Fort Lauderdale Lyft Accident Lawyers

Lyft is an American company that offers ride-sharing services and is one of the biggest competitors to Uber. Apps such as Lyft offer passengers a convenient way to commute. However, if you get involved in a Lyft car accident, things can get complicated. There could be some uncertainty about who is responsible for paying for damages and what legal process needs to be used. If you have been in a Lyft auto accident in or around Fort Lauderdale, you should get in touch with us at Englander Peebles. We can guide you through all the legal steps required to file a personal injury law claim or pursue other legal options.

Common Causes of Lyft Car Accidents

A Lyft car accident has the same causes as any regular auto accident. However, there are some causes that are more common in Lyft accidents. Some Lyft or rideshare drivers tend to drive for long hours, resulting in driver fatigue. Several studies have highlighted the dangers of driver fatigue as it can reduce the driver’s reaction time and judgment.

Another common cause of Lyft car accidents is speeding. Lyft drivers are often in a hurry to reach their destination so they can pick up the next customer and make more money. The drivers earn money based on rides completed so there is a clear incentive to drive as much as possible. This can result in speeding or reckless driving.

Generally, vehicles that are used for Lyft service tend to have more mileage and require more maintenance. Negligence in maintenance can also lead to Lyft accidents.

Lyft Drivers Safety Requirements in Fort Lauderdale, FL

To help mitigate the risk of Lyft accidents, the state of Florida has established certain requirements for becoming a Lyft or Uber driver. One of the major requirements in Florida is that all applicants must pass a background check before they can become a driver.

There are also auto insurance requirements. If the Lyft driver is actively using the Lyft platform but does not have a passenger, they are required to have $100,000 per incident insurance coverage for bodily injury, $50,000 per person for death and bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage liability.

If the Lyft driver is actively using the platform to pick up passengers or has passengers in their car, the coverage requirements increase to $1 million for bodily injury, death, and property damage.

Establishing Liability in a Lyft Accident in Florida

There are several factors that need to be considered to determine who was at fault in a Lyft accident. Typically, if you get injured in an auto accident, you have the right to seek financial compensation from the at-fault party. Several parties can be held liable for a Lyft accident including a negligent Lyft driver, other motorists, passengers, property owners, government entities, and vehicle manufacturers.

The dynamics of ride-sharing service means that it would be challenging for you to establish the fault of Lyft for the accident. The Lyft driver is not an employee of Lyft because they work as independent contractors. This means the liability exposure of Lyft is limited.

The status of the driver is a key factor in determining who will pay for the damages. If the driver is offline, their own insurance will be responsible for covering the damages. If the driver had a passenger, Lyft’s commercial insurance policy would provide coverage for the accident. If the Lyft driver was online and searching for a passenger but did not have a passenger in their vehicle, then Lyft’s contingent liability coverage would provide coverage. This coverage only covers damages if the personal insurance policy denies the claims or offers insufficient funds.

What Damages Are Available to Victims in Rideshare Accidents?

Lyft accidents can result in severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injury, paralysis, broken bones, burns, concussion, and soft tissue injuries. If you can prove that the other party was at fault, you have a strong case to recover compensation for your injuries. This would include expenses for emergency care, a hospital stay, surgery, rehabilitation, and any other medical treatment and support required to recover from the injuries.

If as a Lyft passenger you had personal property that got damaged, such as a laptop, watch, or phone, you could also seek compensation for repair or replacement of those items.

Keep in mind that the statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Florida is two years. The statute of limitations establishes the deadlines for filing a personal injury lawsuit or claim. If you miss this deadline, you may have to waive your right to file a claim or lawsuit to recover compensation for the damages.

Steps to Take After Accident as a Lyft Passenger

If you are a Lyft passenger who got into an accident, you may be eligible for compensation for your damages. However, as a first step, you need to ensure you and others involved in the accident get the medical attention they need. Once you are in stable condition, you can start gathering evidence. If you are at the accident scene, you should take photos of your injuries and property damage. It might also help to take photos of the vehicles involved in the accident.

Notify Lyft of the incident as soon as possible. The Lyft app has a feature that allows you to report accidents, or you can reach them over the phone. If you have auto or health insurance coverage, you should also notify them about the accident. Some insurance companies offer coverage even if you are a passenger in someone else’s vehicle. While you may not be able to sue Lyft, you can file a claim with Lyft for compensation for your damages through their insurance company policy. Lyft’s insurance policy offers different coverage amounts based on the circumstances of the accident.

How Can a Lyft Accident Lawyer Help?

The role of a Lyft car accident lawyer is crucial as they can guide you on how to maximize your compensation for your damages. Lyft accidents can result in various types of damages, but it can be challenging to establish liability. Having a skilled Lyft accident attorney on your side can make all the difference. Lyft accident lawyers are well-versed in personal injury law and understand the complexity of such cases. They are familiar with the tactics Lyft and insurance companies use to minimize their financial exposure.

The personal injury lawyer can also help you gather evidence such as witness statements and accident reports to help strengthen your personal injury claim. The insurance handling process for a Lyft accident can also be complex but an attorney can help you navigate through the process.

Consult with a Lyft Accident Attorney in Fort Lauderdale, FL

If you have been in a Lyft accident or any rideshare accident in Fort Lauderdale, FL, you are welcome to contact us at Englander Peebles. While other law firms might be ready to settle your case for less than it is worth, our rideshare accident lawyers will fight to get you the maximum available compensation. We offer a free case evaluation, so please contact us today to schedule a consultation with a Lyft accident lawyer.