Even though you pretty much have to take a car to get anywhere in L.A., sometimes you’d rather let someone else do the driving. With the advent of ridesharing services such as Lyft, it’s now easier than ever to hail a ride, pay the fare, and tip your driver all from your phone. You probably know a few Lyft drivers yourself, perhaps struggling actors or others in the business who need a little extra scratch to help pay the rent.
The problem is that not all Lyft drivers meet the standards you might expect from a professional driver. Sometimes they cause accidents, whether you’re a paying passenger or driving your own car. Given that they’re driving for a third party (although they’re not employees in the legal sense) and many parties are involved, how do these types of claims work?
The truth is that they can often get very complicated. If you’re involved in such an incident and get injured in L.A., your best bet is to contact a Los Angeles Lyft accident lawyer at Walch Law at your earliest convenience. We know how to make your case the strongest possible to get you paid quickly.
Involved in a Lyft Accident? First StepsThe main concern immediately following any automobile accident is always your safety. If you’re seriously injured, try to remain calm until help comes. If your injuries are minor, then check to see if others involved need medical attention and call 911 if necessary. If your vehicle is blocking traffic and your car is still operational, be sure to move it to the side of the road. Finally, call the police to get an official report of the accident. This could eliminate the “he said, she said” nature of the accident when you’re positive it wasn’t your fault.
Regardless of the nature of your accident, Lyft-related or otherwise, you’ll want to gather the following information:
Whether you were riding as a Lyft passenger or you were operating your own vehicle and struck by a Lyft driver, you’ll want to check the following:
If you’re seriously injured and were unable to get all of this information, your Los Angeles Lyft accident lawyer should be able to help you get it later. Just be sure to avoid accepting any early settlement offers without meeting with your attorney first, as insurance companies are motivated to keep payments low and close cases quickly.
Unique Challenges of Filing Claims for Lyft AccidentsEven when it’s clear that the Lyft driver was at fault, whether you were the passenger or another motorist, there may be difficulties obtaining the compensation you’re owed. For one thing, you need to understand that Lyft drivers are not Lyft employees, and therefore the company doesn’t have the same level of liability as they would if the drivers were full employees.
Individual experiences will vary, but some of the reported difficulties with Lyft claims include the following:
When you put a dollar figure on your injuries for purposes of filing an injury claim, they’re referred to as damages. Certain damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages, are very common but others may not be so obvious. A skilled Los Angeles Lyft accident lawyer will be able to help you understand the full extent of your claim for damages.
Other damages may include, but are not limited to, the following:
If someone else was negligent in causing the accident that resulted in your injuries, you have the right to file a claim for damages. Plaintiffs with legal counsel are much more likely to get fair compensation. Contact the legal professionals at the Law Offices of Gary K. Walch, a Law Corporation and get some relief. We take all our cases on a contingency fee basis meaning that you don’t pay us anything until we get you paid. Hiring is easy- it only takes one call!