Fort Lauderdale Lyft Accident Attorney
Ridesharing services like Lyft are often seen as a safe alternative to driving yourself, especially after you have been out for a night on the town in Fort Lauderdale. But Lyft drivers are just as susceptible to getting into auto accidents as anyone else on the road. And if you are the unlucky passenger caught in the middle, you may find yourself recovering from serious–and potentially life-threatening–injuries.
Both the individual driver and Lyft may be legally responsible for compensating you following an accident. A qualified Fort Lauderdale Lyft accident attorney can review your case and inform you of your options. At Boone & Davis, we represent clients who need to pursue personal injury claims against Lyft and other rideshare companies following a serious accident.
Will Lyft’s Insurance Compensate Me?
Lyft drivers are typically individuals who use their personal vehicle to provide rides for customers who book through the Lyft app. This creates a fairly complicated chain of insurance and liability concerns with respect to a potential auto accident. Basically, the driver’s status when an accident occurs dictates what insurance policy applies.
For example, if a Lyft driver does not have the app on and is not currently accepting rides, then their personal auto insurance coverage remains in effect. Once the driver turns on the app, however, Lyft provides a minimum amount of insurance coverage, say if the driver hits a pedestrian while waiting to receive a fare. Under Florida law, this coverage must be at least $50,000 per person or $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, which is often not enough to fully compensate a victim for a serious accident.
That said, once a Lyft driver is en route to pick up a passenger–or when a passenger is actually in the car–Lyft provides up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage for both bodily injury and property damage. Keep in mind, there may be other parties who are also liable for a specific accident. If you are riding in a Lyft and get hit by a drunk driver, for instance, that driver and their insurance company will likely be on the hook for most of your damages.
The specific damages you can recover following a Lyft accident will vary, but in general you can seek compensation for the following:
- your past and future medical expenses arising from the accident;
- your past and future rehabilitation expenses;
- your lost wages due to time missed from work following the accident;
- if you have suffered a permanent impairment or injury, the negative impact on your future earning potential; and
- non-economic damages to compensate you for your pain and suffering and other intangible losses.
Contact Boone & Davis Today
Any auto accident is a serious matter. And when your accident involves a Lyft driver, that can add an additional layer of legal issues on top of your recovery. We can help take some of that burden off of you. If you need to speak with a skilled Fort Lauderdale Lyft accident attorney, contact Boone & Davis today to schedule a free initial consultation.