Being injured in a car accident can turn your world upside down, but matters may become even more complicated if the other car involved was signed into the Lyft rideshare app at the time of the wreck. Whether you were a passenger or a motorist, it can be difficult to understand who is responsible for medical compensation. Speaking to a lawyer and asking a few questions may help you feel more confident about filing a personal injury lawsuit against Lyft.
1. What If Lyft Turned Away My Claim?
If you were driving and were struck by a Lyft vehicle, the company may deny responsibility because drivers are designated as freelance workers and not employees. If this should happen, you may have to bring a suit against the driver or his or her insurance company. While Lyft does carry insurance to protect its drivers and passengers, you may have to prove the rideshare company was negligent in some way before you win any type of compensation for your injuries.
2. How Can I Prove Negligence?
If the competence of the Lyft driver is in question, you may want to ask your lawyer to perform a background check to ensure the company was not negligent in hiring someone with a poor driving record. While Lyft does perform background checks and yearly inspections of driving records, some poor drivers might slip through the system. Your attorney can help you gather information, such as police records, that may help prove your case.
3. What If the Driver Was Off Duty?
If the Lyft driver was not signed into the rideshare app or considered as on duty when the accident occurred then you will likely have to treat it like any other wreck and report the damage and your injuries to the driver’s personal insurance company. Lyft’s insurance typically does not cover drivers when they are not actively picking up or transporting passengers.
4. What If I Witnessed Negligence?
If you were a passenger in the Lyft and your driver was preoccupied with a phone call, eating or some other distraction when the accident happened, you may be able to prove he or she was negligent. Your attorney can obtain police reports and speak to other witnesses to verify what you witnessed and help you determine whether you have a viable personal injury case.When you are injured in a Lyft accident as a passenger or individual motorist, it can be difficult to know how to proceed, but there is help available. Contact a car accident attorney from PIOLETTI PIOLETTI & NICHOLS for more information.