The rise of wireless internet and smartphones has revolutionized our world, and often for the better. We are able to do more, faster, and easily stay connected with family, friends, and professional networks. Rideshare services, such as Lyft, have also transformed how we get around, especially in cities such as Los Angeles, making transportation easier and more accessible for countless people. Unfortunately, however, rideshare drivers also sometimes cause accidents that result in serious personal injury and property damage.
If you’ve been in an accident involving a Lyft driver as a passenger, pedestrian, cyclist, or other driver, you could be eligible for financial compensation to cover your injuries.
When Do You Need a Lyft Accident Attorney?
Deciding you need an Los Angeles Lyft accident attorney will hinge on the details of the accident as well as any resulting injury or damage. The first consideration is how much coverage you have for personal injury under your personal injury insurance (known as a PIP). PIP coverage can range from thousands of dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, so depending on your injuries, the full cost of your recovery may not be fully covered by insurance.
If your full treatment is not covered by insurance, you will likely need to file a personal injury suit.
Lyft’s insurance policy covers personal injuries that occur during a Lyft ride under the following circumstances:
- Your driver was actively claiming pickups while driving to a pickup location or transporting a passenger.
- Negligence on the part of the Lyft driver partially or fully caused the accident.
- The accident caused damages such as medical costs and lost income due to missed work.
- These damages outsrip your PIP coverage.
Benefits of a Lyft Accident Attorney in LA
You can, in theory, file your own lawsuit against Lyft to recover compensation for your injuries. However, plaintiffs are much more likely to win their case, and receive a larger settlement, if they work with a Lyft accident attorney.
Experienced rideshare attorneys will understand the legal process of determining liability lies and if the driver is covered under Lyft’s insurance policy.
Hiring a lawyer will also make Lyft and insurance companies more likely to settle. Insurance companies will typically try to drag the legal process out as long as possible, delaying long enough to force the plaintiff to drop their suit. A qualified lawyer can counter these delaying tactics and keep your suite moving forward and help bring insurance companies to the negotiating table.
Finally, representing yourself in court will likely slow your recovery from your injuries. By hiring an attorney, you can focus on what matters, your health, and leave the legal wrangling to the expert.
Choosing the Right Lawyer
Injuries from an accident involving a Lyft driver are different from your standard personal injury case. There are complicated factors in determining fault and liability for damages. When choosing an attorney, select a lawyer and a firm that specializes in rideshare accidents and has extensive experience dealing with Lyft. Consider the firm’s size to ensure they will give your case the time, attention, and resources it deserves.
Rideshare lawsuits are complicated, with different rules around liability, and involve multiple third parties. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of an accident involving a Lyft driver, consider hiring a qualified and experienced attorney to ensure you receive the justice you’re entitled to.
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