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Tampa Lyft Accident Attorneys
Lyft has made it easier to get around Tampa than ever before. Unfortunately, ridesharing services and their drivers have also caused serious, injury-causing accidents that can leave passengers, other motorists, pedestrians, or bicyclists with extremely serious injuries.
If you were injured in an accident involving a rideshare driver, contacting our attorney promptly is essential. Our team has 45 years of experience helping accident victims and recently secured $400,000 for a client hurt in a rideshare accident. Reach out today to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation with our Tampa, FL Lyft accident lawyer.
The Causes of Lyft Accidents
Lyft accidents can occur for any of the same reasons other motor vehicle accidents happen.
Distracted Driving
One of the leading causes of Lyft accidents is distracted driving. When drivers are distracted by their phones, conversations, or other activities, their attention is diverted from the road. This can result in slower reaction times, swerving, and, ultimately, accidents.
Fatigue
Another common cause of Lyft accidents is driver fatigue. Rideshare drivers often work long hours to make ends meet, leading to exhaustion behind the wheel. Fatigue can impair a driver’s ability to stay alert and focused, increasing the risk of accidents.
Reckless Driving
In some cases, Lyft accidents occur due to reckless driving. Speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, and failing to follow traffic laws are all examples of reckless driving behaviors. These actions put not only the driver but also their passengers and other road users at risk.
Intoxication
As shocking as it might seem, sometimes Lyft drivers use drugs or alcohol (or both) before they get behind the wheel. When drivers are intoxicated, it can affect their reaction time, vision, judgment, and motor skills, significantly increasing the risk of an accident. Fortunately, under Florida law, if you are injured by an intoxicated driver, you are very likely to be entitled to compensation for your losses.
Victims Can Hold Lyft Liable for Accidents Caused by Their Drivers
If you have been hurt in a Lyft accident, you may be wondering who you can hold liable for your injuries – the driver? Lyft? Someone else? In many rideshare accidents, the answer is simpler than you might expect. Whose insurance covers an accident depends on what the driver is doing at the time they cause the accident:
- If the driver had the app off when they caused an accident, Lyft does not provide any coverage. In other words, you would proceed as you would in any other car accident and file a claim against the driver’s insurance policy.
- If the driver had the app on and was waiting to accept a passenger, Lyft provides secondary insurance coverage in the amount of $50,000.
- If the driver was on their way to pick up a passenger or actively providing a ride, Lyft provides primary coverage in the amount of $1,000,000.
The most effective way to make sure that you obtain the compensation you deserve after a Lyft accident is to call our attorney as soon as possible.
Call Us Today to Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with a Lyft Accident Lawyer in Tampa
If you have been injured in a Lyft accident in the Tampa area, you should call Mickey Keenan, PA, as soon as you can. Our skilled team of lawyers knows how to hold rideshare drivers and companies accountable for the injuries they cause. To schedule a free case evaluation with an attorney, call our office today or contact us online.
Multiple People Injured In Lyft Accident
Our Tampa, FL Lyft accident lawyer knows that if you are involved in a Lyft accident with multiple people, the situation can quickly become confusing. In accidents with several passengers, drivers, or third parties, determining who is responsible and how compensation will be handled can get complicated. However, it’s important to know that as a passenger or injured party, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries and other losses. At Mickey Keenan P.A., we understand the challenges that can arise in rideshare accidents, especially when multiple people are involved. Our goal is to help you recover the compensation you deserve and guide you through the steps necessary to protect your rights. With multiple locations, we can best serve you.
Gathering Information At The Scene
If you can do so, gathering information at the scene of the accident is one of the most important things you can do. When multiple people are involved, it’s essential to get contact information from everyone present, including the Lyft driver, other drivers, passengers, and any witnesses. Make a note of the names, phone numbers, insurance information, and license plate numbers for each vehicle involved.
If the police arrive on the scene, they will document the accident and prepare an official report. Be sure to request a copy of the police report later, as it will contain important details about the accident. In addition, take photos of the vehicles, the damage, and your injuries. These photos can serve as valuable evidence when filing your claim.
Reporting The Accident To Lyft
As a passenger in a Lyft, it’s important to report the accident to the company as soon as possible. Lyft provides insurance coverage for passengers during an active ride, which begins when the driver accepts a ride request and ends once you reach your destination. Our Lyft accident attorney knows that you can report the accident through the Lyft app or by contacting their customer service.
After you report the accident, Lyft will initiate the claims process, and you will likely hear from their insurance company. It’s a good idea to be cautious when speaking with insurance adjusters, as they may try to minimize your claim. Provide only factual information and avoid speculating about the cause of the accident or the extent of your injuries.
Dealing With Multiple Insurance Claims
When multiple people are involved in a Lyft accident, more than one insurance policy may come into play. In addition to Lyft’s insurance, the personal insurance policies of the Lyft driver, other drivers, and passengers may also be involved. Sorting through these different policies can be time-consuming, and it’s important to understand which coverage applies to your situation.
Lyft’s insurance policy includes liability coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and personal injury protection (PIP). If the Lyft driver is found to be at fault, Lyft’s liability coverage will apply. If another driver is responsible, their insurance will be the primary source of compensation, with Lyft’s coverage potentially acting as a secondary option if needed.
Seeking Compensation For Your Injuries
If you were injured in the accident, you have the right to pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Medical care can be expensive, and your injuries may require ongoing treatment. Compensation should cover not only the immediate costs but also any future expenses related to your recovery.
Contact Us For Support With Your Lyft Accident Claim
If you were involved in a Lyft accident with multiple people, pursuing compensation can become overwhelming. At Mickey Keenan P.A., we are here to help you through this process. Our team will work with you to understand the details of your case and fight for the compensation you need to move forward. Get in touch with our trusted Tampa Lyft accident lawyer for a free consultation to discuss your situation and learn how we can assist you in getting the results you deserve.
Serious Injuries You Can Get From A Lyft Accident
Our trusted Tampa, car accident lawyer knows that rideshare services like Lyft offer convenience, but accidents involving Lyft vehicles can result in severe injuries. Whether you’re a passenger, driver, pedestrian, or another motorist, the consequences of these accidents can be life-altering. We passionately represent injured victims and want you to feel at home when you work with us. Below are some of the catastrophic injuries that can result from a Lyft accident and why they require attention.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
A sudden impact during a collision can cause the brain to strike the inside of the skull, leading to a traumatic brain injury. Symptoms can range from mild concussions to more severe outcomes, such as memory loss, cognitive impairments, or long-term disabilities. TBIs often require extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are among the most serious outcomes of car accidents, including those involving Lyft vehicles. Damage to the spine can result in partial or total paralysis, depending on the location and severity of the injury. Treatment and ongoing care for spinal injuries can be both intensive and costly.
Fractures and Broken Bones
Our rideshare accident lawyer in Tampa knows that the force of a crash can lead to broken bones in various parts of the body, such as the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis. Some fractures heal relatively quickly, but others may require surgeries, physical therapy, or the use of assistive devices like crutches or braces. Compound fractures or injuries involving joints may have long-term effects on mobility.
Whiplash and Neck Injuries
Whiplash occurs when the neck is jolted back and forth abruptly during a collision. It’s a common injury in car accidents but can still be very painful and limit mobility. In severe cases, whiplash can cause chronic pain or damage to the vertebrae and nerves.
Internal Injuries
Blunt force trauma from a Lyft accident can cause damage to internal organs, such as the lungs, liver, or spleen. These injuries are not always immediately visible but can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Internal bleeding, in particular, requires urgent medical attention.
Cuts and Lacerations
Shattered glass, debris, or sharp objects inside the vehicle can cause deep cuts or lacerations. These injuries may lead to significant blood loss, infections, or permanent scarring. Severe lacerations often require stitches or surgical intervention to repair.
Burns
If a Lyft accident involves a fire or explosion, burns can be a serious concern. Burns vary in severity, with third-degree burns causing permanent damage to the skin and underlying tissues. Burn victims may require skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and long-term care.
Psychological Trauma
The emotional toll of a Lyft accident should not be underestimated. Victims may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression. Emotional injuries often accompany physical injuries, requiring therapy or counseling to recover fully.
If you’ve suffered serious injuries in a Lyft accident, it’s important to understand your rights and the options available for seeking compensation. Our personal injury law firm helps individuals and families pursue fair recovery for the harm they’ve endured. Contact our Lyft accident lawyers in Florida today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can assist you with your personal injury claim.
What You Need To Know About Lyft Accidents
Ridesharing services like Lyft have revolutionized transportation, offering convenient and affordable options for getting around. However, with an increase in rideshare vehicles on the road, Lyft accidents have become more common. If you’ve been involved in a Lyft-related crash, it’s essential to consult a our personal injury lawyer to protect your rights and secure fair compensation.
Understanding Lyft Accident Claims
Accidents involving Lyft drivers present unique legal challenges. Unlike traditional car accidents, rideshare accidents involve multiple parties, including the driver, the rideshare company, and other drivers or pedestrians. These types of accidents can lead to challenging legal situations, making it critical to have our skilled lawyer on your side.
When it comes to seeking compensation for injuries sustained in a Lyft accident, your legal options depend on the specifics of the accident. If the Lyft driver was at fault, the company may be liable under certain conditions. In some cases, other parties—such as other drivers involved in the collision—could be responsible for your injuries.
Types Of Injuries In Lyft Accidents
The injuries sustained in a Lyft accident can vary significantly, depending on the severity of the crash and the involved parties. Some common injuries from rideshare accidents include:
- Whiplash: Sudden stops or collisions can lead to neck and back injuries, often resulting in chronic pain and mobility issues.
- Broken Bones: The force of a collision can cause fractures, which may require surgery and extended rehabilitation.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: Head injuries can result from collisions, leading to lasting cognitive and physical impairments.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Serious accidents can cause damage to the spinal cord, leading to paralysis or long-term disability.
If you’ve suffered any of these injuries, or others, seeking help from our Tampa personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal options for seeking compensation.
How A Lyft Accident Lawyer Can Help
Our Lyft accident attorney can help you manage the complicated personal injury legal process. We will gather evidence, consult specialists, and negotiate with insurance companies to secure the compensation you deserve. Additionally, we can verify that all legal requirements are met and that your claim is handled properly.
One of the first steps our lawyer will take is investigating the cause of the accident. If the Lyft driver was distracted, under the influence, or driving recklessly, they could be held liable for the crash. Our lawyer will also check if the rideshare company’s insurance policy applies and will pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Why You Should Choose Our Law Firm
Mickey Keenan, P.A. is a well-respected law firm in Tampa, offering personalized legal services for accident victims, including those involved in Lyft accidents. With years of experience handling personal injury cases, Attorney Mickey Keenan understands the aspects of rideshare-related accidents and can guide clients through every step of the legal process.
Our firm has a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes for clients who have suffered injuries in accidents. Our legal team is committed to providing responsive and compassionate support, so that clients receive the attention they deserve.
If you’ve been involved in a Lyft accident in Tampa, reach out to our personal injury legal team to schedule a consultation. Our skilled rideshare accident attorney will evaluate your case and help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries.
Common Mistakes To Avoid Making After A Lyft Accident
After any automobile accident, it’s easy to make mistakes that can hurt your chances of getting the compensation you deserve. Here are five common mistakes our personal injury attorneys have seen people make after a Lyft accident and how you can avoid them.
Not Seeking Medical Attention As Soon As You Can
Even if you feel okay after the accident, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor right away. Many injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, don’t show symptoms immediately but can cause serious long-term issues.
Waiting too long to get medical attention can hurt your health and your legal case. If you delay medical care, insurance companies may argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the accident or weren’t severe.
Make sure to see a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Document any injuries and keep track of all medical records for your case.
Failing To Report Your Accident
After a Lyft accident, it’s essential to report the incident both to the police and Lyft. Reporting the accident to the police creates an official record of what happened. This can help your case later if you need to prove fault or file a claim.
Lyft should also be notified through the app or by contacting their customer service team. Failing to report the accident to Lyft can cause delays in the claims process and may complicate matters when you’re trying to get compensation.
By reporting the incident promptly, you protect your right to make a claim and can avoid unnecessary complications in the future.
Not Collecting Enough Evidence At The Accident Scene
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is not collecting enough evidence after the accident. If you’re physically able, gather as much information as possible at the scene. This includes taking photos of the vehicles, the damage, and any visible injuries.
You should also gather contact details for the Lyft driver, other drivers, passengers, and witnesses. This information will be vital for your case and can be helpful if there are disputes about what happened. The more evidence you can collect, the better your chances of securing fair compensation.
Giving Incomplete Or Inaccurate Statements
After an accident, you may be approached by insurance adjusters or even the other party’s lawyer. One common mistake is giving them incomplete or inaccurate statements.
Insurance adjusters often try to minimize the value of your car accident claim, so it’s important not to speculate or admit fault, even if you’re not sure who caused the accident. Stick to the facts and don’t make statements that could harm your case.
Let our Tampa Lyft accident lawyer handle any communications with insurance companies to avoid making mistakes in these conversations.
Trying To Handle The Claim On Your Own
In the aftermath of a Lyft accident, dealing with insurance companies, legal forms, and medical bills can feel overwhelming. Many people try to handle the claims process on their own, which can be a huge and costly mistake.
Lyft accidents often involve multiple insurance policies, which can make the claims process complicated. If you try to manage everything without legal help, you might miss out on compensation or make decisions that hurt your case.
Having our experienced auto accident lawyer on your side can help keep your claim on track, avoid lowball offers from insurance companies, and ultimately pursue the compensation you deserve.
Tampa Lyft Accident Infographic
Here To Help You Avoid Mistakes And Protect Your Rights
If you’ve been involved in a Lyft accident, the steps you take immediately after the incident can significantly affect your ability to recover damages. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can protect your rights and increase your chances of receiving full compensation for your injuries.
If you’ve made any of these mistakes or need help with your Lyft accident claim, it’s never too late to get the right support. Reach out to our Tampa Lyft accident attorney today to arrange a free consultation. We’ll help you calculate your losses, understand your legal options, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Lyft Accident FAQs
If you were involved in a Lyft accident, it’s important to understand your rights and options. Our Tampa Lyft accident lawyer can help you determine the best steps to take after a crash. Below, we answer some of the most common questions we receive about Lyft accidents and what they mean for passengers, drivers, and others affected.
How Does Lyft Handle Accidents?
After a crash is reported, Lyft collects information from the driver, passenger, and any others involved. The company has a liability insurance policy that may cover damages, but the coverage depends on whether the driver was actively transporting a passenger, waiting for a ride request, or off duty.
If the driver was in an active ride, Lyft’s insurance may cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. However, dealing with insurance claims after a rideshare accident can be difficult, and legal guidance from our personal injury lawyer can help you seek the full financial compensation you need.
How Long Does It Take Lyft To Investigate An Accident?
The length of Lyft’s investigation depends on the details of the crash. In many cases, Lyft may respond within a few days, but a full investigation can take weeks or longer.
The company will review statements from the people involved, police reports, and any available evidence. If the accident resulted in injuries or significant property damage, the process may take additional time as insurance companies conduct their own reviews. While Lyft’s investigation is important, it does not determine your legal rights to seek compensation for your losses.
Can I Still Drive For Lyft After An Accident?
Lyft may temporarily deactivate a driver’s account while reviewing an accident. The length of deactivation depends on the severity of the crash, who was at fault, and whether the driver has a history of prior accidents.
Minor accidents may not affect a driver’s ability to continue working, but serious crashes or repeated incidents can lead to permanent removal from the platform. Lyft may also require additional training or proof of repairs before allowing a driver to resume accepting rides.
Can I Sue Lyft If My Driver Crashes?
Lyft itself is rarely held directly responsible for a driver’s actions because drivers are considered independent contractors, not employees. However, you may still have the right to seek compensation through Lyft’s insurance policy if the accident occurred during a ride or while the driver was actively using the app.
If a Lyft driver caused the accident and their personal insurance does not cover all damages, Lyft’s policy may provide additional coverage. In some cases, legal action may be necessary to recover fair compensation.
Should I Report My Lyft Accident?
Yes, it’s important to report a Lyft accident as soon as you can.
If you were a passenger, you should report the crash through the Lyft app and seek medical attention if needed. If you were in another vehicle or a pedestrian hit by a Lyft driver, you should file a police report and notify Lyft of the incident. Reporting the accident creates an official record that can support your claim for damages.
Enlist Skilled Legal Support After a Rideshare Collision
If you were injured in a rideshare accident, you don’t have to handle the legal process alone. At Mickey Keenan P.A., we’re passionate about helping accident victims recover the compensation they deserve. Contact our Tampa Lyft accident lawyer today for a free consultation to discuss your case. Your fight is our fight. Let us do the hard work for you and get you the justice you deserve. We’re ready to guide you toward your best outcome. Call now to take the first step toward recovering damages for your personal injury claim.