Boulder Lyft Accident Lawyer
Lyft is a popular rideshare service Boulder residents and tourists use daily. While rideshare services are convenient for getting around town, they become dangerous if drivers fail to operate their vehicles responsibly. Passengers, other motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians suffer serious harm in rideshare car accidents every day.
Did you sustain injuries in a crash while riding in a Lyft vehicle, or did a Lyft driver hit you? Your insurance options for collecting compensation could be confusing compared to the average car accident. An experienced Boulder rideshare Lyft accident lawyer can help you navigate the process and pursue money for your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.
The Wilhite Law Firm is an established Colorado personal injury law firm with a reputation for excellence and exceptional client service. We demand maximum compensation for clients injured in rideshare accidents throughout the state. You can count on our car accident attorneys to stand up and fight for the money you deserve. Call or contact us for a free consultation today.
What Is the Lyft Ridesharing Service?
Lyft is one of the most popular ridesharing companies in the U.S., second only to Uber. Riders can request services through the Lyft app on their phone or the company’s website. The service connects drivers with passengers within the same geographical area.
When someone requests a ride, they enter their pick-up and drop-off addresses and the type of vehicle they need. For example, if there are only one or two people, a compact car will work. A large group could require Lyft XL, which offers rides in larger vehicles, such as SUVs.
The fare depends on the type of service requested and the length of the trip. Longer trips are more expensive than rides within a few miles of the pick-up location. Once the Lyft driver completes the trip, the passenger can use the app to leave a tip and rate their experience.
Lyft does not employ professionally trained drivers. They are individuals just like you. That means you’re at the mercy of their responsible driving skills and other motorists when you take a ride.
What Should I Do If I Am Involved in a Lyft Accident in Boulder?
Take immediate action after an accident involving a Lyft driver. The faster you act, the better you protect your Lyft accident claim.
- Seek medical attention – Go to a nearby hospital or your doctor’s office after leaving the crash scene. Get a thorough evaluation of your injury(s) to determine the medical treatment you need. If the physician recommends a specific treatment plan, follow their instructions exactly as prescribed.
- Report the accident to Lyft – Notify the rideshare company of the accident. You can do this through the app or their website.
- Contact a Boulder Lyft accident lawyer – Determining whose insurance applies after a rideshare crash depends on the driver’s status at the time of the wreck and who else is involved. A knowledgeable lawyer will identify all liable parties and pursue compensation from those sources.
- Keep all documents associated with the accident – Make a file for medical records, billing statements, out-of-pocket expenses, and anything else that demonstrates your financial losses after the crash. You’ll need substantial evidence of your injury and the total costs you incurred for your claim.
Who Is Liable for a Lyft Accident?
Many times, a combination of factors leads to a collision. Various parties could be at fault for a Lyft accident, not just your driver. A negligent motorist in a neighboring car could sideswipe the rideshare vehicle while changing lanes. A government agency may fail to maintain the roads, leading to dangerous conditions that contribute to a crash. A faulty auto part could malfunction and cause the rideshare vehicle to experience brake failure. A Boulder personal injury attorney can conduct an in-depth investigation into the crash to see what happened and ensure all liable parties are held accountable for their actions.
What Sort of Insurance Coverage Does Lyft Have?
Lyft requires rideshare drivers to carry personal auto liability insurance. The Lyft driver’s auto insurance applies to crashes while the app is off. The company also provides liability coverage in specific situations when personal insurance doesn’t apply.
Lyft provides third-party liability insurance in two scenarios:
Lyft app is on, or the driver is picking up or driving passengers
- $ 1 million in third-party liability
Lyft app is on, and the driver is waiting for a ride request
- $50,000 for bodily injury per person
- $100,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
What Sort of Compensation Is Available for a Lyft Accident?
If you sustained an injury in a Lyft accident, you could file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. The settlement you receive should compensate you for the losses you suffered, such as:
- Medical bills
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages
- Lost future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
You could file a personal injury lawsuit if the insurance company denies your rideshare accident claim or refuses to settle for an amount of money that covers your total losses. Punitive damages are another form of compensation you can seek in a lawsuit. A jury might award punitive damages if you can prove the defendant acted with malice, fraud, or willful or wanton conduct that intentionally disregards the safety of others.
What is the Statute of Limitations for a Colorado Lyft Accident?
The state of Colorado sets a time limit of two years for personal injury lawsuit claims. If you have not filed your lawsuit within that two-year time period, you will most likely have lost your chance to have your case heard in court. If you are contemplating legal action by filing a lawsuit for your injuries, do not delay in contacting us. There will be research, interviews, evidence gathering, and more, that we will need to do to properly represent your case.
Contact a Lyft Accident Lawyer in Boulder, CO, Today
Since 1977, The Wilhite Law Firm has fought for the rights of car accident victims in Boulder. We always go above and beyond to help people struggling in the aftermath of accidents they didn’t cause. You can count on us to aggressively pursue the full and fair compensation you need to rebuild your life after a crash.
If you or a loved one got hurt in a rideshare crash, contact The Wilhite Law Firm right now. A knowledgeable Boulder rideshare accident attorney can discuss your situation and review your legal options during a free consultation. Call or contact us online today to get started.