Uber & Lyft enjoy a virtual monopoly (a duopoly) of the ridesharing industry. Chances are, if you're involved in a ridesharing accident, it will be with one of these two services. These services are very similar in setup, as riders access both companies through an app on their smartphone. Typically, these cases are more complicated than typical motor vehicle accident cases. This is because Lyft is technically classified as a "technology firm"-not a "taxi provider." As such, Lyft employs independent contractors to carry out their services. Most likely, if you are in a Lyft accident, then your claim will be against the Lyft driver and not vs. the company itself.
Whenever you pay for Lyft's services, you also pay for the security of your ridesharing experience. Lyft uses a portion of all passenger fees to fund essential safety protocols, such as background checks on Lyft drivers, driver safety education, and vehicle inspections. Because the Lyft drivers are technically independent contractors, it almost always adds a layer of complexity that standard car accident cases don't have.
Miami Lyft Accident Attorneys
Ridesharing cases have the additional element of dealing with a third-party motor vehicle operator. Because of this, it is best to seek the counsel of an experienced Miami car accident legal team with a consistent record. The Ward Law Group is such a team. The Ward Law Group will ensure you get the compensation you deserve if you suffer a personal injury or lose personal property, such as a laptop, in an accident.
If you speak Spanish, there's no need to worry. The Ward Law Group also offers bilingual legal advice to those who speak Spanish as their primary language. You can rest assured knowing that your case is in the skilled hands of industry veterans.
Common Types of Lyft Accident Claims that We Settle
All Lyft drivers are responsible for their insurance plans. That being said, Lyft provides some degree of coverage for their drivers and passengers. The amount of liability money that Lyft sends out will depend wholly on whether the driver is alone or has passengers in the vehicle at the event. In cases where there are a lot of passengers in the Lyft vehicle, the amount may reach up into the millions. Here are a few subtypes of Lyft accidents that we settle:
- Road Rage Accidents: These collisions are frightening because of their frequency and unpredictability. Road rage may affect a susceptible individual at any time for any reason, leading to a dangerous driving environment.
- Impaired Driving: This is not necessarily relegated to alcohol consumption. In many states, driving while under the influence of illegal drugs or not receiving enough sleep before moving can be categorized as impaired driving.
- Distracted Driving: Lyft operators always try to solicit more clients for their ridesharing services. It is expected to see a Lyft operator drive around with three separate smartphones mounted to their windshield.
Of course, this covers a few of the accident types that can occur. There are many different subtypes of accidents that apply to the ridesharing scene. Thankfully, the Ward Law Group has experience with all these subtypes, so you can rest assured knowing that you are in capable hands. If you are involved in a Lyft accident as a passenger, you should seek legal advice from an expert team as soon as it becomes feasible. Contact the Ward Law Group today to get the ball rolling on your settlement!
Types of Lyft Accident Injuries & Compensation
There is an overabundance of personal injuries that one may fall victim to because of a Lyft accident. Naturally, this list resembles injuries one might sustain from a typical car accident. After all, the differences between these two situations are primarily legal; the physics involved are still the same. That being said, here are a few examples:
- Dismemberment
- Lacerations & Bruises
- Broken Bones or Damaged Cartilage
- Loss of Sight and Hearing
- Organ Rupture or Internal Bleeding
- Spine & Neck Injuries
- Brain Damage
- Burns
- Whiplash
Similar to the Lyft driver, passengers in their rideshare service enjoy the same viable compensation claims associated with any form of a motor vehicle accident. You will need a legal team with many years of experience to get the most out of these claims. Passenger compensation in these cases is highly nuanced, so you must ensure that you have the best legal team behind you. Here are a few examples of settlement types that you may be eligible for:
- Mental Distress: Psychological effects are not always evident right out of the gate. Therefore, it's essential to communicate with your medical practitioner about any quality of life changes you experience after the accident.
- Medical Bills: Even if you don't suffer any injuries from your accident, you still may want to consider a medical evaluation. Expenses such as these, hospital stays, and treatments all fall into this category.
- Inability to Work: When you are badly injured in a Lyft accident, chances are, it's going to put you out of work. You may be eligible to claim this as a loss resulting from the accident. If your injury is permanent, the settlement you receive should consider this factor, as you may not be able to work for a long time.
- Property Damage: This category covers everything from the smartphone in your pocket to the clothes on your back.
Maximizing Your Claim: Immediate Steps to Take After a Lyft Accident
The first thing you should always do after an accident is to call for emergency responders. They will ensure that those needing immediate medical assistance are taken care of. They will also safely remove the damaged vehicles from the road. Not long after, you should inform the insurance companies involved, and they will open a claim. During this time, medical (and legal) experts generally recommend that you receive a medical evaluation within 14 days of the accident.
If you can, documenting everything is always a good idea. High-definition cameras are widely available to the public, and you should take advantage of that. Pull out your smartphone or camera, report the damages, and other relevant information from the scene. Later, in your case, these will help your legal team tremendously and may even increase your settlement amount.
You should also save all your receipts and invoices for any expenses incurred due to the Lyft accident. Communicate this documentation with your legal team. They can advise you on what is and does not apply to an insurance claim.
Contact a Miami Lyft Accident Attorney For Help!
If you suffered an injury in a Lyft or motor vehicle accident, please contact our team at The Ward Law Group today. Our firm has earned over two decades of experience winning high-profile cases for those with personal injuries from motor vehicle accidents. We will do everything we can to ensure your case is successful. Whether you speak English or Spanish, enlist in The Ward Law Group today and receive the compensation you deserve!