Lyft Accident Lawyer in Rockwall, TX

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Lyft has emerged as a strong contender in the rideshare industry over the last decade. It has provided a similar, but alternative service to rideshare giant Uber. Many individuals use Lyft’s services to get around Rockwall and the surrounding areas, whether they are a resident or a visitor. However, if an accident occurs, resolving a claim can quickly become complicated. If this happens, you should contact a Lyft accident lawyer in Rockwall, TX right away to determine how to move forward. 

Smith & Lee are here for you when you are confused and overwhelmed by the aftermath of a Lyft accident. We understand how much stress an accident can cause, let alone worrying about how to recover your losses. A Rockwall car accident lawyer from our team takes the time to learn about your situation so they can identify the right strategies for your case based on who your claim is against. We have a strong track record of success.

Lyft Accidents Can Happen Throughout Rockwall County 

Like other vehicles, Lyft collisions can happen in many of the same places, as well as a few that are unique to Lyft drivers.

Lyft Accidents at Intersections

Intersections are common places for these types of collisions to occur, and can happen at a signalized intersection or a four-way stop. Drivers may be more distracted by surrounding activity, be unsure who has the right of way at stop signs, or may be reckless and violate rules of the road. Regardless of the cause, intersections are dangerous and put all road users at risk. 

Lyft Accidents on Local Interstate Highways

Lyft accidents are also common on highways and interstates, especially given Rockwall’s close proximity to Dallas. Particularly dangerous highways in the area include I-635, I-35 E, I-30, and I-45. These thoroughfares typically have high traffic volume, aggressive and reckless drivers, and a higher number of tractor-trailers. These and other factors can contribute to an increase in collisions, injuries, and even fatalities.

Lyft Accidents Late at Night

Additionally, many passengers request rides late at night after they have been drinking at a bar or attending a large event, such as a concert or football game. Limited visibility, distractions, and chaotic activity can increase the likelihood of an accident if parties do not pay attention to their surroundings and act defensively. 

Lyft Accidents Getting to and from the Airport

Airports are another congested area where there are a higher number of Lyft drivers and a greater risk of an accident. Tight spaces, restricted waiting times, and the rush for flights can all add to common risk factors for Lyft drivers, passengers, motorists, and pedestrians traveling to and from the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport or other smaller airports in the area.  

Lyft Accidents Can Cause Considerable Physical Harm

Lyft accidents have the potential to cause severe accidents. Like any other type of collision, an accident can occur from any direction or at any speed. These and other factors are variables that can significantly impact the crash and the types of injuries you sustain. It can also make a difference in the long-term effects that could be caused by an accident.

Some of the most common injuries that can arise in these types of accidents include: 

  • Broken bones 
  • Lacerations and contusions
  • Whiplash
  • Muscle sprains, strains, and soft tissue injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Neck injuries
  • Chest and rib injuries
  • Spine and back injuries
  • Catastrophic injuries
  • Internal injuries
  • PTSD

See a Doctor After Getting Into a Lyft Accident

Given the range of injuries you could sustain in a Lyft accident, seeing a doctor after an accident should be among your top priorities.

Adrenaline and shock can blunt your ability to feel pain, and injuries can take a while to show up. This can result in a false sense of safety when, in fact, a more serious injury could be developing. That is why you should prioritize medical attention after an accident and get swift treatment. All medical records should also be kept as evidence of your injuries and expenses.

Legal Options After a Lyft Accident in Rockwall

How an accident occurs can influence who is directly impacted and who has to pay for the damages. This is often where Lyft accidents become considerably more complicated, confusing, and overwhelming, especially for victims who simply want to recover their losses. Different parties may be affected during a Lyft collision, and each one can face unique nuances depending on the situation.

Common Lyft accident scenarios include:

  • Hit by a Lyft Driver: Lyft drivers may be negligent and cause an accident by colliding with another motorist. In this situation, their personal insurance or Lyft’s insurance must pay for the losses they caused. The driver’s status will depend on who covers the damages. 
  • Lyft Driver Hit by Another Motorist: If another motorist is negligent and hits a Lyft vehicle, then they are generally responsible for paying for damages. Lyft drivers can generally file a claim against the other motorist’s insurance. Lyft may cover losses in certain circumstances. 
  • Lyft Passenger Injured: If a Lyft passenger is injured in an accident caused by another Lyft driver or other motorist, they can file a claim against whoever was at fault, or even both parties in certain situations. This means that a claim could be filed against the Lyft driver’s insurance, Lyft, or the other motorist’s insurance. 

A Rockwall Lyft Wreck Attorney Can Help You After a Crash

The options available are different depending on who was at fault, who was impacted, and the status of the Lyft driver during the collision.

To get clarity and streamline the claim process, it is important to consult a lawyer about what you should do in your particular situation. Details vary from case to case, so how to move forward will be adjusted accordingly.

Lyft Driver Status Impacts Who Claims Are Filed Against

Because Lyft drivers use their own vehicles to conduct rides, it means that they are not always working when they are driving. This is why they must maintain insurance that meets Texas insurance requirements, and are considered independent contractors. As such, their driving status plays a big part in whether an accident claim is filed against them or through Lyft’s insurance coverage. 

Offline Status

When a Lyft driver is offline, they are not working and therefore their own insurance must pay for any damages they cause during a collision. Compensation for victims will be limited to the driver’s policy limits. Drivers may also not be able to receive any assistance from Lyft to offset vehicle damage costs in an accident.

Online and Available Status

If a Lyft driver is online and available, it means they have signed in to the app and are working, but have not received or accepted a ride request yet. Any collisions that happen during this time may be covered by Lyft’s third-party liability insurance coverage. It generally covers up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury and $100,000 per accident. It may also cover up to $25,000 for property damage.

Active Status

During active status, a Lyft driver is either on the way to pick up a passenger who requested a ride or they are giving the passenger a ride. When an accident occurs during this stage, Lyft will generally cover applicable losses through its $1,000,000 liability insurance policy. Drivers may also be able to recover compensation for vehicle damage if they meet certain requirements. 

How to File a Lyft Accident Claim in Rockwall County

After an accident occurs involving a Lyft vehicle, a police report should be filed, and insurance information should be exchanged. The accident should also be reported to Lyft so they have a record of the event and can investigate the accident. They will also handle compensation payments for eligible parties. Your insurance company must also be notified about the accident so they are either aware of the collision or can handle a claim, as applicable.

It is also important to seek medical attention and gather evidence after an accident. This is as much for collecting evidence as it is about protecting your claim. All documentation, photos, and statements should be kept and preserved so your lawyer and claims adjuster can review the information and come to a decision in your case. Hiring a lawyer can also help streamline the process and give you an advocate who will make sure you get the maximum amount.

Negligence Must Be Established in a Lyft Accident Claim

Once you and your lawyer have determined with whom to file your claim, you will also need to provide evidence of the other driver’s wrongdoing so it is clear how you sustained your losses. Because there is a presumption of innocence, it falls to you to systematically show which party was at fault and their negligent actions. With the evidence you and your lawyer have collected, your lawyer will demonstrate the other driver’s actions.

During this process, your lawyer will convey the baseline obligations the other party had while driving, which included obeying the rules of the road and being alert and cautious at all times to ensure safety. In contrast to these responsibilities, your lawyer will show that the driver violated one or more of their obligations by acting negligently. As a result, they caused an accident, injuries, and losses, and must pay for the damages they inflicted.

Sometimes an accident is the result of shared negligence. When this happens, it is important to talk with your lawyer right away to understand how proportionate responsibility can affect your claim. Each party’s contribution is assessed after an accident to determine what percentage of the accident they personally caused. Parties who contribute less than 50% are eligible for proportionately reduced damages, while those who contributed more than 50% are completely ineligible for compensation. 

There Is a Two-Year Time Limit to Take Legal Action

In addition to fulfilling the legal requirements for establishing liability, you must also make sure that you take all legal action before the Texas statute of limitations expires. To make sure claims are resolved in a timely manner, the state allows you two years from the time the accident occurred to fully resolve your case. You lose all rights to hold the other party accountable if you wait too long, so seek out legal representation promptly. 

Compensation After a Lyft Accident

Depending on the severity of the accident, you could be facing enormous medical costs and other losses that can hinder your ability to regain stability in your life. When this happens, recovering compensation through a personal injury claim can provide the means to reduce or eliminate your out-of-pocket expenses. A Lyft accident attorney in Rockwall, TX will assess your losses and help you create a customized plan and strategy to recover the maximum amount for your losses, which could include:

  • Current and ongoing medical treatment costs, surgeries, medications, and more
  • Property damage expenses
  • Loss of wages or earning capacity
  • End-of-life, funeral, and burial expenses
  • Reduced quality of life
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment
  • Emotional and mental distress, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety
  • Loss of consortium and companionship

How Much Is a Lyft Accident Claim Worth?

The extent of your injuries, how severe they are, whether or not you share fault, and insurance company policy limits and tactics can all impact the final value of your settlement.

However, your lawyer will first calculate the value of your case and submit a demand letter outlining what you have suffered and how much you are seeking. They will also aggressively negotiate for you so you can receive fair compensation for your situation and do not settle with the insurance company for less than you deserve.

Contact Our Rockwall Lyft Accident Attorneys

When Smith & Lee represent you, we take the time to build a relationship built on trust and integrity. We empathize with what you are going through and provide the service you deserve so you can recover your losses with confidence and peace of mind. No matter what you are facing, our team is here to fight and negotiate a fair and generous settlement. For a free consultation with skilled Lyft accident lawyers, contact our Rockwall, TX law firm today. You can also reach us by phone at (972) 771-2579.