Pascoe Law Firm

Lyft Accident

 

Principal office located in Friendswood, Texas.
Available to service League City, Webster, Pearland, Galveston, and the surrounding areas within Texas.

 

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Home » Lyft Accident

Lyft Car Accident Lawyer

Lyft launched the ride sharing phenomenon in 2009. Now valued at nearly $50 billion, it accounts for 77% of the ridesharing market in the United States. The number of registered vehicles for companies like Lyft, quadrupled from 2014 to 2017. Ride-shares involve drivers who are paid for transporting passengers in the driver’s own car at a reduced rate. Payment and booking rides happen through an app on your phone, making ride-share companies more convenient and less expensive than traditional taxis. Riding an Lyft is a popular way to get around, but it doesn’t come without risks. As with any form of transportation, there is the potential for accidents, and victims of a Lyft crash have rights. Our Texas Lyft passenger accident attorney can help navigate the many tactics insurance companies use to avoid liability.

 

Reasons for Lyft Accidents

​Lyft vehicles are no less likely to be involved in accidents than other cars and, in some cases, a passenger riding in a Lyft may be more at risk than other passengers. There are several reasons for this, among them:
–   Lyft is relatively lax about vetting its drivers
–   Lyft drivers are not specially trained by the company
–   Lyft drivers, in an effort to earn enough money, may work extremely long hours
–   Lyft drivers often work at more than one job.
The first two reasons listed here may mean that Lyft drivers are not especially safe or competent drivers. The last two may mean that Lyft drivers are more exhausted or sleepy than other drivers on the road.

How is being in a Lyft accident different from other car accidents?

  • Lyft considers its drivers “independent contractors” and not employees in an attempt to deny fault for any injuries sustained in an accident. If you are a passenger in a Lyft car during an accident, you are entitled to compensation by both the driver’s insurance policy and the company’s additional $1 million per ride policy.
  • Lyft defines itself as a technology provider, not as a transportation company or car service, which allows the company to place more blame on the driver and makes it more difficult for passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers to make complaints and claims with Lyft.
  • There is no customer service phone number available for those involved in a Lyft accident to call, just an email address. The company is notoriously difficult to communicate with, and victims can become discouraged. Our attorneys will use their years of experience to hold both the driver and the company responsible.
  • Up until March of last year, Lyft did not provide coverage for drivers between trips when there is no customer in the car. Intense criticism after a tragic accident prompted a change in company policy allowing $50,000/$100,000/$25,000 of contingent coverage between trips.
  • Even if you were a driver in another car that was involved with a motor vehicle driven by a Lyft driver, or if you were a pedestrian, you are still entitled to substantial compensation from the driver’s insurance as well as Lyft’s additional policy.

How to Win a Lyft Car Accident Case

​To set forth the right to damages following a rush hour collision, injured individuals must show that the other driver, the defendant in the personal injury claim, was at fault. Many injury claims following a car accident proceed under a negligence theory of law. To meet the elements of a negligence claim, the victim must show that the defendant breached their duty of care to act as a reasonable driver would act under similar circumstances. Additionally, victims must show that the defendant driver caused the accident and that they would not have been hurt if not for the defendant’s careless conduct. This causal connection is necessary to prove that the driver’s conduct directly caused the accident.
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Attorney John D Pascoe

Pascoe Law Firm

1414 S. Friendswood Dr, STE 216,

Friendswood, TX 77546

United States

Phone: 713-829-4317
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​After successfully proving liability, a plaintiff may secure damages for hospital expenses, the costs of future medical treatment, property damage, and lost income and earning capacity, as well as emotional pain and suffering. These damages are termed economic and non-economic damages, and accident victims are entitled to recover the full range of compensation for harm resulting from a rush hour collision. In some situations, proving future costs may require expert testimony, who are skilled in assessing lost earning potential due to an accident.

Insurance Companies and Lyft

Dealing with insurance companies is a nightmare under the best circumstances, but when you are dealing with multiple insurance companies, things can become downright chaotic. When a Lyft driver is in a crash, three insurance companies may become involved: the Lyft driver’s, the other driver’s, and Lyft’s. When you’ve been injured in a car accident, the last thing you need is to be fielding calls from three sets of insurance adjusters.
​Your Texas Lyft wreck attorney will help you keep your sanity. We will handle all calls with the insurance companies for you so you can get back to your life. We will investigate your case to prove fault, we will gather evidence, and we will negotiate and fight on your behalf to get you the compensation you deserve.

Lyft Accident Injury

​Unfortunately, however, Uber and Lyft drivers may be involved in car accidents generating problems for victims who have sustained critical injuries. While the service may seem ideal in many different ways, it also raises questions about passenger and driver insurance coverage. Being involved in an accident while using a ride sharing service can be an unnerving experience and one that has repercussions for a lifetime. Someone who sustains injuries in a serious accident involving an Uber or a Lyft could be facing injuries, including:
•   Broken bones
•   Lacerations
•   Cuts
•   Burns
•   Internal bleeding
•   Organ damage
•   Traumatic brain injuries
•   Soft Tissue Damages
These painful symptoms and medical conditions can last for many years to come. Do not hesitate to reach out to The Pascoe Law Firm if you find yourself in this situation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries after an Uber or Lyft accident.

Damages in Texas Lyft Accidents

​The following are a few of the items for which you may be able to seek compensation after your Lyft accident:
–    Medical bills and all health-related expenses
–    Trauma from the accident, as well as your physical pain
–    Lost pay from missing work, as well as future missed work in the case of disability
–    Lost or damaged property
Getting these claims will be challenging, however. If you leave everything to Lyft’s insurance provider, there’s a chance you’ll receive a smaller payout than you deserve. You can improve your odds by hiring a Lyft accident attorney in Texas.

How can I Protect Myself in a Lyft?

​Rideshare drivers must also always carry proper paperwork, including their valid Texas driver’s license, Lyft ID, a copy of their auto insurance, their latest inspection report. You can ask to see any of these. Finally, Texas ride share drivers should have a number for complaints posted in the back seat where you can easily view it. Drivers who don’t follow these regulations can face hefty fines and tickets. Finally, if a driver’s use of a smart phone while driving is making you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, ask them to stop. Your safety isn’t worth a five-star rating on the Lyft app.

Contact a Dedicated Houston Attorney To Discuss Your Rush Hour Accident Claim

You might be able to seek compensation for your losses and hardships if you’ve been injured in an accident involving a Lyft driver. Lyft and its drivers are not exempt from insurance and safety rules, and they must be held accountable for any injuries they inflict due to negligence.  If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in this type of collision, an experienced Lyft Car Accident Lawyer can help you seek compensation from all responsible parties.
People harmed by the careless or reckless conduct of others have legal rights. At the Pascoe Law Firm, we help victims of lyft accidents pursue compensation for their accident-related injuries and costs. Our skilled motor vehicle collision attorney understands the importance of financial security following a devastating accident, and for this reason we make it a goal to pursue full damages for past, present, and future harm. We are experienced in developing strategies to overcome insurance defense tactics and to help our clients become financially secure. We also help Texas residents in other cities and other communities throughout the state. If you need an experienced lawyer to advocate on your behalf, contact our office for a free consultation by calling 713-829-4317. Visit our main car accident page for more information.
 
Webpage is intended solely for residents of Texas or Persons seeking representation within Texas. An Attorney-Client relationship only occurs when both parties agree that the Attorney will represent the Client and will not be created until that agreement occurs. Website and all of its pages is intended to be used for educational purposes and does not constituted as legal advice. All information on every page of the website does NOT suggest or claim that the attorney has a specialization in any area of legal practice or certification. Attorney not certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specializations.
“John is very professional and great at what he does! He asks questions to be informed of your case so he can give you the best options and advice. He genuinely wants to help you and wants to make a good outcome for you. Would definitely recommend him to people needing his services!”

Attorney, John D. Pascoe and the Pascoe Law Firm, is responsible for the content on this website, principal office and only office located in Friendswood, Texas. Servicing: Alvin, Angleton, Atascocita, Bay City, Bacliff, Baytown, Beaumont, Bellaire, Brazoria County, Brookside Village, Clute, Conroe, Clear Lake, Clear Lake Shores, Chambers County, Channelview, Cypress, Danbury Dickinson, Deer Park, East Houston, El Largo, Freeport, Friendswood, Fresno, Fort Bend County, Galveston, Galveston County, Greenspoint, Gulfgate, Harris County, Hitchcock, Houston, Houston Heights, Huffman, Humble, Huntsville, Jefferson County, Katy, Kemah, Lake Jackson, La Marque, La Porte, League City, Liberty County, Manvel, Memorial City Houston, Midtown Houston, Missouri City, Montgomery County, Montrose Houston, Nassau Bay, North Houston, Pasadena, Port Bolivar, Port Arthur, Pearland, Richmond, Rice Village, River Oaks, Rosenberg, Rosharon, Santa Fe, San Leon, Seabrook, Shoreacres, Sienna Plantation, South Houston, Sugar Land, Southbelt Ellington, Spring, Texas City, Taylor Lake Village, The Woodlands, Tiki Island, Tomball, Victoria, Uptown Houston Galleria, Webster, West Columbia, West University Place and throughout Texas.