Maison Law’s team of Santa Cruz car accident lawyers can help you if you’ve been injured during a Lyft ride. There’s nothing more frustrating than being in a car accident when you’re a passenger. Putting your safety in someone else’s hands can be scary, but if you get hurt, our team will be there to support you. Contact us today to set up a free consultation.
When Do You Need a Lawyer?
A Lyft accident is indeed frustrating, but your legal needs are going to be dictated by how serious your injuries are. Hopefully, your accident or injuries are minor in nature. In that case, you probably don’t need to worry about taking legal action.
However, the more hurt you are, the more you’ll probably need help. Our team of experienced lawyers have a proven track record of success in these cases. Here’s our approach:
- Understanding your rights – We’ll explain your legal rights and options, including insurance matters concerning the Lyft driver and others involved.
- Handling insurance claims – With our experience, we’ll help you navigate the complexities of dealing with insurance companies, making sure you receive the financial support that’s available.
- Collecting evidence – Our team will gather and analyze evidence crucial to building a strong case, including witness statements, photos, and surveillance footage.
- Providing peace of mind – We’ll relieve the stress of dealing with the aftermath of the accident, allowing you to focus on recovery, knowing your case is in capable hands. We’ll simplify legal processes, guiding you through paperwork and representing your interests effectively in negotiations or court.
It’s not just about what we can do for you. Every accident is different, and we can modify our approach depending on what you need specifically. The process stays the same, but it’s our top priority to make sure you get the best result possible.
Injuries and Damages in a Lyft Accident
When dealing with a Lyft accident, there’s two ways to look at the resulting damage. First, there’s your actual injuries and other things that you lose in the accident. In some ways, a Lyft accident is more frustrating for you as a passenger because you have no control over the situation. Basically, you’re putting your safety in the hands of the Lyft driver. While the vast majority drive safely, accidents can and often do happen. And you’re just as likely to get injured. Depending on the type and severity of the collision, you could be looking at:
- Broken bones, especially in your arms and legs
- Strained muscles or tears
- Burns
- Whiplash
- Brain or head injuries
- Neck injuries
- Facial or eye injuries
Legal damages
Your legal damages are closely related to your physical injuries, but not completely. It also goes into the emotional and psychological impact the accident has had on you. You don’t get into a Lyft expecting to be hurt in an accident, yet if it happens, you have the option to file an injury claim to recover “damages” from the responsible party. This differs in every accident, but generally, you can recover things like:
- Healthcare costs
- Damage to property
- Income lost due to inability to work
- Physical and emotional pain
- Psychological suffering
- Wrongful death expenses in a fatal accident
Obviously, getting these damages is going to depend on how strongly you present your claim and other factors involved–most importantly in how an insurance company is going to be involved when it’s a Lyft accident.
Liability in a Lyft Accident
One of the most unique things about a Lyft accident is how liability is figured out. Being that it’s ultimately a car accident, negligence is going to determine who’s responsible. But a Lyft accident, dealing with insurance and figuring out who’s at fault can be more complicated than in a regular car accident. This is because there are more people involved.
Lyft drivers have their own insurance, but Lyft also has extra coverage when the driver is using the app. The amount of coverage depends on whether they’re:
- Waiting for a ride
- On a trip
- In between
This affects how claims are handled and who pays for the damages. Determining who’s to blame in a Lyft accident is trickier. It means looking at what the Lyft driver, other drivers, and Lyft itself did. If your Lyft driver caused the accident by being distracted, speeding, or otherwise doing something they shouldn’t have, they’ll bear primary responsibility for covering your damages. However, like any car accident, there will be other parties involved. Usually, this includes:
- Other drivers
- Other passengers
- Pedestrians
- Bicyclists
- Government agencies
- Third parties
Keeping Your Claim Strong
No matter who’s at fault for your accident, you’ll need to go through the claims process to pursue your legal options against the responsible parties. This means dealing with an insurance company, so it’s important to know how to strengthen your claim.
- Your health comes first. Get medical care for any injuries, no matter how minor. Medical records are crucial for your claim. You should call 911 for an ambulance, and then go to a hospital for further examination.
- Take pictures of the accident scene, including vehicles, road conditions, and injuries. Get contact information from witnesses.
- Call the Santa Cruz Police Department or Santa Cruz County Sheriff and get a copy of the police report.
- Let Lyft know about the accident and record details through the app, including the driver’s information.
- Save all documents related to the accident, like medical bills, repair estimates, and communications with Lyft and insurance companies.
- Report the accident to your insurance and the Lyft driver’s insurance.
- Keep track of all costs related to the accident that you may be able to recover through your claim.
- Get statements from witnesses who can support your side of the story.
- Be careful about what you say on social media or to others. Insurance companies may use this against you.
- Keep a record of your progress, including ongoing treatments and emotional distress.
All of these things play some part in the strength of your claim. But it’s how effectively you present your case that will ultimately decide what you’re able to recover. You can lean on our team’s experience and knowledge in this situation.
Guidance After Santa Cruz Lyft Accidents
You don’t have to face the aftermath of a Lyft accident by yourself. At Maison Law, our team of experienced Lyft accident lawyers will be there to support and guide you. We know that injuries can have a huge impact on your life, and we’re committed to getting you back on track. Contact us today to set up a free, no-obligation consultation to get started.
