Lyfts, Ubers, and other rideshare services have become one of the most common modes of transportation across Massachusetts, nearby New Hampshire, and across virtually the entire country. If you are traveling in a Lyft and are seriously injured in a collision, figuring out your next steps is crucial. Not only are you likely suffering from debilitating injuries, but the emotional distress and severe financial losses may have a significant impact on your life for years to come.
The initial steps you take after your Lyft driver is in an accident could make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Once you have an experienced Boston rideshare accident lawyer with DiBella Law on your side, you can rest easier. In the meantime, there are certain things you can do to begin building a compelling case against the liable party immediately after the collision.
The Steps You Take Immediately After Your Lyft Accident Are Critical
The Transportation Network Company Division of the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities, which annually publishes a report that describes Lyft and Uber activities across the state, has released its compiled rideshare data from 2022. Notable stats included a 52% increase in rideshare trips across the Commonwealth, up to 28.7 million rides in Boston, and as many as 1,965 accidents for rides in Boston alone. While the MassDOT Crash Database records indicate that 2021 saw over 124,500 accidents, this means Uber or Lyft accidents account for approximately 2% of the state’s motor vehicle wrecks.
Contacting Emergency Responders
Immediately after the Lyft accident, call 911 or ask the Lyft driver to do so if they are not unconscious. Getting law enforcement officials and emergency responders to the accident scene is critical for multiple reasons. This includes:
- Police officers can gather evidence
- Law enforcement can file a crash report that could include an establishment of fault
- You can get the medical attention you need sooner
If the Lyft driver asks you not to call the police or 911, this may be a red flag that they are at fault for the collision and hoping to avoid culpability. It could also be a sign that they were under the influence of drugs or alcohol, driving without insurance, or even driving with a suspended license. It may surprise you to learn Lyft may not be aware of their driver’s licensing status if it was suspended or revoked after the driver became registered with the rideshare company, as most rideshare companies, including Lyft, only rerun background checks biannually in Massachusetts and at least once each year in New Hampshire.
Collecting Evidence at the Scene of Your Lyft Accident
While you wait for emergency responders to arrive at the accident scene, this is a good opportunity to collect as much evidence as you can. If your injuries do not limit your mobility or functionality, this is a good time to take photos of your injuries and any property damage, including damage to places of business or homes, telephone poles, and vehicle damages. You should also request the names and contact information of any witnesses to the collision so your rideshare accident lawyer can request a statement that will be used to support your case.
Getting Medical Attention and Treatment Where Necessary
Do not hesitate to get the medical help you need. Although your injuries may initially seem minor, it is not uncommon for Lyft accidents to result in severe bodily injury or even death. If you wait to get the treatment your injuries require, your condition could rapidly worsen and cause far more serious injuries.
Furthermore, failure to get medical attention leaves your case open for scrutiny. The defense, including the Lyft driver, Lyft, and their insurance provider, will likely argue that you are embellishing the extent of your injuries. When you have medical evidence to back up the impact of your Lyft injuries, we can refute the defense’s allegations against you.
Enlisting the Services of a Top-Rated Lyft Accident Lawyer
Getting help from a highly skilled Lyft accident attorney is in your best interests. While you are recuperating from your injuries, your legal advocate can work tirelessly to determine who is responsible for causing the accident. Remember, just because you were involved in a Lyft accident does not necessarily mean the Lyft driver is at fault.
Many of these collisions are caused by drunk or drug driving. Other rideshare accidents are caused by defective motor vehicle parts, dangerous road conditions, and negligent driving by other motorists on the roadways. You will need your Boston personal injury lawyers team to conduct an intensive investigation and uncover the identities of all those who share blame for the accident.
Give us a call today to discover how we can assist you.
You Have Several Opportunities to Maximize Your Compensation After Your Lyft Accident
After being involved in a Lyft accident, it is important to understand which legal options are available to you. These opportunities vary not only based on the specific circumstances of your case but also where your accident occurred. For example, one of the most common ways to recover compensation after a Lyft accident is by filing a claim with the insurance company.
However, Massachusetts follows no-fault insurance laws under MA General Law Part I, Title XIV, Chapter 90, §34M. This means you would file a claim with your personal auto insurance provider as opposed to that of the liable party, regardless of who is found liable for the accident. Alternatively, according to the New Hampshire Insurance Department, New Hampshire follows fault insurance laws and does not require motorists to carry auto insurance coverage as long as they can demonstrate they meet NH motor vehicle financial responsibility requirements as outlined by N.H. Code Admin. R. Ins 1403.05.
If your accident occurred across the border into NH, instead of filing a claim with your insurance company, you would instead file a claim with that of the liable party. In some cases, this might be the Lyft driver’s personal insurance policy if the accident occurred outside of the Lyft insurance coverage time periods. However, if the accident happened while the Lyft driver was in driver mode, you might instead file a claim against the Lyft insurance policy.
Connect with Massachusetts’ Leading Lyft Accident Law Firm Today
Suffering devastating injuries while traveling in a Lyft can be physically, financially, and psychologically taxing. Fortunately, you do not need to go through the aftermath alone. When you have a dedicated Lyft accident attorney working for you, you can fight to ensure the at-fault party, whether that be the Lyft driver or another third party, is brought to justice.
DiBella Law has over two decades of experience advocating for injury victim’s rights and demanding maximum compensation for our clients across Massachusetts and New Hampshire. With our legal team helping you assert your rights, you can demand justice in your Lyft accident case. Complete our contact form or call our office to schedule your 100% free consultation and to get started on your claim as soon as today.
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