Ride-share services like Lyft and Uber are becoming more popular again as the end of the pandemic nears. Most of the time, these services offer a convenient and easy way to get from Point A to Point B. But unfortunately, ride-share drivers are just as likely to get into an accident as anyone else. The truth is that anyone who gets in a car runs the risk of injury. As a Lyft accident lawyer TN trusts, I’ve represented clients with injuries ranging from minor whiplash all the way to spinal cord injuries, and worse.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Lyft accident, you might need to file a personal injury claim. However, due to the commercial and business complications of ride-sharing, these types of claims can be a lot more complicated than a regular car accident.

Below, I outline the steps to take following a Lyft accident, and why hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer is your best chance to get the compensation you deserve.

Steps to filing a Lyft Accident Personal Injury Claim

1. Collect Information

The first thing to do following any car accident, once you’ve determined the health and safety of passengers and drivers, is to secure evidence from the accident. This evidence will later be used to hold the at-fault party responsible for your injuries. The basics you will want to gather are the contact information of anyone involved (including witnesses), license plate numbers, insurance information of drivers and driver’s license information. Lastly, take pictures of any damage to the vehicle. Do this whether you’re the passenger in a ride-share vehicle, or a personal motorist that was in a collision with a ride-share vehicle. 

2. Determine Liability

Next, you will need to determine who is liable for the damages and injuries you sustained: the driver or the ride-share company itself. Depending on the situation, the company may not be responsible for your injuries because the Lyft drivers are likely contracted employees. If you were in an auto accident with a Lyft vehicle and the accident was due to the driver’s negligence, then you will file against their personal auto insurance. However, if you were injured while riding in a Lyft vehicle, then you may be covered under Lyft’s commercial policy. 

3. Consider the Lyft Driver’s Operating Status

The insurance and amount of coverage varies based on the operating status of the driver. If you are injured as a passenger, then Lyft’s primary liability insurance covers up to $1,000,000 per accident. If you are a driver in driver mode without a passenger, then the contingent liability insurance covers up to $100,000. But if the driver was off duty, then their personal insurance will be liable.

4. File Quickly

It is necessary to act fast following a Lyft accident. Tennessee only allows one year from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim; but some insurance companies require notice of an accident within 24 hours. Don’t delay. 

5. Hire an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer

Lastly, consider hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer. Dealing with a big company like Lyft can be intimidating and overwhelming. Even if your personal injury claim seems straightforward, the legal process with a ride-share accident can get complicated quickly. 

Call a Lyft Accident Lawyer TN trusts today for a FREE consultation

If you have been involved in a Lyft accident contact us online or give us a call at (901) 327-2100 for a free consultation. One of our experienced personal injury lawyers will be happy to discuss your situation. We can then help you come up with a plan to get the compensation you deserve. 

When you’re injured, you might face costly medical expenses and lost wages from being unable to work. We know how devastating this can feel, and we will help get your injury claim processed as quickly as possible. That way, you can focus on healing and getting back to your life. Don’t wait; give us a call today.