Understanding Lyft Accident Settlements: What You Need to Know

Summary

In the unfortunate event of a car accident involving a Lyft driver, it's important to understand how settlements work. Here's everything you need to know about Lyft accident settlements.

Lyft is arguably one of the most — if not the most — popular ridesharing services in the United States and California. In fact, in the fourth quarter of 2022, this San Francisco-based rideshare company had around 20.4 million active riders, an increase of almost 10 percent from the previous year.

However, recent studies suggest that the arrival of Uber and Lyft has led to a 3% increase in car accident fatalities overall.

If you’re involved in a Lyft car accident and pursuing injury settlements, first, you must know what influences the value of your case. Factors such as the severity of your injuries, the extent of property damage, and the level of the at-fault driver’s negligence all play a role in determining your compensation.

With our extensive experience in personal injury cases and a capable team of personal injury lawyers, Frantz Law Group can provide expert legal guidance during these challenging times.

Here’s how we can determine settlement amounts following a rideshare accident.

The Basics of Lyft Accident Claims

Navigating the aftermath of a Lyft accident can be a complex process involving a deep understanding of liability, insurance coverage, and filing a claim.

Understanding Liability

If you or a loved one are involved in a motor vehicle accident with a rideshare vehicle, the negligent driver is the liable party.

In cases where the rideshare driver is at fault and either had a Lyft passenger on board or was en route for pickup, you may be eligible for compensation from both the driver’s insurance company and Lyft’s insurance policy.

If another driver is at fault, their insurance should cover the damages.

Insurance Coverage by Lyft

Lyft provides third-party auto liability insurance designed to act as the primary coverage from when a ride request is accepted until the ride has ended.

Here’s the liability coverage depending on the state of the ride request, according to Lyft:

When the Lyft app is off

Your personal auto insurance coverage applies. If you rented a car through Express Drive, the standard insurance included applies.

When the app is on and waiting for a ride request

Lyft maintains third-party liability insurance for covered accidents if your personal insurance does not apply to at least:

There’s an exception for covered accidents in Arizona and Nebraska: “where the third-party liability insurance is $25,000/per person for bodily injury; $50,000/accident for bodily injury and $20,000/accident for property damage; consistent with state requirements.”

When the app is on and drivers are en route to pick up passengers or during rides

You can find more details on the Lyft website.

Filing a Claim

Complete an accident report to submit a claim for accident injury or damages involving a Lyft vehicle.

You must take every action to strengthen your claim, including gathering evidence at the scene, seeking immediate medical attention, and consulting with a Lyft accident lawyer.

You can negotiate your Lyft claim with the insurance company. If the Lyft accident settlement amount is too low, you can reject it.

In such cases, having an experienced team of auto accident lawyers on your side can make the difference between a fair settlement and inadequate compensation.

Our law firm has extensive experience handling personal injury cases involving Lyft accidents. Contact us for a free consultation today.

Factors Affecting Settlement Amounts

When involved in a Lyft accident, the settlement amount you may receive can be influenced by the following factors:

Extent of Injuries

More severe injuries typically result in higher medical costs, longer recovery times, and greater disruptions to your life, which can all increase the value of your claim.

In some cases, severe injuries with lifetime implications, like brain injury and even wrongful death, may warrant an amount higher than the average Lyft accident settlement.

Medical Expenses

Both current and future medical expenses are considered in a settlement. This includes costs for emergency room visits, surgeries, physical therapy, ongoing care, and any future medical needs related to your injuries.

Lost Wages and Earning Capacity

If your injuries cause you to miss work or reduce your ability to earn a living in the future, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and loss of earning capacity. This is calculated based on your income at the time of the accident and how your injuries may affect your future earning potential.

Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering, also known as non-economic damages, refer to the physical pain and emotional distress you experience as a result of the accident. These damages can be harder to quantify but are essential to most personal injury claims.

Navigating the claims process after a Lyft accident can be complex. It’s crucial to have experienced legal representation, like the Frantz Law Group, to guide you through this process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

Navigating the Claims Process

After a Lyft accident, knowing how to navigate the claims process can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Here are some critical steps to follow:

Immediate Steps Post-Accident

Immediately after an accident, safety is the priority. Ensure everyone involved is okay and call for medical help if necessary.

Contact law enforcement to report the accident. Notify Lyft about the accident through their app or website.

Documenting the Accident and Injuries

Thorough documentation is crucial for a strong claim. This includes taking pictures at the scene, getting witness statements, and keeping a detailed record of your injuries and medical treatment.

If you can, get the phone number and other contact details of the parties involved, especially the drivers and injured individuals.

Any evidence substantiating your claim will be helpful when negotiating with insurance companies.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Communicating with insurance adjusters can be tricky. They’re skilled at minimizing payouts, so be cautious about what you say and do when dealing with them.

Avoid giving recorded statements without legal advice, and don’t accept the first settlement offer without consulting a lawyer. Remember, you have the right to negotiate.

Common Challenges in Lyft Accident Claims

Filing a claim after a Lyft accident is more than just submitting a form on their website. It presents unique challenges in the aftermath of the car crash, as follows:

Disputes Over Liability

In any accident, proving who is at fault can be difficult. In the case of ride-sharing accidents, it can be even more complex due to multiple potentially liable parties, including the Lyft driver, other drivers involved, independent contractors, and Lyft as a company.

Insurance Company Tactics

Insurance companies often try to minimize the payouts they make. They may dispute the severity of your injuries, question the necessity of certain medical treatments, or even argue about who’s at fault in the accident.

It’s important to have strong evidence to support your claim and consult a lawyer before accepting any settlement offer.

Complexities of Ride-Sharing Laws

The legal landscape for ride-sharing services like Lyft constantly evolves, making a claim challenging. Laws vary significantly by state, and understanding how they apply to your case can be complex.

Remember, having an experienced legal team like the Frantz Law Group can help you navigate these challenges and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

How Frantz Law Group Can Help

The Frantz Law Group has established itself as a strong advocate for victims of car accidents, including those involving ride-sharing services like Lyft. Our expertise in personal injury law and experience dealing with complex cases can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Expertise in Lyft Accident Cases

The Frantz Law Group has a history of thorough investigation and documentation in car accident cases. This includes tracking economic and non-economic losses, crucial in Lyft accident claims. Our professional advocacy has been recognized, making them a trusted choice for victims of Lyft accidents.

Proven Track Record

The Frantz Law Group’s impressive track record speaks volumes about its effectiveness. We have successfully recovered substantial settlements for their clients. For instance, we secured $5 Million on the first day of trial for a young woman involved in a single-vehicle roll-over accident.

Comprehensive Legal Support

The Frantz Law Group offers comprehensive legal support for victims of Lyft accidents. This includes dealing with insurance companies, navigating the complexities of ride-sharing laws, and fighting for fair compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages.

Preparing for Settlement Negotiations

When it comes to settlement negotiations after a Lyft accident, understanding possible outcomes and employing strategies to maximize settlements can significantly impact your case’s outcome.

Setting Realistic Expectations

The value of a personal injury claim depends on various factors, including the severity of the injuries, the extent of the economic losses (such as medical bills and lost wages), and the impact on the victim’s quality of life.

An experienced attorney can ground your expectations and help you understand the potential range of settlements based on factors.

Strategies for Maximizing Settlements

An experienced attorney can help gather comprehensive evidence, draft a strong demand letter, and adeptly navigate the negotiation process. They can also advise when to accept a settlement offer and when to push for more.

The Frantz Law Group has a proven track record of securing substantial settlements for its clients involved in Lyft accidents. Our lawyers’ expertise in personal injury law and detailed understanding of the nuances of ride-sharing accident cases can be invaluable during settlement negotiations.

Involved in a Lyft Accident? Contact Frantz Law Group’s Skilled Personal Injury Attorneys for Expert Guidance!

Lyft takes safety seriously, ensuring all its drivers undergo comprehensive background and driving record checks. However, accidents can still occur. When they do, understanding what happens next is crucial for obtaining proper injury compensation.

The auto accident attorneys at Frantz Law Group have extensive experience in dealing with personal injury cases and can guide you through this difficult time.

Contact Frantz Law Group today for a consultation and representation. Let the expertise of our personal injury attorneys work for you in securing the best possible outcome for your case.

 

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