Home
Ridesharing services like Lyft offer the convenience of summoning rides through handy phone apps. As Lyft becomes more popular, those hurt in rideshare accidents need help from a local lawyer who knows these cases.
The key steps to strengthen claims after Lyft accidents include:
- Moving to safety
- Documenting evidence
- Reporting details to involved parties
- Getting a lawyer after a Lyft accident
The sections below discuss the immediate steps victims must take immediately after a Lyft accident.
Table of Contents
At the Crash Scene
If possible, do the following after Lyft collisions:
- Move to safety and seek medical assistance; health comes first.
- For major incidents, call 911 to report details and request a police response to officialize events. Later, acquire the traffic report.
- Take photos documenting vehicle damage, skid marks, debris fields, and accident factors like weather or poor road conditions. The Lyft driver’s photos likely favor limiting company liability.
- Get contact information from all parties and witnesses while the facts remain fresh.
- Do not admit fault or responsibility for the crash to anyone.
Often, severe injuries do not show until hours or days later, as the shock wears off. Therefore, get checked out promptly at an ER or doctor’s office, even if you feel okay immediately after the accident.
Reporting Your Rideshare Accident
Officially notifying parties quickly builds vital records regarding Lyft accidents.
- Report to your driver and Lyft: Details establish timelines beneficial if legal disputes emerge later.
- Alert your insurer: Rideshare insurance additions to your policy may apply. Review the terms carefully.
- Inform the at-fault driver’s insurer: Claims should be directed here ultimately.
In communications, again, supply factual circumstances. Never make statements accepting blame or downplaying injuries that may require extensive treatment.
Consulting an Attorney
Complex legal dynamics surrounding Lyft ridesharing app services mean accident victims should consider getting an attorney sooner rather than later after a Lyft accident. A lawyer experienced in such cases understands the insurance intricacies between drivers’ policies, Lyft’s contingent coverage, and your uninsured motorist protections.
They will immediately launch detailed investigations, gathering powerful evidence like police reports, medical documentation, and eyewitness statements to back injury claims against liable parties. Photos taken at the scene also prove tremendously beneficial legally.
Your lawyer will thoroughly examine insurance responsibilities and then engage in demands for paying all damages entitled under relevant policies. Refusals may require skillful litigation toward favorable legal judgments when settlements delay.
Having good representation provides confidence throughout uncertain proceedings against the daunting rideshare company. Victims still healing from physical and emotional trauma require strong allies to take charge.
Filing an Injury Claim
Once medical assessments pinpoint the full extent of accident-related harms, formal personal injury claims enter the process, requesting just compensation for all facets of loss and suffering.
Recoverable economic damages include:
- Ambulance/ER services
- Hospitalization
- Rehabilitative therapies
- Prescription medications
- Medical equipment
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Ongoing specialty treatments
- Potential additional surgeries
- Personal care assistance
- Lost income from missed work
Recoverable non-economic damages include:
- Emotional distress
- Relationships disruption
- Loss of enjoyable life activities
- Pain and suffering
Ensuring Proper Legal Process and Compensation
Ride-sharing apps like Lyft gaining popularity due to their impact on traffic congestion. However, injury victims face confusing insurance issues after rideshare accidents. Who pays what is complicated? Finding all sources of payment takes work.
Get help from a lawyer who knows rideshare insurance rules. Right away, they gather police reports, medical records, and witness statements to show who is responsible.
They figure out all expenses from the crash now and in the future to make a full claim showing everything owed to the victim. This includes medical bills, lost wages, and emotional impacts.
With an experienced lawyer fighting for accident victims, fair payment is more likely without a struggle. If offers do not cover all losses, skilled lawyers also know how to win bigger payouts in court. Consult a local attorney for the best chance of recovery after a Lyft crash.
