If you or a loved one was injured in an accident that involved a Lyft rideshare vehicle, you can sue Lyft. A Tacoma car accident lawyer can help you pursue either the driver or the company for financial recovery of medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and additional damages. Most law firms will even accept your case on a contingency fee basis, reviewing the details and merits of your case at no cost or obligation to you. The law firm can investigate your accident, identify the at-fault party, collect evidence for a solid case, and fight for the best possible financial outcome.
While you can sue Lyft and similar rideshare companies for your losses, understanding your legal options when you do is important to building a successful case. A personal injury lawyer can explain your rights and determine which insurance company to pursue.
How Much Can You Sue Lyft for After a Car Accident?
A car accident can create unexpected financial hardship for you. It will leave you with a wealth of medical expenses. At the same time, your injuries could mean you will not be able to work to support yourself and your family. When a lawyer handles your case, they will request compensation for:
- Medical bills throughout your recovery, including rehab, therapy, medications, and assistive devices
- Lost wages, including full and part-time income, and loss of future earning ability
- Physical pain and emotional distress
- Property damage, destruction, or diminishment
Your family could be entitled to wrongful death damages if you lost a loved one in the accident. These can include funeral expenses, loss of financial and familial support, and loss of consortium and society.
Your lawyer will explain how they determine the monetary value of your case. They will also represent you during the negotiation process and help you recover the financial compensation you need and deserve.
How Long Do You Have to File a Lawsuit When Suing Lyft?
According to the statute of limitations, RCW § 4.16.080, you generally have three years to file your personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. If a lawyer represents you, they will explain the varying factors that determine the length and potential timeline of your case. In turn, they will ensure your case complies with the statutory timeline.
Compliance with the filing deadline can be challenging on your own because the statutory filing date can fluctuate based on the following:
- The age of the injured party
- The outcome of the accident
- The at-fault party’s actions
Getting a lawyer involved in your case right from the start means they can help you comply with the filing deadline. It also means they can investigate the accident scene and speak to witnesses sooner rather than later.
How Do You Know Whether to Sue Lyft or Their Driver?
In most car accident cases, you will sue the owner or driver of the at-fault car. In a Lyft accident, you can pursue damages from their driver’s insurance provider if they were not signed into the app and not working.
If the driver’s insurance company denies the personal injury claim, Lyft rideshare insurance policy will cover their driver based on their app status:
- The driver was signed into the app and able to accept ride requests. In this circumstance, the driver’s insurer may need to disclaim responsibility before you pursue Lyft’s insurance.
- The driver was signed into the app and on the way to a passenger or actively transporting one.
Lyft’s insurance coverage includes $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury. It also includes $25,000 per accident for property damage and a minimum of $1,000,000 for third-party auto liability.
Who Can Sue Lyft After a Car Accident?
If you were a passenger in a Lyft vehicle that was involved in an accident, and the rideshare driver was at fault, you can sue for financial compensation. You can also sue Lyft or their driver to recover damages if:
- You were the driver of another involved vehicle
- You were a passenger in another involved vehicle
- You were a pedestrian struck by either vehicle
- You are the surviving family of a Lyft accident fatality
Rideshare accident attorneys typically review cases for free. If you believe you are entitled to compensation after a Lyft accident, review your case with a local law firm.
How Can You Prove the Cause of Your Lyft Rideshare Accident?
Personal injury cases require proof of the at-fault party’s negligence. Your lawyer will prove the at-fault driver owed you a duty of care and failed to provide it. They will also prove the motor vehicle accident would not have occurred without the at-fault party’s actions and that it had financial consequences.
You do not have to document the at-fault driver’s negligence on your own. To prove the cause of the accident, your lawyer will examine the details in the official police report. They will also conduct an independent investigation of the accident and consult an accident reconstructionist to build a compelling case file.
What Evidence Do You Need to Prove Your Right to Financial Compensation?
Your car accident report is a key piece of evidence in your Lyft accident case. It will contain important details, including:
- The Lyft driver’s actions
- The accident’s cause
- Critical contributing factors
- Notes and diagrams
- Points of impact
- Police-generated photos
- Important contact information
The evidence your lawyer collects will also include statements from eyewitnesses and experts who support your version of events. This can include residential and commercial security and surveillance videos.
In addition, collected evidence will include your medical reports, bills, receipts, estimates, proof of income, and other documents that establish how much your case is worth.
Our Personal Injury Law Firm Will Help You Sue Lyft After an Accident
If you or a loved one was hurt in a rideshare accident, you can sue Lyft. Understanding your legal options is an important part of building an effective lawsuit. Our rideshare accident lawyer will handle the details of your case and fight hard for fair and appropriate monetary compensation.
Contact our consultation team at Jackman Law Firm to learn more about your options for financial recovery.
