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Toll Free: (866) 907-1145 | Local: (919) 833-3370
Toll Free: (866) 907-1145
Local: (919) 833-3370
Being involved in a rideshare accident, such as one involving Lyft, can introduce complex legal issues when it comes to seeking compensation. This is where The Law Offices of John M. McCabe comes in. As your dedicated Lyft accident lawyers in Raleigh, we bring extensive experience and a deep understanding of North Carolina's specific laws relating to rideshare companies.
Lyft is a transportation network company (TNC) based in San Francisco, California. Launched in 2012, Lyft operates in the United States and select Canadian cities, providing rides to customers who need to get from one place to another.
Determining liability in a Lyft accident in Raleigh, North Carolina can be a complex task because it depends on several factors, including the status of the Lyft driver at the time of the accident and the specifics of the incident itself.
Here's a general breakdown of potential liability scenarios:
If the Lyft driver was not logged into the app at the time of the accident, their personal auto insurance is typically responsible for any damages, assuming the driver is at fault. It's important to note that personal auto insurance may not cover damages if the driver was using the car for commercial purposes (such as driving for Lyft) without appropriate commercial coverage.
If the Lyft driver was logged into the app but did not yet have a passenger or was not on the way to pick one up, Lyft's contingent liability coverage may apply. This kicks in if the driver's personal insurance doesn't cover the incident or covers only a part of the damages. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, this policy provides up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 total per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 total per accident for property damage.
If the Lyft driver was on the way to pick up a passenger or had a passenger in the car, Lyft's $1 million policy should apply. This covers the driver, passengers, and possibly third parties if the driver is at fault.
If another driver caused the accident, their auto insurance would typically be responsible for covering the damages.
Given the complex nature of determining liability in a Lyft accident, it's crucial to consult with an experienced lawyer who is familiar with the intricacies of ride-share accidents. A seasoned attorney can investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, deal with insurance companies, and help ensure that your rights are protected.
Whether you were a passenger, another driver, or even a pedestrian involved in a Lyft accident, we can help by:
We'll handle communications and negotiations with insurance companies, who often try to minimize the compensation you receive.
We will gather and analyze all the necessary evidence, such as the police report, witness statements, and any available accident scene photos or video footage to prove who was at fault.
We'll ensure all your damages are accounted for, not only obvious ones like medical bills and property damage, but also lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
If a fair settlement can't be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court, advocating for your best interests.
If you've been involved in a car accident while using Lyft, it's essential to know the steps to take to protect your rights and ensure your safety. Here's a general guide on what to do:
Check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately.
Report the accident to the police. They will create an official record of the incident, which can be crucial for insurance or legal claims.
Collect as much information as you can at the scene. This includes the Lyft driver's name, contact details, and insurance information, as well as details of any other parties involved.
If possible, take photographs or video of the scene, including the vehicles involved, any visible injuries, and any relevant road conditions or traffic signs.
Report the accident through the Lyft app.
At this point, ensure they are also reporting it to Lyft.
Even if you don't feel injured immediately after the accident, it's crucial to get a medical evaluation. Some injuries may not show symptoms until days or even weeks later.
If you were injured or your property was damaged in the accident, consider seeking legal advice. A lawyer with experience in Lyft accidents can guide you through the claims process and help protect your rights.
Lyft accidents can lead to a wide variety of injuries, depending on the severity of the accident. Here are some of the most common types:
Sudden stops or changes in direction can cause the head and neck to jerk back and forth rapidly, leading to injuries like whiplash. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the neck.
In more severe accidents, passengers or drivers may experience traumatic brain injuries, which can range from concussions to more serious conditions like bleeding or swelling in the brain.
The impact of a car crash can potentially damage the spinal cord, which can lead to paralysis, loss of sensation, or other serious issues.
The force of a collision can easily break bones, particularly in the arms, legs, or ribs.
Broken glass, debris, or the impact of the crash can lead to cuts, scrapes, and bruising.
These include injuries to muscles, ligaments, and tendons, such as sprains or strains.
In addition to physical injuries, it's common for people involved in accidents to experience psychological effects like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
As a rideshare service, Lyft can be involved in a variety of accidents. Here are some of the most common types:
These are the most common type of accidents and can occur in many forms, including rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, side-swipe accidents, and T-bone or side-impact collisions.
These occur when a Lyft driver hits a pedestrian. Given the lack of protection for pedestrians, these accidents can often lead to severe injuries.
Similar to pedestrian accidents, these happen when a Lyft driver collides with a cyclist. These accidents can also lead to severe injuries due to the cyclist's lack of protection.
These happen when a Lyft driver hits another car, pedestrian, or cyclist and then leaves the scene without providing contact information or waiting for the police to arrive.
While less common, these severe accidents happen when a Lyft vehicle flips over onto its side or roof. They often occur as a result of high-speed collisions or when a vehicle tries to make a sharp turn at high speed.
These involve more than two vehicles and can be especially complex, both in terms of the accident scene and the subsequent legal proceedings.
These occur when a Lyft driver is hit by another driver who does not have auto insurance or whose insurance is insufficient to cover the damages.
Just like any other vehicle on the road, Lyft vehicles can be involved in accidents due to a variety of reasons. Here are some of the most common causes:
This includes any activity that diverts attention from driving, such as talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, or fiddling with the stereo, entertainment, or navigation system.
Rideshare drivers, including those who work for Lyft, often work long hours or drive late into the night, leading to fatigue. Drowsy driving can slow reaction time, impair decision-making skills, and increase the risk of accidents.
Driving above the speed limit is a common cause of accidents as it reduces the driver's ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the roadway, extends the distance necessary to stop a vehicle, and increases the distance a vehicle travels while the driver reacts to a dangerous situation.
Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and highly dangerous, significantly increasing the likelihood of an accident.
This can include a variety of driving behaviors like tailgating, changing lanes without signaling, running red lights, or any aggressive driving maneuvers.
Failure to properly maintain a vehicle can lead to issues like brake failure or tire blowouts that can result in an accident.
Conditions like rain, snow, ice, fog, or even severe crosswinds can make roads dangerous and lead to accidents if drivers don't adjust their driving habits accordingly.
After a Lyft accident, you may be eligible to recover various types of damages:
Our experienced team of personal injury lawyers understands the intricacies of rideshare regulations and insurance claims, and we work diligently to navigate these complexities on your behalf. If you've been involved in a Lyft accident, don't hesitate to reach out to us for a free consultation. We're here to help guide you through this difficult time with expert advice and personalized attention.
Even minor accidents can result in significant injuries or legal complications. Having an experienced car accident lawyer ensures your rights are protected, and you understand your legal options.
At The Law Offices of John M. McCabe, we operate on a contingency fee basis—you don't pay unless we recover compensation for you.
Yes, we can assist you in exploring other avenues for compensation, such as through your own insurance policies or potentially taking legal action directly against the at-fault party.
In North Carolina, the statute of limitations is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, it is important to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.
We will gather all necessary evidence, such as the police report, witness statements, and any available accident scene photos or video footage to establish fault.
Lyft does not provide specific driving training to its drivers. However, they do require drivers to meet certain criteria before they can start providing rides through the Lyft platform. These criteria include:
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