Lyft offers a convenient way for people to get around in St. Charles Parish. The ride-sharing service has grown rapidly since its launch in 2012. It is now available in more than 400 cities across the United States. As independent contractors, Lyft drivers use their personal vehicles to transport passengers from one location to another. They can pick up and drop off people anywhere within city limits.
Generally, there are good things to say about Lyft, but rideshare accidents are just as possible as any other car accident. If you or someone else was injured in an accident involving a Lyft driver in St. Charles Parish, you may want to consider contacting a Lyft accident lawyer.
Steps to Take After the Accident
In the moments and days following an accident with a Lyft driver, there are important steps you should take to protect yourself. With an exception or two, these are generally smart practices to follow after any accident:
- Dial 911. Call the police to report the accident and request medical services if anyone has been injured. The accident report may be important when you file a claim.
- Take pictures of all damage to your vehicle and the scene of the accident. You can use these photos to help prove fault in future court proceedings.
- Get medical attention as soon as possible. You should seek medical care at once if you are involved in a crash. This will ensure that you receive proper treatment for injuries sustained in the accident.
- Do not sign anything without reading it carefully. When dealing with insurance companies, you may want to consider hiring a lawyer to help you, especially if you need to file a claim against them.
- Keep detailed notes of what happened before, during, and after the accident. This information could be helpful later if you decide to pursue a lawsuit against the driver or their insurance company.
- File a claim with Lyft. Once you have filed a claim with Lyft, they will send you a letter confirming that they have received your claim. Make sure to keep this letter safe. You may need it later.
- Call your insurance agent or broker. Your insurance provider may contact you shortly after filing a claim with Lyft to discuss the details of your case.
- Don’t wait too long to hire an attorney. Waiting too long to hire a lawyer could result in missing valuable settlement opportunities.
- Stay calm. While you certainly want to act after being involved in a car accident, don’t let emotions get the best of you. Remember that you may be entitled to financial compensation for your losses and injuries.
If you plan to pursue compensation, hiring a Lyft accident attorney serving St. Charles Parish could help with your case.
What Should I Do If I’m a Lyft Passenger Injured in an Accident?
If you are a Lyft passenger injured in an accident, you are entitled to compensation. It is important to know what steps to follow to ensure you protect yourself.
- Identify the person responsible for the accident. Did the Lyft driver cause the accident? Or did they hit something? Did another driver cause the collision? Typically, the police report will detail who is at fault.
- Determine who owns the vehicle. Does the driver own the vehicle? Is it a rental or borrowed?
- Document the extent of your injuries. If you suffered any injuries while riding in the vehicle, document their severity. Include copies of medical bills related to the accident.
- Get proof of insurance coverage. You should obtain documentation showing that all drivers have liability insurance.
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Can I Sue Someone Who Drives for Lyft?
Yes, but you’ll face a few hurdles. First, you will have to prove that they were negligent. Second, if you can prove that the driver was negligent, you must also establish that their negligence was the cause of your injuries. This case requires proving that the driver’s actions created a substantial risk of harm to you and that the driver failed to exercise reasonable care to protect against this danger.
You may be able to pursue damages from any at-fault party involved in the accident. If the negligent party is a driver for Lyft, different circumstances determine who pays and how much an insurance company may payout.
Who Pays When a Lyft Driver Is at Fault?
Even if a Lyft driver is the at-fault party of the accident, there are still several factors that decide who pays. While Lyft insures its drivers up to $1,000,000, that does not mean every accident involving a Lyft driver qualifies for that protection.
If a Lyft driver is not “on the clock” at the time of the accident, then the driver’s private insurance company is responsible for damages—Lyft will not accept any responsibility. However, if a Lyft driver is accepting passengers, Lyft’s insurance will payout damages that personal insurance may not. Lyft’s $1,000,000 policy kicks in only when they are transporting a passenger.
Whether you are the passenger in a Lyft, a passenger in another vehicle, or another driver, it is key that you know who is responsible for paying your personal injury claim. Consulting with a Lyft accident lawyer following your injury in St. Charles Parish may help you navigate the complicated insurance companies’ policies.
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What Am I Entitled to Receive?
When a negligent party causes your personal injury, you are entitled to pursue compensation for damages. The amount of compensation you receive depends on several factors.
- The type of injuries sustained
- How the other party’s negligence contributed to causing the accident
- Whether the driver had proper insurance coverage
- Whether the other party was uninsured or underinsured
- What percentage of fault does the driver bear for the accident
In addition to compensation for physical damages, you may be eligible to recover certain non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress, inconvenience, mental anguish, and disfigurement.
How Long Do I Have to File My Claim?
According to Louisiana civil code CC Art. 3492, you have one year from the date of an accident to file your claim. The statute of limitations does not apply to minors or those who suffered permanent injury as a result of their accident.
It is important that you keep this window in mind. Deciding whether to file a claim may be stressful, but it’s important to know you can’t wait forever.
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Contact a St. Charles Parish Lyft Accident Lawyer Today!
At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we represent clients throughout Louisiana. We offer free consultations and won’t charge you anything unless we win or settle your case. Call us at (504) 777-7777 today to schedule yours.
Get The HelpYou Need(337) 777-7777To Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION
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