Rideshare services such as Uber or Lyft are popular today, but car accidents involving these platforms bring challenges. Injuries from these accidents can lead to huge medical bills and other financial damages.
If you’ve been in a rideshare accident, you may need the help of an experienced Orem car accident lawyer. A personal injury attorney will help you be aware of your rights and assist in seeking fair compensation.
Understanding car accidents involving rideshare platforms is complex due to the different insurance layers and legalities.
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Our Orem Lyft Accident Lawyer Fights for Your Rights
At Good Guys Injury Law, we’re dedicated to ensuring that rideshare accident victims get the compensation they deserve. Rideshare companies have specific insurance policies, but insurance companies often push back on paying full claims.
Our team works to the best of their abilities to secure fair compensation for lost income, medical expenses, and any property damage.
Having a skilled rideshare accident attorney is critical to managing negotiations with the insurance company when involved in Lyft accidents. We handle all aspects of your case, including medical documentation and car insurance claims.
Why Do Lyft Accidents Happen?
Accidents involving Uber or Lyft occur for various reasons. While rideshare drivers must follow the same laws as regular drivers, car accidents can still happen due to human error. These errors range from distracted driving to poor weather conditions.
Understanding the causes helps you identify the parties liable in a claim, whether it’s the rideshare driver, another vehicle, or even road conditions.
Distracted Driving
Distractions can be particularly dangerous for rideshare drivers, who often rely on GPS for directions. Glancing at the phone to adjust the route or respond to ride requests can distract them from the road.
Even small distractions like checking notifications can lead to accidents in busy traffic. Rideshare companies encourage safe driving, but distractions are still a common issue.
Drunk Driving
While rideshare drivers must pass background checks, some may still engage in risky behavior like driving under the influence. It’s illegal under Utah Code § 41-6a-502 to drive under the influence (DUI).
Alcohol impairs reaction time and judgment, making accidents more likely. Intoxicated drivers put passengers and others on the road at risk. Legal consequences for drunk driving in rideshare accidents are severe, including losing driving privileges.
Tired Driving
Fatigue impairs a driver’s ability to focus and react to road conditions. Late-night shifts or long hours without proper rest are common causes of tired driving among rideshare drivers.
Reaction times slow down, and judgment is impaired, which increases the likelihood of accidents. Rideshare drivers need to rest regularly to reduce the risk of falling asleep while driving.
Unfamiliarity With Roads
Rideshare drivers often travel in unfamiliar areas, especially if they take on passengers in different cities. GPS directions can be confusing or delayed, leading to sudden lane changes or stops.
A rideshare driver unfamiliar with the roads is more likely to make errors, such as missing turns or stopping unexpectedly, which can cause collisions. Learning about local roads helps prevent these incidents.
Poor Weather
Weather conditions like rain, fog, or snow create hazardous driving environments. Slippery roads and reduced visibility can make it difficult for drivers to react quickly, increasing the chance of accidents.
Rideshare drivers may feel pressured to continue driving in poor weather conditions to complete trips. Properly equipped vehicles and caution are essential in these situations to minimize risk.
Liability in a Lyft Accident Is Complicated
Rideshare accidents present unique liability challenges. In regular car accidents, whether they’re speeding or breaking traffic laws, liability often falls on the driver. However, a rideshare situation depends on whether the driver was carrying a passenger or logged into the app.
This distinction determines whether the insurance company for the driver, the rideshare company, or another party is responsible for damages.
The Main Differences Between a Lyft Accident and a Traditional Car Accident
Accidents involving Uber or Lyft differ from traditional car accidents. In these cases, multiple insurance policies may apply, including mandatory car insurance coverage that covers liability in accidents stated in Utah Code § 31A-22-302.
The driver’s car insurance and the rideshare company’s coverage. Insurance companies may also dispute claims, prolonging the settlement process.
Understanding these differences can help you prepare for your insurance claim and avoid delays in compensation.
Steps To Follow After a Lyft Accident
After any car accident, it’s important to follow these steps:
Ensure safety.
Check for injuries and call emergency services.
Document the scene.
Take photos of the accident, road conditions, and damage to the vehicles.
Get contact information.
Collect details from the driver, passengers, and witnesses.
Contact Lyft and your insurance.
Notify both parties about the accident.
Consult an attorney.
Contact an Orem car accident lawyer to handle the legal aspects and communicate with the insurance company.
How Much Is Your Lyft Accident Worth?
The value of your claim depends on several factors, such as:
- The severity of your injuries
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Property damage
Car insurance companies evaluate these factors when deciding on a settlement. However, they may undervalue your claim, so having an attorney can help you negotiate for fair compensation. In more severe cases, personal injury lawsuits may be necessary to obtain the compensation you deserve.
Car accident claims can give you a tough time, especially when rideshare companies like Lyft are involved. Personal injury attorneys are key in assessing the full scope of your damages, including medical bills, future medical needs, lost income, and emotional and physical distress.
Hiring a rideshare accident attorney also helps you get through dealing with lowball insurance companies. These types of insurance companies may often try to minimize your compensation.
An attorney can provide a detailed case evaluation, ensuring that all aspects of your claim are thoroughly addressed, helping you recover the maximum compensation you deserve.
How Our Orem Lyft Accident Lawyer Can Help You
At Good Guys Injury Law, we handle your entire car accident case, from dealing with the insurance company to filing a personal injury claim.
Our Orem car accident lawyer will ensure you receive monetary compensation for your lost income, medical bills, and any other damages. We aim to take the legal burden off your shoulders so you can focus on recovery.
FAQs
How long do I have to file a Lyft accident claim in Utah?
In Utah, you generally have four years to file a claim after a car accident.
What if the rideshare company denies responsibility?
A lawyer can sue the rideshare company to hold them accountable for damages or pursue other legal remedies.
Can I recover compensation for hospital bills and lost wages?
Yes, you can seek compensation for both medical expenses and lost wages through insurance claims.
What should I do after a rideshare accident?
Contact emergency services, gather evidence, and contact an attorney for help with rideshare accidents.
Can I file a claim if I wasn’t the driver?
Yes, ride-sharing accident passengers can file claims for physical injuries and property damage.
Contact Our Orem Lyft Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been involved in a Lyft accident, you must seek legal help immediately. At Good Guys Injury Law, our experienced personal injury lawyers will guide you through filing a claim. We know how dreadful car accidents can be, especially when dealing with income loss, medical bills, and insurance companies.
Our team will work to secure the compensation you deserve, covering your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and property damage. We’ll handle all legal matters, allowing you to focus on recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.