Lyft and other rideshare services offer a convenient means of getting around, whether in your hometown or unfamiliar cities. However, it is important to keep in mind that Lyft does not require professional certification from its drivers and that they are just as likely to experience an accident as anyone else, if not more so.
There are many complex aspects to consider after a Lyft accident, all the more so if you sustain a serious injury. A Manhattan Lyft accident lawyer can help you navigate these complexities and arrive at an outcome that ensures you receive the compensation you deserve.
What Can a Lyft Accident Lawyer Do for You?
After a rideshare accident, it is easy to get lost in the process of interpreting insurance policies, determining who is at fault and pursuing a claim against the liable party so that you can recover damages for your pain and suffering. Your Lyft accident attorney can bear much of that burden for you and support your case every step of the way.
At Cellino Law, we accomplish this by:
- Investigating the circumstances around your accident
- Estimating the value of your claim
- Negotiating with insurance providers on your behalf
- Handling any complex paperwork
- Representing you in court if necessary
When it feels like the odds are against you when you have medical bills, insurance companies and the rideshare company itself to deal with, having a Lyft accident lawyer on your side can level the playing field and give you peace of mind while you focus on recovering.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents
Lyft drivers are just as capable of negligence as any other motorist on the road, but it is important to understand the unique factors at play that can increase the likelihood of a rideshare car accident. By the nature of their work, Lyft drivers may be more likely to exhibit certain behaviors or experience certain effects that are not typical for the average motorist. These can include:
- Drowsiness or fatigue from long hours of driving
- Distractions caused by watching a GPS or navigating the rideshare app
- Blocking traffic during passenger pickup or dropoff
- Driving in unfamiliar neighborhoods
- Inadequate vehicle maintenance
Lyft accidents can include head-on collisions, sideswipes, T-bones and even single-car accidents. Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of car accidents, though, especially for Lyft drivers who make frequent stops to pick up or drop off passengers. Many Lyft passengers ride in the backseat of rideshare vehicles, so rear-end accidents can be particularly dangerous.
Common Injuries Resulting From Rideshare Accidents
While not every Lyft accident results in lasting injuries, there is a potential for severe or life-altering damage to your person. Injuries that commonly occur as a result of rideshare accidents include:
- Spinal cord injuries – The force of an impact, particularly in a rear-end collision, can cause long-term pain or even permanent nerve damage in the spine that can even result in paralysis in some cases
- Whiplash – Whiplash is another common injury in rear-end crashes due to the rapid back-and-forth motion that your neck might undergo when another vehicle strikes from behind
- Broken bones – High-impact crashes can cause significant impact or crushing damage, sometimes resulting in broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries – A severe impact to the head, such as if you fall to the pavement as a result of a crash, can lead to severe brain injuries that might also cause cognitive impairment or certain psychological disorders
- Internal injuries – The impact of a car crash can also cause damage to internal organs that is not visible externally, leading to life-threatening circumstances if left untreated
It is of vital importance to seek immediate medical treatment after any type of motor vehicle accident, even if you do not feel pain or any other symptoms immediately after the fact. Many injuries, especially those to internal organs, do not show visible symptoms until hours or even days following an accident.
Will Lyft Compensate You for Your Accident?
Lyft has insurance policies in place that cover passengers up to $1 million for damage and injuries sustained during a ride. You have the option to file a claim against this policy in the event that you experience a Lyft accident and can use the app’s records to help demonstrate that you were a passenger at the time of your accident. Keep in mind that the exact amount you can recover varies based on the circumstances surrounding your accident.
You can also seek compensation from your Lyft driver or any other involved drivers if they are at fault for the accident. Lyft drivers, like all motorists, must maintain a minimum amount of liability insurance to cover damages caused by their own negligence. Proving that any other parties involved in the accident were violating their duty of care toward you can strengthen your claim against their respective insurance policies.
Determining Fault in a Rideshare Accident
The actual process of proving fault in a Lyft accident can be overwhelming when there are multiple parties that might share in the blame. Not only might your rideshare driver be partially responsible, but Lyft can also be at fault if its company policies contributed to the circumstances of your crash. There is also the possibility that other motorists were guilty of negligent behavior that led to a collision.
Your Lyft accident lawyer plays a critical role in determining and proving fault after a rideshare crash. At Cellino Law, we take steps to hold liable parties and their insurers accountable for negligent behavior no matter how complex your case may be.
What Damages Can You Recover After a Lyft Accident?
An integral part of any accident claim is your ability to prove that the liable parties owe you damages as a consequence of their actions. Recoverable damages can take several forms in a rideshare accident case, including:
- Medical bills and related expenses
- Lost income
- Loss of earning potential
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
It is a major part of a Lyft accident lawyer’s role to evaluate the extent of these damages and prove that the insurance companies owe them to you.
What Should You Do After a Rideshare Accident?
The moments after a car crash tend to be hectic and full of confusion. Knowing what to do ahead of time can help you keep a level head in the heat of the moment and ensure that you follow the necessary steps to ensure your immediate safety and long-term well-being.
As soon as possible after a Lyft accident, you should:
- Call 911 and seek immediate medical attention
- Document the accident scene with photographs and officer identification
- Contact your Lyft accident lawyer
- Begin the claims process with the insurance company
Involving an attorney early on in the process after your accident ensures that you have the support and guidance you need at every phase of the claims process.
Contact Cellino Law to Speak With a New York Lyft Accident Lawyer
When you work with Cellino Law, you can trust that our New York Lyft accident lawyers will advocate for your right to compensation at every turn. We leverage our experience and expertise to give you the best chance at securing the outcome you deserve after suffering pain and injury in a rideshare crash. Call us today at (888) 888-8888 or contact us online to connect with our law firm.