Getting across Visalia can be a hassle at times and for some, it is easier to pull up a rideshare app and allow someone else to do the driving. Even people who own cars are finding it easier to order up a driver than pull out their personal vehicle.
These fleets of rideshare cars allow a lot of people to get where they need to be, but the extra motorists on the road drive another problem. The extra traffic increases the risk of accidents on local roads.
Lyft Adding to Accident Numbers
The Lyft experience allows riders to select their destination and their driver for a low price. But we don’t always think about the Lyft employee on the other end of the app who may be distracted by this entire scheduling process. Anyone that works from behind the wheel may have more reason to be distracted than anyone else on the road. And distracted drivers are a leading cause of accidents no matter where you are.
The California Office of Traffic Safety collected data on distracted driving dangers. They found that in a single year there were over 426,000 handheld cell phone and texting convictions across the state. What’s more, in a single month there were 57,000 distracted driving tickets issued.
A Lyft driver juggling the operation of a vehicle and setting up riders at the same time can be forced into inattention. That driver can look down for a moment and suddenly find they’ve drawn another motorist into a dangerous collision.
Finding Help After a Lyft Accident
A car accident can leave victims with serious injuries and they can find they’re unable to make it to work to earn a paycheck. The recovery can be long and expensive. The obvious question in the aftermath is if the Lyft driver is responsible for the consequences of this accident or if Lyft itself should take some of the blame.
The attorneys with Maison Law in Visalia can help answer this question. They can also help victims file a claim for damages against all responsible parties once it’s determined exactly who can be held liable. The victim wasn’t at fault in the accident and he or she shouldn’t face hospital bills alone.
The Lyft employees driving record can be held up for consideration and also Lyft’s hiring process. Did the company do enough to make sure it is hiring safe drivers? Did the company check to make sure its drivers had safe vehicles?
Does Lyft Provide Insurance Coverage for Its Drivers?
The answer is that Lyft provides coverage for accidents for its drivers in some situations and it varies according to what the driver was doing at the time. Lyft drivers are only “on the clock” when they have their app open and are waiting for a customer to select them. If they aren’t logged on, they aren’t working for Lyft, so if they have an accident at this point their own personal insurance will be the policy involved.
Lyft coverage kicks in when employees open their app. They are designated as being in “period one” when they don’t have a customer but are waiting to get a request for a ride. In period one, if there is an accident Lyft provides $50,000/person for bodily injury, $100,000/accident for bodily injury, $30,000/accident for property damage.
Drivers can also be in “period two” and that’s when a driver has accepted a ride request and is on the way to pick up a passenger. Then comes “period three” when a passenger is in the car until the passenger is dropped off. In both of these periods, if there’s an accident Lyft backs their drivers with $1 million in liability insurance and $1 million in uninsured / under-insured motorist coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a claim for damage in a Lyft Accident?
California allows victims up to two years from the date of the accident to file a civil lawsuit to attempt to recover damages resulting from the accident. Try to file your civil case as soon as possible so that it’s easier to gather evidence and locate witnesses to build a solid case.
What kind of compensation will Lyft have to pay in a civil lawsuit?
If your claim for damages is successful, the Lyft driver and perhaps Lyft itself can be ordered to pay for your medical costs and any future rehabilitation and treatment that may be necessary. They can be forced to cover your lost wages from missed time at work and any lost wages expected in the future. Travel expenses can be reimbursed. Your emotional trauma can also be compensated.
Should I talk to anyone from Lyft if they call me?
Lyft has been known to call victims after an accident seeking information. You should not give them any statements about what happened. California law does not require that you answer their questions. Lawyers and insurance agents on the Lyft payroll hope that you’ll make a statement so they can use it to weaken your case. It’s best to have an attorney on your side who can handle all communication for you.
Contact a Visalia Car Accident Lawyer
If a careless move by a Lyft driver left you with injuries after an accident let a local attorney make sure your physical, emotional, and financial hardships are compensated by those parties responsible. You should be allowed to focus on your recovery and Lyft and its driver should have to worry about paying for that recovery.
After an accident involving a serious injury, contact an experienced Visalia car accident lawyer such as Martin Gasparian for a free consultation and case evaluation. Mr. Gasparian takes a hands-on approach to every case. He believes that every client should work directly with their lawyer, get honest advice, and personalized attention to detail their case deserves.
