Lyft Accident Lawyer
Lyft is one of the most popular ride sharing platforms in the U.S., connecting millions of riders with drivers every day. However, as with any mode of transportation, accidents can happen. If you are involved in a Lyft accident, whether as a passenger, driver, or third party, you may be wondering if you need to hire a Lyft accident lawyer to help you with your claim.
What to Do After a Lyft Car Accident
Accidents are scary. If you are involved in a Lyft accident, there are some steps you should take to protect yourself and your claim.
1. Call 911
Contact the authorities if anyone is injured or if there is significant property damage. Get medical attention as soon as possible for any injuries.
2. Exchange information
Get the Uber or Lyft driver’s info as well as any other parties involved in the accident, including names, phone numbers, license plate numbers, insurance information, and driver’s license numbers.
3. Document the accident scene
Take photos or videos of the scene of the accident, the vehicles involved, your injuries, and any other relevant details.
4. Speak to witnesses
If there are any witnesses who saw or heard the accident, speak with them and get their contact information.
5. Report the accident to Lyft or Uber
Contact the rideshare companies through their apps or by calling their Customer Service line.
6. Contact your own insurance company
Inform them of the accident, but do not admit fault or apologize for anything at the scene of the accident. Do not give any statements or sign any documents without talking to a lawyer first.
7. Keep track of your expenses
Keep records of anything related to the accident, such as medical bills, repair bills, receipts, pay stubs, etc.
8. Contact an Uber and Lyft accident attorney
Reach out to an experienced attorney as soon as possible to discuss your personal injury case and your options.
How Can a Lyft Accident Lawyer Help Me?
When you use a rideshare service, you expect to arrive safely at your destination. However, that is not always the case. Some drivers may drive recklessly to gain more riders, while others may be exhausted after a full day of work. Lyft drivers are independent contractors, which means that they are not regular full-time employees. A Lyft accident attorney can help you navigate the legal complexities of your case, as well as:
- Gathering evidence of the accident, such as photos, videos, witness statements, police reports, and medical bills.
- Evaluating your injuries and damages and calculating the value of your claim.
- Filing a claim with the appropriate insurance company or companies.
- Communicating and negotiating with the insurance adjusters and lawyers on your behalf.
- Representing you in court if a settlement cannot be reached.
- Protecting your rights and interests throughout the process.
A Lyft accident lawyer can help you seek medical treatment for your injuries. They will take care of all the paperwork, deadlines, and procedures while you focus on your recovery.
When Should I Hire a Lyft Accident Lawyer?
You should hire a lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you hire a lawyer, the sooner they can start working on your case and building a strong claim for you.
Hiring a Lyft accident attorney early can also help you avoid some common mistakes that could hurt your claim, such as:
- Giving a recorded statement to the insurance company.
- Signing any documents or accepting any offers.
- Posting anything about the accident or your injuries on social media.
- Missing any deadlines or filing requirements for your claim.
Hiring Lyft or Uber accident attorneys does not mean that you are suing Lyft or anyone else. It simply means that you are seeking professional legal guidance to get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents
Car accidents are disorienting, but an accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver can be even more stressful. Below are some common causes of rideshare accidents in California:
Distracted driving
Drivers who use the Lyft app, GPS, or other devices while driving, as well as texting, calling, eating, drinking, or grooming behind the wheel increase their risk of a rear-end collision or other type of car accident.
Speeding
Lyft drivers may speed over the safe limit to reach their destination faster. Speeding increases the risk of losing control of the vehicle, crashing into other cars or objects, or failing to stop in time for traffic signals or pedestrians.
Driving under the influence
While rare, some Uber or Lyft drivers may be impaired while driving. Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s judgment, reaction time, coordination, and vision, making them more likely to cause an accident.
Bad weather conditions
All drivers must drive with caution in rain, fog, or wind. Poor weather conditions affect the visibility, traction, and maneuverability of the vehicle, especially if the driver is not prepared or experienced in driving in that type of weather.
Road rage
Road rage can affect all drivers, especially those who are behind the wheel all day. A driver may act aggressively or recklessly towards other drivers or road users, such as tailgating, honking, cutting off, or weaving in and out of traffic.
Mechanical problems
Faulty brakes, tires, lights, steering, or engine can malfunction or fail during the ride, causing the driver to lose control or crash.
Contact An Experienced Lawyer Today
If you sustained serious injuries in an Uber or Lyft accident in Cerritos, you need a skilled and experienced rideshare attorney to fight for your rights and help you recover the damages you deserve.
At Heritage Accident Lawyers, we have recovered millions of dollars for rideshare accident victims. We know how to investigate Lyft accidents, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and litigate in court if necessary.
Don’t let an Uber or Lyft car accident ruin your life. Contact us today at (562) 376-5595 to schedule your free consultation with Lyft rideshare accident lawyers. We are ready to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.