Lyft and other rideshare services are often a great alternative to public transportation or your own vehicle. But what happens if you’re in an accident while a passenger in a Lyft vehicle? You may find that getting fair compensation for your injuries and losses is more complicated than if you were in your own car.
If you were in a Lyft accident in Blakely, call The McLendon Law Firm. We are experienced car accident lawyers. Because we’re a smaller personalized firm, we fully dedicate ourselves to every case, big or small. We’re not afraid to go to court to get you the compensation you deserve. We approach every case as if we may need to go to trial so we have the evidence ready in case of that eventuality. Call us today at (229) 475-1969 or fill out our contact form for your free consultation. Our cases are all handled on a contingency basis, so you don’t pay unless we collect for you.
We Know Rideshare Laws
Laws governing rideshare vehicles like Lyft and Uber are different than those governing taxi services or public transportation. Not all personal injury attorneys are experienced Lyft accident lawyers, but we are. The team at The McLendon Law Firm has worked on many rideshare cases with favorable outcomes, and we want to do the same for you.
You can trust that if we take your case, we will:
- Gather all evidence, including your and witness testimony, police reports, and any evidence we can gather from the accident scene.
- Remove the burden of dealing with the insurance companies, hospital bills, and other stresses so you can focus on your recovery.
- Present a fair offer to the defendant’s insurance company, so you are compensated for your losses and pain and suffering.
And if the offer isn’t accepted or we can’t negotiate a settlement, we’re ready to go to trial. We approach every case from day one with the knowledge that we may end up in court, so we’re always fully prepared.
What You Can Recover from Your Lyft Accident
Although every accident and personal injury claim varies, there are certain things that should always be covered in any personal injury claim. They include:
- Medical expenses, including transportation costs to and from appointments
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Personal property damage
In some cases, you may also be entitled to compensation for your emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and counseling. You may also be entitled to punitive damages. If the at-fault driver was willfully negligent in your accident, you might be awarded punitive damages, which are meant to further punish the defendant for their neglect.
Because the driver is an independent contractor for Lyft, their insurance will likely be the only source for your compensation. However, when you hire The McLendon Law Firm for your case, we will pursue the maximum compensation for your case from all available parties. There are circumstances where Lyft could be held liable, like if they failed to terminate a known dangerous driver. There are other instances where a mechanic could be partially at fault if the accident was due to their negligence or falsifying the mandatory Lyft inspection. With our help, you can get the best settlement available. Don’t delay. Call The McLendon Law Firm today to schedule your free consultation – (229) 475-1969.
Things You Should Do if You Were in a Lyft Accident
The first thing should be to call the police, and for medical care so your injuries are attended to. From there, you should contact a Lyft accident attorney. They should advise you to take the following steps:
- Start documenting everything – record your recollection of the accident. The sooner you do this, the more likely you are to recall potentially important details. Take pictures of your injuries.
- Follow your doctors’ orders – take your medicine as directed as long as directed and attend every follow-up appointment as scheduled. These can help prove the validity of your pain and suffering claim.
- Keep a record of your pain levels and missed activities – Also, never tell your doctor or anyone else that you’re “fine” if you are not. Being honest about your pain and injuries helps your doctors get you better and helps your case.
Things You Should Not Do After Your Lyft Accident
Your Lyft accident attorney should advise you against further speaking with yours or the defendant’s insurance company. Once you inform them that you’re working with The McLendon Law Firm, they should only contact us about your case.
In fact, we don’t recommend talking to anyone (or posting on social media) about the accident other than our team and your doctors. Images of you on social media of any kind can hurt your case. We recommend a pause after any type of personal injury accident.
How Long Will My Lyft Accident Claim Take to Settle?
That depends on your case. Some take just a few weeks. However, if we have to go to court, it could take substantially longer.
How Much Will I Get for My Injuries, Pain, and Suffering?
Rideshare drivers are required to carry a higher level of insurance than the average driver, which is good for your case. However, every personal injury claim is different.
Can I Include Lyft as a Defendant in My Claim?
Likely not. Lyft drivers are independent contractors, which protects Lyft in most cases from being included in any personal injury claim.
Don’t Go it Alone, Let Us Represent You
Because Lyft accidents have so many variables, getting fair compensation for your injuries can be difficult. As an experienced Lyft accident attorney and personal injury firm, we know the laws surrounding these cases. We also know how to get you the settlement you deserve. Call The McLendon Law Firm today to schedule your free consultation regarding your case. Remember, we don’t take a dime until we win. Call at (229) 475-1969 or fill out our contact form today. Se Habla Español.