Were you hurt in a Lyft accident in Dunedin, Florida? Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, or the occupant of another vehicle, crashes involving rideshare services like Lyft can result in serious injuries and legal confusion.
Knowing your rights after a rideshare accident is critical. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Since rideshare companies often have complex insurance policies and relationships with their drivers, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why working with a Dunedin Lyft accident lawyer can make all the difference. Contact Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers at (727) 787-2500 for a free consultation.
How Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Lyft Accident in Dunedin, FL
Rideshare accident claims can be challenging. They often involve multiple insurance policies, different levels of coverage based on driver activity, and a company that may try to limit its responsibility. Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers can guide you through these issues and fight to protect your interests.
Here’s what our Dunedin personal injury lawyers can do:
- Investigate how the crash happened and gather key evidence
- Determine whether the Lyft driver was logged into the app at the time of the crash
- Identify all possible sources of compensation, including Lyft’s insurance and the driver’s personal policy
- Handle communication and negotiation with the insurance companies
- Represent you in court if a settlement cannot be reached
Let us handle the legal challenges while you focus on healing. Contact our Dunedin office today for a free consultation and learn how we can fight for your rights after a Lyft accident.
How Common Are Rideshare Accidents in Florida?
Rideshare platforms like Lyft have transformed how Floridians get around, offering convenience at the tap of a screen. However, this surge in rideshare usage has also contributed to a rise in traffic collisions. National studies suggest that the growth of rideshare services is associated with a modest but noticeable increase in roadway fatalities.
Florida already has one of the highest accident rates in the country, and the presence of part-time drivers, app-related distractions, and unfamiliar routes only heightens the risk of crashes involving rideshare vehicles.
How Lyft Accidents Happen
Lyft accidents can happen just like any other car crash, but there are unique risks involved:
- Drivers distracted by GPS or the Lyft app
- Inexperienced or overworked drivers trying to earn more money
- Unsafe pick-up and drop-off locations
- Speeding to meet ride deadlines or maximize fares
Even though Lyft drivers use their own cars, they’re performing a service when logged into the app. That adds complexity to accident claims.
What Injuries Are Common in Rideshare Accidents?
Victims in Lyft crashes often suffer serious injuries, including:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Emotional trauma or PTSD
Many of these injuries require ongoing care. A personal injury claim can help you recover costs for treatment, physical therapy, counseling, and long-term support.
Who Is Liable for a Lyft Accident?
Liability in a Lyft accident depends largely on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash.
Here’s how coverage typically breaks down:
- Driver not logged into the app: The driver’s personal auto insurance policy applies, and Lyft provides no coverage.
- Driver logged in, but no ride accepted: Lyft offers contingent liability coverage, which may apply if the driver’s personal policy doesn’t fully cover the damages. This usually includes up to $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage.
- Driver en route to pick-up or with passenger: Lyft’s $1 million commercial liability policy generally applies, providing coverage for both bodily injury and property damage.
In some cases, other parties may share or bear full responsibility, such as another negligent driver, a vehicle manufacturer, or a government agency responsible for dangerous road conditions. Multiple claims may be possible depending on the facts of the case.
Steps to Take After a Lyft Accident in Dunedin
After a Lyft accident, your actions can impact your health and legal claim.
Here’s what to do:
- Call 911: Report the accident and request medical help.
- Document the scene: Take pictures of damage, injuries, and license plates.
- Get driver and witness information: Be sure to note whether the driver was working for Lyft.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel okay, some injuries may not appear right away.
- Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters without legal help: Anything you say can be used against you.
Following these steps will strengthen your case and make it easier to recover compensation. These and other useful post-accident tips can be found on our personal injury blog.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Dunedin Lyft Accident Attorney
If you’ve been hurt in a Lyft accident in Dunedin, FL, don’t try to handle the case on your own. Insurance companies are not always on your side, and rideshare accident claims can be confusing.
A knowledgeable attorney can protect your rights, explain your options, and build a strong case for full compensation. You may be entitled to money for hospital bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
Call today to speak with a Dunedin Lyft accident attorney and schedule your free consultation.