Lyft Accident Lawyer in Carbondale
Rideshare services like Lyft are a modern convenience and a popular alternative to public transportation. When you need a ride, Lyft can pick you up. But if you get into an accident in a Lyft, they might leave you to fend for yourself. A Lyft accident lawyer can make sure you get the help you need and the compensation you deserve from the at-fault parties, including Lyft.
Because Lyft considers itself a tech company (not a transportation company) and its drivers are independent contractors (not employees) it can be difficult to hold the company accountable for its drivers’ actions. But if you find yourself in this situation, you don’t need to worry – fighting for victims’ rights is what we do best.
Since 1959, Munley Law has fought for the legal rights of people in Carbondale and throughout Pennsylvania. We have built a nationwide reputation as some of the most successful and knowledgeable personal injury lawyers in the industry, especially when it comes to cases involving commercial insurance policies. Let us put our experience, resources, and network to work for you.
The initial consultation with our law firm is free, so you risk nothing by reaching out to us for advice. Contact Munley Law today for a free consultation, and begin the process of collecting the compensation that is rightfully yours.
Types of Lyft Crashes in Carbondale
While Lyft drivers undergo background checks and other safety protocols, they are just as susceptible to causing a traffic accident as anyone else. If you find yourself involved in a crash with a Lyft driver, it can be confusing as to how to proceed. The right course of action will depend on the circumstances of your accident.
Did one of these situations happen to you?
I was hurt in an accident in Carbondale as a passenger in a Lyft
If you were a Lyft passenger and suffered injuries in a crash, you have the right to seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance. This is true whether your driver collided with another vehicle or a stationary object like a barrier or a tree. The source of your compensation will depend on whether the accident was caused by your Lyft driver, or caused by another driver.
I was driving my own car and was hit by a Lyft driver
If you were driving your vehicle and the driver who hit you happened to be a Lyft driver, you have the right to seek compensation from the driver and/or from Lyft, depending on the circumstances of the crash.
I was hit by a Lyft as a pedestrian
As a pedestrian in Pennsylvania, you have the right to sue the driver who hit you for your economic damages and pain and suffering. While Pennsylvania drivers are bound by a tort option on their auto insurance policy when it comes to suing for damages, pedestrians are automatically considered to have “full tort,” regardless of their personal- insurance coverage.
I am a Lyft driver who was hit by another vehicle
If you were struck by another vehicle while you were driving for Lyft and you suffered injuries, you have the same rights as anyone else to seek compensation from the at-fault party. In addition, you may also be covered by Lyft’s insurance coverage if your auto insurance policy does not cover your injuries.
No matter the circumstances of your Lyft accident, the Carbondale personal injury lawyers at Munley Law can help you get the compensation you deserve. We have decades of experience winning complex cases against commercial transportation companies and individual drivers alike.
Who Pays for a Lyft Rideshare Accident in Carbondale?
If you were hurt in an accident for which a Lyft driver was at fault, who is responsible for paying your damages? The driver, the rideshare company, or both? Because Pennsylvania is a no-fault insurance state, you first look to your auto insurance for compensation. Pennsylvania drivers are required to carry personal injury protection or “PIP” coverage. However, likely, this coverage will not be enough to cover your medical expenses in a serious accident. You would then look to the at-fault party’s insurance.
Insurance Coverage in a Carbondale Lyft Crash
Lyft drivers are required to hold their own personal auto insurance policies, but they are not required to have a commercial policy. Personal auto insurance policies do not provide coverage while the vehicle is being used in a commercial capacity – such as transporting passengers. Lyft also provides coverage of up to $1,000,000, but it only applies under certain circumstances.
Insurance coverage in a Lyft accident is complicated. Whether or not the rideshare company will provide coverage typically depends on the Lyft driver’s status at the time they were involved in a crash.
The driver was off-duty – If the driver who caused your accident was a Lyft driver but they were not logged into the app at the time of the crash, you would most likely proceed with a car accident claim as you would with any other driver. You may seek compensation from the at-fault driver and their personal auto insurance, but Lyft will not provide coverage.
The driver was on-duty and waiting for a ride – If the Lyft driver was logged into the app but had not yet accepted a ride request at the time of your crash, Lyft provides a limited amount of coverage. Lyft’s insurance policy will cover up to $50,000 in bodily injury per person, $100,000 in bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 in property damage.
The driver was on-duty and transporting a passenger or en route – If the Lyft driver responsible for your accident was logged into the app and was transporting a passenger, or had accepted a ride and was en route to pick up a passenger, then they are likely covered by Lyft’s liability insurance for up to one million dollars.
Causes of Lyft Accidents in Carbondale, PA
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are becoming more and more integrated into everyday life. A Pew Research Center survey from 2019 found that 36% of U.S. adults reported having used a rideshare service; among people ages 18-29, that number increased to 51%.
As Lyft becomes more common, passengers should be aware of their rights in case of an accident.
Lyft accidents happen for a number of reasons:
Lyft crashes caused by driver distraction
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car crashes nationwide, and Lyft drivers are not immune. Eating, drinking, texting, conversing with passengers, using navigation, and even hands-free phone conversations all take one’s attention from the task of driving. One may argue that Lyft drivers are especially susceptible to distraction behind the wheel because of their job. Lyft drivers only make money when they have a passenger, so they are always incentivized to be thinking about the next ride. The transaction takes place in the Lyft mobile app, so careless drivers may attempt to engage with the app while driving. And, Lyft drivers rely heavily on GPS to get their passengers to their desired destination.
Lyft accidents caused by driver fatigue
Again, while drowsy driving is common, rideshare drivers may be especially susceptible. People who drive for Lyft often do so as a second or third job. They may work late night shifts when the demand for rides is higher. Lack of sleep can impair driving performance and reaction time as much as alcohol.
Speeding or reckless driving
Speed is a factor in a majority of fatal and serious car accidents. Excessive speed not only makes an accident more likely but also more destructive. A difference of just 10 miles per hour can be the difference between life and death. Lyft drivers, who are under pressure to get to the next passenger as fast as possible, may speed and cut corners to do so.
Lyft accidents caused by other drivers
Of course, not every crash involving a Lyft vehicle is the Lyft driver’s fault. If you were a passenger in a Lyft in Carbondale and were injured in an accident caused by another motorist who was distracted, intoxicated, speeding or driving aggressively, or otherwise negligent, you have the right to seek compensation.
An experienced Lyft accident lawyer at Munley Law will perform a thorough investigation of your accident to accurately determine the cause of the crash, identify all responsible parties, and prove your case.
Carbondale Lyft Accident FAQs
Can I sue Lyft for an accident?
Because Lyft’s drivers are considered independent contractors instead of employees, you cannot sue Lyft for the reckless actions of their drivers. In most cases, you will file your claim against the at-fault driver and seek compensation from their insurance or the coverage provided by Lyft. However, there are situations where you may be able to file a lawsuit against the rideshare company directly. For example, if you believe Lyft was negligent in hiring an inexperienced or unqualified driver, or ignoring safety complaints against the driver who caused your accident, you may be able to hold the company responsible. The best way to find out what your options are and who can be held liable in your case is to consult with a Lyft accident lawyer at Munley Law. The consultation is free, and we don’t collect a fee at all unless we win your case.
How much will I receive in damages for a Lyft accident in Carbondale?
A serious Lyft car accident in Carbondale can leave you with a heap of unexpected costs: medical bills, time away from work, and more. Even if you have health insurance, you still may find yourself facing high payments you incurred through no fault of your own. A Lyft injury lawsuit can help you recover compensation for these costs.
When you file a Lyft accident lawsuit, “damages” is another term for the financial compensation you can be awarded. Plaintiffs (victims) in a personal injury lawsuit may seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages.
- Economic damages include bills for emergency care, hospital bills, prescriptions, and other treatment. Economic damages also refer to lost wages and lost earning power if your injuries have affected your ability to work.
- Non-economic damages include more subjective and abstract losses for which you can claim compensation: emotional trauma, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment, loss of companionship, and pain and suffering.
How do you put a dollar figure on pain and suffering?
Every case is different, and your compensation will depend on the severity of your injuries and the ways they have affected your life. Sometimes, adjusters will use the multiplier method to calculate damages for pain and suffering by multiplying your medical costs by a number between 1.5 and 4.
The amount of money you receive in damages will depend on several factors, including your age, your occupation, the costs of your medical bills and future medical care, the full extent of your injuries, and more. A Lyft accident lawyer at Munley Law will work with medical and economic experts to calculate the maximum amount of compensation you deserve.
What should I do after a Lyft accident in Carbondale?
Getting into a Lyft accident is unexpected and scary. You might be confused as to what to do next. What happens if you don’t have your own auto insurance? Will the Lyft driver or Lyft itself be responsible for your damages? Who should you report the accident to? How will you cover your medical bills, or the damages to your own vehicle?
- First and foremost, get the medical treatment you need. That goes for any other passengers who were hurt in the accident as well. Some injuries are invisible or hard to diagnose without seeing a doctor, so it’s best to get checked out by a medical professional. Furthermore, waiting to get the treatment you need can damage your future claim.
- Call the police from the scene of the accident. If emergency responders aren’t called to the scene, be sure to call and report your accident to the police. Even if your injuries and the damages don’t seem significant at that moment, complications can arise later. If there is no police report of the accident, your case will suffer.
- If you can, take photos of the scene. Get names and contact information for any witnesses.
Document every doctor visit, time missed from work, and all expenses related to your accident. - Report the accident to Lyft, and to your own insurance if you were driving your car, but do not speak with the insurance provider of the Lyft driver. Let a lawyer handle any statements and negotiations on your behalf.
- Contact a Lyft accident lawyer. An experienced Carbondale Lyft accident lawyer will not only give you sound advice but will also take the necessary steps to make sure you receive the money you need to recoup your losses. As noted previously, insurance coverage in a Lyft accident can be complicated. A Lyft accident lawyer can demystify the process and identify all possible sources of recovery.
What are the safety requirements for a Lyft driver in Carbondale?
Lyft provides a set of requirements for drivers who wish to become Lyft drivers in Pennsylvania. Drivers must have a valid driver’s license and be 25 years of age or older. They must pass a driver screening which includes a background check and a review of past driving history. They must have a 4-door vehicle that is 2008 or newer and has fewer than 350,000 miles on the odometer. Drivers must also have valid documentation of their personal auto insurance, vehicle registration, and a current vehicle inspection sticker.
Lyft imposes drive-mode time limits for their drivers to mitigate the risk of driver fatigue-related accidents. Lyft drivers must take a break for six consecutive hours for every 12 hours in driver mode.
Lyft has a zero-tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol for their drivers.
What kind of lawyer do I need for a Carbondale Lyft accident?
Lyft lawsuits are still relatively new, and not all car accident lawyers have experience with these cases – especially in a small community like Carbondale. It is important that you find a lawyer who has handled cases against Lyft and is familiar with the unique complications these cases can involve.
The Carbondale injury lawyers at Munley Law have decades of experience winning multimillion-dollar car accident settlements for people in Lackawanna County, and we have handled cases against national companies including Lyft. To find out more about how our lawyers can help you, schedule an appointment for a free consultation with a Lyft accident attorney at Munley Law.
What is the statute of limitations for a Lyft accident?
Whether you were a passenger injured in a Lyft, a driver involved in a collision with a Lyft, or a pedestrian hit by a Lyft driver, the statute of limitations for a car accident injury case is two years from the date of the incident. This means you have two years to file a lawsuit. What many people don’t realize, however, is the vast amount of work that must be done before a lawsuit can be filed in court. This means that it is in your best interest to contact a lawyer to get the process started as soon as possible. The contingent fee agreement – no fee unless we win – protects you from financial risk in pursuing your case. If your claim is not successful, you owe us nothing.
Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys
41 N. Main St.,
Carbondale, PA 18407
(570)280-2502
