A study done by the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) indicated that one out of three rideshare drivers who were surveyed had been in a car accident while working. Lyft accident-related claims have several key issues that should not be ignored. Your case can be significantly impacted by the rideshare laws and insurance policies of your state. Having the right evidence would strengthen your claim.
According to a Marietta Lyft passenger accidents lawyer, the law is slowly catching up with the evolving methods of transportation. There are rules and standards in place to help people who have been injured in Uber or Lyft accidents get the compensation and assistance they need. You can take legal action with the help of a qualified rideshare accident lawyer.
What steps can the injured party take in protecting his or her rights? This article will highlight the factors you need to account for before filing a lawsuit for a rideshare accident.
The importance of rideshare laws would rarely enter your mind during your trip with Lyft or Uber. Every state has a different set of rules about insurance coverage, driver’s backgrounds, and vehicle requirements.
According to Murphy Law Firm, rideshare accidents have unique complexities that are not involved in other types of motor vehicle accidents, including dealing with commercial insurance companies. A rideshare driver or the company that hires them needs primary auto insurance that recognizes the driver as a transportation network company (TNC) driver who uses the car for business.
Rideshare companies must abide by these laws to operate and keep their passengers and drivers safe. Knowing your rights and obligations after an accident can be affected by these laws.
For instance, accident liability is affected by them being regarded as contractors versus employees. Being familiar with your local laws will help you go through the consequences after an incident.
Determining Liability in a Lyft Accident
The driver, other motorists, and even the rideshare company may face many different kinds of liability.
Determine if the Lyft driver complied with the traffic laws. If the driver was distracted or behaving erratically, then the liability for the accident will be on the driver. If the accident was caused by another driver, you have a valid legal claim against the offending driver.
Applying Lyft policies will be important, especially if the driver was logged into the app at the time. Study your laws in your state related to rideshare liability since it may affect how liability is determined and who should pay for the damages.
Gathering Evidence and Documentation
Strong evidence and documentation must be compiled promptly after a Lyft accident.
Copies of police reports or witness statements will further strengthen your case. The more information regarding the Lyft driver and any other party or parties involved, the better.
Receipts for expenses related to the accident should be kept in a secure place. You can use these documents to show liability and how the accident has affected your life.
A case can be strengthened if a lawyer has more information to formulate an appropriate legal strategy.
Insurance Considerations for Rideshare Accidents
Normally, Lyft drivers carry a personal auto policy, yet additional coverage is provided by ride-share companies while the rides are in progress. The driver’s insurance should be checked before anything else, in case something happens.
Lyft offers liability coverage up to $1 million to cover damages and injuries that might have arisen when the app was open and running. You may have to make an insurance claim or initiate a lawsuit against the driver if he or she is not insured.
Keep in mind, insurance companies may deny your claims. Complete documentation can help you obtain a successful claim. Auto accident claims in a rideshare setting require an expert legal person to guide you successfully.
Important Timelines and Legal Deadlines
Keep track of dates and timelines in the case of a Lyft accident.
Most states give a two-year time frame from the time of the accident to sue for damages. Once you miss this deadline for filing a case, you lose the chance to receive compensation for the accident.
Always report the incident quickly to the insurer and Lyft since they typically permit only a limited time in which to do so.
Engage a lawyer before commencing a claim and find out if you’ve even missed important deadlines for evidence gathering and document filing.
Being organized and acting promptly will only help your case and will considerably improve your chances of winning.
and Canada 
