A collision involving a rideshare vehicle instantly complicates your life. If you were injured in a crash, a Scottsdale Lyft accident lawyer provides the guidance and legal insight you need. An experienced attorney helps you pursue financial recovery so you can move forward.
The moments after a rideshare accident near landmarks like Scottsdale Fashion Square or along busy roads like Scottsdale Road are chaotic. You don't have to handle the legal complexities alone.
Law Bear offers a free case evaluation to help you find clarity. Call us at (309) 365-6510 to discuss your case.
Who Is Liable in a Scottsdale Lyft Wreck?
Determining liability in a Lyft accident is more complex than in a standard car crash. Multiple parties could be responsible for your injuries and other damages. An attorney identifies the at-fault parties to pursue fair compensation.
You need to know who caused the accident. Liability may rest with the Lyft driver, another motorist on the road, or even Lyft itself under specific circumstances. The specific facts of your crash dictate who is legally responsible.
A thorough investigation clarifies the sequence of events. Evidence from the scene, witness statements, and police reports all help build a clear picture of fault.
The Lyft Driver's Responsibility
Lyft drivers owe a duty of care to their passengers and others on the road. If a driver's negligence causes a crash, they may be held liable for the resulting harm. Actions like speeding, distracted driving, or violating traffic laws constitute negligence.
A Scottsdale Lyft accident lawyer investigates the driver's history and actions leading up to the crash. For example, evidence of texting while driving or running a red light in areas like Old Town Scottsdale would point to the driver's fault.
Another Driver's Fault
Another vehicle on the road may have caused the accident. A driver who runs a stop sign, makes an unsafe lane change on Loop 101, or drives under the influence could be the liable party. In these cases, your claim proceeds against that driver's insurance policy.
Even if you were a passenger in the Lyft, you have the right to file a claim against a third-party driver who caused the collision. A Scottsdale Lyft accident lawyer gathers the necessary proof to establish the other driver's fault.
Lyft's Corporate Responsibility
Lyft may also bear responsibility for an accident. While the company classifies its drivers as independent contractors, this strategy doesn't shield it from all liability. The company has a duty to provide a reasonably safe service to its users.
A claim against Lyft may focus on the company's own negligence. For instance, the company might be liable for negligent hiring if it failed to conduct a thorough background check on a driver; a history of reckless driving or criminal activity might have disqualified the driver if proper screening occurred.
Another basis for liability is negligent retention. If users filed complaints about a specific driver's unsafe habits and Lyft failed to address them, the company may be at fault. Ignoring warnings about a dangerous driver exposes passengers and the public to unnecessary risk.
Understanding Lyft's Insurance Policy
Lyft's insurance policy provides coverage for accidents, but the amount depends on the driver's activity at the time of the incident. These policies are designed to supplement or replace the driver's personal auto insurance, which typically denies claims for commercial driving activities.
Here is a breakdown of how Lyft's insurance works:
- Driver Is Offline: If the Lyft app is off, the driver is driving for personal reasons. Their own auto insurance covers a crash during this time, and Lyft provides no coverage.
- Driver Is Available: When the driver has the app on and is waiting for a ride request, a limited liability policy from Lyft applies. This coverage kicks in only if the driver's personal insurance doesn't cover the incident.
- Driver Is En Route/Carrying a Passenger: Once the driver accepts a ride request and is on the way to pick up the passenger, Lyft's $1 million third-party liability insurance policy activates. This policy also includes Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Scottsdale
Rideshare accidents happen for many of the same reasons as other car crashes. However, certain factors are more prevalent in the context of driving for a service like Lyft. Drivers may be distracted by the app or feel pressure to complete trips quickly.
These collisions frequently occur in busy areas with heavy traffic, such as near the entertainment district or during major events like WestWorld.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a leading cause of all traffic accidents, and rideshare drivers face unique distractions. They must interact with the Lyft app to accept rides, view directions, and manage their trips. This diverts their attention from the primary task of driving safely.
Types of distracted driving include:
- Visual Distraction: Rideshare drivers get distracted when they take their eyes off the road to look at the Lyft app, map, or incoming messages.
- Manual Distraction: The driver takes their hands off the steering wheel to tap, swipe, or hold their phone.
- Cognitive Distraction: The driver may get distracted while daydreaming or focusing on other events that happened in their day.
Driver Fatigue
Rideshare drivers often work long or irregular hours to maximize their earnings. This can lead to significant fatigue, which impairs driving ability in ways that are similar to intoxication. A tired driver has slower reaction times and reduced alertness.
Inexperience in Congested Areas
Some Lyft drivers may not be familiar with the specific traffic patterns and hazards of Scottsdale. Tourists and seasonal events can make navigating areas around McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park or Salt River Fields at Talking Stick particularly challenging.
An inexperienced driver may struggle with heavy traffic or complex intersections. This lack of familiarity can lead to hesitation, sudden maneuvers, or other errors that cause accidents.
Available Compensation After a Scottsdale Rideshare Crash
If you've been injured in a Lyft accident, you may seek compensation for your losses. A successful claim holds the at-fault party accountable for the harm they caused. Your Scottsdale Lyft accident lawyer helps you document all of your losses to build a comprehensive claim for damages.
Here are some of the types of compensation you may seek:
- Medical Expenses: This includes the cost of emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, follow-up appointments, and any necessary rehabilitation or physical therapy.
- Lost Income: You can recover wages lost due to time you were unable to work because of your injuries. This also includes any reduction in your future earning capacity if your injuries are long-term.
- Property Damage: This covers the cost to repair or replace any personal property that was damaged in the accident, such as your vehicle or personal belongings.
- Pain and Suffering: You may pursue compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life resulting from the accident and your injuries.
5 Steps To Take After a Lyft Accident
If you've already received medical care, you're on the right path. Your following actions can protect your health and your legal rights.
Focus on these actions to protect your right to compensation:
- Follow Medical Advice: Attend all follow-up appointments and physical therapy sessions your doctor prescribes. This creates a clear record of your injuries and your commitment to recovery. If you miss appointments, insurers may point it out during negotiations as a way to show your injuries aren't very serious.
- Organize Paperwork: Collect any documents you have, including the police report number, medical bills, and your Lyft ride receipt. Keep everything in a dedicated folder.
- Keep a Personal Journal: Write down daily notes about your pain levels, physical limitations, and how the injuries affect your daily activities. This provides a detailed account of your non-economic damages.
- Avoid Speaking With Adjusters: Insurers may try to get you to make a statement that weakens your position. You're not obligated to give the insurance adjuster a statement.
- Seek Legal Guidance: Contact a Scottsdale Lyft accident lawyer immediately to protect your claim.
Why You Need a Scottsdale Lyft Accident Lawyer
Handling a Lyft accident claim on your own can be challenging. You will face large insurance companies and their legal teams who aim to minimize the amount they pay out. Having a skilled lawyer on your side protects your interests.
Law Bear connects you with experienced local attorneys who are ready to handle all aspects of your claim. We evaluate your case for free and help you find qualified legal representation. The Bear's Got Your Back.
Your Scottsdale Lyft accident lawyer handles all of the messy legal work and deadlines so you can focus on healing.
Here are ways an attorney helps you:
- Investigation: Your lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to gather all evidence, identify the liable parties, and establish the full extent of your damages.
- Communication: Your Scottsdale rideshare accident attorney manages all communication with the insurance companies and other involved parties, protecting you from tactics designed to weaken your claim.
- Claim Valuation: Your lawyer calculates the value of your claim, including future medical needs and non-economic damages, to demand fair compensation.
- Negotiation and Litigation: One of the biggest advantages of working with a lawyer is that they negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement. They can file a lawsuit and represent you in court if a settlement cannot be reached.
FAQ for Scottsdale Lyft Accident Lawyer
How Much Time Do I Have To File a Lyft Accident Claim in Arizona?
In Arizona, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations. Failing to file a claim within this window typically means losing your right to pursue compensation through the court system.
What if the Lyft Driver's Insurance Denies My Claim?
If the Lyft driver's personal insurance company denies your claim (which is likely if they were driving for commercial purposes), your attorney can pursue a claim through Lyft's corporate insurance policy.
A Scottsdale Lyft injury lawyer understands how to pivot between these different insurance coverages. The denial from the personal insurer is often a necessary step to trigger Lyft's coverage.
Can I Still Recover Compensation if I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?
Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means you may still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your percentage of fault reduces your total compensation award.
Should I Talk With the Insurance Adjuster?
You should avoid giving a recorded statement to any insurance adjuster, whether from Lyft's insurer or another party's, without first consulting with a Scottsdale rideshare accident lawyer. Adjusters are trained to ask questions that may elicit responses that can be used to undermine your claim.
Your attorney handles all communications with the insurance company on your behalf.
What if I Were a Pedestrian or Bicyclist Hit by a Lyft Driver?
If you were a pedestrian or bicyclist hit by a Lyft driver, you have the right to file an injury claim. The same rules regarding Lyft's insurance coverage apply to your situation, too.
An attorney can help you determine which policy is responsible for covering your damages, which could be significant in such a vulnerable position.
Take Action Today
The right legal partner clarifies your options and takes decisive action to protect your interests. Let Law Bear help you find the support you need to secure your future. We provide a free evaluation of your case and connect you with a qualified Scottsdale Lyft accident lawyer from our network.
We're available 24/7 to listen to your story. Call us now at (309) 365-6510 to get started.