Riverdale
Lyft Accident Lawyer

If you were the victim of a Lyft accident, you probably made the assumption that you would reach your destination safely. Then the accident happened. You may be confused and frustrated with your injuries, but do not worry – there is recourse in these situations. 

You can file a rideshare accident claim by contacting a Riverdale rideshare accident lawyer. At John Foy & Associates, we have a team of skilled attorneys who are ready to file your claim. To learn more about the process, contact us today.

Motor Vehicle Accidents in Georgia

Georgia roadways are generally safe to use. Yet, there are still thousands of accidents in the state every year. Many of these accidents prove fatal, while others leave survivors severely injured and traumatized. 

If you or a loved one was injured in a motor vehicle accident, you are likely shocked that such a thing happened to you. This feeling is likely even more intense if you were the passenger of a rideshare vehicle or hit by a rideshare driver. Yet, regardless of the circumstances, you should pursue compensation from the party that caused the accident. 

Doing so requires ample evidence and a strong case that proves you did not cause the accident. Of course, the passenger of a vehicle is unlikely the cause of an accident, but in instances where you were driving a car that was struck by a rideshare vehicle, the burden of proof does exist. A personal injury lawyer in Riverdale can help you gather facts to build an effective case, and through proper preparation, you can position yourself for success in the legal process. 

Lyft Accidents in Georgia

Many rideshare accident victims assume that they are in safe hands when they get into a rideshare vehicle. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Because rideshare drivers are not required to receive special training or certifications to work with their employers, they should be considered the same as any other drivers. 

Therefore, you should understand that rideshare accidents are just as likely to occur as any other form of motor vehicle accident. 

While rideshare apps are easy, cheap, and incredibly convenient, they do offer some risk to riders and other roadway users. In fact, the number of car accidents that occur in the U.S. has increased since rideshare applications were adopted across the country. This is likely because there is simply a higher number of vehicles on the road because fewer people are using public transportation methods like trains and buses. 

Avoiding Rideshare Accidents

By using a rideshare service, you are giving the rideshare driver responsibility for your safety. However, you can take steps to lower the amount of risk involved with riding in a rideshare vehicle. For example, you should always look out for red flags on the rideshare driver’s review page before they pick you up. 

Bad driver ratings and reviews may signal that a driver does not always make safe choices while carrying passengers. This increases the risk of rideshare accidents. Distracted drivers are also a common cause of rideshare accidents. 

To decrease the odds of an accident occurring, try your best not to distract the driver while they are operating the vehicle. Giving them directions or asking them simple questions is fine, but you do not need to have full conversations with them during the ride. Doing so puts you at risk of suffering injuries in a rideshare accident. 

Insurance Companies and Filing a Rideshare Claim

If you choose to file a rideshare accident claim after being involved in an accident, you will not be able to sue Lyft or another rideshare company directly — at least not at first. Instead, the legal process starts with filing a claim against the driver and their personal insurance. This step is necessary because rideshare companies are not under the rules of vicarious liability. 

Vicarious liability states that employers are responsible for the actions of their employees, but because rideshare drivers are not employees and are instead independent contractors, this rule does not apply. So, you need to file with the driver’s personal insurance first. 

If their insurance covers the accident, you will collect compensation from them through a settlement. Though, if their personal insurance does not apply under the circumstances, you may have the ability to file a claim through the rideshare company’s insurance.   

Filing a Claim with the Rideshare Company’s Insurance

Filing a claim against the rideshare company’s insurance does not mean that you are suing the rideshare company. The rideshare companies actually hold insurance policies that offer coverage to their drivers. Therefore, you will be making a claim against the driver, through the rideshare company’s insurance. 

Keep in mind that insurance companies exist to earn profit. They will work their hardest to provide you with the lowest settlement possible. Sometimes, they make offers that will not even cover the full extent of your medical bills. 

To prevent yourself from getting into a situation where you feel the need to accept a lowball claim, speak to a Riverdale Lyft accident attorney today to start processing your claim. 

Determining What You Are Owed in a Rideshare Accident Claim

A crucial part of the personal injury claims process is determining how much money you are due as compensation for your injuries and property damage. To do this, your Lyft accident attorney in Riverdale will assess the circumstances of your case and review vital evidence. Through their assessment, they will identify what losses you incurred. 

Some losses that may be considered include:

• Pain and suffering
• Medical bills that must be paid
• Loss of consortium
• Wages that have been lost due to the injuries sustained in the accident
• Lost opportunities related to the injuries sustained in the accident

To get an exact estimate of what your claim is worth, reach out to a Riverdale Lyft accident lawyer. Doing so will give you the opportunity to see just how much damage has been done and how it will affect your future if you do not file a claim. 

Experienced Legal Representation for Rideshare Accident Claims

You have every right to represent yourself in a rideshare accident claim. Though, we do not recommend that you do so. Filing a claim independently often has worse outcomes than having a lawyer do the legwork for you. 

So, consider choosing the talented legal professionals at John Foy & Associates to represent you in your upcoming rideshare accident claim. We strive to get the best results for our clients, so you can trust us to help you recover maximum compensation. Schedule a free consultation in one of our offices by submitting the contact form on this page.