A collision while riding in a Lyft disrupts your life's pattern. A Glendale Lyft accident lawyer can help you sort through the tangled threads of your situation to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses..
If you were hurt in a rideshare crash, you don't have to handle the insurance process alone. Speaking with a lawyer first can protect your rights. Law Bear is available 24/7 to listen to your story and connect you with a local attorney. Contact us for a free case evaluation today at (309) 365-6510.
Why Lyft Accident Claims Are Unique
Rideshare accidents introduce complexities not found in typical car crash cases. A standard collision usually involves one at-fault driver and their single insurance policy. A Lyft crash involves a massive tech company and multiple layers of insurance coverage.
The available insurance coverage often depends on the Lyft driver's status at the time of the crash. A Glendale Lyft accident lawyer investigates the specific circumstances of your accident to identify all available sources of compensation. Their detailed work forms the blueprint for your claim.
How Lyft's Insurance Coverage Works
Lyft's insurance structure covers various scenarios, but its application can be confusing for those unfamiliar with it. The amount of available coverage is tied directly to the driver's actions within the app. A Glendale Lyft accident attorney can clarify which policy applies to your specific situation.
There are three main phases of a driver's status that determine insurance coverage. Each has a different level of protection for injured parties.
Here's how the coverage generally breaks down:
- Driver Is Offline: When the Lyft driver isn't logged into the app, their own personal auto insurance policy is the only coverage in effect. Lyft's insurance provides no coverage in this situation.
- Driver Is Online, Awaiting a Request: A lower level of Lyft's liability coverage applies if the driver is logged in and waiting for a ride. This includes $50,000 per person for bodily injury, with a maximum of $100,000 per accident.
- Driver is En Route/Transporting a Passenger: From the moment a driver accepts a ride request until the passenger exits the vehicle, Lyft's full $1 million third-party liability policy is active.
Investigating Your Lyft Accident Claim
A thorough investigation is the bedrock of a strong personal injury claim. Your legal team will launch an immediate and comprehensive inquiry into the circumstances of your crash.
Your lawyer gathers physical evidence, reviews vehicle damage, and analyzes traffic patterns in the area, whether the crash happened on a busy street like Bell Road or a quieter neighborhood road in Arrowhead Ranch.
Key sources of evidence in a Lyft accident investigation often include:
- Lyft App Data: Your lawyer can formally request the data from Lyft's servers, which shows the driver's logs, route, and status at the time of the crash.
- Vehicle Black Box Data: Many modern cars have event data recorders that capture information about speed, braking, and steering moments before a collision.
- Witness Interviews: Your legal team may contact anyone who saw the accident to get their account of what happened, preserving their testimony for your claim.
- Surveillance Footage: Attorneys may check nearby businesses and traffic cameras, such as those along Grand Avenue or Loop 101, for video evidence of the collision.
This methodical gathering of evidence allows your Glendale Lyft injury attorney to weave all the facts into a compelling narrative that demonstrates fault and the extent of your damages.
Determining Liability in a Glendale Rideshare Accident
Identifying the liable party is a primary task after any vehicle collision. In a Lyft accident, this process is usually more involved. Your attorney will collect all relevant evidence to construct a solid claim, including the police report, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and data from the Lyft app.
An experienced Glendale Lyft crash lawyer knows what to look for when piecing together the events of the crash. They examine every angle to determine who caused the accident and should be held accountable for your injuries.
Another At-Fault Driver
If another driver caused the accident, you first file a claim against the at-fault driver's personal auto insurance policy. Their insurance would be the primary source for covering your damages, including medical bills and lost wages.
However, issues may arise if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. Their policy limits might not be enough to cover the full extent of your injuries, especially if they're severe. When this happens, other insurance coverages may become available.
In situations where the at-fault driver has insufficient coverage, you may be able to turn to Lyft's Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This specific insurance is in place to protect passengers and drivers in these exact scenarios.
A Glendale Lyft accident lawyer can help you access these additional layers of coverage.
Your Lyft Driver
When your Lyft driver's careless actions cause a crash, you file a claim against Lyft's commercial insurance policy. Proving driver negligence is the first step in this process. Your attorney investigates to show that the driver failed to operate their vehicle safely.
Common forms of Lyft driver negligence include:
- Distracted Driving: The driver may be interacting with the Lyft app, texting, or using their GPS instead of watching the road.
- Aggressive Driving: The driver might speed, tailgate, or make unsafe lane changes to complete a trip faster.
- Drowsy Driving: The driver may have been fatigued from long shifts, impairing their reaction time and judgment.
- Traffic Violations: The driver may run a red light, fail to yield the right-of-way, or make an illegal turn.
If your Glendale rideshare accident attorney proves the driver's fault and the crash occurred while you were on an active trip, you can access Lyft's $1 million third-party liability policy.
Potential Compensation After a Lyft Accident in Glendale
After a collision, you may seek compensation for the various ways the injury has impacted your life. Your legal team will carefully document all of your damages to build a complete claim.
Common examples of compensation that may be pursued include:
- Medical Expenses: This covers all costs related to your treatment, from the initial emergency room visit to ongoing physical therapy and future medical needs.
- Lost Wages: You may pursue compensation for the income you lost while unable to work and any diminished earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your former job.
- Pain and Suffering: This compensates you for the physical pain and emotional distress you have experienced due to the accident and your injuries.
- Property Damage: You may recover damages for any personal property, like a laptop or phone, that was damaged in the accident.
How a Glendale Lyft Accident Lawyer Helps You
A Glendale rideshare injury lawyer provides the guidance needed to pursue a claim for compensation. Law Bear connects injury victims with experienced local attorneys who can manage the entire legal process. The Bear's Got Your Back.
Handling Insurers
An attorney handles all communication with insurance companies. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize claim payouts. Your lawyer protects you from their tactics and handles all negotiations on your behalf.
Calculating Your Losses
A Glendale Lyft accident lawyer creates a detailed accounting of your losses to pursue a fair settlement. This complete picture ensures that the claim reflects the true impact of the accident on your life.
Your lawyer's goal is to weave together every element of your damages into a single, comprehensive demand for the insurance company.
Fighting for Fair Compensation
Insurance companies often present initial settlement offers quickly. These first offers may not account for the full long-term impact of your injuries, including future medical needs or lost earning ability. Accepting a low offer too early may leave you with unpaid expenses down the road.
Your attorney negotiates to secure a settlement that reflects what you need to recover. They can reject inadequate offers and press for a result that helps restore financial stability. If the insurance company refuses a just offer, your lawyer can take your case to the courtroom.
Advocating for You at Every Turn
Your attorney's role is to restore the pattern of your life by managing the complexities of your claim. They will focus on the legal details so you can focus on your health and recovery. They will use their knowledge of Arizona law and rideshare insurance policies to advocate for your best interests.
Common Mistakes To Avoid After a Glendale Lyft Wreck
Be mindful of what you say and do as you begin the claims process. Your actions after a Lyft accident can affect the outcome of your injury claim.
Avoiding these common mistakes protects your right to seek compensation:
- Delaying Medical Treatment: Seek medical attention promptly after an accident, even if you feel fine. Follow through with all recommended treatments and appointments.
- Posting on Social Media: Don't post details about the accident or your injuries on social media, as some insurance companies use this information to challenge your claim.
- Giving a Recorded Statement: Don't provide a recorded statement to any insurance adjuster without your lawyer present because they can use your words to devalue your claim.
- Accepting an Early Settlement: The first settlement offer is often too low and may not cover your future medical costs. Don't accept an offer until you reach Maximum Medical Improvement.
- Signing Documents Without Review: Don't sign any waivers or releases from an insurance company without having your Glendale Lyft injury lawyer review them first.
FAQ for Glendale Lyft Accident Lawyer
How Do I Know if I Have a Valid Lyft Accident Claim?
You may have a valid claim if you were injured due to another party's negligence. This could be your Lyft driver, another motorist, or even Lyft under specific circumstances.
An attorney evaluates the facts of your case, including the police report and your medical records, to determine the strength of your claim and advise you on the best path forward.
What if I Were a Passenger in a Lyft That Was Hit by Another Car?
If another driver hit the Lyft you were in, you would typically first file a claim against that driver's auto insurance. However, if that driver is uninsured or their policy limits are too low to cover your injuries, you may be able to make a claim under Lyft's Uninsured/Underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
How Long Do I Have To File a Lyft Accident Lawsuit in Arizona?
In Arizona, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means you have two years to either settle your claim or file a lawsuit.
Failing to act within this timeframe likely results in the court barring you from ever pursuing compensation, so contact an attorney well before the deadline approaches.
Should I Talk to the Insurance Adjuster From Lyft's Insurance Company?
Refrain from speaking with any insurance adjusters until you have consulted with a Glendale Lyft accident lawyer. Adjusters work for the insurance company, and their goal is to limit the amount the company has to pay.
They may try to get you to make a recorded statement that weakens your claim. Let your attorney handle all communications with insurers on your behalf.
Can a Glendale Lyft Accident Lawyer Help Me if I Were Injured as a Pedestrian or Bicyclist by a Lyft Driver?
If a Lyft driver hits you while walking or cycling, a Glendale rideshare accident lawyer can help you file a claim against the correct insurance policy. If the driver was en route to pick up a passenger or had a passenger, Lyft's $1 million policy would likely apply.
If the driver was simply logged in and waiting for a request, a lower amount of coverage may be available. If the driver was offline, their personal insurance applies. An attorney investigates the circumstances to determine which policy to claim against.
Your Path to Recovery
An unexpected accident can unravel the life you knew, leaving you to sort through a tangle of confusion and stress. The right legal partner takes the chaotic threads of your case and skillfully weaves them into a blueprint for justice and restoration.
A successful outcome starts with building a strong foundation. Law Bear is ready to connect you with a qualified Glendale Lyft accident lawyer who can manage every detail of your claim. Contact us today at (309) 365-6510 for your free case evaluation.