Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have transformed the way we live. They’ve become integrated into the daily fabric of so many people’s lives, whether for commuting, getting to social engagements, or anything in between.
Lyft offers a valuable service, but the reality is that Lyft accidents occur all too often. Lyft drivers are often under pressure to get in as many rides as possible during a short period, which can lead to reckless driving or unsafe decision-making behind the wheel.
Moreover, when a Lyft passenger experiences an accident, they may be confused and overwhelmed with questions. A Lyft accident claim is less straightforward than one that involves two drivers of passenger vehicles because, in this case, a large company is also involved. A Lyft driver is also considered an independent contractor rather than a full-time employee, which can complicate matters further. Settlement negotiations amongst all the parties involved and each of their insurance companies can be extremely complicated.
If you have suffered injuries from a Lyft accident, the best way to set yourself up for success is to contact an experienced Lyft accident attorney as soon as possible. They can help you build a strong case, secure fair compensation, and feel confident navigating the legal process at every turn.
How Long Will My Lyft Accident Case Take?
It’s difficult to estimate how long a specific Lyft accident claim will take to settle because that depends greatly on the specifics of how the accident unfolded. That being said, some factors tend to impact the duration of a case.
The severity of injuries in the Lyft accident is a large factor here. Generally, the more severe the accident, the more complicated the case. This is partly because the victim and their legal team must also determine what the victim’s medical future looks like and what medical bills will be associated with it. After all, this impacts the kind of settlement they’ll seek. Cases with more minor injuries may be resolved more quickly.
Any dispute over liability can make a case take longer. In other words, if the Lyft driver — or whoever the negligent party may be — immediately admits fault and accepts liability, the process can move forward. But if there’s disagreement over who may be at fault, it can take time to resolve the issue.
The insurance company negotiation process can be a lengthy ordeal. Insurance companies will always seek to pay out as little as possible, and agreeing can be time-consuming.
On the whole, simpler cases may resolve within a few months, while more complex cases can stretch on for a year or more. For more information about how long your personal injury claim may take to settle, contact us to schedule a free case evaluation.
Should I Settle My Injury Case or Go to Trial?
Deciding whether to settle or go to trial with your rideshare accident claim is a big decision that should be made in concert with your attorney.
In many personal injury cases, a settlement is the goal. Going to trial can be lengthy, time-consuming, and expensive, and many victims are looking to reach a fair settlement and move on with their lives. If the settlement offer adequately accounts for all of the victim’s losses, accepting it might make sense. Securing an injury settlement may be the wisest choice if it’s a fairly clear-cut case and liability is not disputed.
That being said, there are cases where a trial may be necessary. For one, if there’s a dispute over who is responsible for the accident that cannot be agreed upon in a settlement, going to trial may be the only option. Additionally, if the victim has sustained serious injuries that may require a lifetime of ongoing medical treatment, going to trial could result in higher compensation.
The trial is, in many ways, the high-risk, high-reward option. It’s much more strenuous and takes far longer, but it can result in higher settlements.
What Are the Recovery Options for Injured Lyft Passengers?
After an accident, there are several ways of handling claims and securing compensation, including seeking compensation through Lyft’s insurance policy and filing a claim against the at-fault driver.
Insurance coverage for Lyft accidents: First, Lyft provides fairly extensive coverage. This applies to those driving Lyft vehicles and completing or heading to a ride—Lyft’s insurance does not apply to Lyft drivers who are not logged into the Lyft app or actively working. For many victims, it may be possible to secure adequate coverage through Lyft’s liability insurance.
Filing an accident claim: Another option, depending on the details of the accident, is to file a claim against the at-fault driver. If this is a Lyft driver, they may be able to use Lyft’s insurance coverage, or they may have to go through their own company, depending on exactly when and how the accident occurred.
Accident victims may be able to recover damages for their medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and more, as well as for non-economic damages such as emotional distress and pain and suffering.
The Immediate Steps to Take After a Lyft Accident
After a Lyft accident, there are several steps accident victims should take to ensure their physical safety and prepare for a strong case in the future.
Protecting your physical safety is paramount. Get to a safe location out of harm’s way, and call 911. Remember that even if you don’t think you have any injuries, you may have some that are masked by adrenaline, so it’s important to get checked out.
Calling 911 means you’ll get needed medical care, and the police will arrive at the accident scene. A police report is an important tool in building a long case later, so give the police all relevant information. Afterward, report the accident to Lyft so they can begin processing the claim with their own insurance company.
Gathering your evidence at the scene — such as photographs and witness contact information — is a great way to set yourself up for a strong case.
Contact one of our Lyft accident attorneys as soon as possible after the collision to begin your accident claim. Remember that in Mississippi, there is generally a three-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims, so it’s wise to get started as soon as possible.
How a Jackson Rideshare Accident Lawyer Can Help You
The aftermath of a rideshare accident can be filled with things no one likes to deal with: property damage, medical expenses, organizing ongoing medical treatment, and negotiating with an insurance company. The list goes on.
This is why bringing an experienced attorney is your best path to success. Your attorney will liaise with the insurance company, gather extensive evidence to build a rock-solid case, and even protect you in court if necessary. What’s more, they will fight tirelessly to ensure that you receive the compensation for your suffering that you so richly deserve.
Contact Giddens Law Firm, P.A. today to learn how we can fight to protect your interests. We are ready and waiting to hear from you.