After any accident, you will no doubt be shaken up. Often, people struggle to figure out who is at fault or who to turn to when it comes to medical bills. If you’re in a Lyft accident, this might be even more confusing for you. Fortunately, there are some tips that you can follow to ensure that you receive compensation for any injuries.
Take Down Evidence
As with any car accident, if you are able to gather evidence at the scene, then you should. You will want to take as many pictures as possible, you will want to record the driver’s name, contact information and other insurance details. You may also want to record the names and contact information of anyone who was involved in the accident and also eye witnesses. You will not only want to photograph your vehicle but the other vehicle involved. You will also want to contact the police to receive the police report. If you were in the Lyft during the accident, then make sure that you have a ride receipt.
Contact Insurance Companies
If you are injured in a Lyft accident, then usually it is the driver’s insurance that will pay for any damages. The person at fault is normally who is liable for a passenger. In the case of Lyft, Lyft does have insurance policies for their drivers. However, it only kicks in if the personal insurance does not cover all of the medical bills. Since a Lyft driver is an independent contractor, if he or she is negligent and causes a wreck, then he or she is liable for the accident.
Lawsuit Options
If the insurance refuses to pay out, then you can always file a lawsuit against the driver of the Lyft. Normally, since the driver is liable, he or she is who you would file suit against. In some cases, you may be able to file a suit against the company. Keep in mind that it is more difficult to prove fault of the company than it is to prove fault of the driver.
In the case where you are injured in a Lyft accident, you might be involved in a complex legal case. Rideshares are still generally new and the liability involved is not the same as taxicabs or even the same as riding with a friend. Given the differences, you may need to consult with a car accident lawyer in Tampa, FL, such as from Jeff Murphy Law. If you were not at fault, then you deserve compensation for your injuries.