Legal representation is not mandatory, BUT statistical data suggests that working with a lawyer significantly improves the outcome of personal injury claims, with more than 90% of cases resulting in settlements, avoiding the need for trial.
Rideshare accident cases involving Lyft drivers or Uber drivers are much more complicated than standard motor vehicle accidents, often presenting unique challenges that can benefit from professional legal guidance. To determine if hiring an Uber or Lyft accident lawyer is the right decision, consider the following factors.
When a Lyft Accident Warrants Legal Action
Another motorist who is injured in a Lyft accident may be eligible for compensation and can file a personal injury claim with the at-fault party to initiate the process. However, to qualify for compensation under Lyft’s insurance policy, the following circumstances must be demonstrated:
- The Uber or Lyft driver was actively engaged in rideshare services at the time of the car crash by soliciting rides, en route to a pickup location, or transporting a passenger.
- Negligence of the Uber or Lyft driver was a contributing factor in causing the Lyft accident. This can be exemplified through speeding, plugging an address in the GPS, or talking to a passenger.
- Injuries were sustained and can be directly linked to the car accident. Additionally, injuries resulting in other damages, like medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering, may be compensated.
If you believe you are eligible for compensation, consult an attorney specializing in personal injury cases involving rideshare companies.
When a Lyft Accident Warrants Legal Assistance
A personal injury claim can always be handled without professional legal assistance. However, large rideshare companies like Lyft and Uber will be backed by their insurance companies and an experienced legal team with ample resources to protect the business’ bottom line and complicate the case proceedings. If any of the following circumstances arise, it is best to consult with rideshare accident lawyers as soon as possible.
1. Multiple Insurance Companies Involved
Rideshare accidents often involve multiple insurance policies, including the personal auto insurance of the rideshare drivers and the rideshare company’s commercial insurance.
Understanding and applying these insurance structures to a claim can be challenging without the proper legal knowledge, and worse, it can jeopardize a case, leaving victims with nothing.
2. Liability Being Disputed
Determining liability in Lyft accidents requires a thorough investigation and the gathering of substantial evidence. This process can be particularly challenging while recovering from injuries.
Then, there is the added obstacle of proving fault when multiple parties are involved, as assigning fault is not a simple process.
Insurance companies may attempt to shift blame onto each other and minimize their own obligations to compensate the victim.
3. Not Offered a Fair Settlement
A common misconception is that compensation for car accidents, including those involving rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, is limited to tangible financial losses such as medical bills and vehicle repairs.
Insurance companies may attempt to exploit this misunderstanding by offering settlements that only cover these economic damages.
However, car accident victims are entitled to compensation or both current and future medical expenses related to their injuries, as well as other forms of damages. This includes non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering, which reflect the physical and emotional toll of the crash.
Liability Must Be Proven
In the event of a car accident involving a Lyft vehicle, the victim’s personal auto insurance coverage does not typically kick in until the at-fault party’s insurance maxes out. What makes these cases so complicated is that the “at-fault party” may include Uber and Lyft drivers, the rideshare company (Uber or Lyft), or both parties.
Determining who is liable for damages after a rideshare accident is based on the status of the rideshare drivers, broken down into the following periods.
Offline: If the driver is not logged into the Lyft app, then that driver’s insurance policy would apply and would not fall under the company’s coverage.
Period 1 – The app is on, waiting for a ride request: During this period, Lyft provides the following liability coverage:
- $50,000/person for bodily injury
- $100,000/accident for bodily injury
- $25,000/accident for property damage
Period 2 – The app is on, driver en route for pickup: During this period, Lyft provides up to $1 million for third-party auto liability coverage and may include uninsured motorist coverage (UIM) and underinsured motorist (UM) coverage.
Period 3 – The app is on, ride in progress: This period also offers $1 million for third-party auto liability coverage. This coverage is designed to act as the primary coverage from when a ride is accepted until it ends. There is at least $1,000,000 of coverage per accident.
While these coverage amounts may seem substantial, it’s important to note that these rideshare companies do have a history of denying liability or attempting to limit coverage.
The Risks of Not Hiring Rideshare Accident Lawyers
There are numerous disadvantages to bypassing legal representation after a rideshare accident. Navigating the complex legal process and attempting to negotiate with insurance companies over fair compensation will be challenging, especially for individuals not seasoned in California personal injury law. These risks may follow.
1. Forced to Pay Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Rideshare companies like Lyft and Uber are large corporations with a strong financial backing and access to experienced legal counsel. While their insurance companies are responsible for compensating victims, they are also incentivized to minimize claims.
When significant damages are suffered, the claim will be more valuable to the victim and, consequently, more costly to insurance companies. Therefore, case delays are common, dragging the process on for months and sometimes years. Insurance companies use this tactic to persuade victims into accepting smaller offers, trading value for convenience.
The biggest downside is that victims will not be sufficiently compensated for the total extent of damages, meaning they will be left paying for other expenses, like future medical treatment, property damage, or the cost of living with a disability.
Given the substantial resources and financial interests of rideshare companies, it is advisable to seek the guidance of a Lyft or Uber accident lawyer to ensure a fair settlement.
2. The Case May Go to Trial
Depending on the willingness of an insurance company to cooperate, sometimes rideshare accident cases go to litigation so that the case may be settled in court.
Personal injury cases are often resolved through in negotiations, but it is important to understand that every case has the potential to go to litigation.
If a case proceeds to trial, expect to face a complicated court battle where both parties present evidence, such as medical records, witness testimony, and police reports, to prove fault before a judge or jury.
Therefore, it is crucial to choose a rideshare attorney with the expertise and litigation skills necessary to produce an effective and successful outcome. A skilled attorney will understand that aggressive negotiation tactics may be required to secure a fair settlement out of court or in trial if necessary.
3. Will Forego the Necessary Medical Care to Improve Recovery
The physical and emotional toll of any car accident can be traumatic, requiring rest and time to recover. However, attempting to overcome an Uber and Lyft accident while also dealing with the insurance company and legal matters makes that nearly impossible.
Seeking immediate medical attention is crucial, but ongoing medical care, like specialized treatment or long-term physical therapy, is another critical component of a successful recovery.
However, many rideshare accident victims do not get the necessary medical care they need because of financial concerns. While an insurance company may compensate for current medical bills, they often neglect to account for long-term or future medical treatment.
As a result, a Lyft accident victim may settle for insufficient compensation, leaving them with the decision to either pay for treatment out-of-pocket or bypass it. Not only is this dangerous for serious injuries, like traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) or internal bleeding, it can be fatal.
Filing a claim against the rideshare company with the help of Lyft or Uber car accident lawyers can provide the necessary compensation to access the best possible medical care and support each client’s recovery journey, taking into account current and future needs.
The Benefits of Hiring a Long Beach Lyft Accident Lawyer
35% of the fatal and serious accidents in Long Beach involved motor vehicles in recent years. The Long Beach Police Department attributed most of these motor vehicle accidents to reckless driving, as speeding violations have spiked since 2020. Between meeting ride pickup and dropoff times, Lyft and Uber are no exception to car accidents. To ensure a successful case outcome, it is always recommended to consult with a Long Beach Lyft accident lawyer. Here is how legal representation will benefit a case.
1. Account for All Damages to Obtain Maximum Compensation
Determining the appropriate compensation for a rideshare accident must involve accounting for all forms of loss.
A Lyft and Uber accident lawyer can consult with medical experts to assess the full extent of injuries and their long-term physical consequences. This can help strengthen the overall case and ensure adequate compensation is recovered.
While quantifying medical bills and other out-of-pocket expenses is relatively straightforward, assessing intangible factors such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non-economic damages requires a more nuanced approach.
An experienced rideshare accident lawyer can provide a comprehensive evaluation of a Lyft accident claim, considering both economic and non-economic damages.
By leveraging their in-depth knowledge of personal injury law, a fair settlement value based on the specific circumstances of the case can be established.
2. Determine if the Case Should be Pursued Through Negotiations or Litigation
After evaluating the details of a Lyft accident, a qualified attorney can assess the merits of a case, advising the best legal approach or if pursuing a claim is advisable.
This evaluation is crucial to avoid wasting time and resources on a claim that may not be financially viable to the individual interested in filing the claim.
California personal injury law is intricate, and there are specific requirements for obtaining compensation. Experienced rideshare accident lawyers will provide insight into their clients’ rights and the applicable statutes of limitations.
In California, personal injury victims generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Failure to meet this deadline can result in a loss to seek compensation.
3. Handle Insurance Companies to Prevent Threatening Case
Resolving a Lyft accident claim often involves negotiating with the rideshare company’s insurance representatives, and dealing with them is challenging.
Insurance companies often attempt to undervalue personal injury claims by minimizing the accident’s severity. They often employ skilled adjusters to achieve this goal, misleading victims into accepting insufficient settlements or trying to place them at fault for the accident.
Experienced Uber accident lawyers are familiar with the tactics used by insurance companies and can effectively counter their efforts. If necessary, they can also take the case to trial so that only a fair settlement is agreed upon.
For Assitance, Contact Our Long Beach Lyft and Uber Accident Lawyers
The legal process for filing rideshare accident claims can be overwhelming. While legal representation is not a legal requirement, doing so offers many benefits to Lyft accident victims. A skilled attorney can guide you through each step, ensuring your rights are protected.
If you were in a car crash with an Uber or Lyft driver, Belmont Accident Lawyers can help. By entrusting your case to our qualified Long Beach law firm, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities, providing you with peace of mind during a stressful time.
