Rideshare passengers injured by negligent drivers deserve compensation, regardless of who was at fault. A Lansing Lyft accident Lawyer helps secure damages when Lyft drivers, other motorists, or liable entities fail to accept responsibility after a crash.
Injured rideshare passengers face daunting legal and insurance complexities. Drivers and companies work to avoid or minimize liability and payouts. An experienced legal advocate can help ensure your rights are protected. If you were hurt in a Lyft, a Lansing car accident lawyer can help.
Common Causes of Lyft Accidents
Rideshare accidents can involve complex liability scenarios. There can be multiple potential causes requiring thorough investigation. Common reasons Lyft passengers are the victims of car accidents include the following:
- Driver distraction from mobile devices or passenger engagements
- Driving while fatigued and unable to react quickly
- Aggressive behaviors like speeding, tailgating, or improper lane changes
- Disobeying traffic signs, signals, or laws
- Recklessness by other motorists, like drunk driving or blowing through red lights
Whether the accident was at the fault of your Lyft driver or another motorist, you still deserve to seek compensation. If it was the Lyft driver, the company has insurance for this specific reason. A Lansing personal injury lawyer can help you with this process.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
Gathering Evidence to Prove a Claim
Proving liability and damages requires diligent evidence gathering. A lawyer can do much of this work on your behalf, such as obtaining the police report. This document is extremely valuable to your case since it includes officer assessments, witness statements, and conclusions on factors causing the crash. However, do not solely rely on police findings as they require further scrutiny.
Collecting photo and video evidence of the crash scene and vehicles is crucial. It helps your lawyer document critical details on how the collision occurred and make determinations about fault based on impact points and damage patterns. Securing Lyft’s GPS data and ride history can reveal the routes driven and the driver’s behaviors prior to impact, providing insight into potential negligence.
Your legal team can also acquire medical records, lost wage documentation, and evidence of treatment costs to quantify economic damages tied to your injuries. They will also Interview additional witnesses, beyond those named in the police reports, who observed the crash and can supplement investigative findings.
We’re not just lawyers. We’re passionate advocates who will ensure that your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
When the Lyft Driver Was Negligent
If the investigation shows your Lyft driver’s negligence directly caused the crash, recovery options start with a personal injury claim against the driver’s insurance for damages. Your claim will be filed against their liability coverage. Their negligence must be proven for the insurer to pay your claim.
Another avenue is to file a claim through Lyft’s commercial policy that covers each ride in Michigan, often up to $1 million per incident. Lyft can be held responsible for driver negligence under vicarious liability laws. These policies can provide a source of compensation when other drivers who hit your Lyft vehicle are underinsured.
Potential additional compensation may be recovered directly from Lyft if damages exceed their policy limits. Your attorney can push for this by arguing Lyft is at fault for inadequate safety protocols and negligent driver vetting. An attorney thoroughly advocates holding all negligent parties fully accountable under Michigan laws.
We know how to get our clients the results they need in the toughest legal arenas.
When a Third-Party Driver Was at Fault
Another motorist’s recklessness may cause a Lyft crash. Recovery options include pursuing a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver to compensate your damages if their liability is proven. Their insurer pays out according to the driver’s policy limits.
If damages exceed the liable driver’s policy limits, additional compensation may be accessible from your Lyft driver’s coverage or Lyft’s commercial policy obtained for Michigan rides. An experienced attorney knows how to access additional coverage when needed.
In hit-and-run accidents, the Lyft driver’s uninsured motorist coverage required by Michigan law can provide injury compensation when the fleeing driver cannot be identified. Pursuing damages from multiple potential avenues may be necessary when third parties cause Lyft collisions. A Lyft accident attorney in Lansing can maximize your total recovery.
You will always work directly with your attorney throughout your case.
Negotiating Maximum Settlements
Once all damages and liabilities are thoroughly documented through evidence gathering and accident reconstruction, the claims process moves to negotiating for fair compensation for the injured party. This negotiation happens either through early settlements or through lawsuits filed against any driver, company, or other entity proven to be negligent and liable for the accident injuries and losses. Securing a settlement early in the process can save significant time and expense for all parties if the insurance companies make reasonable offers reflecting full damages.
If insurers offer inadequate settlements, a Lyft accident lawyer in Lansing will make it clear they are not afraid to continue to court if needed to maximize recovery. This involves solid case preparation, the use of evidence, and persuasiveness. Having all of this at trial gives victims greater leverage in negotiating.
Ultimately, the goal is securing the maximum compensation and justice you deserve under the circumstances and law, whether through settlements or litigation. An attorney experienced in rideshare injury cases understands how to strategically negotiate and craft compelling legal arguments when needed. It is best to not navigate the complex claims process alone.
Statute of Limitations for Lyft Accidents in Michigan
In Michigan, the statute of limitations to file a lawsuit for Lyft accidents involving personal injury is three years from the date of the incident. For accidents resulting in death, family members have two years to file a wrongful death suit against liable parties. These strict deadlines apply both to claims against the Lyft driver and Lyft itself.
The clock starts ticking immediately following the crash. Failure to file a claim within the statutory window means you will lose your chance to obtain financial relief through the courts.
Consult a Lansing Lyft accident attorney urgently after a Lyft accident to ensure they have adequate time to prepare your case and preserve all your legal options. Waiting to act just allows evidence to disappear and memories to fade. Protect your rights by acting promptly to investigate your claim and retain counsel.
Let White Law PLLC Help You Achieve Compensation
Suffering injuries in a Lansing Lyft accident can derail your life. You should focus first on your physical and emotional recovery, allowing an experienced attorney to handle the legal process for you. Our team knows how to maximize compensation through settlements or litigation, if necessary.
Do not navigate the claims process alone. Work with our team to have help on your side to put together a strong case and fight the insurers together. Contact us for a free consultation.
We’re Experienced. We Care.
We Exceed Client Expectations.
