Lyft has been in the rideshare business for over a decade, and it's fast becoming increasingly popular for those catching a ride to one of Downtown Tampa's restaurants or the Tampa International Airport (TPA). When you jump into a Lyft, you are at the mercy of the driver. And why the rideshare company vets its drivers and their driving history. There is no guarantee that you won't suffer injuries in a motor vehicle accident.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a Lyft accident, you need an experienced Tampa Lyft accident lawyer to hold the driver and Lyft accountable for your injuries and recover the maximum compensation for your medical bills and other damages.
Contact Hancock Injury Attorneys today for your free case consultation, and let's discuss your options for financial recovery.
Why Choose Hancock Injury Attorneys for Your Lyft Accident Claim
The personal injury lawyers at Hancock Injury Attorneys have over 25 years of experience helping injured accident victims in Tampa and across Florida recover compensation from the negligent party that harmed them. Through the years, we have recovered significant verdicts and settlements for our clients during one of their greatest times of need. If you suffered injuries in a Tampa Lyft accident, contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll demonstrate our client-centered approach and explain how we will fight for every dollar you deserve.
Who Can Bring a Rideshare Accident Lawsuit Against Lyft?
To bring a claim against Lyft and seek compensation for your injuries, you first need to establish the rideshare driver’s involvement in the accident that injured you. Several people may be eligible to file a claim, such as:
- Lyft passengers who were injured in the accident
- Lyft drivers who were injured in the accident
- Occupants of other vehicles injured in an accident involving a Lyft vehicle
- Pedestrians and bicyclists struck and injured by a Lyft vehicle
Do I Have Grounds to Bring a Lyft Accident Claim?
To be successful in a Lyft accident claim, you must show that the Lyft driver was negligent. To establish negligence in a personal injury claim, you generally need to prove the following four elements:
Duty of Care
The first element involves showing that the Lyft driver owed you a duty of care. In this context, it means that the driver has a responsibility to operate their vehicle safely and in accordance with traffic laws to avoid causing harm to passengers or others on the road. This duty of care is generally assumed in most driving situations.
Breach of Duty
You must demonstrate that the Lyft driver breached their duty of care. This means they failed to act as a reasonable and prudent driver would have under similar circumstances. For example, if the Lyft driver was texting while driving or running a red light, it may be considered a breach of their duty of care.
Causation
You need to establish a direct link between the Lyft driver's breach of duty and the injuries or damages you suffered. In other words, you must prove that the driver's actions or negligence were the proximate cause of the accident and your injuries. This can be a crucial element in Lyft accident claims.
Damages
Finally, you must demonstrate that you suffered actual damages as a result of the Lyft driver's negligence. Damages can include medical expenses, lost earnings, and other losses directly related to the accident.
What Insurance Coverage Do Lyft Drivers Have?
Florida is a no-fault insurance state. That means each party involved in the accident typically turns to their own insurance company to cover their medical expenses and certain other financial losses, regardless of who was at fault in the accident.
Florida requires all drivers on a roadway to purchase a minimum of $10,000 of personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. Regardless of fault, PIP should pay 80% of your medical bills and 60% of your lost earnings from an accident. It also pays up to $5,000 of funeral and burial expenses in the event of a death. The amount of coverage that a Lyft driver must be legally insured with depends on what activity the driver is engaged in.
When the Lyft Driver App is Offline or Turned Off
The Lyft driver’s personal auto insurance coverage applies.
When the Lyft Driver is Available or Waiting for a Ride Request
Lyft provides the following coverage for third-party liability if their driver's personal car insurance doesn't apply:
- $50,000 in bodily injury per person
- $100,000 in bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 in property damage per accident
When the Lyft Driver is In Route to Pick Up Riders and During Trips
Lyft provides the following car insurance on behalf of their rideshare drivers in the event of an accident:
- $1 million third-party liability
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury and/or first-party injury insurance
- Contingent comprehensive and collision up to the actual cash value of the car with a $2,500 deductible
What if I’m Partly to Blame for my Lyft Accident Injuries?
Comparative negligence is a legal principle that comes into play when determining liability and compensation in personal injury cases, including Lyft accident claims. It allows for a more nuanced assessment of fault and damages when both parties involved share some level of responsibility for the accident.
Florida, like many other states, follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 50% bar. This means that while you can still recover damages if you share some fault for the accident, there are limitations. You can only recover damages if your degree of fault is 50% or less. If you are found to be equally or more at fault than the other party (50% or more), you cannot recover any damages.
If you are less than 50% at fault, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your degree of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your compensation is reduced by 20%.
What Damages Are Available in a Tampa Lyft Accident?
In Florida, the damages you can recover in a motor vehicle accident are generally limited to economic damages. These are out-of-pocket expenses related to your accident injuries. These typically include:
- Medical expenses: All reasonable and necessary expenses related to your injuries, such as hospital bills, doctor visits, surgeries and procedures, prescription medications, rehabilitation, and future medical treatments, if applicable.
- Lost earnings: If you had to miss work due to your accident injuries, you can claim compensation for lost income or wages during your time off.
No-fault states like Florida have restrictions on when you can file a lawsuit against another driver for pain and suffering. These non-economic damages are not tangible; thus, the value is more subjective. Generally, you cannot sue for these damages unless your injuries meet certain thresholds, such as severe or permanent injuries, such as:
- An organ or limb
- A bodily system
- Permanent disfigurement
- Disability for a minimum of 90 days
Once a person who was injured as a result of the negligence of a Lyft driver has overcome one of these thresholds, the following damages can be sought:
- Future medical bills
- Future lost earnings
- Permanent disfigurement
- Permanent disability
- Diminished quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Other substantial damages in the event of a wrongful death
Don’t Get Caught in The Middle
When two or more insurers are involved in a personal injury claim, you can get caught in the middle. You'll quickly learn that those insurers only consider their best interests and not yours. You've become stuck in the middle and didn't even do anything wrong. The Lyft accident lawyers at Hancock Injury Attorneys know how to deal with these insurers and get you the compensation you deserve.
How Can a Lawyer Help with My Lyft Accident Case?
If you've been involved in a Lyft accident, consulting with an attorney who handles personal injury cases can significantly improve your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Here are some ways a lawyer with Hancock Injury Attorneys can help with your Lyft accident claim:
Legal Advice
Our personal injury lawyers understand the intricacies of Lyft accident claims. They can help you navigate your case's complex legal processes, statutes, and regulations.
Investigation
Your lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation of the accident. This may include gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, obtaining police reports, and analyzing medical records to build a strong case.
Determining Liability
Your lawyer will work to establish liability, determining who was at fault for the accident. They can examine factors such as driver behavior, road conditions, and any evidence of negligence.
Calculating Damages
Your lawyer can help you assess the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. They'll ensure you seek appropriate compensation.
Negotiation
Our lawyers are skilled negotiators who can communicate with insurance companies and the opposing parties on your behalf. They can work to reach a fair settlement that covers your losses without the need for a lengthy court battle.
Litigation
Your lawyer can represent you in court if negotiations fail to produce a satisfactory settlement. They will file a lawsuit and advocate for your rights before a judge and jury.
Handling Insurance Claims
Your attorney can assist in dealing with the various insurance companies involved in your claim, including Lyft's insurance, the other driver's insurance (if applicable), and your own insurance.
Managing Deadlines
There are statutory deadlines for filing claims and lawsuits, and your lawyer can help ensure that all documents and actions are completed within the required time frames.
Protecting Your Interests
Your lawyer will work solely for your benefit, protecting your rights and interests. They will ensure that you are not taken advantage of during the claims process.
Expert Witnesses
Your lawyer can enlist the help of expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction specialists or medical experts, to support your case and provide professional testimony.
Settlement Agreements
Your lawyer can carefully review any settlement offers to ensure they are fair and in your best interest. They can provide advice on whether to accept or reject a settlement.
Peace of Mind
Having an attorney handle the legal aspects of your case allows you to focus on your recovery and well-being, reducing the stress and burden of dealing with a complex legal process.
Contingency Fee Arrangement
The personal injury attorneys at Hancock Injury Attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case, and their fees are typically a percentage of your settlement or court award. This arrangement can make hiring an attorney more accessible for accident victims.
Contact the Tampa Lyft Accident Lawyers at Hancock Injury Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one was injured in a Lyft accident, contact the Tampa Lyft accident attorneys at Hancock Injury Attorneys for a free consultation and case review. We can discuss your case and advise you on your full range of legal options. Our objective is to help you seek justice and maximum compensation. Contact us today at 813-915-1110 or through our online form for your free case consultation.