Reading Lyft Accident Lawyer

Personal Injury Lawyers / Reading Personal Injury Lawyer / Reading Lyft Accident Lawyer

Were you or a loved one injured in a Lyft accident in the Reading area and need help pursuing compensation for your medical bills? The Reading Lyft accident lawyers of Munley Law are here to protect your interests and ensure you get the compensation you need to move forward during this trying time.

With more people depending on rideshare programs for their daily commute, accidents are bound to happen and when they do, you need a law firm you can trust. For a no-obligation, free consultation, contact the Reading Lyft accident lawyers of Munley Law today.

You don’t pay unless we win, so there is nothing to lose.

Lyft Car Accidents in Reading

While rideshare apps like Lyft offer beneficial opportunities to drivers and riders alike since their emergence in the 2010s, it has also had a direct impact on the number of traffic fatalities. Studies suggest that traffic fatalities have increased by about three percent annually since the introduction of ridesharing services across the United States. In fact, in 2010, Berks County reported 4,466 crashes while in 2021 they reported 4,911. A slight increase, but as one of the most populated counties in the state, a significant shift.

But how is this the case when rideshare services were meant to help ease the burden on roadways and give people the option to call for a safe ride home instead of engaging in reckless behavior like drunk driving?

Causes of Lyft Accidents

While rideshare drivers do undergo background checks to make sure they are safe on the roadways, they still are not immune to human error behind the wheel. It is reported that many drivers depend on their rideshare earnings as their primary source of income, with many working more than 35 hours a week.

Because of driver error, the causes of Lyft accidents are similar to other car accidents including:

• Distracted Driving: Lyft drivers have more distractions behind the wheel than other roadway users. They must be mindful of the Lyft app telling them where their next passengers are located, where they’re going, and how to get to the next location. In addition, passengers may try to engage in conversations with the driver, which can lead to inattention on the roadway. This is particularly dangerous as rideshares are most heavily used during peak traffic hours and late at night.
• Reckless Driving: Be it driver fatigue or speeding, reckless driving remains one of the leading causes of car accidents nationwide. While utilizing rideshare services cuts down on intoxicated drivers behind the wheel, Lyft drivers may still engage in reckless behaviors.
• Traveling Unfamiliar Roads: Navigating unfamiliar roadways in and of itself is not dangerous, but when you couple it with long hours behind the wheel, poor road conditions, and driver distractions, it can increase the likelihood of a wreck.
• Unsafe Locations: More often than not, a Lyft driver will not find an actual parking spot to do pick-up and drop-off and will likely improvise a location such as a main road, or an obstructed intersection. Not only can doing this be dangerous for the Lyft driver but for other drivers, passengers, or pedestrians.
• Mechanical Failure: While Lyft drivers must submit initial vehicle inspections, that doesn’t mean those cars will be maintained for all of their usage. Because of this, mechanical failures can also lead to Reading Lyft accidents.
• Assault: Unfortunately, you don’t always know who is behind the wheel of your Lyft. In some cases, the driver may not be as safe as they seem. Some rideshare platforms have reported assaults of passengers and drivers alike, which have in severe cases resulted in death.

Reading Lyft Driver Requirements

To drive for Lyft in Pennsylvania, there are certain requirements drivers must abide by. In addition to an approved application, drivers must have the following:

• Vehicle requirements: The vehicle must be 2008 or newer with less than 350,000 miles. It must also be a four-door, with seatbelts, cannot be a rental, nor titled as salvage, non-repairable, rebuilt, or any other equivalent classification.
• Driver requirements: Drivers must have a valid driver’s license and be 25 years or older to drive. Lyft drivers are required to pass a screening that also reviews driving history and a criminal background check.
• Technology requirements: Drivers must have a smartphone that can operate the Lyft app.

In addition to the requirements to get on the road, Lyft also has break and behind-the-wheel limitations. Though drivers can exit “driver mode” at any time, they must follow the safety protocols in place. This includes taking a full, uninterrupted 6-hour break for every 12 hours in driver mode. These 12 hours do not have to be consecutive.

What Should I Do After A Lyft Accident in Reading?

Following a Lyft accident, there are a few things you as a passenger or other motorist should do to protect your claim.

First, you will need to report the accident to the police by calling 911. Then, you will want to report it to the rideshare company, typically at the scene of the accident. These reports can be made directly in the Lyft app.

Then, you need to seek medical treatment. Even if you feel as though you have not sustained any injuries, it is best to be checked out by a medical professional as many car accident injuries do not appear immediately. You will need to keep all documentation of the accident and resulting medical care for your claim. This can include medical reports, bills, prescriptions given, treatment, rehabilitation, etc.

Finally, you will want to contact a Reading Lyft accident lawyer at Munley Law. Here we can review your claim, determine the best course of action, and begin the process of recovering compensation for your losses.

Be forewarned–Lyft and the insurance companies will try to speak with you regarding the accident as soon as possible but you do not have to give any information, make a statement, or accept a claim until you have met with a personal injury lawyer from Munley Law.

Can I Get Compensated For My Lyft Accident?

You may think you are limited in your compensation options because the accident was in a Lyft ride. However, you may have multiple means of financial recovery.

Lyft maintains certain forms of coverage depending on what mode the driver is in on the app. When the app is off, the driver’s personal auto insurance applies. When the app is on and waiting for a ride request, Lyft maintains third-party liability insurance for accidents if the driver’s personal insurance does not apply to at least:

• $50,000/person for bodily injury
• $100,000/accident for bodily injury
• $25,000/accident for property damage

Lyft also has coverage for when the app is on and drivers are about to pick up passengers or are in the middle of a ride. This includes:

• At least $1,000,000 for third-party auto liability
• First-party coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage, underinsured motorist coverage, PIP, MedPay, and/or Occupational Accident coverage
• For drivers with comprehensive and collision coverage on their personal auto policy, Lyft holds contingent comprehensive and collision coverage up to the actual cash value of the car with a $2,500 deductible

What this means for passengers is that there may be a variety of avenues for compensation recovery. Knowing when the accident occurred and what mode the driver was in is critical to your recovery options.

What types of compensation are available for Lyft accident victims?

There are two types of compensation you may receive after a Lyft accident; economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages are any monetary losses you may have incurred following an accident. This includes but is not limited to medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and diminished earning potential.

Non-economic damages are non-monetary losses victims sustain. Because these losses do not have a true monetary value, how much they are worth is more subjective. Non-monetary damages may cover losses related to pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment, loss of consortium, and mental anguish.

If you were in a Lyft accident and sustained injuries, Munley Law is here to help. Contact our Lyft accident attorneys today for a free consultation.

What is the average Lyft settlement??

The average Lyft settlement will ultimately depend on the facts of your specific claim. Some cases can be upwards of one million dollars depending on the severity of your injuries. Conditions that impact the value of your Lyft settlement include:

• The severity of your injuries
• Total cost of medical expenses
• Loss of income
• Property damage
• Wrongful death

The more severe the injuries sustained, the greater the compensation you may be able to recover.

How Long Does it Take Lyft to Investigate an Accident?

Several factors will determine how long it will take Lyft to investigate your accident. In most cases, it will take six or more months to settle a Lyft accident claim. But, with help from a Lyft accident lawyer, a settlement can be reached in weeks following negotiations.

It is important to know that Lyft has 40 days to provide you with communication about your accident claim. This first settlement offer will likely not be enough to cover your losses. But it is a good starting point to begin negotiating with the insurance companies for more financial assistance.

Remember that you can continue to negotiate a settlement for as long as needed, but if you accept a settlement, you are barred from further compensation.

If your accident did not result in severe injuries and damages, your settlement will also be quicker. Further, if the claim is only resulting in property damage and loss of wages, these negotiations will go faster as they have a clear monetary value associated with them.

Knowing how long it will take a Lyft investigation to occur can be complicated, but Munley Law can help.

Lyft Accident FAQs

Were you or a loved one injured while utilizing Lyft rideshares? The Reading Lyft accident lawyers at Munley Law are here to answer your questions regarding rideshare accidents and what your options are for financial recovery.

How do I find a Lyft accident lawyer near me?

Finding an attorney who can help you during one of the most stressful times of your life can be a challenge. With so many law firms claiming to be experts, who can you trust? At Munley Law, we only put forth our very best efforts to bring you the compassion and care you need to move forward.

If you are wondering, how do I find a Lyft accident lawyer near me, take a look at the following tips.

• Know when you need to hire a lawyer. If your Lyft accident claim is based purely on property damage and lost wages of a minor amount, you may be able to handle the claim on your own. However, if your case focuses on more substantial losses such as severe injury, you may need to hire a lawyer to represent you.
• Find the best in your area. When looking for a lawyer, you need to know what makes a good one. Focus on elements such as experience, professionalism, communication, education, and compassion. If you feel like you can’t trust your lawyer or don’t feel like you can talk to them, it’s probably best to continue your search.
• Make sure the firm specializes in your specific needs. If your car accident lawyer has never handled cases involving rideshare companies like Lyft, you don’t want to be the guinea pig client. Instead, ask prospective lawyers about their track record with these types of claims.
• Know where to search. There are a variety of legal resources available to find lawyers near you. Be sure to check out those directories as well as the websites for the specific firms you may be interested in. Reviews and testimonials can tell you a lot about the team you are interested in.
• Ask your circle of friends and family. Chances are, someone you know has worked with a few of the local law firms in your area. Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations but don’t spread the specifics of your case out–you never know who is listening and what can be used against you.
• Ask the right questions. Once you’ve narrowed down your search, have a list of questions ready for those initial meetings. If the firm can’t provide you with general information, you’ll know it’s time to look elsewhere.

Why do I need to hire a Lyft accident attorney?

No one can make you hire an accident attorney. However, there are many benefits to doing so.

First, a Lyft accident lawyer can investigate your claim and work with professionals in the field who can help establish negligence and start building out your claim. This includes gathering evidence, contacting witnesses, and more.

Once all of the necessary evidence has been collected and negligence has been established, your legal team can calculate the total value of your losses. This includes factors such as:

• Severity of injuries
• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Wrongful death

In many cases, Lyft will not want to take the claim to court, so your legal team can handle negotiations on your behalf, ensuring you get the compensation needed to move forward.

But, if the rideshare company is not cooperating with your lawyer, a rideshare accident attorney can represent you in the trial until a verdict is reached that most benefits you.

How can a Lyft rideshare accident lawyer help?

A Lyft rideshare accident lawyer can help you in the claims process against a Lyft driver or the company as a whole by establishing liability. Many parties may be held liable in your Reading Lyft accident including:

• The Lyft driver
• The driver of another vehicle
• Bicyclist
• Pedestrian
• Lyft
• Government or agency in charge of maintaining traffic signals, road maintenance, etc.
• Car manufacturer
• Mechanic

It is important to note that Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that if you are less than 51 percent at fault, you can seek compensation from the liable party. But if you are more than 51 percent at fault, you cannot recover compensation.

This is why it’s important to have a Reading Lyft accident lawyer by your side to help you establish liability and negotiations on your behalf.

To prove negligence, Munley Law will establish:

• The defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care.
• The defendant breached their duty in some way.
• The defendant’s actions resulted in a crash that caused you to suffer injuries.
• As a result of your injuries, you suffered economic and noneconomic damages.

How can I protect my Lyft accident claim?

If you were involved in a Lyft accident in Reading, there are a few steps you can take to preserve the integrity of your claim.

The first step is to request a copy of the accident report from the police. The police report should detail what occurred during the accident, and who they suspect was to blame. You’ll also want to get any witness testimony if others were present at the time of the wreck along with their contact information. If you are able, also secure evidence from the scene such as photos and videos. This will help recreate the scene if necessary.

Next, keep a record of any injuries sustained, medical treatment received, and a log of all medical bills accumulated. This will be important when calculating your damages.

Finally, don’t accept a settlement from Lyft or the insurance companies until you call Munley Law.

Injured in a Rideshare Accident? Call the Reading Lyft Car Accident Lawyers of Munley Law Today.

At Munley Law, we pride ourselves in the fact that our clients can count on us for compassionate and trustworthy representation. We have recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for people involved in rideshare accidents and we can do the same for you.

For a no-obligation, free consultation, contact the Reading Lyft accident attorneys of Munley Law or by visiting us online. Our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis which means you owe us nothing until we reach a settlement or verdict on your behalf.