When faced with a serious Lyft accident, our attorneys at Cowen Edwards are here to help you. Our dedicated team of Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers understand what you are going through and will help you navigate the complex legal process. Contact us today for a free legal consultation so that you can learn more about how we can assist you at this time.
Why Would You Need a Lawyer After a Lyft Accident?
You may be feeling helpless and overwhelmed after being hurt in a Fort Lauderdale Lyft accident. Whether you need an attorney or not depends on the circumstances of your accident and the injuries that you have suffered from. Even though there is no legal requirement to have a lawyer on your side, it can be beneficial if your injuries are particularly serious.
Because Lyft and other rideshare accident claims can be entirely complex, it can be helpful to speak with a lawyer. When the big-name insurers and attorneys for the other party are working against you, you should not have to worry about how you will maximize your settlement. Speaking with our attorneys at Cowen Edwards can ensure that you are treated fairly.
How Do Lyft Accidents Commonly Occur in Fort Lauderdale?
The city of Fort Lauderdale has numerous exciting sights to visit, from the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park to the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens. No matter your reason for traveling in Fort Lauderdale, there is always a reason for an individual to hail a Lyft to get from one destination to the next. Unfortunately, there could be many dangers with utilizing Lyft even if you expect to get to your destination safely.
Here are some of the most common reasons for Fort Lauderdale Lyft accidents every year:
- Focused on Ride Notifications: When somebody is driving for Lyft, they are patiently waiting to receive a ride request at any given moment. When a driver is focused on these notifications, they might not be paying close attention to the road around them.
- Locating Passengers: Lyft employees will often turn to their GPS to help them find passengers, as well as their destination. Drivers may become distracted by a GPS or an unfamiliar area that takes their eyes from the road. This can lead to a devastating accident within seconds.
- Distracted by Passengers: A passenger might talk to a driver while they are riding in a Lyft, which can take their focus away from driving and cause an accident.
- Speeding: When drivers attempt to get from one destination to the next as quickly as possible, they may speed to do so. This can cause an accident with catastrophic results, especially at high speeds when immense force is at play.
Who is Responsible for a Fort Lauderdale Lyft Collision?
In the event of a Lyft accident, there could be several parties who are responsible. Though a driver is almost always found at fault, other parties could share liability such as the Lyft company itself or a passenger inside the vehicle. Here are some aspects that could happen during the claims process after a Lyft accident:
- Lyft Driver’s Insurance: A rideshare driver is expected to carry insurance just as any other driver in Fort Lauderdale. If you have been hurt in an accident caused by a Lyft driver, you will file a claim with their personal insurance company. If your claim is rejected, you would turn toward Lyft to file a claim, notably if the driver was on the clock with Lyft at the time of the accident.
- Lyft Insurance Coverage: Lyft covers injured parties up to a million dollars in the event of an accident. This insurance only applies if the Lyft driver was logged into the company’s app at the time of the crash. Lyft’s insurance will do anything they can to deny your claim or offer you less than you deserve, which is why it is crucial that you speak with an attorney as soon as possible following an accident.
What Damages Might Be Included in Your Lyft Settlement?
Receiving damages is at the center of any Lyft accident claim, as you may be concerned about how you will move forward financially. You may be eligible for some of the following damages after an accident:
- Medical expenses and any future costs associated with your injuries
- Permanent disability damages if you received an especially severe injury
- Lost wages and benefits caused by missed time at work
- Therapy and rehabilitation costs
- Loss of enjoyment of life damages
- Pain and suffering
If you choose to move forward with a personal injury lawsuit, you only have two years to file under Florida’s statute of limitations. Because there are deadlines to meet, it can be beneficial to turn to the assistance of a knowledgeable accident lawyer.
Contact a Fort Lauderdale Lyft Accident Lawyer Today
It can be devastating and traumatic to be involved in a Fort Lauderdale Lyft accident. As you face challenges throughout the legal process our attorneys at Cowen Edwards are here to help you. We will walk you through any options you have and give you support and resources you can use along the way. Please contact us today for a free consultation to get started.
