If you’re unfortunate enough to be in a car accident, it’s always stressful. But if you taking Lyft and get into an accident in Cool Springs, Tennessee, there are some extra steps you have to take to defend your rights. Here’s everything injured passengers need to know about Lyft accidents in the state of Tennessee.
Common Causes of Lyft Accidents
As more people in Tennessee use ride-sharing services like Lyft, the number of accidents involving these vehicles is rising. If you or someone close to you was involved in a Lyft accident, here are five potential causes.
1. Distracted Driving
Unfortunately, distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in general and also for Lyft drivers. Distracted driving can be caused by many things such as a driver’s phone, other passengers, or something else. If a driver does not pay attention to the road while driving, they are putting themselves and others at risk.
2. Reckless Driving
Reckless driving, such as speeding, tailgating, and weaving in and out of traffic is one of the leading causes of car accidents. Ironically, it’s also one of the most frequent reasons for Lyft accidents.
3. Lyft Driver Error
In some instances, an accident is caused by a mistake on the part of the Lyft driver. It could be as simple as taking a wrong turn or failing to see another car in their blind spot. If a driver’s error led to an accident, they – and sometimes their employer – can be held accountable for any injuries or damage that resulted from it.
4. Poorly Maintained Vehicles
Lyft drivers are mandated to have well-functioning cars–but, as you know, not every driver follows this rule. If a driver is using an unkempt car, the probability of getting into an accident is augmented because of brake failure or tire blowouts that result from mechanical problems. Also, if bad windshield wipers prevent the driver from having a clear view in dismal weather conditions, accidents might occur then.
5. Road Hazards
Sometimes, accidents happen because of things that are completely out of any driver’s control—like road hazards such as potholes or debris. When it’s hard to say who is at fault for an accident like this, you might still be able to get compensation from your insurance company or the municipality in charge of taking care of the roadway.
Common Lyft Accident Injuries
Here are the most common injuries that occur from Lyft accidents, as well as what you or your loved ones can do next.
1. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are some of the most dangerous and widespread injuries that can result from car accidents. TBIs often lead to a host of symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, memory problems, or mood swings. If you or someone close to you has been in a Lyft accident and is displaying any sign of a TBI, it’s crucial to get medical attention right away.
2. Neck Injuries
Unfortunately, neck injuries are not uncommon in car accidents. These types of collisions can cause whiplash, which is an injury to the soft tissue from the force of the neck being thrust forward and then back again. Whiplash can often be debilitating and might need extended care.
3. Back Injuries
Back injuries are unfortunately all too common in car accidents. They can cause everything from mild discomfort to severe pain, and in some cases even paralysis. If you or a loved one has been involved in a Lyft accident and is suffering from back pain, it’s important to get medical help as soon as possible.
4. Broken Bones
Broken bones are one of the most common injuries caused by car accidents. Whether it’s a hairline fracture or something more serious, broken bones can be extremely painful and may require surgery to heal correctly. If you or someone you know has sustained a broken bone in an accident involving Lyft, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
5. Internal Injuries
Internal injuries from car accidents can be incredibly dangerous and even fatal. If you or somebody close to you was in a Lyft accident and are now experiencing abdominal pain, shortness of breath, or chest pain, please go to the hospital as soon as possible.
About Lyft Accident Claims
If you or somebody close to you was injured—or killed—in a Lyft accident in Cool Springs, Tennessee, you might be questioning what your next steps are. In this blog post, we’ll give you an overview of everything related to filing a Lyft accident claim in Tennessee, from establishing if you have a case to the different types of compensation available.
Do I Have a Case?
To understand if you have a chance at winning a personal injury case, ask yourself these three questions: Did somebody else cause the accident? Did the accident lead to any injuries? Lastly, are those injuries bad enough that filing a claim is worth it? If you said yes to all of them, then there’s a good chance you have solid grounds for a lawsuit.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Expect?
Depending on the severity of your injuries and other circumstances related to your accident, you may be able to receive many types of compensation after being injured in a Lyft accident. These could include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering costs, among others.
How Do I File a Claim?
The Lyft accident claim process may appear complicated, but by taking the first step of gathering supporting evidence, you’re already on your way. This documentation could include medical records, photos or videos from the accident scene, and witness statements. The next move is to contact a personal injury attorney with experience in similar cases who can help protect your rights throughout the entire process.
Who is Responsible for My Lyft Accident Injuries?
Since Lyft drivers are considered independent contractors, the company may not be held responsible if one of its drivers gets into an accident. Also, many insurers will refuse to honor a claim or make small settlement offers if you’re injured by a Lyft driver. Therefore, you should hire a lawyer specializing in accidents involving Lyft drivers.
All Lyft drivers have auto insurance, but they don’t need commercial insurance. If you’re injured in an accident and it was the driver’s fault, you might be able to receive compensation from the company’s $1 million liability policy.
If the driver has a commercial auto insurance policy that covers ridesharing, you may be able to get compensated for damages from the operator of the vehicle.
Depending on who was at fault for the accident, you might be able to file an insurance claim against either the other driver or Lyft. Even though Lyft’s drivers are not employees, however, it can still be tricky to hold the company accountable for its drivers’ actions.
What Does Tennessee Law Say About Lyft Accidents?
If you live in Cool Springs, Tennessee and have been the victim of a rideshare accident, you may be wondering what your legal options are. Join us as we explore the current state of Tennessean law surrounding these types of accidents and discuss what steps you can take next.
Accidents involving rideshare companies are on the rise as Uber and Lyft become increasingly popular. While these accidents can have devastating consequences, victims in Tennessee have few legal options for seeking compensation.
In Tennessee, companies such as Lyft and Uber are considered transportation network companies (TNCs). TNCs have lessened standards in comparison to traditional taxi and limousine businesses. For example, they’re not required to carry insurance policies with high coverage limits like commercial ones. So if you get hurt in a Lyft accident, the driver’s policy might now cover all of your expenses related to the accident.
Another problem is that many TNC drivers do not have the proper training or experience to safely operate their vehicles. This lack of training can lead to serious accidents. And because TNCs are not regulated by the state, there is no guarantee that you as a passenger will be properly insured in case of an accident.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lyft Accident Lawsuit?
The statute of limitations is the time frame you have to file a lawsuit against the party responsible for an injury. In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims from Lyft accidents is one year from when the accident occurred. So if you were in a Lyft accident, you only have 365 days to sue them.
However, some accidents have exceptions to this one-year rule. For example, if you were unaware of your injuries until after the accident occurred, then the statute of limitations may not begin until you discovered or should have reasonably discovered your injuries. Additionally, if the person who caused your injuries is a government employee, then you may have more time to file a lawsuit under the Governmental Tort Liability Act.
Keep in mind that these are only general guidelines. Always contact a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer to learn how long you have to file your specific claim.
Don’t Talk to Anyone on the Other Side Before Speaking with a Lawyer
If you or someone close to you has been hurt or killed in a Lyft accident in Tennessee, it is of utmost importance that you contact an attorney as soon as possible. Many people think they can simply chat with the insurance company and start working on a settlement but we urge you not to do so. The reason being:
Insurance companies are not out to help you; their goal is to pay out as little money as possible on claims. They will use any information you give them against you, so it’s important to be careful about what you say. They may seem friendly and helpful, but don’t be fooled – their ultimate goal is saving the company money, not getting you the compensation YOU deserve.
If you’re in search of legal help, what you need is a fighter on your side–someone familiar with the law who will get you the best possible outcome. A fantastic lawyer will also be able to stand up for you during negotiations and proceedings.
Although it may feel like you need to act fast, you have two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury claim in Tennessee. This gives you plenty of time to find a great lawyer and build a solid case.
How are We Different from Other Firms?
Your satisfaction is our top priority. We don’t want to just quickly settle your case so we can move on- we want to make sure you get the result you’re hoping for.
Secondly, you can trust that we have the experience to handle cases similar to yours. We know all of Lyft’s accident procedures and will build a foolproof case for you.
Third, we take on big cases without fear. We’re not going to let the other side win just because they have more resources. We’ll use our experience and knowledge to create a level playing field.
We stick by you until the end, guiding you along and providing updates on your case’s progress. Got questions? We’re here to answer them.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Lyft Accident Case?
Here are some key points to think about that will help you determine if hiring a lawyer is the best decision for your Lyft accident case.
1. The Severity of Your Injuries:
Deciding whether to hire a lawyer depends on various factors, such as the severity of your injuries. If you have severe injuries, you’ll need medical care and might miss work. In these instances, lawyers can help you get the compensation you’re entitled to.
2. The Liability of the Other Driver:
When deciding whether or not to hire a lawyer, another element you should take into account is who caused the accident. If the other driver is without a doubt responsible for what happened, then it’s probable that you won’t need legal assistance since the insurance company will most likely give you a reasonable sum of money. On the flip side, if there are arguments about liability or if the at-fault driver doesn’t have coverage, then probably your best bet would be to seek counsel from a law professional to get retribution.
3. The Insurance Company’s Settlement Offer:
The insurance company may try to give you a low initial settlement offer, even if the other driver is at fault. If this happens, it is best to hire a lawyer so they can negotiate on your behalf and help you get the full amount of compensation.
4. Your Ability to Handle the Case Yourself:
You should also contemplate if you’re okay with managing the case on your own. If you have any uncertainties or lack the time to manage everything, then it’s better to hire a lawyer. A dependable lawyer will take care of all the details so that you can focus on your recuperation.
How Much Do We Charge?
At our law firm, we don’t charge by the hour like most other lawyers. Instead, we work on a contingency basis. This means that we only get paid if you do. And when we do get paid, it’s a percentage of the settlement or verdict that we recover for you. So you can be confident knowing that we will only take on your case if we believe that there is a good chance of winning.
The percentage we charge varies depending on the type of case and how much work is required. For example, a simpler case that doesn’t demand much investigation or negotiation will have a smaller fee than a more complex one that goes to trial.
You never have to worry about our fee, because we only get paid if we win your case. And if we do win, our fee comes out of the settlement or verdict amount—not your pocket.
Where Do I Start This Process of Pursuing a Recovery for My Loss?
If you suffer any injuries, no matter how big or small, in a Lyft accident in Tennessee, it is crucial that you go to see a doctor right away. This not only guarantees you will get the help required for your recovery but also provides documentation of your injuries to back up your compensation case.
After addressing your medical needs, you should speak with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers. Insurance companies usually have a team of attorneys whose goal is to pay out as little money as possible on claims. You need someone in your corner who will fight for what you’re entitled to and work hard to get you the most compensation possible under the law
Our team of accident attorneys has over 25 years of experience with Lyft injury claims and will do whatever it takes to get you the best possible outcome. We’re committed to fighting for what you deserve, so call us today for a free consultation.
Conclusion:
Being injured in a car accident is certainly stressful, and if you were hurt while using Lyft, there are some extra steps required to protect your rights. The helpful lawyers at Tennessee Accident Law have experience with this type of case – contact us today for a free consultation.