Rideshare services like Lyft have skyrocketed in popularity in Titusville, Florida and elsewhere. They’re affordable and convenient, allowing you to quickly get a ride. However, just like any other vehicle, they can get into accidents. If you sustained injuries in a Lyft accident, you may be entitled to compensation.
Common Causes of Lyft Accidents in Titusville, Florida
Various factors can cause Lyft accidents in Titusville, Florida. Some of the most common are distracted driving, fatigue and overworking, speeding and reckless driving and poor vehicle maintenance.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving causes a reduction in reflexes, judgment, coordination and reaction time. Whether a Lyft driver is glancing at their phone, eating or engaged in conversation, they can lose focus and get into an accident. Even glancing at a phone for five seconds can have devastating results.
Fatigue and Overworking
Lyft drivers must be well-rested and alert to safely drive and transport passengers. If they’re fatigued or overworked, they aren’t as sharp as they should be, which poses a higher risk of an accident. A collision can occur even if they don’t fall asleep behind the wheel.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Speeding and reckless driving put everyone on the road at risk. If a Lyft driver uses these aggressive actions while working, they can lose control of the vehicle and crash. The occupants of the Lyft and other vehicles involved can suffer serious injuries.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
All Lyft vehicles must be kept in good operating condition so they can safely travel. This means regular maintenance from a mechanic such as oil changes, tune-ups and anything else to keep the car optimal. Poor maintenance increases the risk of a Lyft accident.
Drunk or Impaired Driving
If a Lyft driver is drunk or impaired while working, a deadly accident can happen. Drivers must be sober and alert to keep everyone safe.
Determining Liability in Lyft Accidents in Titusville, Florida
You must establish liability if you were involved in a Lyft accident in Titusville, Florida. Different parties may be involved, so it’s important to determine rideshare driver liability, Lyft’s liability, third-party driver liability and vehicle manufacturer liability.
Rideshare Driver Liability
Sometimes, the rideshare driver is responsible for a Lyft accident. In that situation, their personal car insurance coverage would apply for a victim’s injuries and other damages. According to Florida Statute 627.736, drivers must hold $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 in property damage liability (PDL) coverage in their policies.
Lyft’s Liability in Accidents in Titusville, Florida
In some cases, Lyft is liable for an accident in Titusville, Florida. If the driver is on duty at the time of the incident, the rideshare company’s insurance policy kicks in. It provides $50,000 in coverage per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 per accident for property damage.
Third-Party Driver Liability
Third-party driver liability sometimes applies in Lyft accidents. When a collision occurs during regular working hours, the driver and the rideshare company might share liability.
Vehicle Manufacturer Liability
Sometimes, a Lyft accident isn’t the fault of the driver or rideshare company. If a crash occurs because of a defective component, the vehicle manufacturer may be liable.
Lyft’s Insurance Coverage in Titusville, Florida
Lyft’s insurance coverage varies depending on the situation. It’s important to understand coverage during different phases of a ride and its limitations and exclusions.
Coverage During Different Phases of a Ride
When an accident occurs, Lyft’s coverage differs depending on the phases of a ride. If the driver crashes while the app is off, their personal insurance must pay for damages. When the driver is using the app, awaiting a ride request, Lyft’s insurance coverage applies. Lyft’s insurance also covers accidents that occur when the driver is on their way to pick up a passenger or while transporting a passenger.
Lyft’s total insurance policy includes $1 million in third-party liability coverage. Its first-party coverage includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, PIP, MedPay and Occupational Accident coverage.
What Is Lyft’s $1 Million Policy?
Lyft has a $1 million policy to cover accidents in certain situations. It includes uninsured/underinsured coverage, comprehensive collision and third-party liability coverage.
Limitations and Exclusions
A Lyft accident claim must be filed within two years. Certain exclusions may apply in these accidents. Some expenses for damages are excluded from PIP, so filing a lawsuit might be appropriate.
Types of Damages That Can Be Recovered in Titusville, Florida
Different types of damages are available in a Titusville, Florida Lyft accident claim. They include economic damages, noneconomic damages and sometimes, punitive damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are easy to determine in Lyft accident cases. According to Florida Statute 768.81, these damages have specific dollar amounts and include medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity and property damage.
Noneconomic Damages
Noneconomic damages can be more difficult to discern. They include things that don’t have a set price like pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium and loss of enjoyment of life.
Punitive Damages
If a Lyft accident is caused by egregious behavior such as road rage, the victim might be awarded punitive damages. This compensation is meant to punish the defendant for outrageous conduct.
The Legal Process Post-Accident in Titusville, Florida
It’s crucial to know the legal process post-accident in Titusville, Florida. You must take initial steps, gather evidence and documentation, file a claim, negotiate settlements, possibly go to trial and know the statute of limitations.
Initial Steps After an Accident
Seek medical attention immediately after a Lyft accident. You might feel fine, but it’s possible to sustain internal injuries or those that might show symptoms days or weeks later. Medical attention also gives you a diagnosis and needed treatment if you’re injured.
Speak with anyone you believe witnessed the accident. Get their names, contact information and statements.
Gathering Evidence and Documentation
Evidence for your case is crucial. Your medical records, medical bills, proof of lost wages, witness statements, photos and videos can all show your damages from a Lyft accident.
Filing a Claim
File a Lyft accident claim as soon as possible. The rideshare company has an online report you can complete. However, getting assistance from a lawyer can ensure your claim is filed properly and that you include all pertinent information.
Negotiating Settlements
Lyft’s insurance company wants to pay the least possible to injured victims. However, it’s important to negotiate a fair settlement to compensate you for your damages.
Going to Trial
Some cases fail to settle. If Lyft refuses to give you a satisfactory settlement, your case goes to trial. A judge or jury will hear the evidence and determine how much you should recover in compensation.
Statute of Limitations in Titusville, Florida
Lyft accidents are usually based on negligence. According to Florida Statute 95.11, the statute of limitations for filing a claim is two years.
Why You Need an Experienced Lyft Accident Lawyer in Titusville, Florida
There are reasons to retain an experienced Lyft accident lawyer in Titusville, Florida. They can navigate complex legalities, maximize compensation and provide legal guidance and support.
Navigating Complex Legalities
Attorneys experienced in Lyft accidents know how to navigate your claim. These cases are sometimes complex, but they can use their expertise to get you a favorable outcome.
Maximizing Compensation
Going it yourself in your case is likely to result in a lowball settlement offer if you even get one. A lawyer can expertly negotiate and get you the maximum compensation.
Providing Legal Guidance and Support
Finally, an experienced Lyft accident attorney knows how to handle your case. They can provide you with much-needed legal guidance and the support you need throughout the process so you can focus on healing.
Andrew Pickett Law Can Help Lyft Accident Victims in Titusville, Florida
If you’ve been involved in a Lyft accident in Titusville, Florida, our experienced legal team is ready to hear your case and fight for the compensation you’re entitled to.
Feel free to contact us by phone or use our online contact form to provide your information. We’ll quickly set up a free case evaluation with our attorneys to review your situation and discuss potential legal options specific to Lyft-related incidents.
