Lyft is an important resource for many people in the Charleston area. Whether you are heading out for the night or to the airport, you trust that those people behind the wheel are going to keep you safe.
When they fail, we step in. At Salango Law, our Charleston Lyft accident lawyer is an advocate for victims with serious injuries. Request a free consultation from our Charleston car accident attorney now to see how we can help you.
Call our firm at (304) 342-0512 today.
Factors That Make Lyft Accidents More Challenging
There are numerous factors that make a rideshare accident more challenging to navigate than a traditional car accident. Because Lyft does not hire employees to drive customers but instead uses independent contractors, seeking a claim after an accident is more challenging. Who is at fault depends on what is happening at the time of the accident.
- The Lyft driver is providing a ride. If the driver is logged into the Lyft website and actively providing a ride to a customer, then Lyft itself maintains a $1 million liability policy to cover victim injuries. This applies if the driver is transporting a passenger or is on the way to pick one up.
- The Lyft driver is logged in but not providing a service. The driver may be waiting for a customer. In these situations, if the driver causes an accident, a $100,000 liability policy is available to victims.
- The driver was not logged in. If a Lyft driver strikes you but is not working for Lyft at the time, their personal liability insurance applies.
We represent those who are passengers of Lyft vehicles, pedestrians, or drivers and passengers in other vehicles struck by a Lyft driver. If you are in an accident in any of these or other forms, request a free consultation with our Charleston Lyft accident lawyer for an immediate review of your case.
Common Causes of Lyft Accidents in Charleston
These accidents happen throughout the city for numerous reasons. If you are the victim of an accident, it will be important for our team to determine why it occurred. This allows us to pursue all parties at fault and recover more of your losses. The most common reasons we see these accidents happen include:
- Driver distraction: The Lyft driver is using their phone, a navigation device, or engaging in conversation to the point that they are not paying attention to the roadway.
- Speeding: Getting to and from services can mean earning more in less time. Some drivers speed to make more money, even if it means putting others at risk.
- Fatigued drivers: As independent contractors, Lyft operators can drive without limitation on the number of hours at a time. That means many are working long hours, often as a second job.
- Inexperience: Some drivers in Charleston have very little experience with the city’s busy roadways, especially in areas around downtown. That increases the risk of accidents.
- Driving under the influence: Intoxication and impairment cause many accidents throughout the city, including when a Lyft driver is involved.
Whether their vehicle is poorly maintained or they are simply driving recklessly, when a rideshare driver causes you injuries, take action. Expect our Charleston Lyft accident lawyer to fight for you to receive fair compensation.
How We Build Your Lyft Accident Case
After you suffer injuries in an accident like this, go to the hospital immediately for medical care. Be sure you file a police report and, when possible, gather as much evidence as you can from the scene. Then, call us. As soon as you call our legal team, we begin working on your case. We will:
- Investigate what was happening at the time of the crash. Sometimes a third party may also be involved. We want to identify all parties involved and find out what led to the accident. This means going beyond the police report.
- Determine what all of your losses are. Most victims have numerous physical injuries, emotional trauma, and other financial losses they can claim. You have to know what your rights are to do so.
- Negotiate a fair level of compensation for you. We handle insurance companies, including submitting documentation, negotiating, and ultimately settling your case. Our experience is robust, and going to court is not out of the question if the insurance company is unfair.
Our Charleston personal injury lawyer is the reliable advocate you need. Request a free consultation with us now to review your rights. If for any reason you do not win your case, you pay us nothing for our legal services. We will hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions.
Compensation Recoverable in a Lyft Accident in Charleston
Victims can file a claim that includes all their losses. It is up to you to know what your losses are and their value. We will gather this information to build a case that holds up in negotiations. Common losses include:
- Medical costs from the injuries sustained in the accident and complications
- Loss of earnings since you cannot work
- Loss of quality of life due to ongoing challenges and limitations
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish from the onset of mental health complications
Expect us to be aggressive in recovering your losses. However, you should not wait to contact us. The statute of limitations in West Virginia for most personal injury claims is. West Virginia Code §55-2-12. This law allows victims to take legal action to pursue fair compensation for only two years from the date of the injury. If you wait beyond that, you are barred from seeking compensation. We do not want that to happen.
Request a Free Consultation with Our Charleston Lyft Accident Attorney Today
At Salango Law, we are the advocate you need by your side in complex matters where you have serious losses. Our Charleston Lyft accident lawyer is an advocate for victims.
Set up a free consultation to review your case with us.
Let us begin building a claim that helps you get your future back on track.