An Oakland Lyft accident lawyer has experience helping people who have been injured in a Lyft accident. Lyft is one of the top names in ridesharing companies today. Passengers like the option of having a driver matched to their needs with the tap of a smartphone button.

If you are injured in a Lyft accident, there’s a good chance you’ll end up filing a lawsuit. A good rideshare attorney knows how to help you get the compensation you need to pay your medical bills, damages, pain and suffering, and lost wages.

Since ridesharing is still in its infancy, insurance companies often challenge the laws of liability that relate to them. This is why it is so critical to work with an experienced Oakland Lyft accident lawyer at Quirk Reed LLP.

What Is Lyft?

Lyft is a rideshare compare that matches drivers with passengers when they need transportation. One difference between Lyft and Uber is that Lyft focuses more on carpooling to help passengers save money. Passengers request rides according to their needs and budget.

Lyft Line – Matches riders with others going in the same direction so that they split the cost of the ride.

Lyft – A personal vehicle that fits up to four passengers.

Lyft Plus – Fits up to six passengers.

Lyft Premier – A high-end option for occasions that demand a luxury car.

Lyft rides are available in over 200 cities and in more than 30 cities. However, all ride options aren’t available in every location.

Rideshare drivers like the flexibility of driving for Lyft. They can work around their existing schedule and make some extra money. The drivers also have the option to either have their money deposited into their bank account weekly or cashed out immediately.

Drivers must meet certain criteria before they can work for the company. They must be 21 years of age or older and own an iPhone or Android phone. Potential drivers must pass a DMV check and a background check at both the county and national level that goes beach at least seven years.

Lyft disqualifies applicants with a history of violent crimes, felonies, drug-related convictions, or sexual offenses. They must be covered on their vehicle’s insurance policy and have an in-state license plate.

The applicant’s car must also meet certain criteria. In addition to passing a 19-point inspection, it must also pass any additional requirements required by the city or state. Some requirements vary, but usually, you must have a car with four external door handles and a minimum of five working seat belts. In addition, you might have to apply for and receive a business license, permits, and certifications.

Lyft Drivers and Car Insurance

If you are injured in a Lyft accident, your Lyft accident lawyer will probably deal with the insurance company and not directly with the other party. Lyft drivers must have coverage on a personal insurance policy.

Lyft also offers a range of coverages within their insurance policies which includes:

  • Contingent Liability – Applies when the driver is in “driver mode” and is waiting for a ride request.
  • Primary Liability Coverage – The company’s primary liability insurance which applies during the period of time from when the driver accepts a ride until the ride ends. The policy has a $1 million accident limit regardless of the number of people injured in the accident.
  • Contingent Collision and Comprehensive Coverage – This coverage is for physical damage to the driver’s vehicle. But drivers are only covered if they have collision or comprehensive coverage included on their personal insurance policy.
  • Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist (UM/UIM) – If an accident occurs with a motorist that is underinsured or uninsured, the coverage pays up to $1 million per accident.

 

Other Practice Areas:

Common Causes of Lyft Accidents

Although it’s not unusual to call car crashes “accidents” some people argue that accidents don’t exist at all. When a car crashes into a person, another vehicle, or another object, it’s almost always due to negligence.

That’s why the first job of a Lyft accident lawyer is to determine who is liable for an accident and the injuries it caused. Somewhere along the way, someone made a decision that caused the crash to happen.

Texting, talking on mobile devices, and using technology like navigation systems are the modern forms of distracted driving. Driving under the influence, adjusting the radio, and talking with passengers in the vehicle are still common ways that drivers get distracted. Giving priority to anything but your driving even for a second or two can result in a crash. When it happens, your negligence makes you liable.

Proving that the other driver wasn’t paying attention when a crash occurred is difficult to impossible. There’s no way to “see” what they were doing when they hit you. But if their activities caused them to veer out of the lane, run a traffic stop, or fail to see a pedestrian in the crosswalk, that’s all your Lyft accident lawyer needs to know.

An experienced rideshare attorney knows what it takes to prove which party was liable and who is responsible for your compensation.

Common Car Accident Injuries In Oakland

Lyft accidents occur just like any other auto accident. They also cause the same common injuries depending on how severe the impact is. Some of the most common types of injuries from automobile accidents include:

  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Fractures
  • Amputations
  • Whiplash
  • Lacerations
  • Injuries of the Neck & Spine
  • Internal Injuries
  • Death

Lyft Accidents Involving Pedestrians

Pedestrians are the most vulnerable victims of automobile accidents. Often, they incur injuries to the legs, feet, and toes. 

Children are usually active and impulsive, making them more vulnerable to getting struck while walking. Their small size makes them prone to more severe injuries from even minor impacts.

If you are a passenger in a Lyft car during an accident, you might experience emotional and psychological distress due to the traumatic details of the accident. A Lyft accident lawyer can help you file a lawsuit and get the compensation you deserve.

How An Oakland Lyft Accident Attorney Can Help You

Lyft drivers have a duty to provide a safe environment for their passengers, occupants of other vehicles, and pedestrians. Lyft also has the obligation to keep the public informed of potential dangers. Failing to meet these duties can result in their being liable for another person’s physical, mental, or emotional injuries.

If you’ve been injured in a Lyft accident, contact the Oakland Lyft accident lawyers at Quirk Reed to schedule a free evaluation of your case. An experienced Lyft accident lawyer might be able to help you recover money to pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and your pain and suffering.