Lyft Accidents & Injuries

What you need to know about Lyft accidents and your right to legal compensation.

In today's world of smartphone apps and instant results, it's no surprise that people have started to shun traditional expensive taxis and turn to modern ride-sharing services like Lyft.

But how can you, the passenger, be assured of your safety when riding with a stranger? Despite what you might expect, ride-sharing services like Lyft do not typically run background checks on potential drivers—and most ride-sharing services don't even require drivers to come in to meet in person before they are allowed to pick up passengers.

The Consequences

What happens if your average-Joe Lyft driver, someone who hasn't been trained in defensive driving techniques or tested for driving ability, gets into an accident while carrying passengers? Unfortunately for some, the answer is potentially fatal.

For example, last year, a Lyft car carrying two passengers was involved in a three-car accident on a California highway. When the driver of the Lyft vehicle swerved to try and avoid the initial collision, the car spun out and collided with a tree, killing one of the passengers. In addition, the driver and surviving passenger suffered moderate injuries.

Even when the Lyft driver plays absolutely no part in causing in the accident, there is still a chance that passengers can find themselves endangered in their ride-sharing experience. In 2014, for example, a Seattle man and his family were in a Lyft vehicle when they were rear-ended, causing them to smash into the vehicle in front of them. Fortunately for this family in particular, no one was seriously injured and the accident was covered by insurance policies held by the two drivers involved, as well as a Lyft company policy. However, the intricacies of ride-sharing insurance may not always work out in the passengers' favor—something you don't want to deal with on your own, especially if you're already dealing with injuries and trauma of your own.

Common Lyft Injuries

Some of the most common injuries incurred in car accidents include:

• Whiplash
• Disfigurement
• Nerve Damage and Nerve Injuries
• Closed head injuries like concussions and traumatic brain injury
• Shoulder Injuries
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• …and more.

Medical Treatments

Medical care for such injuries may include repeated treatments and/or ongoing physical therapy that can take months or years to complete. If you find yourself in this situation, it should go without saying that these are expenses you should not be responsible for covering, as you were not at fault.

What You Can Do

If you have been injured as a result of a Lyft accident, you may not know where to turn for help. Depending on insurance and medical treatment required, you may find yourself saddled with bills you cannot afford.

If you find yourself in this situation after a Lyft accident, you need an experienced lawyer to help you seek the damages you deserve. Contact us at the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. to get started by setting up your free initial consultation. Call today at 877-FL-INJURY (877-354-6587).