Lyft transports millions of riders from one point to another. The rideshare company assists when you don’t have a vehicle, when your car is in the shop, or when you want to have a night out without worry. But unfortunately, Lyft rideshare vehicles don’t have a magic shield around them to prevent road accidents.
If you use Lyft and the vehicle is in an accident, you may not know your next steps. You may have several options available as a passenger. As a driver, you also may have options for compensation if you have an accident that was not your fault. A Gainesville Lyft accident lawyer from Bogin, Munns & Munns can explain your options and review your next steps.
Bogin, Munns & Munns Knows About Lyft Accidents
The Lyft accident team at Bogin, Munns & Munns is familiar with Lyft and other rideshare accidents. Some of the things they can help with include:
- Evaluating your claim for validity
- Establishing a compensation value
- Investigate to determine who caused the accident
- File claims with the appropriate insurance companies
- File a lawsuit in civil court if necessary
Suppose you have been involved in an accident while driving or riding with Lyft or hit by a driver working with Lyft. In that case, a Gainesville Lyft accident lawyer can help you sort out the details.
To consult with an experienced lyft accident lawyer serving Gainesville, call 855-780-9986
Compensation for Your Injuries in a Gainesville Lyft Accident
Drivers, passengers, and third parties involved in an accident with a Lyft driver should not have to pay for the negligent actions of another. Some of the compensation our Lyft accident team can fight for includes
- Medical expenses
- Lost income, benefits
- Future earning capacity
- In-home care
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Mental anguish
- Wrongful death damages (if a loved one suffered fatal injuries in the accident)
Our Gainesville Lyft accident team is familiar with Florida laws concerning rideshare accidents. It can help you get compensation for your injuries.
Gainesville Lyft Accident Lawyer Near Me 855-780-9986
How Does Insurance Work for a Lyft Accident?
Lyft drivers use their vehicles to provide rides. They are required to maintain minimum insurance, which includes
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) of at least $10,000
- Property Damage Liability (PDL) of $10,000, with additional provisions for rideshare drivers
- Maintain insurance coverage even while the vehicle is not in operation
Three primary operation stages affect how insurance liability works for most rideshare accidents:
- If the accident happens while the rideshare app is off, only the driver’s insurance is responsible for coverage.
- Suppose the accident happened while the app was on, and the driver was waiting to receive a ride request. In that case, Lyft’s liability insurance might provide coverage if the driver’s insurance does not.
- When accidents happen while a driver is picking up, dropping off, or transporting a rider, Lyft’s liability insurance is applicable.
Because accidents with Lyft drivers may involve more than one insurance carrier, it can be helpful to discuss the matter with a Gainesville Lyft accident lawyer from our law office.
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Steps to Take after a Lyft Accident
After an accident, the first thing all involved parties can do is seek medical attention for their injuries, no matter how minor. Per Florida Statutes § 316.066, the accident should be reported to law enforcement, who will file a Florida Traffic Crash Report.
The driver should notify their insurance company, even in cases where no fault applies. Florida is a no-fault state for auto insurance, which means the vehicle owner’s insurance must pay damages regardless of who caused the accident.
Other helpful actions drivers and passengers can take after a Lyft accident are:
- Report the accident via the Lyft app
- Take screenshots of your app report
- Note the driver’s info for all vehicles, including insurance info
- Take photos with your cell phone if you can
It is also helpful for drivers, passengers, and third parties to maintain a record of everything about the accident in one location.
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Why Keeping an Accident Logbook Makes Sense
Even if your injuries are minor, they might worsen after a few days. Whiplash, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and soft tissue injuries may surface hours, days, and even weeks after an accident. Maintaining a logbook or written record of the accident means a more accurate representation of what happened. Some of the notes and information to keep in a file or logbook include:
- The police accident report
- Photos or videos taken at the accident scene
- Any emails, texts, or written correspondence with Lyft or insurance companies
- Any bills or costs you incurred related to the accident
- Work records of missed time due to your injuries
If you pursue compensation later, having this information in one place will make any claims easier to facilitate.
Seek Prompt Medical Attention After an Auto Accident
We can never stress enough the importance of seeking medical care after any vehicle accident. Even in cases where you don’t think you suffered injuries, it is crucial to have medical professionals verify that.
After treatment, it is equally vital to continue with all follow-up care, therapy, or testing your doctor prescribes. In the event of a lawsuit, the defendant’s legal team may access your medical records. If they find that you did not continue treatment against a doctor’s advice, they could seek to deny your compensation claim.
Is Lyft a Safe Way to Rideshare?
Contracted vehicles from Lyft are as safe as any other vehicle on the road. Careless or distracted drivers will always cause accidents. Still, Lyft has a system of checks and balances to screen potential problem drivers out of their driver pool, such as performing annual background checks on all drivers and requiring drivers to complete safety training.
Call Us Today for Legal Help After a Gainesville Lyft Accident
Contact our Lyft accident team at Bogin, Munns & Munns to begin exploring your legal options after a rideshare accident. Our Gainesville Lyft accident lawyer can help you determine your next steps.
Call or text 855-780-9986 or submit our Consultation Request form today
