Rideshare services like Lyft are extremely popular in Tampa, Florida. They provide an affordable, convenient alternative to taxis and public transportation. Unfortunately, if you are involved in a Lyft accident, you might find it difficult to recover compensation for your injuries and damages.
The Tampa Lyft accident lawyers at Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers have decades of experience handling car accident cases. For over 20 years, our law firm has served clients in Tampa and throughout Florida. We help accident victims and their families get the money they deserve.
Call our law firm at (813) 223-6200 today to schedule your free consultation with an experienced Tampa car accident lawyer to discuss your case.
How Our Tampa Personal Injury Lawyers Help You After a Lyft Accident
Accidents involving rideshare drivers are complicated personal injury cases. Even though rideshare companies have insurance policies that cover their drivers, the insurance does not cover all accidents. Furthermore, rideshare companies and their insurance providers deny and undervalue valid claims.
At Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers, our Tampa Lyft accident attorneys understand the complexities of Lyft accident claims. When you hire our legal team, you can expect us to:
- Independently investigate the Lyft accident to determine who was responsible for causing the accident
- Analyze the accident report completed by the police officer
- File insurance claims and handle all communication with Lyft and their insurance provider
- Work with accident reconstructionists, medical specialists, and other expert witnesses as necessary
- Gather evidence proving the extent of your injuries and damages to
- Calculate the correct value of your damages and aggressively fight for that amount
- Discuss the pros and cons of accepting a settlement offer versus filing a personal injury lawsuit
- Advocate for your best interests during settlement negotiations and during a trial
Contact us to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our experienced Lyft accident attorneys in Tampa, Florida.
Why Do Lyft Accidents Happen in Tampa, FL?
Lyft drivers cause an accident for many reasons. Common factors that contribute to the cause of a Lyft crash include, but are not limited to:
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence
- Failing to obey traffic laws
- Reckless driving
- Drowsy driving
- Speeding
Lyft drivers can be easily distracted while driving. For example, they may feel they need to entertain their passengers to obtain bettering reviews, which can be distracting. Additionally, rideshare drivers may use the rideshare apps while driving.
Many rideshare drivers speed to get to the next fare. Rideshare drivers might engage in dangerous activities that could distract Lyft drivers or cause them to engage in dangerous driving behaviors.
Lyft accidents can cause catastrophic injuries. The accidents may involve head-on collisions, rear-end accidents, rollover crashes, and sideswipe collisions.
Who Is Responsible for a Lyft Accident in Tampa, FL?
The person who caused the accident is responsible for damages caused by the accident. If another motorist caused the crash, you could sue that driver for damages. On the other hand, if the Lyft driver caused the crash, you could have a claim against the Lyft driver.
Whether the rideshare company is responsible for damages depends on the facts of the case. Lyft drivers are independent contractors instead of employees. Typically, companies are not responsible for the actions and negligence of independent drivers.
Rideshare drivers must have insurance coverage for their vehicles. However, they are not required to have a commercial insurance policy. A typical liability car insurance policy excludes accidents and injuries related to commercial use of the vehicle (i.e., using a personal vehicle to transport paid fares).
A Lyft driver’s personal insurance coverage might not apply to a rideshare accident. However, Lyft supplies insurance coverage for its drivers in specific situations. Therefore, whether the Lyft insurance coverage applies depends on the circumstances of the accident.
Filing a Lyft Accident Claim To Recover Damages
If you are involved in an accident with a Lyft driver, report the crash to Lyft immediately. Call 911 to report the crash to the authorities and request emergency medical services. As soon as possible, contact our Tampa Lyft accident lawyers to discuss legal options to receive compensation for your damages.
Lyft accident victims can receive compensation for their non-economic and economic damages, including:
- Loss of income, benefits, wages, and future earning capacity
- Medical bills and rehabilitation costs
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Physical pain and suffering
- A decrease in quality of living
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disability and impairment
Always seek prompt medical treatment for your injuries after a rideshare accident. Delays in medical care can hurt your chance of receiving compensation for damages.
Document everything related to the rideshare accident.
Take pictures of the accident scene if it is safe to do so. Ask individuals involved in the accident and witnesses for their contact information. Also, take photos of your injuries and keep copies of all documents related to the crash.
Do not sign any documents or make statements without discussing your case with a car accident lawyer in Tampa. Talking to insurance adjusters and the rideshare company without legal advice could make winning your personal injury case more difficult. Without a lawyer’s help, the rideshare company and its insurance provider might take advantage of your lack of experience and legal knowledge to undervalue your damages.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Tampa Lyft Accident Lawyers
We are here for you and your family as you heal and recover from a car accident. Our legal team fights to recover maximum compensation for your claim. Call now for a free consultation with an experienced Tampa Lyft accident attorney.