditions like herniated discs. Back injuries may cause chronic pain, limited mobility, and numbness in the legs. Treatment can include rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery (i.e. if more conservative methods are ineffective).
- Head Injuries – Concussions are common head injuries in car accidents, leading to symptoms like headaches, dizziness, disorientation, and confusion. While many concussions heal with rest and observation, severe cases may require neurological evaluation and treatment.
- Broken Bones – Fractures or broken bones can occur in the arms, legs, ribs, and other parts of the body. These injuries typically require immobilization with casts or splints and may need surgical intervention to realign the bones properly.
- Chest Injuries – Bruising or rib fractures can happen from the force of the accident. These injuries can be painful and may require pain management and breathing exercises to prevent complications like pneumonia.
- Soft Tissue Injuries – These injuries include bruises, cuts, and strains to muscles and ligaments. Treatment generally involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) to reduce swelling and promote healing.
- Internal Injuries – Internal injuries to organs like the liver, spleen, or kidneys can be serious and may not be immediately obvious. They may require diagnostic imaging, like CT scans and sometimes surgery, to address bleeding or organ damage.
In all cases, prompt medical attention is crucial to diagnose and treat injuries effectively. Individuals involved in Lyft accidents should also seek ongoing medical care to ensure proper treatment and recovery.
Types of Available Insurance Coverage that May Come into Play in a Lyft Accident Scenario
In the event of a Lyft accident, several types of insurance coverage may come into play, each serving a different purpose to help cover various costs and damages.
- Liability Insurance – This is the most basic type of insurance required for all drivers. In a Lyft accident, liability insurance covers the damages and injuries that the driver causes to others. If a Lyft driver is at fault, their liability insurance will help pay for the injured party’s damages.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage – Some Lyft accidents happen when third-party drivers are negligent in some way. This insurance is crucial if the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance to cover the damages or if they are uninsured altogether. It also helps cover the damages when the other driver’s insurance is insufficient or nonexistent.
- Rideshare Insurance – Lyft drivers often have special insurance policies through Lyft or their own personal insurance to cover them while driving for the app. This coverage can fill gaps not covered under personal insurance.
Each type of insurance plays a role in ensuring that Lyft accident victims are protected in various scenarios.
Filing a claim or lawsuit against Lyft (or Lyft’s insurer) can be complicated. First, your lawyer can gather all evidence related to the incident, including witness statements, photos, and any communication with Lyft. It’s essential to understand whether Lyft’s liability insurance covers your specific situation.
Typically, Lyft’s insurance policy is effective during rides, but different rules may apply if the driver is off-duty or their app is not running. A skilled rideshare accident lawyer can determine if Lyft’s negligence, such as insufficient driver background checks or failure to ensure passenger safety, contributed to your accident and injuries.
Successfully Litigating a Lyft Accident Case in the Court System
Litigating a Lyft accident case in court involves several steps to seek compensation for various categories of damages and injuries. Here is an overview of the typical process that unfolds:
- Consultation with an Experienced Lyft Accident Lawyer – The first step is to consult with a personal injury lawyer who regularly handles Lyft accident cases. The lawyer will review the case details, including the accident report, medical records, and insurance policies, to determine if there is a valid claim and what damages may be recoverable.
- Investigation – Once you decide to proceed, the lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the Lyft accident circumstances. This includes gathering evidence like accident reports, witness statements, and any available video footage of the occurrence. They may also work with experts to reconstruct the accident or assess damages.
- Filing a Claim – Before going to court, the lawyer will file a claim with the insurance companies involved. This step involves submitting a demand letter outlining the facts of the case, the damages incurred, and the compensation being sought. The insurance company will then review the claim and may offer a settlement.
- Negotiations – Often, the insurance company will negotiate to reach a settlement. This step can involve back-and-forth discussions to agree on a fair amount for the victim’s damages. If a satisfactory settlement is reached, the case may be resolved without going to court.
- Filing a Lawsuit – If a settlement cannot be reached, the lawyer will file a formal lawsuit in civil court. This step involves preparing and submitting a complaint that outlines the legal basis for the claim and the damages sought. The at-fault party (which may be the Lyft driver or Lyft corporate) will then have an opportunity to respond.
- Discovery – During discovery, both parties will exchange information and evidence related to the case. This process may include depositions (interviews under oath), interrogatories (written questions), and requests for documents. Discovery helps both sides build their case and prepare for trial.
- Pre-Trial Motions – Before the trial, either party may file motions to resolve certain issues – or even to dismiss the case if there is insufficient evidence. A judge can review these motions and determine how the case will proceed.
- Trial – If the case goes to trial, both sides present their arguments, evidence, and witness testimony to the judge or jury. The trial concludes with a verdict, which determines whether the at-fault party is liable and the amount of damages to be awarded.
- Appeal – If either party is dissatisfied with the verdict, they can appeal the decision to a higher court. The appeals court reviews the trial’s proceedings to ensure that the law was applied correctly.
- Settlement or Payment – If the verdict is favourable, the at-fault party or their insurance company will be required to pay the awarded damages. If an appeal is successful, the case may be re-evaluated or retried.
Each step is crucial to navigating the legal process and achieving a fair resolution in a Lyft accident case.
Recovering Compensation for Injuries in a Lyft Accident
When you are involved in a Lyft accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and various losses. This compensation should address the broader effects of the accident on your life, and you want to ensure you seek the full amount you need to cover your losses. Losses common in rideshare crashes include:
- Lost Earnings – If your injuries prevent you from working at your job, you can recover compensation for lost earnings. This includes the income you missed during your recovery period, loss of future earnings, and/or loss of earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering – This type of compensation is meant to address the physical pain and emotional suffering resulting from the Lyft accident. Pain and suffering takes into account the severity and duration of your physical pain, as well as the psychological effects, such as anxiety, depression, and trauma resulting from the accident.
- Emotional Distress – Beyond general pain and suffering, emotional distress compensation specifically targets the mental anguish and emotional trauma you experience. This can include symptoms like insomnia, fear, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that significantly affect your quality of life.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life – If your injuries have affected your ability to enjoy everyday activities and hobbies you once loved, you may be entitled to compensation for loss of enjoyment of life. This addresses your diminished quality of life and the inability to participate in activities that once brought you joy and fulfillment.
- Loss of Consortium – If your injuries affect your relationship with your spouse, you may be entitled to receive compensation for loss of consortium. This type of compensation covers the loss of companionship, affection, and support that you and your spouse experience due to your injuries.
- Punitive Damages – In cases where the at-fault party’s actions were particularly reckless or malicious, you may be awarded punitive damages. Unlike other types of damages that aim to make you whole, punitive damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar wrongful behaviour in the future.
Each type of compensation addresses a different aspect of the harm you have suffered, providing a more comprehensive recovery. A knowledgeable Lyft accident lawyer can work to ensure that you receive the full range of compensation you are entitled to recover.
Speak with an Experienced Lyft Accident Lawyer about Your Legal Matter Today
If you recently sustained injuries in a Lyft accident, you may have legal options available. A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can review your accident circumstances with you, determine your available legal options, and file a timely claim or lawsuit against Lyft or their insurance company, seeking the financial recovery you need.
