Following a car accident involving a Lyft driver, recovering money from the liable party can be a long and complicated process. Lyft uses a business model that limits its level of liability in the event of a crash. The good news is that an experienced Lyft accident attorney in Birmingham will be familiar with your legal options and can help build a strong case in your favor. At the law firm of Heninger Garrison Davis, LLC, we can help you recover the money you need and deserve after an accident. Our team of car accident lawyers has extensive experience handling these types of cases. Contact us today by phone or through our website to schedule a free initial case review today.
Submit Your Lyft Accident Lawsuit Before the Filing Deadline
When you are looking to recover compensation after a Lyft accident by means of a lawsuit, you need to pay attention to the filing deadline. Under Alabama’s personal injury statute of limitations, the filing deadline for a lawsuit is two years. You could lose your right to claim compensation if you miss this deadline. However, you should contact a lawyer even if you do not believe you are still eligible to file a claim. Exceptions in your case could permit you to file outside the normal filing window. Alternatively, the details of your case could further restrict the amount of time available to take legal action. Hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer soon after suffering an injury is the best way to ensure that an unexpected deadline doesn’t block you from pursuing compensation.
Lyft’s Insurance Policy
Lyft drivers are not classified as employees. Instead, these workers are considered to be independent contractors. With this designation, Lyft is able to limit the benefits they offer their drivers and require that they carry their own insurance coverage, which will serve as the first source for compensation after a collision.
However, Lyft is also required to carry insurance, and this policy goes into effect in certain situations depending on the Lyft driver’s working status at the time the accident occurred.
Driver Not Signed Into the Lyft App
If the Lyft driver is not signed into the app when the accident occurs, the company is not responsible for any damages. If you sustain injuries that exceed the coverage limits of the driver’s insurance policy, you will need to file a lawsuit against the driver to recover the rest of the money you require.
Driver Signed Into the Lyft App, but No Ride Accepted
If you were injured in an accident where the Lyft driver was signed into the rideshare app but had not yet accepted a ride, Lyft’s insurance policy will cover a limited amount of damages. However, your first source of compensation will still be the driver’s personal insurance coverage. When your damages exceed their coverage limits, you can file a claim with Lyft’s insurer.
For cases where your damages exceed the coverage of both insurance policies combined, you will need to file a lawsuit to recover the full value of your damages.
Driver Signed Into the Lyft App and Accepted a Ride
In situations where the driver has signed into the app and accepted a ride, the full coverage of Lyft’s insurance policy will take effect. This is the case whether the driver has picked up their passenger yet or not. Your first source for compensation will remain the driver’s personal insurance policy.
However, if your damages exceed their coverage limits, you can pursue up to $1,000,000 from Lyft’s insurer. If you find that your damages still exceed this limit or the insurance company attempts to deny the claim, filing a lawsuit may be necessary to get the money you need and deserve.
Contact Us Today.
The sooner you take action, the better your chances for a favorable resolution.
Available Damages a Lyft Accident Lawyer in Birmingham Can Secure on Your Behalf
Following a Lyft accident that results in severe injuries, there are many damages you will likely be eligible to collect from the liable party. The exact damages you are eligible to recover will depend on the specifics of your case, and identifying all the available damages is critical for recovering the full value of your claim.
Vehicle Repair or Replacement
You will be eligible to claim compensation for any damage your vehicle sustained in the crash. You will receive money to cover the necessary repairs or replacement of your vehicle. Additionally, you can collect compensation for any other personal property damaged in the crash.
Lost Wages
If you missed work because of damages you sustained in the crash, you can pursue compensation to recoup any pay you missed.
Decreased Earning Capacity
For injuries that prevent you from performing all the duties required under your job, or if you can’t return to the workforce in any capacity, you can claim compensation to cover the income you will be unable to earn over the course of your life.
Medical Expenses
Following a Lyft accident, you can claim compensation for any medical expenses that arise. These damages cover a variety of expenses, including:
- Medication
- Treatment
- Medical devices
- Rehabilitation
You can recover compensation both for the current losses you face as well as the projected future medical expenses that will likely arise down the line. A medical expert can help determine your likely future costs.
Permanent Disability
For cases where an accident leaves you permanently disabled, like a spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury (TBI), you can recover damages to compensate you for the diminished quality of life caused by your inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed.
Pain and Suffering
These damages account for the physical pain and suffering you endure as a result of your accident. The amount awarded can be substantial when compensating a victim for chronic pain or prolonged suffering.
Emotional Distress
When a Lyft accident leaves you dealing with anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), you can receive compensation.
Wrongful Death
You may be able to pursue compensation if a Lyft accident results in the death of a loved one. In Alabama, wrongful death damages are limited to punitive damages. For cases where the death resulted from negligence, there is a cap on the amount that can be recovered.
However, if the death was the result of an intentional act, there is no cap on the amount of money you will be able to recover.
Reach Out to an Experienced Birmingham Lyft Accident Lawyer Today
While pursuing compensation after a Lyft accident, securing the services of an experienced attorney will greatly increase the likelihood that you will recover the full value of your claim. At Heninger Garrison Davis, LLC, our team of experienced Lyft accident lawyers in Birmingham has a history of securing big wins for our clients. Our firm has successfully recovered over $3 billion in damages for those we represent. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team.
