Understanding the Legal Process for Lyft Accident Claims: A Lawyer’s Guide
Transportation has been revolutionized by services like Lyft, which have provided a new level of convenience and accessibility. But what happens when someone is injured in a Lyft vehicle, or when the vehicle itself is involved in an accident with another car or a person? These incidents are sure to produce some serious legal challenges, and not just because Lyft is a name that much of a nationwide jury pool will already be familiar with.
In fact, there can be as many as five or more parties involved in any accident that happens in or around a Lyft vehicle. These include the Lyft driver, the Lyft passenger, the driver/passenger(s) of any third-party that collided with the Lyft or its occupants, any bystanders who might be harmed by a wayward Lyft vehicle, and the Lyft Corporation itself, which sometimes appears in these cases as a defendant.
To help clear up some of the confusion that often accompanies these types of cases, we consulted with an experienced Lyft accident lawyer. Here’s what they told us:
Table of Contents
Determining Liability
Identifying the liable party is the first step in any claim involving an accident with Lyft. Liability can hinge on several factors and is usually not straightforward. It often depends on whether the Lyft driver was:
- On duty transporting a passenger
- En route to pick up a passenger
- Logging into the app and working in driver mode
- Not on duty and not using the app
Gathering Evidence
To construct a strong claim, it is vitally important to obtain proof from the scene of the accident. Examples include:
- Photos and videos of the accident scene, damage to the vehicles, and obvious physical injuries
- Incident details as specified in police reports
- Statements made by witnesses
- Medical records and bills
- Trip detail logs and app records for rideshare services
Filing an Insurance Claim
Any knowledgeable Lyft accident lawyer will tell you that establishing who is responsible and gathering all necessary proofs are essential first steps. But quickly filing a claim with the insurance carrier is also an important task. This process may involve making an official statement and answering a number of questions.
If the driver was on duty, you will need to file a claim with Lyft’s insurance provider. If another party was responsible for the accident, you’ll need to submit a claim to their insurance company. If applicable, seek compensation from personal uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Filing a Lawsuit
If a suitable agreement cannot be reached through negotiations, it may become necessary to pursue legal action. The lawsuit process generally encompasses:
- Filing the suit
- Obtaining and exchanging evidence
- Settlement negotiations
- Trial
No Matter What Else You Do, Make Sure to Contact a Lyft Accident Lawyer
A Lyft accident claim is intricate, involving many layers of insurance and legal issues. That is why experienced rideshare accident lawyers exist; to help victims shed light on this legal maze and guide them as to the best course of action for their case. They work to get the fair compensation you deserve and to ensure that your rights are properly upheld.