After being in a Lyft accident, you may be unsure about what to do next. But you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. If you’ve been involved in one, a New London rideshare accident lawyer can help you seek damages.
The team at Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers has recovered over $500 million for clients like you. If you’ve been involved in a Lyft accident, a New London Lyft accident lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you’re entitled to.
Can You Sue Lyft for an Accident?
In most cases, Lyft itself cannot be directly sued for an accident. Lyft drivers are classified as independent contractors, which limits the company’s liability. However, Lyft does provide insurance coverage that may apply under certain circumstances.
A New London car accident lawyer can evaluate your situation to determine the best legal avenue for your claim.
How Can a Rideshare Accident Lawyer Help?
If you’ve been injured in a Lyft accident, a rideshare accident attorney can help by:
- Investigating the accident: A lawyer can gather crucial evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, and video footage.
- Determining liability: A lawyer can identify the responsible parties, whether it’s the Lyft driver, another motorist, a third party, or a combination.
- Negotiating with insurers: Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, but an experienced lawyer can ensure you receive fair compensation.
- Litigating (when necessary): If a settlement cannot be reached, a lawyer can advocate for you in court.
A New London personal injury lawyer can fight for your rights and provide guidance through the legal process.
What Coverage Is Available for Lyft Accident Victims?
Lyft’s insurance coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident, which could be any of the following:
- Off–duty: If the driver was not logged into the Lyft app, their personal insurance applies.
- App on but no passenger: Lyft’s contingent liability coverage offers up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
- Ride in progress: Once a ride is accepted or a passenger is on board, Lyft’s $1 million liability insurance and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage go into effect.
If you’ve been injured in a Lyft accident, a Lyft accident lawyer in New London can negotiate with insurance companies to make sure you receive a fair settlement.
How Much Will I Get for a Lyft Settlement?
The amount you can receive in a Lyft settlement varies based on several factors, including:
- Injury severity: Serious injuries generally result in higher settlements to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Property damage: If your vehicle or other belongings were damaged, the cost of repairs or replacements will be considered.
- Quality of life: Long-term or permanent impairments may lead to higher compensation.
- Insurance limits: The available coverage from the driver’s or Lyft’s insurance can cap your settlement amount.
A Lyft accident attorney in New London can fight for the maximum possible compensation on your behalf.
How Long Does a Lyft Lawsuit Take?
The timeline for a Lyft lawsuit depends on how complicated the case is. Simple claims may settle within a few months, whereas those requiring extensive investigation or litigation can take over a year. Factors that can influence the duration of a case include:
- Evidence collection: Gathering evidence can take time.
- Negotiations: Insurers may delay the process to push for a lower settlement.
- Court schedules: If the case goes to trial, court dates and procedures can extend the timeline.
A Lyft accident attorney can work to resolve your case as quickly as possible without compromising your compensation.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Lyft Accident?
Liability in a Lyft accident is not always straightforward. Potentially responsible parties include:
- The Lyft driver: The Lyft driver can be held liable if they acted negligently, such as by speeding or texting while driving.
- Another motorist: Another driver can be at fault if their actions caused or contributed to the accident.
- Lyft: Lyft can be responsible if the company’s negligence contributed to the accident.
- Vehicle manufacturers: Vehicle manufacturers can be held accountable if a mechanical defect in a vehicle contributed to the accident.
A Lyft accident lawyer can help you hold all of the responsible parties accountable for the accident.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents occur for a variety of reasons, including:
- Distracted driving: Using the Lyft app while driving can divert the driver’s attention.
- Fatigue: Rideshare drivers often work long hours, leading to exhaustion.
- Speeding: Drivers may speed to complete more rides in less time.
- Impaired driving: Alcohol or drug use can impair drivers’ judgment and reaction times.
- Poor weather or road conditions: These external factors increase the likelihood of accidents.
What to Do After a Lyft Accident
If you’re involved in a Lyft accident, follow these steps to protect your rights and build a strong case:
- Call the police: Call the police and file an accident report.
- Contact Lyft: Report the accident using the Lyft app.
- Gather evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damages, and any visible injuries. This evidence will be important for your case.
- Exchange information: Obtain contact details from the Lyft driver, other involved motorists, and any witnesses. Be sure to exchange insurance information as well.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, it’s important to get checked by a doctor. Medical records will be essential for your claim.
- Contact your insurer: Notify your own insurance company about the accident, but avoid speculating or discussing fault.
- Contact a lawyer: Contact a rideshare accident attorney to discuss your case.
Contact a New London Lyft Accident Attorney Today
If you’ve been injured in a Lyft accident in New London, you don’t have to navigate the claims process alone. A knowledgeable Lyft accident attorney from Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers can provide skilled guidance and handle your case.
Don’t let the sometimes confusing rideshare laws prevent you from taking action. Schedule a free consultation today to begin pursuing compensation.
