Perhaps you’ve been involved in a Lyft accident, whether as a Lyft driver, a Lyft passenger, or a driver of another vehicle. If this is the case, you should know that rideshare claims can be extremely complex and can hinge on which driver is at fault, and whether the liable party is fully insured. If your injuries are severe, you do not want to deal with determining who should pay for your damages—you just want a full, fair settlement that will fully cover your medical expenses, lost wages, lost future wages, and pain and suffering. You deserve the time to recover from your accident. If your injuries are severe or catastrophic, you need time to determine how your future will look. At Tronfeld West & Durrett, an experienced Richmond Lyft accident lawyer will take care of all the legalities on your behalf.
About Tronfeld, West & Durrett
Tronfeld West & Durrett will be the advocate you need and deserve during this difficult time. We will gather the necessary evidence to clearly show liability, then will comprehensively calculate your damages. Once we have calculated your damages—current and future—we will negotiate with the insurance company or companies.
If the insurer refuses to pay a fair settlement, we will take your claim to court. In fact, at Tronfeld West & Durrett, we always prepare each claim as though it will be argued in front of a jury. This allows us to never be caught unaware, and to always be ready to fight for you—with facts to back us up. Our firm has been in business for more than four decades, and our reputation is stellar.
We have extensive experience in every aspect of accidents caused by a negligent party, particularly auto or other accidents with catastrophic injuries. You, like most Americans, are likely unfamiliar with the legal system. We will answer all your questions, guiding you through the legal process with respect and care for your future. Perhaps your health, your work, your future, and your loved ones have been affected by your Richmond Lyft accident. Turn to Tronfeld West & Durrett for exemplary legal assistance.
For answers to your questions with a lyft accident serving Richmond, call:
800-321-6741
How to Handle the Various Situations Following a Lyft Accident
The manner in which you handle your Lyft accident will depend on whether you were a Lyft passenger, the driver of the Lyft vehicle, or another driver involved in a Lyft accident.
What to Do if You Are a Passenger in a Lyft Accident
If you are a passenger in a Lyft vehicle, then you will file with the at-fault driver’s insurance for your damages, whether the at-fault driver was your Lyft driver or another driver. If your injuries are severe and the at-fault driver’s insurance fails to fully cover your damages, your attorney may decide to file against Lyft to ensure all your expenses related to the accident are covered. If the accident was the fault of another driver, you will file against that driver’s insurance. If the driver was uninsured or underinsured, you may file against your own uninsured/underinsured policy, if you carry this type of coverage.
What to Do if You are a Driver Involved in An Accident with a Lyft Driver
If you are the other driver involved in an accident with a Lyft driver and the Lyft driver was at fault, you will file against the Lyft driver’s insurance. If your injuries are severe, your attorney may also file against Lyft to ensure all your expenses are fully covered.
What to Do if you are a Lyft Driver in An Accident While Driving for Lyft
If you are the Lyft driver, whether you can sue Lyft will depend on whether your app was open and you were on duty. If you were on duty, and the accident was not your fault, you will first file against the at-fault party’s insurance. If the other driver has no insurance, you may be forced to file against your own insurance policy if you carry uninsured/underinsured coverage. If your injuries are extensive, you may file with Lyft. It is important that you have a strong, knowledgeable attorney who will represent your interests from beginning to end.
Can You Sue Lyft Following an Accident?
Whether or not you can sue Lyft for your injuries and damages will depend on many different things, primarily whether liability is clear following the accident. If liability is clear and your damages exceed the insurance policy of the Lyft driver—or you are the Lyft driver and your damages exceed the insurance policy of the at-fault driver—you may file a lawsuit against Lyft, who has the following insurance limits:
- When the app is off, the driver’s personal auto insurance coverage applies.
- When the app is on and the Lyft driver is able to receive ride requests, Lyft’s third-party liability insurance for covered accidents may apply when the driver’s insurance does not apply. In Virginia, the minimum coverage includes $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $20,000 per accident for property damage.
- When the app is on and drivers are en route to pick up passengers or have already picked up passengers, Lyft offers at least $1,000,000 for third-party auto liability.
How is Liability Proven in a Lyft Accident?
Proving liability is essential following your Lyft accident if you want to receive a full, equitable settlement for your injuries. The police officer or officers that arrive on the scene will investigate the accident, questioning each party involved in the accident, as well as witnesses, if there were any. If one driver was clearly at fault, perhaps by running a red light or texting while driving, then that driver may receive a citation. This citation can go a long way in proving liability for your Lyft accident. The insurers who may be filed against following the accident will conduct their own investigation if the fault is unclear.
If fault is clear, the police report will reflect this fact. If the police are unable to determine who is responsible for the accident, the insurers will likely perform their own investigations. Your attorney will also investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident, to ensure liability is clear and to fight for the compensation you need and deserve. There may be video cameras in the area that captured the accident and can prove liability, or the vehicles may have a “black box,” that can indicate the speed of the vehicle as well as whether there was a “hard brake” immediately prior to the accident. Find extensive information on car crash incidents.
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How a Knowledgeable Richmond Lyft Accident Lawyer from Tronfeld West & Durrett Can Help
If you are injured and uncertain of what you need to do to safeguard your health, your finances, and your future, it is time to speak to an experienced Richmond Lyft accident lawyer near you from Tronfeld West & Durrett. When you choose Tronfeld West & Durrett, you have chosen a highly-respected firm, known for integrity and zealous representation. Since 1972 we have represented thousands of injured individuals, obtaining equitable settlements or verdicts, because we fight for our clients as though they were family or friends. Our practice is entirely focused on helping injured people—not insurance companies, injured people. We are ready to help you! Contact Tronfeld West & Durrett today.
Call or text 800-321-6741 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form