Being in a car accident is always overwhelming, but if you were hurt while riding in a Lyft in Franklin, Tennessee, there are some extra steps you must take to safeguard your rights. If you were injured in a Lyft accident anywhere within the state of Tennessee, here’s what you should do next.
Common Causes of Lyft Accidents
As the number of people using ride-sharing services grows, so too does the probability of being involved in an accident. If you or someone close to you has been hurt in a Lyft collision, read on to find out more about the most frequent causes of these accidents in Tennessee.
1. Distracted Driving
Unfortunately, one of the most typical reasons for Lyft accidents is distracted driving, which is also a leading cause of car accidents in general. If a driver isn’t focusing on the road ahead because they’re looking at their phone, conversing with passengers, or something else has caught their attention, they pose a threat to everyone around them.
2. Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is not only a leading cause of car accidents but also one of the most prevalent causes of Lyft accidents. For example, speeding, tailgating, and weaving in and out of traffic are all types of reckless driving that can quickly lead to an accident.
3. Lyft Driver Error
Sometimes, an accident is caused by a Lyft driver’s mistake. Maybe the driver took a wrong turn or didn’t see another vehicle in their blind spot. If a Lyft driver makes an error that leads to an accident and somebody gets hurt or property damage occurs, then the rider can hold the driver (and sometimes their employer) liable in court.
4. Poorly Maintained Vehicles
Although all Lyft drivers are supposed to have well-functioning cars, some do not. Poorly maintained vehicles may be more likely to get into accidents because of brake failure or tire blowouts. In other cases, something as small as bad windshield wipers can make it hard for the driver to see and cause an accident in bad weather conditions.
5. Road Hazards
Though it’s not always easy to tell, sometimes accidents are caused by things drivers can’t control—like potholes or rubbish in the road. If you’re ever in an accident because of a hazard like this, you might still be able get money from your insurance company or the city that’s supposed to take care of that kind of thing.
Common Lyft Accident Injuries
If you or someone close to you has been injured or killed in a Lyft accident, you may have questions about the most common injuries and how to address them. Here is a list of some of the more frequent injuries that result from these accidents as well as the next steps for moving forward.
1. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are some of the most dangerous types of injuries that can result from car accidents. TBI sufferers often experience a whole host of symptoms, from headaches and dizziness to memory problems and mood swings. If you or someone close to you was in a Lyft accident and is now displaying any signs whatsoever of a TBI, you must seek medical attention as soon as possible.
2. Neck Injuries
Common neck injuries resulting from car accidents include whiplash, which occurs when the force of an impact causes the neck to snap forward and then back. Whiplash can be painful and require long-term treatment.
3. Back Injuries
Back injuries commonly occur in car accidents. They can vary from sprains and strains to herniated discs and even paralysis. If you or a loved one has been in a Lyft accident and is experiencing back pain, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately.
4. Broken Bones
If you’re injured in a Lyft accident, broken bones are unfortunately not uncommon. Though may just be a small fracture, or something more serious, waiting to get emergency medical attention can result in continuing pain and even the need for surgery down the road.
5. Internal Injuries
Internal injuries are among the most dangerous that can result from any car accident. These include organ damage, internal bleeding, and even death. If you or someone close to you has been in a Lyft accident and is experiencing abdominal pain, shortness of breath, or chest pain, go to the hospital right away.
About Lyft Accident Claims
If you or a loved one was injured—or, tragically, killed—in an accident involving Lyft in Franklin, Tennessee, you may be wondering about your next steps and what you can do. This blog post will provide an overview of everything from how to tell if you have a case to the different types of compensation available for victims of Lyft accidents in Tennessee.
Do I Have a Case?
Before you can begin taking legal action, you first need to ask yourself three questions: Was the accident caused by someone else? Did the accident lead to any injuries? Are those injuries bad enough that filing a claim is warranted? If your answers are all “yes,” then it’s likely you have grounds for a personal injury case.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Expect?
If you were injured in a Lyft accident, you might be qualified to receive various types of damages, such as hospital bills, lost earnings, emotional anguish and more. How much money you get will hinge on how hurt you are and other particulars related to your claim.
How Do I File a Claim?
The steps to take after being in an accident with Lyft are not easy, but gathering evidence is the most important part. This could be anything from medical records and scene photos or videos to witness statements. Once you have this information ready, finding a personal injury attorney should be your next step. They will help protect your rights and guide you through everything that needs to happen next.
Who is Responsible for My Lyft Accident Injuries?
Because Lyft drivers are classified as independent contractors, the company might not be held accountable if one of them gets into an accident. Also, many insurance companies will either refuse to cover claims or make tiny settlement offers if you’re hurt by a Lyft driver. Consequently, you need to hire a lawyer specializing in accidents caused by Lyft drivers.
Lyft drivers all have auto insurance, but they aren’t required to have commercial-grade insurance. If you’re hurt in an accident that was the Lyft driver’s fault, you might be able to get compensated from the company’s $1 million liability policy.
If you have been involved in an accident with a rideshare driver, you may be able to get compensated for damages if the driver has a commercial auto insurance policy or their insurance policy includes coverage for ride-sharing.
Depending on who was at fault for the accident, you may be able to file an insurance claim against either the other driver or Lyft. Although, because Lyft’s drivers are not employees, it can be tough to hold the company accountable for its drivers’ actions.
What Does Tennessee Law Say About Lyft Accidents?
Unfortunately, the law in Franklin, Tennessee makes it difficult for victims of rideshare accidents to get justice. We will explain why and give you some options for pursuing your case.
As rideshare companies like Lyft and Uber become more mainstream, the number of accidents involving these services is steadily rising. Unfortunately, state law in Tennessee does not give victims many avenues to pursue compensation after such an accident.
Rideshare companies in Franklin, Tennessee are classified as Transportation Network Companies (TNCs), which have different standards from traditional taxi and limousine companies. TNC drivers, for example, aren’t required to carry commercial insurance policies with high coverage limits like regular taxi drivers. So if you’re ever injured in a Lyft accident, the driver’s insurance might not cover all of your medical expenses.
TNC drivers regularly lack the experience or training to drive safely, which often leads to accidents. These companies also operate outside of state regulation, so there is no guarantee that their drivers have proper insurance coverage or training.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lyft Accident Lawsuit?
The statute of limitations is the time limit you have to file a lawsuit after an injury. If you don’t take legal action against the party who caused your injuries before the expiration of the statute of limitations, then it’s too late. In Tennessee, personal injury claims have a one-year statute of limitations from when the accident occurred. So if you were hurt in a Lyft car crash on November 1st, 2020, you would need to sue Lyft by November 1st, 2021.
There are, however, a few scenarios in which this one-year time limit may not apply. For example, if you were unaware of your injuries until some time after the accident occurred, 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, you may have more time to file a lawsuit under the Governmental Tort Liability Act.
Keep in mind that these are simply general tips– always chat with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer to learn about the statute of limitations for your claim.
Don’t Talk to Anyone on the Other Side Before Speaking with a Lawyer
If you or a close one has been injured or killed in a Lyft accident in Franklin, Tennessee, the initial thing you need to do is call an attorney. I comprehend it may be appealing to speak with the insurance company and attempt to start working on negotiation but resist that temptation. Let me explain why:
Insurance companies are not in the business of being your friend. Their goal is to give out as little money as possible on claims. They will use any information you give them against you, so it’s important to be aware of this before speaking with an insurance company representative. Although they may come across as friendly and helpful, remember that their priority is saving the company money – not getting you the compensation you deserve.
An effective lawyer is your best ally when you’re going up against an insurance company. They know the law and will help protect your interests to ensure you get a fair settlement. A good lawyer can also mediate on your behalf and simplify the complicated legal process.
You don’t have to speak with a lawyer right away. You usually have two years to file a personal injury claim in Tennessee. This is plenty of time to find an excellent attorney and make sure they are fully prepared before going ahead with your case.
How are We Different from Other Firms?
Our clients are always our top priority. We’re not interested in settling your case quickly and moving on to the next one. We want to make sure you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Not only are we incredibly experienced with cases such as yours, but we also know exactly how to build a solid case that will maximize your chance of success.
Additionally, we’re not deterred by large cases. We refuse to give up simply because the other party has more at their disposal than we do. With our experience and information, we even out of the competition.
We value your satisfaction, so we will remain in communication with you throughout the entirety of your case and be available to answer any questions you may have.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Lyft Accident Case?
If you’re wondering whether or not to hire a lawyer for your Lyft accident case, here are some key factors to consider. We hope this information helps you make the best decision for yourself and your loved ones.
1. The Severity of Your Injuries:
When trying to determine if you should hire a lawyer, one of the first aspects to examine is the intensity of your injuries. More serious injuries will usually require medical assistance and could cause you to miss workdays. If this occurs, it would be in your best interest to get legal counsel so they can help obtain the recompense you are entitled to.
2. The Liability of the Other Driver:
You should also think about who is responsible for the accident when making your decision. If the other driver caused the accident, you might not need a lawyer because the insurance company will probably give you a reasonable settlement. But if there is disagreement about who was at fault or if the other driver doesn’t have insurance, hiring a lawyer to help you get money from them would be your best bet.
3. The Insurance Company’s Settlement Offer:
After the other driver is clearly at fault, it’s best to hire a lawyer if the insurance company provides you with an unfair settlement. Your lawyer will be able to negotiate for you and ensure that you receive just compensation.
4. Your Ability to Handle the Case Yourself:
Another thing to think about is if you’re okay managing the case by yourself. If there’s anything about your situation that makes you hesitant or if you don’t have time for it, then getting a lawyer would be the smartest. A decent lawyer will manage everything so that you can focus on resting and recovery.
How Much Do We Charge?
Unlike many lawyers who charge by the hour, we work on a contingency basis. This means you don’t have to pay us anything upfront, and we only receive a payment if/when you do. Plus, our compensation comes as a percentage of any settlement or verdict we win for you—so you can be confident that we wouldn’t take on your case unless we believe there’s a good chance of winning.
The percentage we charge varies depending on the type of case and how much work is involved. For example, if your case is fairly simple and doesn’t require a lot of investigation or negotiation, our fee will be relatively low. However, if your case is more complex or goes to trial, our fee will increase correspondingly.
You don’t have to worry about paying us anything out of your pocket. No matter how much our fee is, you only pay us if we win your case. And even then, our fee comes from the settlement or verdict amount—not from you directly.
Where Do I Start This Process of Pursuing a Recovery for My Loss?
Immediately following a Lyft accident in Tennessee, always seek medical attention – even if your injuries appear to be minor. By being examined by a doctor right away, you not only guarantee to receive proper treatment but also create a document of your injuries that can back up your compensation request.
After you’ve received medical attention, reach out to one of our experienced personal injury lawyers. Personal injury law is complex and insurance companies often have an entire team of lawyers fighting for them so they don’t have to pay as much money on claims. You need someone fighting for your rights who will help ensure you receive the full amount of compensation deserve instead of a fraction of it.
Here at Tennessee Accident Law, we specialize in personal injury law and have over 25 combined years of experience among our lawyers. We’re confident in our abilities to get you the best possible outcome for your case because we know what it takes to win these battles–we’ve been doing it for a long time. Give us a call today so that we can start working on your case as soon as possible, and remember: consultations are always free.
Conclusion:
Being in a car accident is always unpleasant, but if you’re harmed while using Lyft, there are more things you need to do to secure your legal rights. If this has happened to you or someone close to you, get in touch with us today at Tennessee Accident Law for a no-cost consultation. We have experienced lawyers who can help protect your rights and guide you through the complex process of filing a personal injury claim against Lyft.