Car accidents can mean injuries and unexpected medical bills. You may have a long recovery ahead of you, where you are unable to perform important duties like going to work or caring for your family. If another person caused your accident, you deserve restitution.
Usually, that means an insurance claim or lawsuit against the other driver. But, when the other driver is a Lyft operator, who is liable? Our Hartford Lyft accident lawyers can make sense of the relationship between Lyft and its drivers so you can get the compensation you deserve.
At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, our Hartford rideshare accident lawyers have helped recover over $500 million for injured accident victims. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your options.
Do You Need a Lawyer for a Lyft Accident?
It is always smart to talk to a lawyer whenever you are injured in an accident. The time after a car crash can seem like a blur, with so many tasks you need to accomplish and legal concepts to understand, all while you are injured and hurting.
Our Harford Lyft accident attorneys can explain aspects of your case you may not have considered. You’ll have the peace of mind of knowing your case is handled correctly while you recover from your injuries.
Our Hartford car accident lawyers can identify the liable parties, file your claim, take care of all necessary paperwork, make sure you meet important deadlines, and deal with the insurance companies. When the time comes, we’ll negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf.
When Is Lyft Liable in a Car Accident?
Lyft is responsible in certain circumstances. Typically, it depends on whether the driver was signed into the Lyft app and engaged in business related to Lyft. It is important to realize that Lyft drivers are not employees; they are contractors.
One of your Hartford personal injury lawyer’s most important jobs is to investigate your accident and determine who is liable. Lyft may be liable if their driver was:
- Signed into the app and waiting for a customer
- Actively en route to pick up a passenger
- Transporting a passenger
Lyft may also be liable in cases where they were negligent in its management of drivers. For example, if they did not provide proper training for new drivers, did not perform adequate background checks on new drivers, or ignored customer complaints about drivers.
When Is the Lyft Driver Liable?
If the driver is not signed into their Lyft app, in most cases, they are liable for the accident, not Lyft. You will be dealing with the driver’s insurance company, just like any other car accident. However, Lyft does require its drivers to carry the minimum liability insurance.
In Connecticut, that means:
- Bodily Injury Liability of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
- Property Damage Liability of $25,000 per accident
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
Aside from Lyft or their driver, there could be additional liable parties involved in your case, like if a third driver’s actions created the accident. Your Hartford Lyft accident attorney will investigate your accident to identify all liable parties.
Can You Sue Lyft if You Are in an Accident?
Yes, you can sue Lyft when you are in an accident with one of their drivers. However, whether or not it is reasonable to do so depends on specific factors and the actions of the driver. Even if Lyft is liable, a lawsuit may not be your first or best option.
Lyft carries extensive liability insurance for its drivers when they are participating in company business, meaning they are signed into the app. In some cases, that could be up to a million dollars to cover your damages. Unless your damages are beyond that, you may not need to sue anybody.
Your Lyft accident lawyer in Hartford will assess your damages, help file your claim, and negotiate for a settlement that meets your needs. If Lyft’s insurer does not agree to a reasonable settlement offer, your attorney may advise filing a civil lawsuit against Lyft.
How Much Money Can You Get in a Lyft Accident?
Like any car accident, your award in a Lyft accident could be in the millions of dollars. More likely, it will be in the tens of thousands of dollars. Every case is different, and how much money you can get in a Lyft accident depends on the extent of your damages.
Your attorney will assess your damages to determine maximum compensation for your injuries. We’ll use this number for your claim and as the basis for negotiating a fair settlement that will meet your needs. Each case is unique, but we may consider:
Your Injuries
The extent of your injuries will play a major role in determining the value of your claim. Catastrophic injuries that result in lifelong impairments or serious injuries that require long-term recovery typically result in larger settlements.
Economic Damages
Your economic damages are the expenses and debts you have incurred because of the accident. They are associated with a monetary value and are easy to calculate. Depending on the specifics of your accident and injury, they may include:
- Emergency medical care
- Hospital stays
- Doctor visits
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Future medical needs
Non-Economic Damages
In some circumstances, you may be able to include non-economic damages as part of your compensation. These are meant to address the emotional and psychological impact of the accident.
Your attorney can advise you on including damages like pain and suffering or emotional distress.
Get Help from a Lyft Accident Attorney
Car accidents can cause injuries that result in expensive medical bills. Even a minor accident can mean unexpected expenses you can’t afford. You can’t work, you can’t pay your bills, and your family is hurting.
You have the right to seek compensation for your injuries. Our Hartford Lyft accident attorneys will stand with you every step of the way so you can get the money you need to start getting your life back on track.
At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, we have a 95% success rate fighting for injured accident victims in Connecticut. Contact us today and schedule a free consultation to find out how we can help.
