Chicago Lyft Accident Attorney

Rideshare apps like Lyft offer a convenient means of transportation. But as with any car, the possibility of getting into an accident exists. If you’ve been a passenger in a Lyft accident, trying to figure out how to hold the negligent driver accountable and recover from your car crash injuries can be overwhelming. Our Chicago Lyft accident lawyers can take on the legal burdens for you so you can work toward getting your life back in order.

Understanding How Lyft Operates

Lyft was launched in 2012. The company is based out of San Francisco, California. Now, they operate in over 200 cities throughout the country and focus on providing an on-demand ridesharing network for short trips within larger cities. There are four ways to ride:

• The standard format is a personal ride that fits up to four passengers.
• Lyft Line matches riders with others who are going in the same direction to reduce costs.
• Lyft Plus seats up to six passengers.
• Lyft Premier is a high-end option for those who want a luxury car.

Drivers must meet certain requirements to work for Lyft. They must be 21 or older and own an iPhone or Android phone to run the app. When someone applies to be a driver, background and DMV checks are conducted. Car insurance and an in-state license plate are required. An applicant will be disqualified for violent crimes, drug-related convictions, sexual offenses, and felonies.

In addition to passing city and state requirements, the vehicles representing Lyft must pass a 19-point vehicle inspection. Drivers are responsible for maintaining their vehicles and keeping them safe and clean.

All Lyft drivers must have their own car insurance, but the company includes four other coverage types, including:

• Contingent Liability kicks in when a driver is waiting for a ride request while in driver mode.
• Primary Coverage Liability acts as the primary coverage from the time a driver accepts a ride until they drop the passengers off.
• Contingent Collision and Comprehensive Coverage cover physical damage to the driver’s vehicle.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist covers an accident up to $1 million in the event the other party’s insurance doesn’t cover what it needs to.

When you get in touch with a Lyft accident lawyer from our office, they’ll understand the company’s history and how it operates. This will ensure the base knowledge is there to build a strong case on your behalf.

The Consequences of a Lyft Crash

If you’ve been in a car accident involving a Lyft driver, you may be dealing with a variety of consequences and complications. The most immediate action is to deal with is your physical state. Even a minor crash can result in injuries that need to be evaluated and treated by a medical professional.

Whiplash is among the most common auto wreck injuries. It happens often in rear-end accidents. The victim may experience symptoms like swelling and neck pain. Broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries are more common in severe accidents that happen at high speeds or between two vehicles of drastically different sizes.

The medical care you need to treat Lyft crash injuries can be expensive, even with health insurance. Additionally, you may need to take time off work. Financial strain is almost immediate when you add piling hospital bills onto decreased income. Instead of eating through your savings or taking a loan out from the bank, you can seek compensation from the negligent party.

You shouldn’t have to pay for injuries that weren’t your fault. Our Chicago Lyft accident attorneys can determine and seek an appropriate amount of compensation for your losses.

Lyft Passengers and Their Rights in Chicago

As a rideshare user, it’s important to know your requirements and rights. In the event of an accident, it’s important that you follow the company’s rules. This will ensure there are no issues when it comes to receiving your compensation. Additionally, knowing your rights can help you and your Chicago Lyft accident lawyer build a case that proves they were violated when your negligent driver caused the crash.

Passenger Requirements

The following rules apply to individuals taking Lyft rides:

• Only four passengers can fit in a traditional Lyft. A Lyft XL must be ordered if there are more people.
• Individuals 17 and under are only allowed in a rideshare vehicle if they are with an adult.
• Passengers must inform drivers that they have an animal, and the driver has the right to decline the ride if it’s not a service animal.
• Passengers are expected to be respectful of the vehicle and the driver.
• No weapons are allowed, even if they can be carried legally outside of a Lyft vehicle.
• Smoking is not allowed inside Lyft cars.
• Lyft’s recording device policy defers city and state regulations.
• Alcohol is not allowed inside Lyft cars.

Rights Rideshare Users Have

The following rules are rights afforded to Lyft customers:

• You can report a safety issue or citation.
• You have the right to a driver who operates their vehicle lawfully.
• You are allowed to terminate a ride at any time for any reason.
• If you’ve been sexually harassed or assaulted by a Lyft driver, you can resolve the matter through arbitration, mediation, or in court.
• You have the right to a driver not operating their vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• You can access specially outfitted vehicles in the event you need a vehicle that’s accessible to a wheelchair.
• You are allowed to make multiple stops during a single trip.
• You have the right to have your service animal in a Lyft vehicle.

Lyft Drivers’ Behavior Can Put You at Risk

Accidents are commonplace in the busy streets of Chicago. While some of these incidents are the fault of other drivers, your Lyft driver could be responsible for causing a crash. Many of these accidents center around:

• Distracted driving: Lyft drivers may become distracted by the app itself, passengers, or their cell phones while driving.
• Fatigued driving: Long shifts and irregular working hours can cause driver fatigue.
• Poor driver screening: Negligent hiring practices and insufficient driver oversight can contribute to accidents.
• Speeding and reckless driving: Some Uber drivers may exceed speed limits or engage in dangerous behaviors, such as aggressive lane changes, tailgating, or failure to yield right of way.

All of these factors can lead to serious vehicle crashes, leaving you with injuries and damages. If you find yourself in these situations, you have legal options.

Can I Sue Lyft for My Injuries?

Yes, you can sue Lyft after an accident involving a rideshare driver. However, the ability to sue Lyft directly depends on a few circumstances.

For example, if you want to sue Lyft, you must prove that the company’s negligence contributed to the accident. These instances can involve anything from inadequate driver vetting, faulty app functionality, or other operational failures.

Since Lyft drivers are classified as independent contractors, not employees, this can affect liability. However, that does not prevent you from pursuing legal action against Lyft.

If you would like to learn more about your legal options, contact a Lyft accident attorney in Chicago.

How To Seek Compensation With Thomas Law Offices

To cover the losses you’ve experienced from the accident, it’s best to file a claim with the help of an attorney. Through a thorough investigation and claim-building process, a Chicago Lyft accident lawyer will be able to prove that you’re owed compensation for what you were wrongfully put through. Contact us at Thomas Law Offices for more information.