Florida Lyft Accident Attorney
As the popularity of ride-sharing increases, so does the risk of rideshare-related car accidents. More and more people are choosing to use rideshare companies such as Lyft over traditional transportation methods.
While these companies provide a convenient, effective, and affordable option for those who do not wish to drive themselves, the fact remains that there are more rideshare accidents now than ever. If you are involved in an accident with a rideshare vehicle—either as a passenger, a driver or passenger of a separate vehicle, or a pedestrian or cyclist—you may be entitled to compensation for your damages.
Rideshare accident claims can be very confusing. Because of this, it is imperative that you speak to a seasoned Lyft accident lawyer at Fran Haasch Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers who has experience handling these unique types of cases. We can help you ensure that your rights are protected and that you are fully aware of all your legal options. Our car accident lawyers are dedicated to serving injury victims across the Tampa Bay area. With offices in Palm Harbor, Clearwater, and Tampa we are proud to serve those who need it most. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Determining Liability in a Lyft Accident
Understanding who is responsible in the event of a Lyft accident can be quite complex. The liability is often determined by several factors, including the status of the Lyft driver at the time of the accident, the driver’s adherence to traffic rules, and whether another vehicle was involved. If the Lyft driver is not logged into the application or if they are logged in but have not yet accepted a ride request, the driver’s personal insurance is typically the primary coverage. However, if the Lyft driver has accepted a ride and is transporting a passenger or is on the way to pick up a passenger, Lyft’s insurance policy would likely be the primary coverage. If another vehicle is involved and at fault, their insurance company would be responsible for compensation. Navigating these scenarios can be challenging, which underlines the importance of having an experienced Lyft Accident attorney to guide you through the process.
Florida Lyft Accident Laws
Florida’s rideshare laws play a critical role in determining the liability and potential compensation in a Lyft accident. The state mandates rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft to carry a $1 million liability insurance policy that covers accidents occurring during active rides with rideshare drivers. When the driver is logged into the app without an active ride request, the company’s insurance offers significantly less coverage – $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage.
What is the Statute of Limitations?
If you are considering filing a lawsuit after a rideshare accident, it is important to know that there is a statute of limitations in Florida. For most personal injury lawsuits, the statute of limitations is two years from the accident date. This means that you have a limited time to file your lawsuit.
Florida’s Comparative Fault Doctrine
In the state of Florida, there is a comparative fault doctrine. As of March 2023, Florida’s legal fault system has shifted from a pure comparative fault model to a “greater percentage of fault” model under HB 837. The implementation of this new model means that individuals who are more than 50% responsible for their own harm are prohibited from receiving any compensation for their damages.
This is why it is so important to have an experienced attorney on your side who can help prove that the other party was at fault for the accident. Understanding and navigating these laws can be complex, making it essential to work with a lawyer experienced in Florida law. They can help clarify the implications of these laws on your case and guide you in pursuing the compensation you deserve.
Insurance Coverage for Lyft Accidents
Navigating the labyrinth of insurance coverage in Lyft accidents can be a daunting task. The coverage depends largely on the status and role of the involved parties at the time of the accident.
Insurance Coverage as an Injured Passenger
If the Lyft Driver Is At Fault: In the unfortunate event that a Lyft driver is at fault for an accident, Lyft provides liability coverage. This coverage typically includes bodily injury and property damage liability, ensuring that injured passengers have a source of compensation for medical expenses and other losses resulting from the accident.
If the Lyft Driver Is Not At Fault: When the Lyft driver is not at fault, the at-fault party’s insurance typically covers the damages. Lyft’s coverage comes into play if the at-fault party is uninsured or underinsured, ensuring that injured passengers still have a source of compensation for their injuries and losses.
Insurance Coverage as a Driver of Another Vehicle
In case you are the driver of another vehicle involved in an accident with a Lyft vehicle, if the Lyft driver is at fault and they are logged in to the app and carrying a passenger, then Lyft’s insurance policy comes into play. If the Lyft driver is not logged into the app or has not accepted a ride, then their personal auto insurance would be the primary source of compensation.
Insurance Coverage as a Pedestrian or Bicyclist
If you are a pedestrian or a bicyclist and you get hit by a Lyft driver who is logged into the app and either carrying a passenger or on the way to pick one up, Lyft’s insurance policy should be the primary coverage. If the driver is not logged into the app, their personal insurance should cover your damages.
Insurance Coverage as a Rideshare Driver
For Lyft drivers, your coverage depends on your status at the time of the accident. If you’re not logged into the Lyft app, your personal car insurance will cover you. If you’re logged into the app but haven’t accepted a ride, Lyft provides limited liability coverage. If you are an Uber or Lyft driver and you’ve accepted a ride or have a passenger in your vehicle, the company’s $1 million primary liability insurance kicks in.
What To Do After a Lyft Accident
A Lyft car accident can be a disorienting experience. However, knowing the steps to take in the aftermath can help protect your rights and maximize your potential compensation.
Seek Medical Treatment
Regardless of how minor your injuries may seem, it is vital that you seek immediate medical treatment following an accident. Not only is this crucial for your health, but it also establishes a medical record of your injuries, which can be instrumental in your accident claim.
Report Your Accident
Notify the proper authorities in the event of an accident. This often means calling the police to the scene, who can create an official accident report. This report can provide your attorney with valuable information when they are pursuing your claim.
Gather Your Own Information
While on the scene, if you’re able to do so safely, gather as much information as you can. Take pictures of the accident scene, your vehicle, and any injuries you sustained. Additionally, collect the contact and insurance information from the other party involved in the accident.
Stay Organized
Keep all documents and information related to the accident in a safe and organized place. This includes medical records, correspondence with insurance companies, receipts for any accident-related expenses, and a copy of the police report.
Watch What You Say To Insurance Companies
It’s common for insurance companies to contact you soon after an accident. Be very careful with what you say, as they can use your words against you in an attempt to minimize your claim. It is generally recommended to consult with a rideshare accident attorney before making any statements or accepting any settlement offers.
Steps to Take to Protect Your Rights
After an accident involving a Lyft vehicle, it is paramount to take certain steps to protect your legal rights. This can be instrumental in building a strong case and securing maximum compensation for your damages.
Contact Information:
Securing the contact information of everyone involved in the accident is crucial. This includes Lyft drivers, any passengers, drivers of other vehicles, and any witnesses. Be sure to gather full names, phone numbers, addresses, and insurance details.
Make a Copy of Your Ride Receipt:
If you were a passenger in the Lyft vehicle at the time of the accident, be sure to make a copy of your ride receipt. This receipt serves as proof that the ride took place and can be vital evidence when pursuing a claim.
Don’t Speak With Lyft Directly:
Lastly, it’s important not to speak directly with Lyft or their insurance company. They may try to downplay the severity of the accident or convince you to settle for less than you deserve. Instead, consult with an experienced attorney who can handle these communications on your behalf, ensuring your rights are protected and your claim is accurately valued.
Insurance Companies Want to Pay You Less
Remember, insurance companies are businesses that aim to maximize profits, even if this means minimizing your compensation following an accident. Insurers often employ tactics to pay less by disputing your injuries, attributing fault to you, or downplaying the severity of the accident. Hence, they may rapidly contact you after the accident, hoping you’ll accept a quick settlement offer before you fully understand the gravity of your injuries and potential claim value.
Engaging an experienced attorney can help safeguard your interests, counteract these tactics, and advocate for fair compensation that adequately reflects your damages and suffering.
Role of a Lyft Accident Lawyer
A Lyft accident lawyer can make a crucial difference in your pursuit of fair compensation. Here’s how our lawyers can assist you:
Case Evaluation: They can provide a comprehensive review of your case and determine the best legal strategy.
Evidence Collection: They can help gather all necessary evidence, such as accident reports, witness testimonies, and medical records, to build a strong case.
Insurance Negotiation: They will handle all communication and negotiation with insurance companies, ensuring that your rights are protected.
Claim Calculation: They can accurately compute the full extent of your damages – including medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering – to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Legal Representation: If your case goes to court, they will be your advocate, presenting your case in the most compelling manner.
Guidance and Support: They will guide you through each step of the legal process, providing the support and resources you need to make informed decisions.
No Win, No Fee: Fran Haasch Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers Lyft accident lawyers operate on a contingency basis, meaning you won’t pay any attorney’s fees unless you win your case.
Hiring a skilled Lyft accident lawyer can significantly increase your chances of obtaining maximum compensation.
WE GET YOU THE COMPENSATION YOU DESERVE
At Fran Haasch Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers, we understand that no amount of financial recovery can undo what you have been through. However, a fair settlement or jury verdict can ease the financial burden of unexpected medical bills, lost income, and other economic and non-economic damages associated with your accident.
We have obtained multi-million-dollar jury verdicts and settlements in cases involving auto accidents, as well as claims concerning wrongful death and catastrophic injuries.
Here are a few of our car accident case results:
- $1.8 million for our client in Pinellas County who was injured in a car accident
- $1.8 million for a 33-year-old female client in Hillsborough County who was lawfully stopped for a left-turning vehicle ahead when she was rear-ended by the defendant vehicle, which was then rear-ended by the vehicle behind it, causing the client to feel two impacts. This resulted in multiple back surgeries and an infection which caused the client to be hospitalized several times.
- $1.6 million for a 25-year-old female passenger on a motorcycle when the defendant cut across the client’s path. The client was thrown over 200 feet from the motorcycle. The accident resulted in a fractured leg, broken finger, back surgery, and many other injuries.
- $1.55 million for a 46-year old male in Pasco County who was stopped at a red light on U.S. Highway 19 in Pasco County and was rear-ended by the defendant at a high rate of speed.
- $1.35 million for a client in Pasco County. The defendant turned left in front of our client, causing the client’s vehicle to flip and resulting in many injuries.
- $1.34 million for a 69-year-old male client in Orange County who was in the left turn lane when the defendant came across his pathway while attempting to turn and collided with the client. The accident resulted in multiple severe injuries, including a fractured pelvis, broken ribs, punctured lung, a broken arm that required surgery, and several lacerations.
- $1.3 million for a 33-year-old female client in Pinellas County who was rear-ended while stopped at a traffic light with her three children in the car with her. The accident resulted in multiple surgeries and complications.
- $1.025 for our client injured in a car accident in Hillsborough County.
- $1.0 million for a client in Hillsborough County rear-ended in stop-and-go traffic on the interstate.
Fran Haasch Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers is Here For You
As you navigate the aftermath of a rideshare accident, such as an Uber or Lyft accident, you don’t have to face the ensuing challenges alone. Fran Haasch Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers is here to stand with you, armed with the expertise and determination to help you secure the compensation you rightfully deserve. Our dedicated team of Lyft accident lawyers is committed to guiding you through this complex legal process, providing exceptional representation, and advocating passionately on your behalf.
Remember, your fight for justice is our fight, too. Don’t accept less than you deserve; let us help you hold negligent parties accountable. We fight for Uber and Lyft drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and all involved in a personal injury accident. Contact Fran Haasch Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation, and let us get started on your claim right away.
