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Lyft has become a popular way of getting around Las Vegas without driving through heavy traffic and busy intersections. If you’re involved in an accident with one of the company’s rideshare vehicles, you might need a Las Vegas Lyft accident lawyer to handle the legal aspects of the aftermath. A serious injury from a Lyft accident can turn your world upside down. You’re on your way to work or home, and suddenly, nothing is the same. In an instant, you go from leading an active life to suffering from pain and a loss of function. You can’t work and earn the income you need to pay your family’s bills, much less the mounting stack of medical bills that continue to accumulate.
Your only option is to file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. When the accident involves a Lyft driver, everything becomes more complicated. You need an experienced Lyft accident attorney from Bay Law Accident Attorneys to guide you through the legal process. Our attorneys are compassionate and will listen to your concerns. We work quickly and aggressively to get you the compensation you need. If you have questions about your Lyft accident and getting the money you need for treatment, schedule a free consultation. Our team of Lyft accident lawyers will collect and evaluate the evidence for your claim. We will determine which parties are liable and advise you on the best course of action.
If you are injured in an accident involving a Lyft vehicle, you deserve compensation to pay for your medical bills, Unfortunately, Lyft and the insurance companies will try every trick in the book to prevent having to pay your claim. They may start by offering you a settlement that is much lower than you deserve. They might attempt to get a recorded statement and use your words against you. They are counting on your inexperience and urgent need for financial recovery to get you to settle for a lot less or to discredit your claim altogether. When you reach out to Bay Law Accident Attorneys, we will calculate how much your compensation should be and negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf.
Lyft’s business model makes filing an accident claim confusing and complex. It takes a Las Vegas Lyft accident attorney with extensive experience and knowledge to navigate the rideshare company’s system. Bay Law Accident Attorneys knows what it takes to build a case against Lyft drivers and get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Take Some Time to Understand
Lyft’s Insurance System
Las Vegas is one of the country’s top destinations. People flock to the city from around the world to enjoy the casinos, fine dining, entertainment, shopping, and incomparable nightlife. Tourists often rely on Lyft for rides to the Strip and other popular destinations, but locals like the convenience of using rideshare vehicles too. As Lyft continues to grow in popularity and range in Las Vegas, so do some of the situations that increase the potential for Lyft accidents in and around the city.
Since first being granted authority to operate in Southern Nevada in 2015, Lyft has expanded from the Las Vegas city limits to include Pahrump in Rye County and Henderson in Clark County. Passengers take comfort in knowing that Lyft uses a screening process to evaluate new drivers on their driving history and criminal background checks. Although ride-hailing is a convenient mode of transportation in the city, it isn’t always as safe as it should be. Las Vegas is littered with dangerous streets and intersections as well as some areas with traffic congestion and Lyft accidents happen.
Another change in the operation of Lyft in Las Vegas is the return to price surging. Surging allows drivers to charge more during peak hours between 7 and 9 am and 5 to 7 pm. These time frames coincide with the hours when traffic congestion is more likely in the city. These are the times when many people request rides to get to and from work. Driving during surge times gives drivers the option to make a lot more money. For some, the temptation to speed or drive carelessly to get to the end of one ride and pick up the next one is overwhelming. This driving behavior also increases the risk of being in a Lyft accident and getting serious injuries.
Lyft doesn’t consider their drivers as employees, but they do offer up to $1,000,000 in liability insurance coverage while the drivers are working for them. The problem is that the amount of coverage available for your injuries and damages depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the accident. The maximum coverage only applies if the driver was “on the clock” and was transporting passengers. If you are injured as a Lyft passenger, there is no doubt that the driver was in this phase of operation.
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If a Lyft vehicle hit your car, then it might not be as clear. If the driver was in transit to pick up a passenger, Lyft’s contingency coverage kicks in. This policy pays an additional $50,000 for injuries and death when the driver’s personal policy isn’t enough. If the driver is off the clock and they are not hauling passengers or searching for them, they are considered regular drivers. Their personal insurance policy is their only insurance coverage. The minimum requirement for Lyft drivers is $25,000 per person per accident. It is the period of driving that the driver is in when the accident happens that determines whether you are covered for $25,000, $75,000, or $1,000,000. Despite the differences in coverage, the driving period doesn’t change the details of the accident or the severity of your injuries.
A car accident can happen without warning and in a matter of seconds. The impact the crash has on your life can last a lifetime. What you do after a Lyft accident in Las Vegas will help you get the treatment you need and get the compensation needed to heal.
What Is So Unique About a Lyft Accident in Las Vegas?
Lyft drivers have much more substantial insurance coverage than those driving regular or commercial vehicles. When an accident involves a Lyft vehicle, it often ignites a fierce legal battle between all the parties involved. You might get caught up in the dispute and end up losing money and suffering from pain from your injuries even though the accident wasn’t your fault.
Lyft uses the premise that their drivers as independent contractors and not employees to not pay for injuries caused by their drivers. When they refuse to pay your claim, the case goes to court where it takes longer to come to a resolution. Once the judge or jury makes a ruling, you don’t have any choice but to accept their verdict. If you entrust the outcome of your Lyft accident claim to the Las Vegas legal system, you may not get any compensation for your case. You might even end up having to pay the expenses of other parties.
Large corporations like Lyft have resources that other drivers do not. The lawyers and insurance companies representing Lyft’s interests will try to discredit your claim. Trying to fight Lyft on your own or with unqualified legal counsel will end up costing you time and money that you don’t have. You need an experienced Las Vegas Lyft accident lawyer who knows what to expect from the other side and can counteract their claims. The Lyft accident attorneys at Bay Law Accident Attorneys can help you get the best possible outcome for your case.
Injured due to a lyft driver?
here are some simple steps to follow
Rideshare services like those make it easy to put the worries of driving through Las Vegas in someone else’s hands. Visitors and locals alike take advantage of the benefits Lyft vehicles offer every day of the week. They are just as popular as a way to get to and from work as they are for weekend nights out on the Strip. It is less expensive than taxis and hailing a ride is as simple as signing onto the Lyft app. The benefits of ridesharing end when it comes to the issue of safety. You are just as likely to be injured in a Lyft as you are in your own vehicle. If your driver is speeding, tailgating, or driving while distracted, you may be at an even greater risk.
When you are in an accident involving a Lyft vehicle, knowing what to do will help protect your health and your Lyft accident claim.
- Seek Immediate Medical Assistance After the Traffic Accident
- Gather Names and Contact Information of All Parties Involved
- Report the Crash to Lyft and the Police
- Contact Bay Law Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation
- Work With a Las Vegas Lyft Accident Lawyer and Determine a Settlement
Seek Immediate Medical Assistance After the Traffic Accident
The first step after any auto accident is to check for injuries on yourself and anyone else involved in the crash. Administer emergency medical procedures on anyone requiring it if possible and call 911. It is imperative to get emergency medical treatment for any drivers, passengers, or pedestrians that might have been injured in the wreck. If you don’t require emergency treatment, follow up with a complete medical evaluation. Your attorney may use your medical documentation as evidence in your Lyft accident case.
Gather Names and Contact Information of All Parties Involved
The next step is to gather contact information from the other people involved in the accident. Get their names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, and car insurance information.
A good way to get driver’s license and auto insurance information is by taking a photo of both documents. In Nevada, the insurance ID card either has the VIN number if the insurance policy is vehicle specific or it says operator if the policy is operator specific. A copy of the insurance ID card says a lot about the driver’s coverage.
You should also take pictures of the accident scene, license plates, traffic lights or signs, or anything that might have contributed to the accident. Keep in mind that anyone involved in the accident might have some liability. Include any photos you took with the evidence that you bring to the Lyft accident attorney’s office during your initial consultation.
Report the Crash to Lyft and the Police
It is always a good idea to call the police to the scene even if it isn’t required by law. The police will generate an accident report that includes a lot of valuable information. It will have names of witnesses, conditions that might have contributed to the accident, and their opinion on the cause of the crash. The police report is one of the most important pieces of evidence your Las Vegas Lyft accident attorney will use for your case.
If no one calls 911 or law enforcement never shows, drivers are responsible for reporting the accident. Failing to report an accident to law enforcement can result in your having your license suspended for up to a year. Go to your local law enforcement office within 24 hours of the accident and tell them that “My Lyft got into an accident and I need to file an accident report” and they will take your statement. Follow all the additional steps for what to do after a Lyft accident.
In Nevada, drivers must report accidents to law enforcement when someone is injured or the damage to the vehicles and other property is more than $750. If you were driving and didn’t file a report, you might be charged with a hit-and-run felony.
You should also report the accident to your insurance carrier even if you were a passenger in any of the involved vehicles. Many insurance policies require the insured driver to report any accidents within a specified time after they happen even if they aren’t at fault.
Contact Bay Law Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation
The Lyft accident attorneys at Bay Law Accident Attorneys offer a free case consultation to evaluate your case. You can discuss the accident, express your concerns, and get answers to your questions from a qualified attorney. Our lawyers will tell you your rights and your options for obtaining compensation based on your situation. We understand what you’re going through and the impact your injuries are having on your life. Once we investigate the Lyft accident, we will advise you on the best way to move forward and achieve maximum compensation.
Work With a Las Vegas Lyft Accident Lawyer and Determine a Settlement
The best resolution to your Lyft accident case is for your Las Vegas Lyft car crash attorney to negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company. To negotiate on your behalf, the attorney will gather evidence including the police report, photos, contact information of other people involved in the accident, and your medical records. They will determine the maximum amount of compensation you can receive for your damages and for pain and suffering.
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If you’re not able to travel to our office, we are willing to meet with you at your home or hospital to discuss the way forward. We have already recovered over $2 billion for our customers and look forward to assisting you too.
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Lyft Accident FAQs
01. Who is responsible for an injury-causing or fatal Lyft accident?
The same principles are used to determine who is responsible for a Lyft accident as any other type of auto accident. The person or organization that caused the accident is responsible for paying for the resulting damages. Someone who was breaking the law at the time the accident occurred is more likely to be responsible. For example, if a driver was speeding, tailgating, or texting and driving, they probably weren’t paying as much attention to the road and the other drivers as they should. Every driver has the obligation to drive safely and with care.
Other causes of Lyft accidents are less obvious. Mechanical failure or not performing maintenance or needed repairs can also result in accidents. These cases might be the fault of the vehicle manufacturer or a mechanic. Pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers can also cause Lyft accidents. Everyone has the legal duty to yield the right of way and cross streets using crosswalks. Darting between cars or failing to yield right of way can cause the Lyft car to strike them when they don’t have time to stop.
If you were injured in an accident with a Lyft vehicle, you must determine the cause before pursuing your case. Initially, your Lyft accident attorney will investigate the cause of your accident. If the responsible party isn’t initially clear, they may work with a professional investigator to determine the cause of the accident.
Once the at-fault party is determined, Nevada state law allows injured parties the right to pursue economic compensation from the responsible party. You will do this by filing a claim through your insurance company or filing a personal injury lawsuit with a qualified Lyft accident lawyer.
02. When do you need a Lyft accident lawyer in Las Vegas?
Any time a Lyft accident results in an injury, you will likely need to file a negligence claim. You will need to investigate the accident and find all the evidence in your case. Before filing a claim, you must evaluate the details and determine who caused the accident. Once you file the negligence claim, you must negotiate with the company’s insurance company and Lyft to come to an agreement. If you can’t agree, your next option is to file a lawsuit against the responsible parties.
Our Lyft accident attorneys are experienced in handling Lyft accident claims. We will handle every step of your claim process with the end goal of getting maximum compensation for your case. It is better for both sides when we can agree on a settlement without going into litigation. Due to the complexity of Lyft’s insurance system and the potential for high dollar claims, many of these cases can’t be settled out of court. If your case goes into litigation, you need a dedicated Las Vegas Lyft accident attorney who is familiar with the details of your case. Bay Law Accident Attorneys will get to know you and the details of your accident and injuries from the start. If we go to court, we will be prepared to fight for your rights and the compensation you deserve.
03. My loved one died in a Lyft accident. Can I get compensation?
In the tragic event that you lose a loved one from injuries they incurred in a Lyft accident, you may have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Each state differs in who is allowed to file a lawsuit on the deceased’s behalf. In Nevada, you must be:
- The personal representative (executor) of the victim’s estate
- The surviving spouse or domestic partner, children, or other closest heir
- Parents of the deceased if there is no spouse or children
- The deceased person’s siblings
- The next closest family member
You may receive compensation to pay for your loved one’s funeral expenses from the liable party. If your loved one was a Lyft driver, you might receive death reimbursements from the rideshare company. To learn more about who can file a wrongful death lawsuit and the types of compensation available, contact Bay Law Accident Attorneys. A Las Vegas wrongful death attorney will explain your rights.
04. I was a Lyft passenger, but another driver was to blame for our accident. Can I get compensation?
If another driver was at fault for the accident that caused your injuries or harm to a loved one, you can file a claim against the other driver’s insurance company. Nevada follows a modified negligence rule that assigns partial guilt to more than one party. If more than one party is negligent in your Lyft accident, you might need to file a claim against both drivers.
The current minimum insurance coverage for Nevada drivers is $25,000 per person per accident. A Las Vegas Lyft accident lawyer might be able to find uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage that results in more compensation for you.
Establishing fault in a Lyft accident can be complicated. Let a Lyft accident attorney from Bay Law take care of investigating your case and collecting evidence to support your claim while you focus on recovering.
05. The Lyft driver claims I was to blame for the crash. What should I do?
Fault is at the heart of every Lyft accident, not only as a basis for a claim or lawsuit but also as a bargaining chip. It isn’t unusual for the driver, Lyft, or the insurance company to shift the blame for the car crash onto you. They might use anything that you say or do against you. For example, they might interpret an empathetic “I’m sorry for your injuries” as a confession of guilt.
Bay Law Accident Attorneys is a firm of experienced attorneys who have dealt with many Las Vegas Lyft accidents. We are experts at identifying evidence and establishing fault. We implement a range of resources including the police report, witness statements, your version of what happened, and sometimes surveillance video or dashcam footage if appropriate.
Accusations of guilt won’t affect the outcome of your case or the amount of compensation you receive. It is the evidence that establishes fault and the value of your damages that will determine what you get from your claim.
06. Lyft is calling me for a statement. What should I say?
If Lyft calls, it is not for the purpose of helping you. You aren’t required to give a recorded statement or sign anything until you meet with a Las Vegas Lyft accident lawyer. Often, the first call from the insurance adjuster comes with an offer for a settlement. Even though you are struggling financially, you should wait until an experienced attorney helps you negotiate a fair settlement for your claim.
Decline the option to have your conversation recorded or to discuss your injuries. The insurance company wants to record you in case you say something they can use against you. They will use your words to take the blame off of their driver or to minimize your claim. Instead of talking with the insurance adjuster that represents the defendant, give Bay Law a call and get an experienced lawyer to represent you.
07. How can I find out if my Lyft driver was actually “on the job?”
Every Lyft driver in Las Vegas uses the Lyft app to look for passengers, connect with riders, and mark the beginning and end of a ride. Although you can tell if there was a passenger in the vehicle, it’s impossible to verify if the driver had accepted a ride request or was on their way to pick them up. Fortunately, it is easy to subpoena this information from Lyft.
A Lyft accident lawyer knows how to obtain information about whether your driver was on the job. This is one of the details needed to determine which parties are liable for your claim.
The legal team at Bay Law Accident Attorneys will investigate the details of your accident, determine liability, and obtain all the records needed to support your claim. Some evidence we look at includes witness testimony, the police report, and your version of how the accident happened. We will compare all these resources and determine how the accident happened and who is to blame.
08. Can I sue Lyft?
One of the most frequent questions people ask about rideshare accidents is “Can I sue Lyft as a passenger?” There are some situations where Lyft might be named as a defendant in your case. For example, you discover that the Lyft driver that caused your accident had previous charges for reckless driving, drunk driving, or other serious traffic offenses. If you can prove the rideshare company knew this before hiring them and hired them anyway, they could be guilty of negligent hiring. The rideshare company could also be liable if the driver had these charges brought against them while they were already working for Lyft and the company retained them. The company might also have failed to run a background check.
While there are situations where Lyft might be liable for your accident and injuries, you should never try to deal with the company directly. It is best to work with a qualified Lyft accident attorney who knows how to negotiate with a powerful opponent and get you the compensation you deserve.
09. Who’s Liable for My Injuries After a Las Vegas Lyft Accident?
Filing a claim after a Lyft accident works the same way as when you are involved in a regular car crash. The person who is liable for the accident is liable for damages to the accident victims. One significant difference with a Lyft accident is the company’s unique liability system. The direction of the lawsuit depends largely on which period of driving the Lyft driver was in when the accident happened.
– Lyft Driver Off the Clock
During this period, the driver is not carrying passengers or looking for them. If the driver is involved in an accident during this period, they are covered by their personal auto insurance. Nevada requires rideshare drivers to carry a minimum of $25,000 per person per accident to cover injuries and fatalities and $20,000 for property damage.
– Lyft Driver Waiting for Ride Request
The Lyft driver is signed into the app and is waiting for a passenger requestor. The driver’s personal insurance is still their primary coverage, but Lyft’s contingent liability insurance now covers them. This insurance covers damages that exceed the limits of the driver’s personal insurance policy. The maximum payout from the contingent policy is $50,000 for injury or death and $25,000 for property damage.
– Lyft Driver Accepted a Ride Request
Once the driver receives and accepts a ride request, they enter the third period. Period 3 lasts until the driver ends the trip in the app. During this period when the driver is “on the clock”, Lyft’s commercial liability policy is the driver’s primary insurance coverage. This policy pays a maximum of $1 million per person or up to $2 million for two people.
Depending on the period, you might pursue compensation from the Lyft driver, the rideshare company, or both.
10. What Causes Most Lyft Accidents in Las Vegas?
Lyft drivers are not professional drivers, and they don’t receive any additional training to make them safer. There is no special driver’s license they must obtain to transport passengers around Las Vegas. They are regular drivers who often cause accidents out of negligence.
Some of the most common causes of Lyft accidents in Las Vegas include:
- Distracted driving
- Driving while fatigued
- Blocking traffic while stopped or parking
- Failure to maintain their vehicle
- Making unsafe turns
- Speeding
- Failing to observe crosswalks and intersections for pedestrians and bicyclists
- Running traffic signals and stop signs
- Failing to yield right of way
- Drunk driving
Other hazards like weather conditions, traffic congestion, and road construction can also contribute to Lyft accidents.
Talk to A Las Vegas
Lyft Accident Lawyer
Never leave your Lyft accident compensation to chance — there is too much at stake. Find out what you’re entitled to, what to expect during the claim process, and the next steps you need to take. Let us protect your legal rights. Contact us today if you have been in an Lyft accident and suffered any injury.