Lyft is one of the most popular rideshare services in Dallas. This transportation option is highly accessible throughout the metropolitan area, yet a safe ride is no guarantee. If you are injured due to a Lyft driver’s negligence, you don’t have to deal with the confusion or frustration of this experience on your own. We can help.
Thomas J. Henry Law protects your legal rights and helps you get the payment you deserve. Contact us today to have an experienced Dallas Lyft crash attorney review your case for free.
Liability in a Dallas Lyft Accident Lawsuit
Rideshare accidents are relatively new from a legal standpoint. While Lyft has only been in business since 2012, it’s now a strong presence in the Dallas area. This rapid growth has led to various legal and regulatory concerns.
Lyft drivers are not company employees — they are independent contractors. This allows the company to avoid liability when one of its drivers causes an accident. If a crash occurs, insurance coverage can vary. If the driver is en route, Lyft is required by Texas law to provide liability insurance. In all other situations, such as when the driver is traveling with the app off, the driver must use their personal auto insurance.
If you are a Lyft passenger in a crash, you need an attorney who stays on top of developments in the law surrounding ridesharing companies. A Dallas Lyft accident attorney can guide you through the complexities and help you seek just compensation from those at fault.
Factors Impacting a Lyft Accident Claim
When you choose Thomas J. Henry Law, we consider every aspect of your case to optimize your chances for fair compensation. Here are some factors that could impact your lawsuit.
Driver or Company Negligence
Lyft actively works to keep its drivers listed as independent contractors. This limits Lyft’s liability in the event of driver negligence. When confronted with litigation matters, Lyft’s legal team claims that the company facilitates fares and, as such, is not responsible for any negligence displayed by its drivers.
It is up to a Dallas Lyft accident lawyer to prove the company’s or the driver’s negligence.
Evidence
Our legal team collects evidence to build your case against Lyft or a negligent driver. This crucial step lays the foundation for your insurance claim or lawsuit. Evidence could include:
- Driver information
- The nature of your injuries
- Potential witness statements
- Police reports
- Video footage
Injuries
Car accident injuries can be severe if you are a passenger in a Lyft ride. A driver’s negligence can lead to short- and long-term medical issues, as well as costly medical expenses or time off work. Your main recourse may be compensation from Lyft’s insurance or the driver’s policy. Let our legal team handle negotiations or potential litigation if the matter goes to court.
Recoverable Damages
If a Lyft driver is found at fault for a car accident, you may be entitled to several forms of recoverable damages, including:
- Economic: Financial loss like medical bills, property damage or lost income
- Non-economic: Mental or emotional losses, such as pain and suffering
- Punitive or exemplary: Damages intended to punish the at-fault party for negligent acts
Why Choose Our Nationally Recognized Firm
Thomas J. Henry Law is the largest personal injury firm in Dallas and throughout Texas. Our team consists of over 200 attorneys ready to work on your behalf to protect your rights. Our comprehensive understanding of state rideshare laws can help you attain a successful outcome.
As part of our contingency fee agreement with our clients, we do not receive any fees unless you win your case. We are available 24/7 to answer your questions and address your concerns.
Schedule a Free Case Review With a Dallas Lyft Crash Lawyer
If you need help with an accident involving a Lyft driver, don’t wait. Contact Thomas J. Henry Law today. Call our Dallas location at 214-646-3953 for a free case review.
Contact us for a free case review
Your questions
answered
We have straight answers to difficult questions to help you make critical decisions, navigate legal process and help you get justice.
Following an accident, there are always more questions than answers. At Thomas J. Henry, we’re here to answer any questions you have about your injury case.
Can a Passenger Sue in a Dallas Car Crash?
Passengers involved in car accidents are able to pursue claims against any drivers involved, including the driver of the vehicle they were in. To determine who was at fault for your accident and who may be held liable for your injuries, it is essential that you speak with a licensed Dallas car accident attorney.
What Are Ridesharing Services?
A ridesharing service is a service that arranges one-time shared rides through the use of GPS navigation devices, smartphones, and social networks.
Similar to carpooling, ridesharing services like Uber utilize empty seats in passenger vehicles to provide transportation to those without access to a vehicle or who may not be in a condition to drive. Unlike carpooling, these services are often set up on short notice and are done for the sole purpose of profit.
Among the leading ridesharing services are:
- Uber
- Lyft
- Sidecar
- Wingz
- Fasten
- Ride Austin
How Does Lyft Insure Their Vehicles?
Insurance policies will vary by company; however, all rideshare drivers are required to have their own insurance in order to be eligible to work for a ridesharing company. In addition to the driver’s insurance, Lyft carries up to $1 million of liability company insurance. However, this coverage is only in effect when at certain times:
Lyft App is OFF: Only the driver’s personal insurance is in effect.
App is ON and Driver is “Available”: In addition to driver’s insurance, Lyft’s contingent liability coverage can now be accessed. This includes up to $100,000 for injuries.
Driver is on Lyft Trip: Company’s full commercial insurance coverage is in effect. This includes $1 million in third-party liability and $1 million in uninsured and underinsured coverage.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Accidents Involving Lyft Vehicles?
Ridesharing companies have worked pretty hard to distance themselves from their drivers, at least in terms of legal responsibility. Lyft, for example, has fought against litigation that would give its drivers’ employment status under the law. Instead, Lyft has pushed to keep its drivers listed as independent contractors in order to limit the company’s liability for any negligence displayed by their drivers.
When confronted with litigation, rideshare providers like Lyft will attempt to claim they only facilitate fares and are not responsible for their driver’s actions. It is then up to the plaintiff’s attorneys to prove the company’s liability.
What Are the Requirements for Being a Lyft Driver?
Typically, all a person needs to become a Lyft driver is an active driver’s license and proof of insurance.
Lyft is not as heavily regulated as traditional taxi services, and Lyft drivers are not expected to complete a certified licensing program. After meeting a few company-based requirements, drivers are free to transport clients without any additional training, on-boarding, or experience
Initially, this resulted in many of these services being banned as unlicensed taxi companies. However, bans have since been lifted, leaving the companies free to operate.
Why
choose
us?
We help clients across the U.S. with all types of injury cases, including vehicle accidents, slip and falls, wrongful death, product recalls, pharmaceutical cases, mass tort, and more.
Thomas J. Henry offers a “No Fee Promise.” We work on a contingency fee basis which means you do not pay our firm any fees unless and until we win your case. Learn more.
If you’ve been hurt, you may have a damaged vehicle or be unable to work. We can help get you a rental car if your vehicle is damaged and even advance money on qualified cases.
We are committed to your complete recovery. We will work with you to ensure you receive the necessary medical treatment and support for your healing journey.
If you’ve been hurt, you may not be able to come into our offices to speak to an attorney. Don’t worry, we will come to you wherever you are – at home, work, or hospital.
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