Rideshare services like Lyft are convenient when you need it most. However, a Lyft car accident is not uncommon. It is beneficial to know what to do if you find yourself in this situation, and how a Burlington Lyft accident lawyer can help.
Going through a rideshare accident claims process can have challenges as you seek fair compensation. State regulations, insurance paperwork, time limitations, and proof requirements can be overwhelming. Contact an experienced Burlington rideshare accident lawyer at Rand Spear to potentially recover damages by building strong cases, identifying all liable parties, and negotiating on your behalf.
What to Know About Rideshare Accident Accountability in New Jersey
Rideshare drivers use Lyft’s insurance plans when driving customers or going to get them. However, Lyft’s insurer might reject a request for damages if the app was off or there was insufficient protection at the time of the crash. For periods when Lyft does not actively insure the driver and rider, the driver’s own carrier may be responsible for covering any remaining liability.
Company liability also comes into play if the rideshare app’s negligence contributed to an accident. Poor driver screening, inadequate training, or technology failures could factor into accidents. Passengers can potentially take legal action against rideshare platforms as well if they have adequate proof.
New Jersey laws further protect injured passengers and drivers in rideshare vehicle crashes. State regulations demand sufficient insurance minimums while also allowing negligence claims outside of no-fault policies. While rideshare accident laws can be complex, a Burlington personal injury lawyer can help determine what options you may have.
What to Do if You Get Hurt During a Lyft Accident
The first step is to get any medical help that you need. Even if you think you do not need it at first, you should go as it can help your case. You could be hurt and not even realize it.
Adrenaline skyrockets during an accident and can make you feel like you do not have pain. However, as time goes on, you can start to notice symptoms of a head, neck, back injury, or some other injury. A quick x-ray could help determine if something is going on that same day of your incident.
Documenting an injury early helps build an accurate record of the incident. Take photos documenting driver fault, including vehicle damage and injuries like cuts or bruises, if you are able to. Take down witnesses’ contact information if they are willing.
Burlington Lyft Accident Lawyer Near Me (215) 985-2424
Common Causes of a Lyft Accident
Distracted driving is one of the most common reasons Lyft crashes occur. This is because drivers juggle directions, ride requests, and conversations. Multi-tasking while operating vehicles frequently leads to delayed reaction times and collisions.
Fatigued or drowsy drivers also contribute to many Lyft accidents, especially during high-demand nighttime hours. Lack of rest deteriorates response capabilities essential to prevent crashes. Rideshare companies may bear some accountability for overworking or encouraging exhausted drivers.
Poor maintenance, like bald tires or faulty brake lines, also endangers Lyft riders. Equipment failures often cause loss of control accidents. Drivers must ensure regular safety checks and repairs on vehicles in service to protect all road users.
How to Receive Compensation if a Lyft Driver Was at Fault
Injured passengers have grounds for legal action against negligent Lyft drivers who cause an accident. It is vital to demonstrate clear driver fault. If you do this through police reports, witness statements, and other evidence, it may be easier to recover damages.
Seeking compensation involves submitting documentation of all crash damages suffered. This includes medical bills, therapy costs, lost income from missed work, vehicle repair invoices, and other losses from the rideshare driver’s negligence. Thorough records help secure higher settlements or court awards.
Contact a Burlington Lyft accident attorney at Rand Spear to see if you can also pursue additional compensation for pain and suffering. Though compensation is never guaranteed, your lawyer can help attempt to recover it. Crashes can leave passengers with traumatic injuries having long-term impacts on their quality of life, and you deserve a chance at trying to get compensation.
Potential Forms of Compensation
Injured Lyft passengers may recover economic damages like medical expenses, lost income, property losses, and other out-of-pocket costs. Bills from injury treatments, damaged devices, lost wages, and vehicle repairs qualify under this category. Documenting these tangible accident costs maximizes their recovery potential.
Pain and suffering awards may further compensate rideshare crash passengers enduring emotional trauma. Injuries from reckless Lyft drivers often cause lasting struggles with mobility, headaches, depression, or anxiety long after crashes. Monetary damages are not guaranteed, but there is a possibility you may be able to go after them.
Punitive damages are rare but still possible if you need them. You can usually try to claim this if your Lyft case involved gross negligence or intentional harm. For example, if your Lyft driver was driving under the influence or intentionally hurt you, this may warrant punitive damages.
Statute of Limitations for Lyft Accidents in Burlington
There is a two-year deadline to file personal injury lawsuits in Burlington. This deadline for Lyft accidents begins the day your accident occurs. If you fail to take legal action within this limited period, you will lose the right to sue negligent drivers and Lyft.
However, you may request an extension in certain scenarios. Minors involved in Lyft wrecks get additional time to pursue injury claims after turning 18 years old. Disabilities existing before or caused by crashes may also warrant statute of limitations extensions. A Lyft accident attorney in Burlington can petition for more time if warranted.
Beginning your case promptly after a crash is vital to help preserve your rights even with legal deadlines. Your lawyer can immediately begin investigating your case, so make sure to reach out to them right away. It is vital to build strong cases while the evidence is strong so claims get filed in time.
Fight for Compensation with a Lyft Accident Lawyer in Burlington
Dealing with a car accident involving a rideshare company can be complex. It can also be a lot to handle by yourself, between insurance claims, medical appointments, missed work, police reports, and more. Our legal team knows exactly how to handle these unique cases, and all you have to do is schedule a free consultation to see if and how we can help you.
Call or text (215) 985-2424 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
