Lyft Accident Attorney
228,197 people were injured in car crashes in California in 2021. As rideshare services like Uber and Lyft become more popular, more and more crashes involve rideshare vehicles.
If you’ve been in an accident while using a rideshare company like Lyft, you might be wondering whether you need an attorney.
Keep reading for our guide to knowing when you need a Lyft accident attorney after a crash.
You Were Injured In An Accident
Anytime you are injured in an accident, you should talk to an accident attorney about your case. However, this is especially true if you were injured in a Lyft accident. As a passenger in a Lyft, the accident could not have been your fault. This means that you are entitled to compensation for your injuries.
California requires Lyft to carry a minimum of $1 million in third-party liability insurance to cover injuries and property damage that result from an accident when the app is on and a passenger is being transported.
You Have Damages
Another sign that you need a Lyft accident attorney after an auto accident is that you have damages because of the accident and your injuries.
What exactly are damages? In most personal injury claims, damages refer to what you can recover through the legal process from the driver who was responsible for the accident. With rideshare claims, you can recover damages from the company’s insurance policy.
There are three types of damages – economic, non-economic, and punitive.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are financially based and are easier to put a dollar figure on. This category can include both past and future expenses related to the accident. Common examples include:
Past and future medical bills
Present and future lost wages and employment benefits
Property damage
Rehabilitation expenses
Nursing and in-home care costs
Non-economic Damages
Non-economic damages are more challenging to calculate, but they can be just as devastating. Examples of non-economic damages that you can recover after a car accident include:
Pain and suffering
Loss of enjoyment
Mental health issues resulting from the accident (PTSD, anxiety, depression, panic attacks)
Emotional distress
Loss of consortium
Punitive Damages
In rare cases, you may also be able to recover punitive damages. These damages are designed to punish the responsible party for reckless behavior. In the case of a Lyft accident, you may be able to pursue punitive damages if the driver did not receive proper training or screening before joining the rideshare service.
When you’ve been injured in a Lyft accident, you might not know the full extent of your damages and what you can recover. This is why it’s so important to talk to a Lyft accident attorney about your case. An experienced attorney will pursue the maximum possible compensation.
Lyft accident attorneys offer free case evaluations, so you can learn more about your damages with no obligation.
You Aren’t Sure Who to Pursue
Sometimes, it’s cut and dry who caused an accident and which insurance company you should file a claim with. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Rideshare accidents are more complicated. It’s not always apparent which insurance company should be footing the bill. For example, Lyft’s insurance coverage is separated into three policies:
1. When the app is off
If the driver is offline or the app is off, only the driver’s personal insurance coverage applies.
2. When the app is on and the driver is waiting for a request
During this period, the Lyft driver is using the app but is waiting for a rideshare request. In this case, Lyft provides third-party liability insurance for accidents if your personal insurance does not cover at least:
$25,000 in property damage coverage per accident
$50,000 in bodily injury coverage per person
$100,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident
3. When the app is on and the driver is en route or with a passenger
During this period, the passenger is in the vehicle. As a passenger who was injured in a Lyft accident, this is the only period that matters. Because the Lyft driver is considered to be on the clock during this period, Lyft’s insurance policy will cover your damages. Lyft maintains a minimum of $1 million in third-party liability insurance for covered accidents.
Nonetheless, it’s always best to be represented by a Lyft accident attorney, especially if there’s any question as to whether the Lyft driver’s personal insurance could come into play. Figuring out what coverage applies to you as a Lyft passenger can be confusing. That’s why you need a Lyft accident attorney.
When you’re represented by an attorney, you don’t have to worry about how to pursue compensation. Your attorney will do the legwork for you while you focus on recovering from the accident.
The Insurance Company is Being Difficult
If you’ve started the claims process on your own and have run into trouble, it’s not too late to hire a Lyft accident attorney. Insurance companies make a profit by paying as little as possible in claims. Unfortunately, this can happen even when liability isn’t being disputed. Insurance adjusters will offer less than fair settlements to unrepresented claimants, hoping they will accept the offer and go away. But you deserve full compensation and a fair settlement.
Never take the first offer from an insurance company. You should also never agree to be recorded or sign anything without a Lyft accident attorney. When you’re represented by an attorney, you don’t have to worry about dealing with the insurance company. You can rest, relax, and recover while your attorney negotiates on your behalf.
You can also rest assured that you’re getting the compensation you are entitled to. If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your attorney will take your case to court.
Are You Looking For a Lyft Accident Attorney?
If you were involved in an accident as a passenger in a Lyft, you need a Lyft accident attorney. Rideshare accident claims are different from other personal injury and auto accident claims. While you might not have to worry about proving liability, figuring out coverage for the accident can be complicated.
You don’t have to do it alone. Our Bakersfield law firm has a team of experienced Lyft accident attorneys ready to help.
Click here to schedule a free case evaluation with Horizon Accident Lawyers.