Lyft is one of the numerous rideshare companies that allows its customers to be transported to various locations for a small fee. App-based rideshare companies have become more widely used than conventional taxi services and have been viewed as a viable alternative to public transportation; the app connects the user with a driver who is nearby as opposed to stationed at a facility, allowing the pickup time to be greatly reduced. Fares are also cheaper, and the services are available around the clock. However, despite all of this, the risk of accidents rises disproportionately. More people being transported means that there will be an increased amount of people speeding to deliver their customers to their destinations on time; the low barrier of entry to drive for Lyft also indicates that unsafe drivers will be a part of the problem. When accidents happen, clients will often wonder about the best way to increase their settlement offers from Lyft. Fortunately, there are some ways to ensure that you can receive the best offer possible.
Lyft Insurance
Initially, the Lyft model for insurance was simple: it did not provide its drivers with any insurance, claiming that they were independent contractors, which meant the company was not responsible for their transgressions or for providing them with benefits. The issue was apparent in the fact that personal auto insurance policies are not in effect if the driver is driving for money, or commercially. This is why taxi companies and freighter businesses provide employees with policies. After accidents unfolded that left families unable to receive fair compensation, Lyft and York Insurance partnered up to give drivers coverage.
The policy is simple: when a driver has the app turned on and is waiting for a fare, he has a policy of $50,000 in effect. If you are hit by an individual who is waiting for a fare, you would be privy to this policy. However, when a driver accepts a fare and is en route to the customer, the policy increases to $1,000,000. It remains like this and covers the customer when he enters the car, as well as other drivers who may be involved in an accident. Once the trip has ended, the policy reverts back to its initial amount.
You should understand how much the liability coverage is, as well as the uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage if you get into an accident with Lyft. You will be able to show that you deserve more if the limit allows it.
Accident Information
Accidents with Lyft drivers can happen for any number of reasons. They may have been driving recklessly, not paying attention to the road, using their phones and the Lyft app, speeding, and more. Generally, if you can show that the Lyft driver was negligent in his actions, you would receive a higher settlement offer. If you are held partially responsible, then your settlement will take a hit. For example, if you were struck by a Lyft driver who ran a stop sign but you were also traveling over the speed limit, you may be found to be a small percent at fault and thus lose out on compensation.
After getting involved in an accident, you should make sure to check that you are not severely injured. You should seek medical attention regardless; the adrenaline can be enough to mask any damaging injuries long enough that you will not notice them, but a paramedic will be able to tell if you are hurt. Further, if you do not opt for medical attention immediately, Lyft can claim that you did not suffer the damages you are pursuing compensation for in the accident. You should get medical assistance so your claim will be stronger.
Of course, you should also collect evidence in the form of witness testimonies and statements, the Lyft driver’s insurance information, and photos and videos of the scene of the accident, as well as of your injuries and the damage to your vehicle. A police report can also be presented to the insurance company. With proper proof, you can be sure that your settlement offer will be fairer and larger than it would be if you could only show the bare minimum of damages.
Legal Counsel
A common error many individuals make is refusing to pursue legal assistance after an accident. It is generally only advisable to forgo an attorney if you were not physically harmed and if you are merely pursuing reimbursement for damages to your vehicle. York Insurance is more likely to pay for property damage than anything else, especially because these claims are hard to dispute; a mechanic’s estimate is required, and it can be hard to argue with it. However, if you were hurt, you will more than likely face insurance agents who will throw out your claims without giving them any consideration and claim that you were not hurt to the extent that you claim after the accident.
Choosing to self-represent may be a mistake. You could be hurt and low on time, energy, and money, and trying to win a lawsuit could be out of the realm of possibility for you. Without proper experience in the legal field or a lack of negotiation skills, you may not be able to earn very much compensation, if any at all. However, you should be aware that if you do try to settle a claim with York Insurance, you should not give in and accept the first offer. The company will usually hope that you accept a low sum so that you will not continue to bother them
An experienced attorney, on the other hand, will be able to work to ensure that your claim is handled in a swift manner. Our team of lawyers will take care of all the legal proceedings and will strive on your behalf to win you a fair settlement.
We will also be able to advise you as to whether or not you should pursue a class action lawsuit if the opportunity is there. Generally, a class action lawsuit will feature numerous plaintiffs taking action against one entity. While the proof may be more effective, the earnings will be divvied up among the plaintiffs, which can result in a much lower amount than if you personally filed a lawsuit.
Seek a Second Opinion
There is the chance that you will sign up for legal help and your lawyer will not be too skilled. If you feel as though you are mistreated by your attorney or if he is not working hard to bring you a fair settlement, you should consult with another law firm for a second opinion. We will be glad to tell you if we believe you are currently being misrepresented and will discuss what your case is likely worth.
Understanding Earning Potential
With the help of an expert lawyer, you could potentially earn various kinds of compensation for your Lyft accident. You may have your medical bills covered, lost wages reimbursed, damaged property reimbursed, pain and suffering damages covered, and more. You should make sure that you have evidence to show that you deserve to be compensated in all of these areas; an attorney will be able to assist you.
Call Our Firm
Normandie Law Firm is one of the top-rated Los Angeles law groups that can help victims of Lyft accidents receive the maximum settlement offers they deserve. We will do all we can to bring you compensation. Our aggressive lawyers will not stop working for you until you are satisfied with the result. Lyft should be held responsible for its drivers’ actions, and if you are an accident, you should receive the utmost attention and restitution possible.
Get in touch with our law firm today to schedule a free legal consultation with an experienced attorney. You will be able to discuss your case and learn more about how to increase the settlement offer from Lyft. We will tell you what we believe your case is worth and give you necessary details about filing a lawsuit. All of our consultations are completely confidential, so you will never have to worry about any of your private information being leaked.
If you hire us for our legal services, you will receive a zero fee guarantee on your case, which ensures that you will never pay us any out of pocket expenses. You will retain your savings throughout the litigation process. We will only have our fees covered if we win your lawsuit, and the money will be taken out of the settlement we earn for you, so Lyft essentially takes care of your legal bills. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing at all.
Contact Normandie Law Firm today to speak with a Lyft accident attorney.
