Car accidents can be traumatizing experiences, leaving accident victims with both serious physical injuries and immense emotional distress. They can also be expensive: medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and more can pile up after a car accident, adding a financial burden to an already stressful situation.
The situation takes on another layer of complexity if you have been in a Lyft car accident. When a large company like Lyft is involved, what does the legal process look like? How can you receive compensation for your losses? And when you do, what kind of compensation will it be? It’s important to speak with an Easton Lyft accident lawyer to learn what compensation is available following a Lyft accident in Easton.
How Much Compensation Could I Receive in a Lyft Accident?
There is no way to provide an accurate compensation estimate without knowing the case details, but generally, the more severe the damage, the more compensation a Lyft accident victim can expect. Whether through the insurance company or a personal injury claim, compensation is intended for all the victim’s losses, financial losses like lost wages and medical expenses, or emotional losses like pain and suffering. Therefore, the greater these losses are, the greater the amount of compensation a Lyft accident victim can expect.
In most car accident cases, insurance is the first line of defense. An insurance claim will be filed with the at-fault driver’s insurance provider, who will then assign a claims adjuster to the case. They will investigate the case, assess all damage, and then negotiate. Often, the situation can be resolved at this stage. But if it cannot, a lawsuit may become necessary, and the victim can seek compensation by filing a personal injury suit.
What Types of Compensation Are Available After a Lyft Accident in Easton?
When victims seek compensation after an Uber or Lyft accident, they’re essentially asking to be compensated for all of the losses they’ve incurred due to the accident. These losses and the accompanying damages are divided into two categories: economic and non-economic.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are those that have a specific monetary value. The victims may need medical treatment after any car accidents caused by Lyft drivers. They may need to take some time off work to heal and recover, resulting in a loss of income. Their vehicle may have sustained damages. They may have sustained such serious injuries that they cannot return to work for the foreseeable future or may have to do a different kind of work with a lower earning capacity.
All of these costs—lost wages, medical expenses and bills, and property damage—fall into economic damages. These things, like medical bills and future expenses, have a specific and indisputable monetary value.
Non-Economic Damages
Motor vehicle accidents often leave victims with more than just physical scars — they can cause huge amounts of emotional distress, pain and suffering, even PTSD or depression. Unlike economic damages, these losses don’t necessarily have a specific monetary value, but they’re still painful losses deserving of compensation and fall under the umbrella of noneconomic damages. Car accident lawyers are skilled at evaluating every element of a Lyft car accident to ensure that these losses are properly accounted for.
If you or a loved one have experienced an Uber or Lyft accident and want to explore your legal options, do not hesitate to contact a car accident lawyer for guidance. Working with an experienced Lyft car accident lawyer is one of the greatest tools for seeking compensation and justice.
What is the Insurance Coverage With Lyft?
As with any car accident, insurance and personal auto insurance coverage play a large role in accidents involving an Uber or Lyft driver. Victims will first attempt to resolve the situation after a car accident and secure maximum compensation through their available insurance coverage. In many cases, this is enough. However, there are cases in which the insurance policies at play are not enough to match the victim’s losses, and in those situations, filing a personal injury lawsuit is an option to consider.
It’s important to understand Lyft’s liability insurance coverage. The insurance Lyft offers is divided into three categories based on what phase the ride is in:
The App Is Off
When the app is off, Lyft offers no coverage for accidents. This means that if a Lyft driver gets into a car accident while driving their Lyft vehicle but the Lyft app was off at the time of the accident, the driver will use their auto insurance coverage to deal with any related costs.
The App Is On, Lyft Driver Awaiting Ride Request
When the app is on but the Lyft driver has not yet accepted a ride request, “Lyft maintains third-party liability insurance for covered accidents if the driver’s insurance does not apply if at least”:
- $50,000/person for bodily injury
- $100,000/accident for bodily injury
- $25,000/accident for property damage
The Ride is Underway
When a ride is underway, the following liability coverage applies:
- At least $1,000,000 for third-party auto liability
- First-party coverages may include uninsured motorist coverage, underinsured motorist coverage, PIP, MedPay, and/or Occupational Accident coverage.
If a driver obtains comprehensive and collision coverage on their auto policy, Lyft then maintains contingent comprehensive and collision coverage up to the actual cash value of the car ($2,500 deductible)
When Should I File A Personal Injury Claim Against Lyft?
Often, Lyft accidents can be resolved through insurance, whether that’s Lyft’s liability or the driver’s personal insurance coverage. However, there are cases where an insurance policy provides inadequate coverage, and a victim may consider filing a lawsuit and seeking a personal injury settlement. But when is this a wise action for your rideshare accident claim?
Typically, after a car accident, your car accident lawyer will review your case in great detail and affix it with a value. However, the insurance company will also review all the details of the car crash and come up with their valuation. Accepting the settlement may be wise if this valuation is fair and similar to what you and your attorney have come up with. However, filing a lawsuit may make more sense if the insurance company’s valuation is far lower.
What Steps To Take After a Lyft Accident in Easton, PA?
It’s important to take some key steps after an Easton Lyft accident as soon as possible to secure maximum compensation after accidents involving rideshare companies. These are essential to preserve your safety and set you up for success as you seek compensation.
First and foremost, seek medical attention. Your health and well-being are more important than anything else, and if you have been in a rideshare accident, you should ensure you get the appropriate medical treatment as soon as possible. Then, call the police and have them come to the scene.
Exchange relevant information with the Lyft driver or any other drivers involved. This includes contact information, insurance information, and their license plate.
Take photographs of the scene. This can later be used as evidence in your Lyft accident claim.
One of the next steps all victims should take is to contact a Lyft accident lawyer. Lyft accident cases can be complex- you’re negotiating not only with the individuals involved but also with Lyft and Lyft’s insurance company. Rideshare companies tend to have many legal resources, and working with an experienced accident lawyer is one of the best ways to ensure you secure a fair settlement.
It’s also important to contact your insurance company immediately after any Lyft accidents to start the claims process. Even if you are not the at-fault driver, your insurance may play a role, so it’s important to let them know an accident happened.
How Can An Easton Lyft Accident Lawyer Help Me?
Uber and Lyft accidents can affect victims in a myriad of ways. From physical injuries to emotional turmoil and everything in between, car accidents leave a lasting impact on everyone involved. In addition to all this, victims of Uber and Lyft accidents may find themselves without an income, facing a stack of medical bills, and unsure how to proceed. Our job is to fight for justice and a fair settlement, ensuring that the at-fault driver is held accountable and you are compensated for the losses and suffering you’ve experienced.
Your car accident lawyer will help establish and prove fault in the accident, whether that means showing that distracted driving occurred, that the Lyft driver was speeding, or something else entirely. They will gather evidence, including police reports, witness statements, photographs of the scene, and more, to build a strong case for you.
Your accident lawyer will negotiate with the relevant insurance providers, never letting you accept a lower settlement than you deserve. Sometimes, insurance adjusters will even attempt to pressure victims into admitting some degree of fault—your attorney will handle these conversations to ensure that doesn’t happen.
If the parties involved cannot agree on a fair Lyft accident settlement, a trial may become necessary, and your lawyer can also protect you there.
Your lawyer will protect you every step of the way, navigating this complex legal process so that you can focus on what you need to focus on recovering physically and mentally and getting back to the life you love.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how your car accident lawyer can fight for you.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a car accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver, contact us today. Our law firm is renowned in the region for securing wonderful settlements for our clients, and our Client Victories page speaks for itself.
What’s more, we are a family business. That means that when you work with our law firm, you’re not just a number or a name on a file. You’re a person who deserves respect, attention, and dedication. We will work tirelessly to secure you the justice and the compensation you deserve.
Don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can protect your interests.
