In 2019, there were nearly 6,000 rideshare accidents in Georgia, with many resulting in injuries. Rideshare accident claims in Georgia have gotten even more difficult, as companies like Uber and Lyft have used their political power to protect themselves. You need an experienced Athens Lyft accident lawyer like Ruppersburg Injury & Accident Attorneys to fight for you.
Steps To Take After a Lyft Accident
Report the accident to both law enforcement and Lyft’s insurance company. The police would write an accident report that could be used as part of the basis for your claim (even though it is not admissible to prove an accident). When you speak to Lyft’s insurance company, be careful about how much you tell them about the accident.
Seek medical attention for your injuries and have them treated and diagnosed. Your medical records will be crucial to quantify the value of your damages and prove them to the insurance company or in court.
Seek help from an experienced Lyft accident attorney as soon as possible. While you have a legal right to financial compensation for your injuries if someone else is to blame, insurance companies will look to avoid paying out compensation.
Understanding Liability in Lyft Accidents
In general, someone will owe you damages if their negligence caused your injuries. You would need to prove they did something that would be considered unreasonable under the circumstances. Liability in a Lyft accident can depend on what your role was at the time of the crash.
If you are an injured passenger in the Lyft car, either the Lyft driver or the motorist in the other vehicle involved in the crash would be responsible. There may be a scenario in which they share liability for the accident.
If you are another motorist who was injured in a collision with the Lyft operator, you would need to prove that the Lyft driver was to blame for the accident.
How Much Is the Average Lyft Settlement?
Personal injury damages are unique to you and your situation and are based entirely on the scope and extent of your injuries. You are entitled to be paid for both the actual financial losses suffered and for how your injuries have affected you.
Your Lyft settlement damages could include money for the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Emotional distress
While it is up to you to negotiate compensation with Lyft’s insurance company, they are likely not going to pay you damages without a fight. They may only listen to you fully if you approach them with an experienced rideshare accident attorney.
Recovering Damages After a Lyft Accident in Athens
In a large majority of cases, you cannot sue Lyft itself for your accident injuries. Lyft drivers operate as independent contractors, although many states are beginning to crack down on how the rideshare companies classify their drivers. You can only sue Lyft in extreme circumstances, such as if you were sexually assaulted by a driver.
That said, you are not without legal options if you have been hurt in a Lyft accident. The company provides its drivers with an insurance policy to cover damages they cause when transporting passengers. Depending on the phase of the rideshare process when the accident occurred, there may be up to $300,000 of coverage for injuries. Given the low amount of coverage, you may need to proceed directly against the driver, who would be personally liable for any additional damages.
If there is an accident, you submit a claim to Lyft’s insurance company. Their insurance company may make a low settlement offer that attempts to get you to sign over your legal rights for pennies on the dollar.
If they do not offer you enough money in a settlement, you can file a lawsuit and have a jury decide the matter. While most claims will eventually settle without the need for a trial, an experienced attorney who knows how to negotiate with an insurance company is a strong ally to have throughout the process.
How Long Do I Have To File a Claim for a Lyft Accident?
In Georgia, you have two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit in court. This also serves as a limit for the amount of time you have to file an insurance claim. This is known as the statute of limitations, a firm and strict deadline.
Do not fall into the trap of thinking you have two years to take action and delay doing so. It gets harder to prove and win any type of personal injury case when you wait too long to begin the legal process. You should call an attorney immediately after your injury.
Contact an Athens Lyft Accident Lawyer
Attorney Michael Ruppersburg has worked in the local area and passionately believes in establishing and defending the legal rights of those who have been injured by someone else’s carelessness. He will not let Lyft’s insurance company off the hook until they have done what is right by you. Call or message us to schedule a free initial consultation.
