Cleveland Lyft Accident Lawyer

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With the flourishing number of ridesharing apps’ benefits, many people rely on ride-hailing giants, Uber and Lyft, to get around. This mode of transportation has quickly become a staple for many people, whether due to convenience, practicality, or plain personal preference.

However, an Uber or Lyft accident still occurs despite its many advantages. Many reasons could contribute to an accident, but one thing is for sure—these accidents can cause some serious injuries and severe financial loss.

Anyone injured in a Lyft accident is entitled to claim compensation for the damages resulting from the accident. But going through the claims process is not an easy task. This is where a Cleveland Lyft accident lawyer comes into play; they can help you go through the process, helping you ensure a successful recovery.

If you’ve been injured in a Cleveland Lyft accident, the experienced and dedicated team at Ryan LLP can help. We understand the complicated process of filing claims and fighting for the compensation you deserve, and we’re here to be your guide.

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OUR CLEVELAND LYFT ACCIDENT LAWYER CAN HELP YOU

At Ryan LLP Injury Attorney, our legal team comprises award-winning and renowned personal injury lawyers in the industry. When you decide to work with our Cleveland personal injury law firm, here’s what we can help you guarantee:

Fifty years of legal expertise. We have over 50 years of experience in the personal injury law field and won various industry accolades. With our wealth of experience and collective knowledge, we know how to get the job done and succeed in your case.
Your first consultation is on us. We offer a free initial consultation to all our clients. This is so we can get to know you and your case better. It also allows us to answer any questions or concerns you may have about the legal process.
Contingency payment basis.You only have to pay us if we win your case. If we don’t win, you don’t owe us a dime—that’s our promise. No recovery, no fee.
Passionate client advocates. Our personal injury attorney is passionate about fighting for our client’s rights. We will stop at nothing to get you the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve.
Fair and maximum compensation.We will fight tirelessly to bring you the highest possible settlement for your case. We’ll help you explore all avenues to ensure you are fairly compensated for your injuries and losses.

RIDESHARE ACCIDENT STATISTICS

As ridesharing apps continue to skyrocket in popularity, many experts are questioning if these modern methods of ride-hailing are safer or riskier than other traditional forms of transportation, like driving your car or taking a taxi.

In the statistical data published by the National Bureau of Economic Research, experts found that Uber and Lyft accidents are responsible for a 3% increase in traffic fatalities. This translates to over 987 fatal crashes each year.

Similar to a car accident, Lyft accidents are caused by various reasons, including but not limited to:

Driver negligence
Distracted driving
Intoxicated driving
Defective car parts
Inclement weather conditions
Poorly maintained roads

WHAT TO DO AFTER A LYFT ACCIDENT IN CLEVELAND, OH

When you are caught in an accident while using the Lyft app, it is crucial to take the following steps:

Seek emergency medical assistance. You should first seek medical attention, even if you think your injuries are minor. Remember that some injuries, like concussions, may not present symptoms immediately.
Start collecting evidence.Take photos or videos of the accident scene, your injuries, the damage to both vehicles, and the surrounding area. You must ensure to document the contact information of any witnesses as well.
Obtain the Lyft driver’s information.You will need the driver’s name, contact information, insurance information, and license plate number. You should also take down the Lyft driver’s photo from the app so you can identify them later when you file a report.
Report the accident to Lyft.It is essential to report the accident to Lyft as soon as possible. You can do this with Lyft by logging into your account and selecting the “Help” option. From there, you can fill out an accident report.
Reject any initial settlement offer.Lyft or the driver’s insurance company will likely try to offer you a lowball settlement offer to save themselves money. Do not accept this offer without consulting with a personal injury lawyer first.
Talk to Cleveland rideshare accident lawyers.An attorney knowledgeable in ridesharing accidents can guide you with the legal process. They can help you get the value you deserve.

If you are involved in a Lyft or Uber accident in Cleveland, Ohio, it is crucial to take preemptive steps to protect your legal rights.

COMMON CAUSES OF CLEVELAND LYFT ACCIDENTS

There are many reasons why Lyft accidents occur. However, some causes are more common than others. Here are a few of the most frequent:

Distracted Driving. An Uber or Lyft driver must consistently check their phone for incoming fares and messages. If the Lyft driver glances over their phone instead of the road, it could lead to a severe accident.
Texting While Driving. Texting is one of the most lethal forms of distracted driving. It takes a driver’s eyes off the road for an extended period, increasing the likelihood of an accident.
Drunk Driving. Although Uber and Lyft strictly prohibit their drivers from operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, some drivers still do so. Call the police and have them administer a breathalyzer test if you suspect the driver was intoxicated.
Speeding. Going beyond the speed limit is one of the most common causes of accidents, regardless of whether it’s an Uber, Lyft, or a regular car. The consequences can be devastating if a driver is hurtling and hits another vehicle or pedestrian.
Exhausted Driving. Most Uber and Lyft drivers work long hours to make a decent income. As a result, they experience exhaustion, leading to dangerous road mishaps.
Defective Car Parts. A car with faulty brakes or tires can cause an accident, regardless of how skillful of a driver the person is. That’s why it’s essential to have your vehicle regularly serviced and repaired.

COMMON LYFT ACCIDENT INJURIES

A Lyft accident is a form of a car accident, and they share the same catastrophic aftermath. Uber and Lyft accident victims may face the following injuries:

Head and spine injury. Head and spine injuries are some of the most common and severe injuries resulting from car accidents. These injuries can lead to long-term disability or even death.
Neck injury or Whiplash.A neck injury occurs when the head is suddenly and violently thrown forward or backward. It can cause severe pain and neck disability.
Broken or fractured bones.Broken bones are another common injury following car accidents. They can take weeks or even months to heal properly and may require surgery.
Crushing injuries or internal bleeding.Crushing injuries often occur when a person is hit by an enormous vehicle, such as an SUV or truck. They can cause internal bleeding and crushed muscles.
Wrongful death. In certain circumstances, a Lyft accident might be fatal to one or more people. You may be capable of filing a wrongful death claim if you have lost a loved one in a Lyft accident.
PTSD.Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental condition occurring after someone has gone through a traumatic event (e.g., Lyft or car accidents).

AVAILABLE INSURANCE FOR LYFT DRIVERS

Lyft’s liability coverage may take effect if the driver’s personal insurance does not cover the accident. Each situation varies greatly, and discussing your options with experienced Lyft accident attorneys is essential.

THE LYFT DRIVER HAD NOT SIGNED INTO THE LYFT APP

If the Lyft driver had not signed into the Lyft app, their personal insurance would be the primary coverage.

THE LYFT DRIVER SIGNED IN TO THE APP BUT HADN’T ACCEPTED A RIDE

If the Lyft driver had signed into the app but had not accepted a ride request, Lyft’s liability coverage would be in effect partially. This means that Lyft would cover up to:

$50,000 per person
$100,000 per accident for bodily injury
$25,000 for property damage.

However, the driver’s personal insurance carrier would still be the primary coverage provider. Lyft’s limited liability coverage only takes effect if the policy limits on the driver’s claim are reached or their carrier denies a claim.

THE LYFT DRIVER SIGNED IN TO THE APP AND WAS EN ROUTE TO PICK UP A PASSENGER

If the Lyft driver had signed into the app and was en route to pick up a passenger, Lyft’s liability coverage would be in effect fully. This means that Lyft would cover up to:

$1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury or death
$50,000 for property damage

In this case, the driver’s personal insurance would not need to provide any coverage.

TYPES OF PERSONAL INJURY LAWSUITS AFTER A LYFT ACCIDENT

Appointing liability in a rideshare accident is not as straightforward as a typical car accident case. Different entities could be held responsible depending on the nature of the case.

The victim could give the accident liability to the rideshare driver, the other driver, the rideshare company, or the car manufacturer. It is critical to deliberate your case with experienced Cleveland Lyft accident lawyers to determine who may be held liable.

RIDESHARE DRIVERS

Like all personal injury cases, the plaintiff is responsible for proving the defendant’s fault. In the case of a negligent rideshare driver, the plaintiff needs to establish the following:

Duty of care. The victim needs to demonstrate that the rideshare driver is a registered driver with the company and that they were driving the vehicle at the time of the accident.
Breach of duty. The victim must show that the rideshare driver breached their duty of care by driving negligently. This can be demonstrated by evidence such as speeding, sudden braking, or illegal turns.
Causation. The plaintiff needs to show that the breach of duty by the rideshare driver was the direct cause of their injuries.
Damages. The plaintiff needs to show that they suffered damages from the accident, such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

NEGLIGENT DRIVERS

Suppose the rideshare car got into an accident with another vehicle. In that case, the plaintiff can file a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver if they can prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident. The plaintiff will need to show the following:

Duty of care. The plaintiff needs to show that the other driver is responsible for driving safely on a shared road.
Breach of duty. The plaintiff must show that the other driver breached their duty of care by driving negligently. This can be demonstrated by evidence such as speeding, sudden braking, or illegal turns.
Causation. The plaintiff needs to show that the breach of duty by the other driver was the direct cause of their injuries.
Damages. The plaintiff needs to show that they suffered damages from the accident, such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

THIRD PARTIES

There are many other potential defendants in a Lyft accident case. If the plaintiff can validate that a third party is liable for their injuries, they may be able to recover damages from them. Similar to the above, the plaintiff must manifest feasible evidence to hold the responsible party accountable for their negligence.

PRODUCT OR PART MANUFACTURERS

A victim may file a personal injury claim against the car manufacturer if they can prove that a defective product or part led to their injuries. For example, if the plaintiff can show that the airbags failed to deploy during the accident, they may be able to recover finances from the manufacturer.

DAMAGES AVAILABLE TO LYFT ACCIDENT VICTIMS

The type and amount of damages available in a personal injury lawsuit will depend on the facts of the case. In general, accident victims may be able to recover economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages have a direct financial impact, such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
Non-economic damages are vaguer to quantify and are awarded for personal losses, such as pain, mental agony, emotional anguish, and loss of quality of life.

If you or a loved one suffered in a Lyft accident, contact an experienced Cleveland rideshare accident lawyer. They can help you quantify your losses and fight for the compensation you deserve.

STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR CLEVELAND LYFT ACCIDENTS

Per Ohio Revised Code section 2305.10, victims must file personal injury claims within two years of the date of the accident. If a claim is not initiated within this time frame, the victim will likely be barred from recovering any damages.

Therefore, it is crucial to consult with a Cleveland rideshare accident attorney as soon as possible after the accident to ensure that your claim is timely filed.

CONTACT OUR CLEVELAND LYFT ACCIDENT ATTORNEY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

You don’t have to endure in silence or go through this predicament alone. At Ryan LLP, our Cleveland Lyft car accident lawyer has the experience, compassion, and resources necessary to help you through these challenging times.

Call us at (216) 600-0308 to schedule your free initial consultation with our Cleveland Lyft accident lawyer. You can also reach our team by accomplishing our online contact form.

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