Dallas Lyft Accident Lawyer

Lyft’s 2021 U.S. Safety Report found that there were 10,087 total crashes involving Lyft vehicles in the United States during that year. Of those crashes, 105 were fatal and 3,043 resulted in injuries. This means that there was an average of 28 Lyft accidents per day in the United States and an average of 8 Lyft accidents involving injuries or fatalities per day. Lyft accidents refer to car accidents involving vehicles that are being operated by Lyft drivers or are associated with Lyft rides. These accidents can result in property damage, injuries, or even fatalities. If you’ve been involved in a Lyft accident, it is advised to consult with a Dallas car accident lawyer to understand your options and pursue damages

Common Causes of Lyft Car Accidents in Dallas

The causes of Lyft car accidents in Dallas are largely the same as the causes of any other type of car accident. However, there are a few factors that may make Lyft drivers more likely to be involved in accidents, such as:

  • Distracted driving: Lyft drivers may be distracted by their phones or other devices while trying to pick up or drop off passengers, or while navigating their way around the city.
  • Fatigue: Lyft drivers may work long hours, which can lead to fatigue. Fatigue is a major risk factor for car accidents.
  • Unfamiliarity with the area: Lyft drivers may not be familiar with the streets and traffic patterns of Dallas, which can increase the risk of an accident.
  • Pressure to earn money: Lyft drivers may feel pressured to pick up and drop off passengers as quickly as possible in order to maximize their earnings. This can lead to risky driving behaviors, such as speeding and tailgating.

In addition to these factors, Lyft accidents can also be caused by other factors, such as:

  • Driver negligence: Lyft drivers may be negligent in many ways, such as by speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or failing to yield the right-of-way.
  • Vehicle defects: Lyft vehicles may have defects that make them more likely to be involved in an accident.
  • Road conditions: Poor road conditions, such as potholes and uneven pavement, can also contribute to Lyft accidents.

If you are involved in a Lyft accident in Dallas, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, even if you do not think you are injured. It is also important to contact a Dallas Lyft accident lawyer to discuss your legal options. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Who Is Responsible for My Lyft Accident Injuries in Dallas

The responsibility for a Lyft accident in Dallas can vary depending on the circumstances of the accident. Here are the key factors determining responsibility:

  1. Lyft Driver: If the Lyft driver’s negligence or actions led to the accident, they may bear primary responsibility. This could include actions like reckless driving, running red lights, or violating traffic rules.
  2. Other Drivers: In multi-vehicle accidents, responsibility may be shared among multiple drivers, including the Lyft driver, other vehicles involved, and any third-party drivers who may have contributed to the accident.
  3. Lyft: Lyft, as a rideshare company, has insurance coverage for accidents that occur while a driver is actively using the Lyft app. If the Lyft driver is at fault, Lyft’s insurance may come into play to cover damages and injuries to passengers and other parties.
  4. Passengers: Passengers should be aware of their actions during a Lyft ride. If a passenger’s behavior, such as distracting the driver or engaging in conduct that leads to an accident, contributes to the crash, they may share some responsibility.

If the driver is waiting for a ride request, their insurance should cover damages, but Lyft’s contingency policy can be used if the driver’s insurance is insufficient. If the driver is en-route to pick up a rider or has a rider in the vehicle, Lyft has a $1,000,000 liability policy.

The complexity of determining liability in these cases highlights the importance of consulting a Dallas Lyft accident lawyer. They can help navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and determine the appropriate parties to hold accountable for the accident.

Preventing Lyft Accident in Dallas

Here are some tips to help you avoid Lyft accidents in Dallas:

  • Choose a Lyft driver with a high rating and positive reviews.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and let the driver know if you see any potential hazards.
  • Do not distract the driver while they are driving.
  • Wear a seatbelt at all times.
  • If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, get out of the vehicle.

By following these tips, you can help to keep yourself safe while riding in a Lyft vehicle.

When Can You File a Lawsuit for a Lyft Car Accident in Dallas

You can file a lawsuit for a Lyft car accident in Dallas within a specific timeframe governed by the statute of limitations in Texas. The statute of limitations sets a deadline for filing personal injury lawsuits, which includes those related to Lyft accidents. In Texas, the statute of limitations for car accident lawsuits is typically two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within this time frame could result in losing your right to pursue legal action for compensation.

If you sustain injuries in a Lyft car accident in Dallas, you can pursue compensation from the responsible party or their insurer. Additionally, you may be able to utilize Lyft’s insurance policy to seek compensation for your damages. To understand your legal options and navigate the process, it is recommended to consult with a Dallas Lyft accident lawyer experienced in handling Lyft accident cases in Dallas.

Types of Compensation That Can Be Claimed in Lyft Car Accident in Dallas

The types of compensation available in Lyft car accidents in Dallas vary depending on the specific facts of the case. However, some common types of compensation include:

  • Medical expenses: This includes the cost of ambulance rides, emergency room visits, hospital stays, doctor’s appointments, diagnostic tests, surgeries, and prescription medications.
  • Lost wages: This includes the wages you would have earned if you had not been injured in the accident.
  • Pain and suffering: This includes compensation for the physical and emotional pain and suffering caused by the accident.
  • Property damage: This includes compensation for the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and other personal property that was damaged in the accident.
  • Wrongful death: If a loved one is killed in a Lyft car accident, their surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for their wrongful death.

In addition to these types of compensation, you may also be entitled to punitive damages. Punitive damages are awarded to punish the defendant for their reckless or negligent conduct. Punitive damages are rarely awarded, but they may be available in certain cases, such as if the Lyft driver was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

A Dallas Lyft accident lawyer can help you to assess your claim, determine the types of compensation you may be entitled to, and negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company. If necessary, your lawyer can also file a lawsuit on your behalf to pursue the compensation you deserve.

How Can I Obtain Compensation for Lyft Car Accident in Dallas

To pursue compensation, it is recommended to consult with a Dallas car accident lawyer experienced in rideshare accidents, as the process can be complicated. The attorney can help with obtaining evidence, determining insurance coverage, identifying witnesses, collecting medical records, negotiating with insurance companies, and filing a personal injury lawsuit if necessary.

If you were a passenger in a Lyft vehicle, the at-fault driver’s insurance policy may cover your damages, but there may be additional coverage from Lyft or your own uninsured/underinsured policy. If a negligent Lyft driver causes your injuries, Lyft’s commercial insurance policy provides coverage for all persons injured in the accident up to $1 million.

It is important to seek medical treatment first and speak to an attorney before providing statements to insurance adjusters or signing settlement agreements. Pursuing compensation for a rideshare accident can be complex, especially in Texas, and having an experienced attorney is crucial.

Our Dallas Lyft Accident Lawyer is Ready to Guide You, Contact us Today!

If you were involved in a Lyft car accident in Dallas and sustained injuries, you can pursue compensation from the responsible party or their insurer, as Texas is an “at-fault” state. Lyft also provides insurance coverage for accidents, which may be available depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.

To determine the available coverage limits and secure optimal compensation, you can consult with a Dallas Lyft Accident Lawyer at Joel A. Gordon and Associates. We are a locally based personal injury law firm experienced in handling Lyft accident cases. Our attorneys will help you to pursue compensation for your damages and negotiate a fair settlement. If the insurance company refuses to offer an adequate settlement, the case may go to litigation and we are ready for that too.