When you get into the passenger’s seat of a hired vehicle, you’re putting your life in someone else’s hands. There’s nothing different about rideshare services like Lyft; even though these convenient, app-based transportation services lack the formality of traditional taxis or car services, you still put trust in your Lyft driver whenever he or she takes you to the grocery store, airport, or to see a friend.
When this trust is broken, you’ll need knowledgeable legal representation to help you get the compensation you need. Learn more about the law surrounding rideshare accidents and how to find the best Lyft accident lawyer in the San Fernando Valley.
Qualification Issues with Lyft Drivers
Since most Lyft drivers are significantly less qualified than taxi drivers, you’re taking a risk whenever you use this popular rideshare service. Taxi drivers have to take rigorous tests and pass inspections to stay employed; Lyft drivers, on the other hand, can sign up online and start accepting rides as long as they have valid driver’s licenses.
While taxi drivers are trained to withstand the rigors of ferrying passengers from place to place all day, Lyft drivers are not required to go through any training to get to work. These drivers, therefore, may only have the same experience as the average amateur driver, which means that they may be less capable of avoiding accidents and keeping their passengers safe.
Common Causes of Lyft Rideshare Accidents
While the lack of proper driver qualification is a big reason why Lyft accidents occur, there are plenty of other reasons why you might get into an accident as a passenger of a hired Lyft. For instance, another driver on the road might be drunk, ill, or distracted by a smartphone.
There are also plenty of natural hazards that can cause car accidents, and it’s important to keep in mind that pedestrians can sometimes cause accidents whether you’re in a Lyft or another type of vehicle. Depending on the cause of your accident, the degree of compensation you’ll be able to receive will differ.
Who Is at Fault?
If it is found that your Lyft driver was at fault for your accident, receiving adequate compensation will most likely be relatively easy. If a pedestrian or a natural disaster was at fault, however, it may be more difficult to convince an insurance company of your side of things.
Who Was Hurt?
If a person is hurt as the result of a Lyft rideshare accident, the type of compensation offered will depend on who was hurt and who was responsible for the accident. You’ll only receive compensation if you were hurt in the accident, but you’ll still be eligible for compensation even if other people are hurt as well.
Types of Compensation
Your Lyft driver’s personal or commercial insurance plan will cover your injuries if it contains a special provision that offers this coverage. However, many Lyft drivers don’t have this type of insurance, which means you’ll need to rely on Lyft’s $1 million liability insurance.
This insurance kicks in whenever a driver’s insurance plan isn’t applicable or is exhausted, and it applies whenever the Lyft driver is the cause of the accident. This policy doesn’t apply, however, when another person is the cause of the accident. If another driver crashed into a Lyft vehicle while you were inside, for instance, you’d need to rely on the at-fault driver’s insurance policy or file a personal injury lawsuit.
Insurance Complications
In short, things can get complicated fast when you’ve been involved in a Lyft rideshare accident. Ideally, your driver’s insurance policy should cover the damages, or the other driver should cover the bills. If the other driver doesn’t have insurance or they can’t be identified, however, Lyft will offer up to $1 million in liability insurance, but establishing the facts of the case, arguing with insurance companies, and filing lawsuits is complicated. Therefore, it’s necessary to count on a qualified Lyft accident lawyer to represent your interests.
Count on Valley Accident Lawyers to Help
Here at Valley Accident Lawyers, we understand the difficulties that passengers experience as they try to receive compensation for injuries they experienced while a Lyft driver was behind the wheel. While the insurance territory surrounding this subject may be complex, our team of experienced attorneys has what it takes to get you the compensation you need. To get started, contact Valley Accident Lawyers today!
If you have suffered an injury in an accident that was caused by a driver who was using his or her cell phone, it is important for you to contact us as soon as possible. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation so that you can learn about the rights that you might have.
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