Canton
Lyft Accident Lawyer

When a Lyft driver is involved in an accident, it can leave you traumatized and unsure of how to proceed. You may be confused about the appropriate party to hold liable for your injuries. 

Fortunately, John Foy & Associates has The Strong Arm necessary to fight on your behalf and help you seek the compensation you deserve. Don’t hesitate to contact our Canton rideshare accident lawyers today for a consultation.

Common Reasons for Lyft Accidents

There are several reasons for Lyft accidents, from navigating unfamiliar roadways to distracted driving.

Navigating Unfamiliar Roadways

Many of us who have taken a Lyft have experienced at least one or several drivers who were unfamiliar with where they were going. Drivers confused about where they are traveling are more likely to drive inconsistently on the road. Unsteady drivers can cause a Lyft accident by slowing down unexpectedly or making an abrupt turn.

Driver Fatigue

Lyft drivers can determine what times of day and how long they can drive. While that could be beneficial for drivers, it can be dangerous for you if your driver experiences fatigue during your trip. Lyft drivers who drive for more extended periods are at risk of experiencing fatigue and falling asleep behind the wheel.

Unsafe Pickup and Drop-Off Locations

You may have experienced a Lyft driver who has picked you up in an unsafe location, like a busy intersection or a lane with ongoing traffic. Because Lyft drivers are expecting to pick you up or drop you off quickly, they may decide not to park in a safer location and risk the chance of slowing down or blocking traffic. Drivers who perform these actions are putting themselves and other drivers and pedestrians in danger.

Distracted Driving

Like all drivers, Lyft drivers have several distractions that can take their attention off the road. In addition to the usual distractions like the radio or snacks, Lyft drivers have to balance using the Lyft app and GPS while focusing on changes in traffic. The more distractions are surrounding a Lyft driver, the more likely it is for a Lyft accident to happen.

How Is Liability Determined in Lyft Accidents?

Because Georgia is a fault state, the driver responsible for a car accident would be the party that you could pursue compensation from as the victim. However, it is often difficult to determine liability for a Lyft accident. Three parties can be held liable for your injuries in a Lyft accident:

The Lyft Driver

If it is proven that the Lyft driver is at fault for your Lyft accident, there are several ways that the Lyft driver can be held liable for your accident. These methods are based on the period when the driver was active while on the app. The three periods used to determine a Lyft driver’s liability are Periods one, two, and three.

1. Period One. A Lyft driver is logged into the app during period one but has not accepted a ride. When a Lyft driver experiences a car accident during this period, Lyft can provide liability coverage of up to $50,000 per person injured in the accident and $100,000 total injury liability per accident, as well as offer the driver $25,000 in property damage liability.
2. Period Two. During period two, a Lyft driver is in the process of picking up a passenger after the trip has been accepted. Drivers who experience a car accident during this period are entitled to receive liability coverage of up to $1 million.
3. Period Three. During period three, a Lyft driver has a passenger in their car, and so drivers who experience car accidents are entitled to liability coverage of up to $1 million and additional limited coverage for any damage sustained by the driver’s car. In some cases, Lyft can also cover uninsured motorist coverage.

Another Driver Involved in the Crash

Another party that can be held liable for a Lyft accident is the other driver involved in the accident. If the other driver has been proven to be the at-fault driver of the Lyft accident, it is your right to hold the other driver liable for your injuries. You can pursue compensation through the other driver’s auto insurance.

Vehicle Defects

According to Consumer Reports, one in six Uber and Lyft vehicles had open safety recalls in 2019. This meant that thousands of cars contained a safety defect operating for business purposes under Uber and Lyft. If it is proven that your Lyft accident was the result of a vehicle defect, you can also file a personal injury claim against the car manufacturer.

How a Canton Lyft Accident Attorney Can Help

With so many parties that you can hold liable and the different policies, it can be overwhelming to file a claim against a party for your Lyft accident. Fortunately, the Canton Lyft Accident Lawyers at John Foy & Associates have the expertise and confidence necessary to fight for your compensation.

There are several ways that our Canton Lyft accident lawyers can help you receive the compensation you deserve.

Gather Electronic Records

Our Lyft Accident Lawyers know how to collect the proper evidence from the Lyft app that can help strengthen your case. Because the Lyft driver’s actions are reported on the app, our Lyft accident lawyers can use the electronic records to prove that the Lyft driver was distracted at the time of the accident.

Fight Against Insurance Companies

Even in cases where their insurance policyholder is liable, insurance companies will either lowball you or attempt to deny your compensation altogether. Our experienced Lyft accident lawyers in Canton know how to use their expertise to negotiate against an insurance company’s tricks.

Get Help from a Lyft Accident Attorney in Canton

If you or a loved one was injured in a negligent Lyft accident, do not suffer alone. A Canton Lyft accident lawyer from John Foy & Associates may be able to help you recover from your damages and get justice. Call our office, or complete our contact form to schedule a consultation today.