When you get into a Lyft, you want to know that the driver can keep you safe. Even the most experienced of ridesharing drivers can make mistakes, though. These mistakes don’t always result in accidents, but if they do, you need to be prepared.
Understanding your legal rights to compensation as a Lyft driver, passenger, or victim can be tricky. Lyft provides its drivers with insurance. However, if you don’t meet the company’s specific expectations, you may not be covered.
If you’re not sure where to begin your question for financial support after a Lyft accident, a New Rochelle Lyft accident attorney with Morelli Law Firm can break down your legal options.
Holding the Right Parties Responsible: Liability and Lyft
Because New York is a no-fault state, everyone injured in a Lyft accident must contend with their own losses. You have to file a claim with your insurance provider before you can pursue civil action against another party.
Even insurance isn’t always straightforward when Lyft is involved, though. If you want to file a legal complaint, you can work with our Lyft accident attorneys in New Rochelle to establish your role in the accident.
Filing Against Another Driver
Lyft drivers who are on duty at the time an accident takes place may hold other drivers liable for their losses. These Lyft drivers are expected to first file insurance claims with their parent company, though, before they pursue legal action.
Passengers in Lyfts are also able to file civil cases against other drivers believed to be responsible for an accident. Like on-duty Lyft drivers, passengers are expected to file insurance claims through Lyft, which offers them coverage while they’re in an active vehicle.
Filing Against Lyft
Comparatively, unaffiliated drivers have a trickier time establishing liability. If these parties are hit by a Lyft driver who’s on duty, the unaffiliated driver must hold Lyft, the company, liable for their losses.
However, if the unaffiliated driver is hit by an off-duty Lyft employee, things change. The injured driver must still file a claim with their insurance before taking legal action. That said, the injured party can work with our lawyers to file a suit against the driver who hit them, not Lyft as a company.
Use Post-Accident Compensation to Financially Recover
No matter what role you take in a Lyft accident, your recovery can strain your wallet. Whether you have to treat car accident injuries or replace damaged belongings, you may find yourself at loose ends when it comes to financial support.
Fortunately, complaints help you both establish your losses and fight for compensation based on accident damage. It’s up to you and your Lyft accident lawyer in New Rochelle to determine what that number looks like.
Material and Non-Material Car Accident Losses
When estimating your post-accident compensation, you should consider both your material and non-material losses. When you take a comprehensive approach to accident damage, you can increase your personal injury settlement.
Material losses, also known as economic losses, constitute the physical damages you took on in your accident. These can include injuries as well as property damage. When calculating the financial value of these losses, be sure to include the cost of any essential surgeries, medical supplies, or medication needed to restore your overall comfort.
Non-material losses include your emotional state after an accident. If you find yourself contending with PTSD or undue stress, you can include those conditions in your request for compensation. Because non-material losses don’t have a dollar value, though, you’ll want to work with a legal team to determine how much they may be worth.
Compensation Versus Settlement Offers in Lyft Cases
There are two different ways for you to come into the financial support you need after a Lyft accident. You have the right to pursue a legal complaint after working with your insurance, a process that does not always see you go to trial but that gives you negotiating power.
However, Lyft’s legal team may opt to reach out to you before you can schedule your case consultation. If you receive a settlement offer after an accident, make sure you speak with a personal injury lawyer before accepting. A team can work with you to ensure that you’re receiving enough financial support to cover all your accident-related losses.
New Rochelle Lyft Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Let Morelli Law Firm’s Attorneys Tackle Your Statute of Limitations
After establishing liability in a Lyft accident, it’s time to file a complaint. So long as you identify the liable party and your potential compensation, a complaint may allow you to bring your concerns before a judge.
That said, you have a limited amount of time in which to file your complaint. New York Civil Practice Law & Rules § 214 gives you two years to act on your losses. If you try to file a Lyft complaint outside of that timespan, a court will not consider your request.
Note that your two-year time block begins on the same day that your accident occurs.
Get a Lyft Accident Case Consultation in New Rochelle
Like all car accidents, Lyft collisions can leave you in a difficult financial position. If you’re struggling to contend with the aftermath of your accident, call on the team with Morelli Law Firm. Our New Rochelle Lyft accident lawyers can address your post-accident concerns and compose a complaint on your behalf. When the time comes, we’ll fight for your right to financial support.
To learn more about your post-Lyft accident legal rights during a free case evaluation, call or use our online form to contact the office today.