According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), traffic accidents are a leading cause of death for victims aged 1-54 in the U.S. More than 1,000 people lose their lives to car accidents yearly, and thousands more sustain several injuries. These accidents involve private vehicles and public vehicles, such as Lyft.
Millions of Americans use rideshare services such as Lyft frequently to get around. Since rideshare services are prone to accidents, you can become a victim of a Lyft accident. If this happens, seek the help of Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers to pursue your claim.
How a Lyft Accident Lawyer Can Help Your Claim
Suppose you sustain an injury or lose a loved one to a Lyft accident, whether as a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver. In that case, it would be best to seek the services of a Leesville Lyft accident lawyer as soon as possible. Claiming compensation after a rideshare accident is different from other car accident claims, and it can be complex.
Lyft accident lawyers know how to handle such claims and use resources to establish negligence and file a claim or lawsuit against the liable party. Your lawyer will advise you on what to do to protect your legal rights and increase your chances of fair compensation. Dealing with rideshare companies is never easy. Many investigations, paperwork, and negotiations can be overwhelming, especially if you have no legal experience.
A Lyft accident lawyer will investigate your case, collect enough evidence to prove fault and your injuries, handle all negotiations with the liable parties, and fight for you to receive a fair settlement. With a legal team, you’ll have the peace of mind you need to concentrate on your recovery.
What to Do After a Lyft Accident
Your actions after the accident will determine the validity and success of your claim. If you’re in a Lyft accident as a pedestrian, passenger, or were driving your vehicle, here are some of the actions you should consider taking:
- Contact the authorities
- Collect witness information
- Gather evidence
- Get the other driver’s insurance and personal information
- Take pictures of the scene and your injuries
- Seek medical attention
- Talk to a lawyer
Suppose you sustain severe injuries and cannot collect any evidence of the accident. In that case, you should immediately talk to a lawyer or family member to help gather evidence. Your lawyer will use evidence such as police reports, witness statements, pictures, and more to support the claim. Therefore, ensure accurate information about the accident, other drivers, and witnesses.
Note that medical reports are key evidence in such claims. Regardless of the magnitude of the accident, never assume that you are fine. Seek medical attention even if you think or feel that you are okay.
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Lyft Accidents Insurance Policy Limits
Rideshare services such as Lyft have a valid insurance policy to cover accident victims, depending on when the accident happens. The policy limits cover three main periods. Under period 1, the company is liable for an accident if the driver logs into the app but has not accepted a ride.
In this case, the limit will include the following:
- $25,000 coverage per accident for property damage liability
- $50,000 coverage per person for bodily injury liability
- $100,000 coverage per accident for bodily injury liability
If the accident occurs after the Lyft driver accepts a trip and picks up the rider, they fall under period 2. Lastly, if the driver picked up the rider and crashed while taking them to their destination, they are in period 3.
In periods 2 and 3, the policy coverage includes $1 million in commercial auto insurance and $1 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Though Lyft offers a generous amount of coverage, there’s no guarantee that you will get fair compensation.
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Determining Liability in a Lyft Accident
Rideshare companies and their drivers can be liable for damages in an accident if they are at fault. In comparative negligence, they are only responsible for their percentage of the damage. Unlike other taxis, in rideshare companies such as Lyft, a driver uses their vehicle and not a company’s vehicle to carry passengers.
This means that the company is only liable for accidents when the driver is online and working for the company. Suppose the accident occurs when the driver is offline. In that case, they will be liable for the damages, and the victim can only claim damages from the driver’s personal auto insurance.
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Damages to Claim in a Lyft Accident
Lyft accident victims have a right to claim both economic and non-economic damages. The court can also award punitive damages to the victims in some cases. This is only if the at-fault party was highly reckless, or the accident was intentional.
Your lawyer will investigate the case, try to prove your claim, and value the damage. The damages you can claim include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Damages to property
- Loss of earning capacity
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Losses and costs due to physical impairment or disability
- Trauma and emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
The amount of money you can claim or receive as the settlement will depend on the severity of your injuries, the evidence your lawyer presents, the effects of the accident on your life, and comparative negligence. Work with a Leesville Lyft accident lawyer who knows how to handle rideshare companies, especially when claiming compensation.
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Contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers for Help After a Lyft Accident
If you’ve been in a Lyft accident in Leesville, it’s in your best interest to hire a Leesville Lyft accident lawyer immediately. Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers is ready to take on your case and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Since car accidents are financially and emotionally overwhelming, a legal team by your side will ease the stress by handling all legal complexities, and you can focus on recovery. Your lawyer will also protect your legal rights and advise you on the best options when filing a claim. Call us today to get started.
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