When you request a ride from Lyft, you expect to arrive at your destination safely. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. If you were injured in a Lyft accident in Oklahoma, contact the personal injury lawyers at Ryan Bisher Ryan and Simons. Our Lyft car accident attorneys can review your case and legal options during a free initial consultation.
Common Causes of Lyft Accidents in Oklahoma
Lyft accidents are often caused by driver error, though other factors can contribute to these crashes. Some of the most common causes of Lyft accidents include the following:
- Inexperienced drivers – Lyft does not require any specialized training or qualifications for its drivers. An inexperienced driver may be behind the wheel of a Lyft vehicle, putting other road users at risk.
- Excessive speed – Lyft drivers may speed to drop off and pick up passengers on time and to maximize their earning potential during a shift.
- Driving under the influence – As with any intoxicated motorist, an impaired Lyft driver poses a risk to other drivers because alcohol use impairs judgment and dulls reflexes.
- Distracted driving – Because Lyft drivers take passengers to locations they may not be familiar with, they often check their phones or GPS for directions. Such distracted driving is frequently the cause of car accidents.
- Fatigued drivers – As Lyft drivers are often on duty at night, they may be tired and not have the awareness necessary to operate a vehicle safely. A tired driver will have a slower reaction time, increasing the chances of an accident.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident
Any car accident can be traumatic. But it can be even more difficult if you are injured as a passenger in a Lyft vehicle. You can take the following steps to protect yourself and your legal rights after a Lyft accident:
- Call 911 – You should request emergency services to the scene. Emergency medical professionals will assess any injuries you may have sustained and determine whether further medical treatment is necessary. The police will create a standard crash report at the location of the accident that may be helpful if you pursue a claim against the Lyft driver and any other party involved.
- Seek medical attention – Make sure to follow up with your primary care physician as soon as possible after the accident. Because some car accident injuries do not appear until days or weeks after the crash, you should see your doctor even if you think you are uninjured.
- Gather evidence at the accident scene – Take photos of any damage to the Lyft vehicle after the crash. If another car was involved in the accident, you should request the driver’s insurance information and get pictures of the damage to their vehicle. You should also document your visible injuries, traffic signs, property damage, debris on the road, weather conditions, and anything else that might have contributed to the crash.
- Contact your car insurance company – Even if you were not a driver involved in the accident, you should still report the accident to your auto insurance company. If Lyft, the Lyft driver, or another party’s insurance coverage isn’t enough, you may be entitled to coverage under your insurance policy.
- Call a car accident lawyer – Contact an attorney with experience handling Lyft accident cases to ensure that you are in capable hands from the start. Your attorney will investigate the accident, secure crucial evidence, and build a strong case in your favor.
Who Pays for Your Injuries After a Lyft Car Accident?
If you are in a Lyft crash that was someone else’s fault, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other losses. Whether Lyft will cover those losses depends on the circumstances of the accident – and which of the following periods the driver was in at the time of the crash:
- The app is on, and the driver is on the way to pick up a passenger or during rides – If the Lyft app is on and the driver is either picking up or carrying a passenger when an accident occurs, Lyft’s insurance coverage will apply. Lyft maintains at least $1 million in bodily injury and property damage liability insurance.
- The app is on, and the driver is waiting to receive a ride request – If the Lyft app is on and the driver is available to take ride requests when a crash happens, Lyft’s liability insurance will provide additional coverage on top of the driver’s own policy. For these accidents, Lyft maintains $50,000 per person in bodily injury, $100,000 per accident in bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident in property damage.
- The app is off – If a Lyft driver hits you while the app is turned off, the driver’s auto insurance coverage will apply.
Why Do You Need a Lyft Car Accident Attorney to Handle Your Case?
According to Lyft, there are certain circumstances where various insurance coverages may apply. These can be complicated to figure out on your own. Your attorney will investigate the accident, gather the necessary evidence, and communicate with the insurance companies on your behalf. If the insurance company does not offer a reasonable settlement for your Lyft car accident, your attorney may take your case to court to seek maximum compensation.
Contact Our Oklahoma Lyft Accident Attorneys at Ryan Bisher Ryan and Simons for Help
For nearly 40 years, the attorneys at Ryan Bisher Ryan and Simons have advocated for the rights of injury victims in Oklahoma. We provide personalized, compassionate service to every client. Our lawyers have experience successfully handling all types of personal injury cases, from auto collisions to catastrophic truck accidents. We can also assist you with your workers’ compensation or Social Security claims.
The Lyft accident lawyers at Ryan Bisher Ryan and Simons are here to help you seek the compensation and justice you need. Contact us today for your free consultation.
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