Lyft is a popular rideshare service in Florida. Generally, rideshare services are a safe alternative to public transportation and taxis. However, rideshare drivers have the same risk for automobile accidents as other drivers.
If you’re injured in a Lyft accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. However, Lyft and its insurance provider will likely contest your claim. That’s why it’s essential to have an experienced accident attorney on your side to navigate the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
For almost four decades, Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers has been helping injured victims and their families seek justice from the parties who caused them harm. Our lawyers have a successful track record. We have won hundreds of millions in jury verdicts and settlements for our clients, resulting in our membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
Contact Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers or call us at (727) 787-2500 to schedule a free consultation with our Safety Harbor Lyft accident lawyers. We are available 24/7 to discuss your case with you.
How Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You with a Lyft Accident Claim in Florida
With more than 50 years of combined experience, our accident lawyers are equipped to handle all types of accident cases. Our law firm has the resources to pursue complex and challenging claims, including rideshare accident cases. We go up against large corporations with unlimited resources and win.
When you hire our top-rated Safety Harbor car accident lawyers, you can trust we will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation to determine who is responsible for causing the accident
- Identify all parties who could be liable for your damages
- Gather evidence proving fault and liability, including working with the best expert witnesses as needed
- File insurance claims and aggressively negotiate fair insurance settlements
- Handle communications and paperwork with all parties
- Take your case to trial if necessary to protect your rights
When you hire Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers, you are represented by a team of skilled legal professionals, including a Board Certified Trial Lawyer. Our attorneys have national and local recognition for their legal services from Super Lawyers, Expertise.com, Tampa Bay Magazine, and Lawyers of Distinction. We have an AV Preeminent rating with Martindale-Hubbell, which is its highest rating.
Call Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced Safety Harbor personal injury attorney.
Overview of Insurance Coverage for a Lyft Accident in Safety Harbor, FL
Florida is a no-fault insurance state for car accident claims. Therefore, if you are injured in a Lyft accident, you file a claim with your PIP insurance provider. However, that does not mean you cannot seek additional compensation from an at-fault party.
If you sustain severe injuries, you can pursue a liability claim against the party who caused your accident. You can file a claim against the driver when the Lyft driver is responsible. Whether the driver’s personal injury or Lyft’s commercial insurance is liable depends on the rideshare driver’s status at the time of the accident.
Florida law requires Lyft to provide insurance when the app is on and the driver has a passenger. The coverage is stipulated in the statute. Insurance coverage for Lyft drivers is as follows:
The Lyft App Is Off
Lyft does not provide insurance coverage. The driver may have personal liability insurance that could cover your claim.
The Lyft App Is On, and the Driver Can Accept Rides
Lyft’s commercial insurance policy provides coverage that meets Florida’s requirements. The insurance coverage limits are:
- $50,000 per person in bodily injury coverage
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury coverage
- $25,000 per accident for property damage
Lyft’s insurance coverage is only available if the Lyft driver’s personal insurance is not available.
The Lyft App Is On, and Driver Is En Route or Has a Passenger
When the Lyft driver accepts a ride through the end of the ride, Lyft’s commercial insurance policy provides:
- $1 million in third-party liability insurance coverage
- Underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage
- Contingent collision and comprehensive coverage if the driver has the coverage under their personal policy
Hiring an experienced Lyft accident lawyer who understands the various insurance stages is crucial. Lyft insurance providers often refuse to provide a ride log. The ride log is critical to determine the amount of liability insurance available for an injury claim.
For example, the insurance provider may try to limit the claim to $50,000, even though the driver was en route to pick up a passenger. If that is the case, the insurance coverage should be $1 million. If the Lyft insurance provider refuses to provide a ride log, your attorney can file a lawsuit to force them to provide the logs to verify the amount of insurance coverage.
What Types of Damages Are Available for Lyft Accident Claims in Safety Harbor, FL?
Lyft accident victims can pursue claims for economic and non-economic damages. Damages can include:
- The cost of past and future medical care
- Diminished quality of life
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Lost wages and benefits
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Decreased earning capacity
- Impairments and disabilities
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Long-term personal and nursing care
The value of a Lyft accident claim depends on numerous factors, including the available insurance coverage. The severity of your injuries and whether you are partially to blame for causing the accident can also impact how much your case is worth.
Florida’s Contributory Fault Law and Lyft Accident Claims
As of March 24, 2023, Florida follows a modified comparative fault law that prevents a victim from recovering damages if they are 51% or more to blame for causing an accident.
However, if the victim is less than 51% at fault, they can recover damages, but the court reduces their damages by their level of fault. Claims arising before March 24, 2023, do not have the 51% bar.
The insurance company may try to blame you even though you are not at fault to limit its liability for the claim. It is best to avoid discussing the claim with Lyft or its insurance company until you can speak with an attorney.
What Is the Deadline for Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit for a Lyft Accident in Safety Harbor, FL?
Accidents on or after March 24, 2023, have a two-year statute of limitations. The statute of limitations for cases before that date is generally four years. However, exceptions could change the date in some cases.
Talk with an accident lawyer as soon as possible to avoid missing the deadline to file a lawsuit. Lyft accident claims are complicated. The sooner your lawyer begins working on the case and takes legal action, the better your chances for a fair outcome.
Common Causes of Lyft Accidents
Negligence is one of the most common causes of Lyft accidents. Examples of causes of Lyft crashes include:
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Failing to follow traffic laws
- Drowsy and fatigued driving
- Looking at GPS and Lyft apps
- Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol
- Failure to maintain the vehicle in a safe condition
Lyft drivers may be responsible for causing the accident. However, other parties may cause or contribute to the cause of a Lyft accident, including other motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, repair shops, vehicle manufacturers, and government entities. Any party contributing to the cause of a car accident could be liable for damages.
Safety Harbor Lyft Accidents Can Cause Severe Injuries
Accident victims may sustain multiple injuries in a Lyft accident. The injuries could result in impairments and disabilities. Common Lyft accident injuries include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Neck injuries and whiplash
- Traumatic brain injury
- Internal organ damage
- Soft tissue injury and nerve damage
- Paralysis
- Back injuries
- Amputations and loss of limbs
- Psychological injuries, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety
Seek prompt medical treatment for your injuries. Documenting your injuries through medical records is essential for proving the accident caused your injuries. Delays in medical treatment could hurt your chances of receiving a fair settlement.
Proving Liability for a Lyft Accident
The accident victim has the burden of proving liability for an accident claim. Proving negligence requires evidence to establish:
- The party responsible for causing the Lyft accident owed you a legal duty
- The party breached the duty of care by their actions
- The breach of duty was the cause of the Lyft accident
- You incurred losses and injuries because of the party’s breach of duty
Evidence in a Lyft accident can include traffic camera video, eyewitness testimony, physical evidence from the accident scene, and expert testimony. The evidence may also include ride logs, data from vehicle systems, and statements by the drivers and passengers.
Gathering evidence at the accident scene can help prove your case. Take photographs and make a video. Ask eyewitnesses for their contact information and make notes if they make any statements.
Passengers are generally not at fault for an accident. However, do not say anything that could be misunderstood to imply you could be partially at fault.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Safety Harbor Lyft Accident Attorneys
You deserve to be compensated fairly for damages caused by a Lyft accident in Florida. Our legal team at Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers will fight to hold the responsible parties liable for the full value of all damages. Call us today to schedule a free case review with one of our Safety Harbor Lyft accident lawyers.