Lyft Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Rideshare driving services like Lyft offer a private, convenient alternative to public transportation or relying on your vehicle.

Lyft and other major rideshare companies like Uber claimed that streets would be safer because their drivers eliminate a certain number of potential drunk drivers.

However, rideshare drivers are just as prone to causing car accidents as the rest of the populace.

Research has shown that rideshare services may have increased the number of car accidents in places where services like Lyft and Uber operate. Accident claims involving Lyft can be especially complex, as Lyft drivers are required to carry liability insurance but are classified as independent contractors, which complicates liability in these cases.

If you have been injured in an accident involving a negligent Lyft driver, you should consult an experienced Lyft accident lawyer or Lyft injury lawyer for help with your Lyft accident claim and to ensure your rights are protected. Lyft accident victims deserve compensation to rebuild their lives; we can help!

Dolman Law Group’s experienced Lyft rideshare accident lawyers have years of experience navigating complex rideshare laws, and the Lyft app can provide important trip information for your accident claim.

For more information on the benefits of our services to obtain fair compensation and maximize your potential recovery, contact us anytime through our website or call (727) 451-6900 or nationally at 833-55-CRASH. We offer a free initial consultation to injured rideshare passengers.

Why Should I Hire a Lyft Rideshare Accident Attorney to Handle My Accident Claim?

Rideshare services like Lyft often try to dodge responsibility for rideshare accidents. While Lyft may hold $1 million in liability coverage for car crash situations, it is still common for rideshare enterprises to claim they are not liable for your injuries. 

Lyft drivers should know that company coverage includes liability, but it does not necessarily pay for damage to your vehicle or your medical expenses if you are deemed at fault for the accident.

If you are a passenger in a Lyft, you may experience difficulty contacting the company to report a loss. Negligent drivers and their insurance companies often try to shirk responsibility for automobile accidents.

They may shift blame to other drivers or even to you. This is our experience of representing hundreds of victims following rideshare crashes.  

Hiring a Lyft rideshare accident lawyer can help you hold the at-fault parties responsible for your financial losses, including medical bills, loss of wages, and other monetary damages.  Our goal is to maximize your financial compensation.  

Millions of people are injured in car accidents each year. Consulting with an experienced Lyft rideshare accident attorney is vital to holding negligent parties liable for paying their fair share.

The laws regarding rideshares are continually shifting with new regulations and technology. Hence, why do you need an experienced rideshare accident attorney to assist with your injury claims and maximize your recovery from Lyft’s bodily injury liability coverage?

A skilled personal injury attorney can ensure you aren’t proceeding without fully understanding and protecting your legal rights.

Why Choose Dolman Law Group to Handle Your Lyft Accident Lawsuit?

All law firms are not the same. The Lyft accident attorney or law firm you choose must maintain an active litigation practice. It is crucial to hire a Lyft accident lawyer with specific experience handling Lyft and Uber cases, as these cases involve unique legal and insurance issues that general personal injury lawyers may not be familiar with.

If the lawyer or firm is not consistently filing lawsuits to keep insurance carriers accountable, you may be represented by counsel who will not maximize the financial recovery in your Lyft accident case.

At Dolman Law Group, our experienced personal injury lawyers represent a variety of clients who have experienced severe injuries from car collisions and other types of motor vehicle accidents.

While past examples are not a guarantee of results, the Lyft rideshare accident lawyers at Dolman Law Group have successfully handled numerous complex cases involving severe injuries and complicated questions of liability. The attorneys at Dolman Law Group have obtained over $700 million in compensation for our clients via verdicts and settlements.

You can depend on the rideshare accident attorneys at Dolman Law Group to assist you in seeking medical treatment, managing communication with the insurance company—which often includes navigating claims with multiple insurance companies in Lyft accident cases—reviewing evidence related to the car crash, and working to ensure your related medical bills are included in any claim resolution.

It’s unfair for clients to be left holding the bag on medical bills after the case is resolved. Rideshare accident lawyers typically work on a contingency-fee basis, so you only pay if you recover compensation.

Dolman Law Group Has a Reputation for Success

We built Dolman Law Group through word-of-mouth referrals from very satisfied former clients.  Our team accomplishes this by providing personal attention to our clients and ensuring we get to know their stories.

Our goal is to maximize your recovery. We know insurance carriers are unfair by design. The only way to truly hold them accountable is to advocate aggressively on your behalf.

Pursuing a compensation claim and working closely with your insurance provider are essential steps to ensure you receive fair treatment and the full compensation you deserve after a Lyft accident.

We consider everything from the permanent restrictions of your injuries to how the injuries have changed your quality of life when calculating the value of your damages. In most cases, a few hospital bills do not demonstrate the full extent of your losses.

Please note: In Pennsylvania, Lyft accident victims have two years to file a claim under the statute of limitations, so it is important to act promptly.

Dolman Law Group Delivers Impressive Results

At Dolman Law Group, we have the financial resources and experience to battle any insurance carrier.  Our track record speaks for itself.

Having successfully litigated against corporate giants such as Walmart, Target, Hyatt, Uber, Uber and Lyft, Outback, Winn-Dixie, Publix, Costco, and insurance goliaths like State Farm, Allstate, Geico, Progressive, and a host of others, we are more than capable of advocating against any defendant.

Our Lyft accident lawyers recently recovered a 1 million settlement in a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of a father who was killed in a rideshare accident.

We have also successfully recovered maximum compensation for rideshare accidents involving serious injuries. In 2015, our team negotiated a settlement of $939,000 for an injured rideshare accident victim.

In 2017, Dolman Law Group obtained at least $1,000,000.00 in individual rideshare injury claims on four separate occasions. In every year since, we have resolved at least two rideshare car accident injury claims for at least $1 million.

What are the Common Causes of Lyft Rideshare Car Accidents?

Like any other driver, a Lyft rideshare driver can cause a car wreck if their attention is divided from the road in front of them or their judgment is compromised. There are a variety of ways this may happen. For example, a Lyft rideshare driver may become distracted by a text and run a red light. Common causes of Lyft rideshare accidents include:

• drowsy driving
• drunk driving
• distracted driving
• road rage
• disregard for traffic laws or carelessness

Ridesharing accidents often result in personal injury claims and can involve multiple parties, requiring negotiations with both Lyft’s high-value insurance policies and personal auto insurance policies.

The difference between most drivers and Lyft rideshare drivers is that rideshare drivers may be under additional stress while navigating the road.

Lyft drivers know their livelihoods are contingent on tips and evaluations of their driving performance. This can create pressure to entertain passengers, which can be distracting.

They may also take risks to reach their destination as soon as possible in pursuit of a five-star rating. Lyft drivers also have to contend with passengers who may be unruly or even dangerous.

These conditions may cause Lyft drivers to engage in dangerous behaviors, like speeding, that cause motor vehicle collisions.

Common Types of Lyft Rideshare Accidents:

• rear-end collision
• sideswipe accident
• T-bone accident
• head-on collision
• multi-car crash
• single car accident

Common Injuries in Lyft Accidents

While many victims of rideshare accidents walk away with only minor injuries, not everyone is so lucky. If you have suffered injuries or are experiencing physical pain after a Lyft accident, it is crucial to seek medical advice and seek medical attention immediately—even if you feel fine—as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.

Additionally, some injuries seem minor at first but can quickly result in severe complications if undiscovered or untreated. If you experience any of these common car accident injuries, you should speak to an accident attorney as soon as possible:

• Spinal cord injuries – Back injuries may lead to nerve damage, which can impact the control you have over your body. In some cases, these injuries lead to permanent paralysis.
• Traumatic brain injuries – Traumatic brain injuries are common in car accidents and can range from mild concussions to permanent cognitive impairment. You may require long-term medical care to treat these injuries.
• Internal Injuries – The physical impact inflicted by a car accident can damage the internal organs of a Lyft occupant. Internal injuries can be particularly serious since the damage can affect essential organ function and put a person’s life in danger. Depending on the type of accident, internal injuries can affect almost any organ and lead to permanent damage.
• Mental/psychological Injuries – Many of those who have been harmed in Lyft accidents suffer from mental trauma that can lead to psychological disorders. The violence of a severe Lyft accident can lead to someone developing disorders like depression, anxiety, or Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  These injuries may not have the same tangibility as physical wounds, but they can still be debilitating and deserve compensation.
• Whiplash – Whiplash is common in rear-end accidents. The injury commonly results in swelling, but serious whiplash can lead to vocal cord paralysis and long-lasting neck pain.
• Broken bones – Broken bones and fractures commonly occur in accidents, and healing can be a lengthy process that hinders your ability to work. Some broken bones even require surgery.

How Lyft Accident Lawyers Determine Fault in Rideshare Accidents

Ridesharing apps like Lyft are still very new industries. In many cases, extensive legal precedent does not yet exist. To battle this complexity, your Lyft accident attorney must work diligently to ensure negligent actors are held accountable.

Whether ridesharing services are held accountable for accidents will depend on the case. Drivers who work for these companies are considered independent contractors, not employees. For this reason, Lyft may deny responsibility for any accidents involving their drivers.

In most cases, drivers of ride-share services are unlikely to have the personal financial assets to compensate a serious accident victim.

Additionally, many insurers may refuse to honor a claim depending on the terms of the driver’s policy. Large enterprises like Lyft also retain highly experienced legal teams to shield the organization from liability.

This is why it is important to retain an experienced Lyft accident attorney to maximize the strength of your case.

What Liability Do Lyft Drivers Face?

Drivers for ridesharing services are required to hold an auto insurance policy, though they are not required to have commercial insurance. If you drive a Lyft vehicle and cause an accident, you may be on the hook to cover some expenses as the at-fault driver.

If you are concerned about your liability risk as a driver for Lyft, it’s important to speak with a rideshare accident attorney. Attorneys help identify whether the at-fault driver is the Lyft driver, another driver, or a third party, which is crucial for determining liability and insurance claims.

A skilled attorney can help you understand how to properly mitigate your risk of liability and how to obtain the proper coverage to ensure you are protected in the event of an accident.

Lyft’s insurance coverage for a Lyft vehicle varies depending on the driver’s status in the app—whether the driver is waiting for a ride request, en route to pick up a passenger, or transporting a passenger—each period has different coverage requirements.

If the driver of another motor vehicle caused the accident, your personal injury case might be comparable to other car accident cases. Documenting the status of the ride request at the time of the accident is important, as it affects insurance coverage and liability.

Both drivers and passengers alike are protected under the law and may be entitled to compensation for injuries, property damage, and other damage caused by another driver’s negligence.

You may recover a variety of damages from Lyft rideshare accidents. Even if your injuries are not permanent, you can seek compensation for your expenses in court, including property damage.

A skilled auto accident lawyer can help with that. If you are considering filing a Lyft accident insurance claim, you should know the damages you may be eligible to recover.

Common Lyft rideshare accident damages include:

• Lost income: Your injuries from a rideshare accident may result in time away from work for medical appointments and recovery. Some injuries may even prevent you from returning to work at all. When lost wages add up, you may be in dire financial straits; in many cases, past and future income losses may be awarded.
• Lost Earning Capacity: Car accidents can cause injuries severe enough to inflict permanent damage, affecting a person’s ability to work. As a result, many people involved in Lyft accidents will have to deal with career and job-related issues. They may have to work in another position, be let go from their work, or be unable to work in their prior career.
• Pain and suffering: You may be eligible to receive compensation for non-economic damages, including pain and suffering. If you are contending with a permanent disability, disfigurement, or loss of enjoyment of life, you may receive compensation.
• Medical bills: With the rising costs of medical care, paying for even minor injuries can quickly become overwhelming. Individuals with health insurance still pay for emergency room care, hospitalization, medications, surgeries, and other treatment. Compensation for injuries may also include treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing expenses resulting from disability.

What You Should Do After Being Injured in a Lyft Accident

In the initial aftermath of a Lyft rideshare accident, many people feel overwhelmed. This can lead them to make choices that will later impact the quality of their accident claim. Knowing what to do before you are involved in a Lyft car accident can be instrumental in protecting your right to seek damages.

Prioritize Getting Medical Treatment After a Lyft Car Crash

We recommend this for two reasons.

The first is that your health should come before anything else. After a Lyft accident, it is crucial to seek medical attention and seek medical advice immediately, even if you do not feel injured, as some injuries may not be immediately noticeable. The sooner you see a healthcare professional, the sooner they can detect any injuries and administer treatment before they worsen.

The second reason injured rideshare accident victims should seek prompt treatment is that it helps protect a future legal claim. This prevents insurance companies from arguing that you exaggerated your injuries or allowed them to worsen to collect a larger settlement. Be sure to document any physical pain or injuries you experience, as this will support your legal claim and provide a comprehensive record of the incident’s impact.

Document Everything Related to Your Lyft Rideshare Accident

This includes pictures from the accident scene, witness contact information, and medical records. Ask for copies of your medical records and police reports, and keep receipts for any expenses you incur that are related to your injuries. Evidence is key in demonstrating liability. This is especially true in Lyft rideshare accident lawsuits, as the insurance coverage you are able to draw on is dependent on the circumstances of the crash.

Seek Out a Reputable Lyft Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Do not speak to other insurance companies about your accident without consulting a rideshare accident attorney first. A Lyft car accident attorney can help you with personal injury claims and, if insurance claims are denied or insufficient, can file a personal injury lawsuit to pursue fair compensation.

Without a dedicated auto accident lawyer’s help, insurance companies may twist your statements to offer a lower settlement. This is because they believe they can convince you to agree to a settlement that is less than your damages are worth because you won’t know any better.

An experienced Lyft rideshare accident lawyer will be able to handle communications with the insurance provider to protect your interests and manage your accident claims.

FAQs About Lyft Rideshare Accidents

Our Lyft Rideshare Accident Lawyers Can Help With Your Rideshare Accident

Lyft drivers are just as susceptible to becoming dangerously drowsy, distracted, drunk, or reckless as any other driver, but they are not the only ones who can be held accountable for negligence resulting in a serious Lyft rideshare accident. If the driver was logged on to the app and actively driving to pick up a ride or was transporting a passenger, an injured accident victim would likely be eligible for Lyft’s own insurance coverage. This coverage can vary, so you will need an experienced Lyft accident attorney to explain your options and help you file a Lyft accident claim or compensation claim.

Unsurprisingly, many people are injured each year in pedestrian accidents involving Lyft rideshare cars. Similar to any other pedestrian accident, you should seek immediate medical attention. This advice is especially important for pedestrians, as their injuries are often more extensive.

It is also critical to establish the facts of the claim, as Lyft’s lawyers may attempt to dispute the extent of your injuries. Specialized rideshare lawyers can subpoena and interpret Lyft app data to prove the driver’s status and behavior, which is crucial for your case. You should also seek capable, qualified legal representation as soon as possible.

Victims of Lyft accidents are advised to hire a lawyer promptly to avoid missing important deadlines for filing Lyft accident claims or compensation claims, as the legal process can be time-sensitive and complex. Major rideshare companies like Lyft are highly motivated to avoid setting a precedent for being sued for their driver’s negligence. You’ll need a rideshare accident attorney who is familiar with their tactics and rideshare laws to have a better chance of recovering your losses.

Rideshare companies are required to conduct background checks on the drivers who work for them, even though they are still technically classified as independent contractors. These background checks include running drivers through the National Sex Offender Registry and ensuring that they do not have a history of crimes like drunk driving that could potentially jeopardize passenger safety.

As the victim of a rideshare accident, you might be wondering if you can afford to hire an auto accident attorney to handle your case. Victims of negligence should never forego justice due to the inability to pay. This is why accident cases are accepted on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing up front to hire an attorney. Your medical health should be the first priority following an accident. The next step is securing legal counsel as soon as possible.

The law firm you select can greatly impact the settlement value of your claim. At many mass advertising personal injury law firms, the volume of cases takes priority over quality. With Dolman Law Group at your side, you can rest assured that we will relentlessly pursue a fair settlement. Our rideshare accident lawyers provide effective legal representation to help you navigate the complexities of rideshare insurance and liability laws, and we’ll manage all communications with the insurance provider. We won’t settle for an inadequate offer. Instead, we’ll take your accident lawsuit to court if necessary to recover the full value of your damages.

By hiring a Lyft accident lawyer, you are protecting your future. If you have been injured in a Lyft rideshare accident, contact our law firm online to learn how we can assist you with your case, or call 833-55-Crash to schedule a free consultation. Don’t wait—schedule a free consultation today to discuss your accident claims and compensation claim with an experienced attorney.