Securing representation from an experienced Boston car accident lawyer following a Lyft-involved accident is important. Rideshare accidents come with unique complications. Connect with a Boston Lyft accident lawyer from DiBella Law to work toward the most favorable outcome possible.
Suing Lyft Is Probably Not an Option
According to Lyft’s recent safety report, 99% of Lyft rides happen with no safety incidents. Critical safety events only occurred in .0002% of Lyft rides. Though most Lyft rides are apparently safe, those involved in the 1% who see accidents or “critical safety events” deserve compensation for the injuries sustained.
Collecting compensation requires proving an at-fault party’s negligence caused your damages. Lyft and other rideshare companies structure their businesses to protect the company from liability should one of their drivers have an accident. They do this by hiring drivers as independent contractors rather than employees.
If you are in an accident involving a Lyft vehicle and plan to pursue damages, it is most likely that your claim will not be against Lyft. Lyft’s business structure protects the company from liability in most situations, but that does not mean you are without recourse. A Lyft accident attorney from DiBella Law will review your case carefully, work to identify the at-fault party, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Give us a call today to discover how we can assist you.
Parties You May Be Able to Hold Accountable
The first step in proving an at-fault party’s negligence is identifying the at-fault party. The rideshare accident attorneys at DiBella Law have decades of experience investigating car accidents to discover who is to blame. There are a variety of possibilities, but most likely, one of the following will prove to be the culprit.
Lyft Drivers
Lyft drivers are prone to distraction, an ever-growing cause of traffic accidents. They are constantly checking their apps for pickup locations or to follow directions. A study published in Injury Prevention concluded that pickup and drop-off locations pose heightened risks for pedestrians who may go unnoticed by Lyft drivers looking for their fare.
Many Lyft drivers have additional, serious responsibilities that could also take their attention off the road while driving for Lyft. According to Lyft’s Massachusetts Economic Impact Report:
- 89% of its drivers are students
- 66% have another job or are looking for another job
- 57% are caregivers
- 15% own their own business
Like any driver, Lyft operators can make mistakes or use bad judgment. But they have an increased risk of distraction. When their errors or distractions cause you harm, DiBella Law can help.
Third-Party Drivers and Municipalities
The Lyft driver may do everything right but cannot control other drivers’ behaviors. A third-party driver might speed, cut the Lyft off, ignore traffic signals, or otherwise fail to obey the rules of the road and cause a crash. In these instances, that third-party driver should be held accountable for your losses.
Municipalities or other government entities have designated traffic-related responsibilities. Some must keep road conditions safe, while others oversee traffic signals, street lighting, or other elements of road safety. Pursuing a claim against a government office is more complicated than seeking damages from a private party, but the Lyft accident attorneys at DiBella Law can help you navigate the process efficiently.
Vehicle Manufacturers and Inspectors
A defective vehicle or vehicle parts might have caused your accident. Brake or steering failures or any other malfunction may be the fault of the vehicle part manufacturer or installer. Similarly, inspectors or repair workers who do shoddy work may put unsafe vehicles on the roads.
How Lyft’s Insurance Structure Factors into Your Case
Victims of Lyft or other car accidents typically collect compensation through the at-fault party’s insurance company. Lyft provides its drivers with insurance coverage depending on when an accident occurs. All Lyft drivers must carry personal car insurance policies, and if an accident happens while they are not active on the Lyft app, that insurance applies.
When drivers are on duty and able to receive ride requests, and their personal policies do not apply, Lyft provides third-party coverage of:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injuries
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injuries
- $25,000 per accident for property damage
When drivers are traveling to a pickup location or transporting passengers, Lyft provides the following:
- $1,000,000 at minimum for third-party auto liability
- First-party coverage, possibly including uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, personal injury protection (PIP), Medpay, and Occupational Accident coverage
- Comprehensive and collision coverage up to the cash value of the car, minus a $2,500 deductible, if the driver has comprehensive and collision through their personal policy
We've offered crucial support and guidance to individuals who have suffered injuries, ensuring their financial and emotional well-being.
How DiBella Law Can Help
The insurance options alone make Lyft accidents more challenging than those with privately owned vehicles. It is important to partner with an attorney who understands how to investigate an accident and how to work with the Lyft insurance structure or other issues unique to your case. DiBella Law will work to ensure you do not lose out on the compensation you deserve because of “technicalities.”
Along with investigating your accident and gathering evidence, your attorney will evaluate your losses with great care. A fair settlement should cover your medical costs–including future care if needed–income loss, lost potential income if your injuries are permanently disabling, and other expenses incurred by the accident. Additionally, you deserve financial acknowledgment for your pain, emotional distress, and losses to your quality of life.
DiBella Law has over 20 years of experience fighting for injury victims in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. We are here to put our services to work for you and fight for the best outcome possible. We have a history of significant victories and will work diligently to add your case to that list.
Get in touch with us today to get a free consultation.
Your Case Is Personal to Us
Reach out today for a free case review, knowing that DiBella Law takes every case personally. When you partner with us, you are not just a case file number. We take the time to listen to our clients and understand their pain so we can work toward relieving some of that pain and anxiety. Put your case in the very capable hands of a compassionate but aggressive Boston Lyft accident lawyer from our team today.
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