Being involved in a car accident is always a stressful experience, but if you’re injured in a Lyft accident, there are some additional steps you need to take to protect your rights. Here’s what you need to know if you’re injured in a Lyft accident in Tennessee.
Common Causes of Lyft Accidents
As more and more people use ride-sharing services like Lyft, the number of accidents involving Lyft vehicles is on the rise. If you or a loved one has been involved in a Lyft accident, you may be wondering what caused it. Here are the five most common causes of Lyft accidents in Tennessee.
1. Distracted Driving
One of the most common causes of car accidents, period, is distracted driving. And unfortunately, it’s also one of the most common causes of Lyft accidents. Whether a driver is distracted by their phone, by other passengers, or by something else, if they’re not paying attention to the road, they’re a danger to themselves and others.
2. Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is another leading cause of car accidents, and it’s also one of the most common causes of Lyft accidents. Speeding, tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic—all of these are examples of reckless driving that can easily lead to an accident.
3. Lyft Driver Error
In some cases, an accident may be caused by nothing more than a mistake on the part of the Lyft driver. Maybe the driver took a wrong turn or didn’t see another vehicle in their blind spot. Whatever the case may be, if a Lyft driver makes an error that leads to an accident, they (and sometimes their employer) may be held liable for any resulting injuries or damages.
4. Poorly Maintained Vehicles
Lyft drivers are required to maintain their vehicles in good working order—but unfortunately, not all drivers do so. A driver using a poorly maintained vehicle may be more likely to get into an accident due to mechanical issues like brake failure or tire blowouts. In other cases, an accident may be caused by something as simple as bad windshield wipers that make it difficult for the driver to see in inclement weather conditions.
5. Road Hazards
Of course, sometimes an accident may be caused by factors that are completely out of the control of any driver—such as road hazards like potholes or debris in the roadway. In these cases, it may be difficult to determine who is actually at fault for an accident; however, if you’ve been involved in an accident caused by a road hazard, you may still be able to receive compensation from your insurance company or from the municipality responsible for maintaining the roadway.
Common Lyft Accident Injuries
If you or a loved one have been injured or killed in a Lyft accident, you may be wondering what the most common injuries are and how they can be treated. Here is a list of the most common injuries that occur in these accidents and some advice on what to do next.
1. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
One of the most serious injuries that can result from any kind of car accident is a traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBIs can cause a wide range of symptoms, from headaches and dizziness to memory problems and mood swings. If you or someone you know has been in a Lyft accident and is showing any signs of a TBI, it’s important to seek medical help immediately.
2. Neck Injuries
Neck injuries are also very common in car accidents, especially when the impact is from the side. These types of injuries can include whiplash, which is when the neck is snapped forward and then back again with such force that it causes damage to the soft tissue. Whiplash can be very painful and may require ongoing treatment.
3. Back Injuries
Back injuries are also common in car accidents. These can range from sprains and strains to herniated discs and even paralysis. If you or someone you love has been in a Lyft accident and is experiencing back pain, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.
4. Broken Bones
Broken bones are another common injury that can occur in a car accident. Whether it’s a simple fracture or a more serious break, bone fractures can cause a lot of pain and may require surgery to heal properly. If you or someone you know has sustained a broken bone in a Lyft accident, it’s important to get to an emergency room as soon as possible.
5. Internal Injuries
Internal injuries are some of the most serious types of injuries that can occur in any type of car accident. These kinds of injuries can include organ damage, internal bleeding, and even death. If you or someone close to you has been in a Lyft accident and is experiencing any sort of abdominal pain, shortness of breath, or chest pain, you must seek medical attention immediately.
About Lyft Accident Claims
If you or a loved one has been injured—or worse, killed—in a Lyft accident in Tennessee, you may be wondering what your next steps are. We’ll give you an overview of everything you need to know about Lyft accident claims in Tennessee, from how to tell if you have a case to what kind of compensation you may be entitled to.
Do I Have a Case?
The first step in any personal injury claim is determining whether or not you have a case. To do this, you’ll need to ask yourself three questions: Was someone else at fault for the accident? Did the accident result in injuries? And are those injuries severe enough to warrant filing a claim? If you can answer “yes” to all three of those questions, then you likely have a case.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Expect?
If you’ve been injured in a Lyft accident, you may be entitled to several types of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. The amount of compensation you can expect to receive will depend on the severity of your injuries and other factors specific to your case.
How Do I File a Claim?
Filing a claim against Lyft following an accident can be a complicated process. The first step is to gather as much evidence as possible that will support your claim. This may include things like medical records, photos or videos of the accident scene, and witness statements. Once you have this documentation assembled, you’ll need to reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney who can help guide you through the process and ensure that your rights are protected.
Who is Responsible for My Lyft Accident Injuries?
Since drivers who work for Lyft 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 must hire a lawyer specializing in accidents involving Lyft drivers.
Although all Lyft drivers are equipped with auto insurance, they are not required to have commercial insurance. If you’re injured in an accident and it was determined that the Lyft driver was at fault, you may be able to receive compensation from the company’s $1 million liability insurance policy.
If the driver has a commercial auto insurance policy or their insurance policy includes ridesharing coverage, you may be able to get compensated for damages from the operator of the vehicle.
You may be able to file an insurance claim against the other driver or Lyft, depending on who was at fault for the accident. Because Lyft’s drivers are not employees, however, it can be hard to make the company responsible for its drivers’ actions.
What Does Tennessee Law Say About Lyft Accidents?
Unfortunately, the law in Tennessee is not very favorable to victims of rideshare accidents. We will explain why and give you some options for pursuing justice.
Rideshare accidents are becoming more and more common as companies like Lyft and Uber continue to grow in popularity. While these accidents can be devastating, the law in Tennessee does not give victims many options for seeking compensation.
In Tennessee, rideshare companies are classified as transportation network companies (TNCs). TNCs are not held to the same standards as traditional taxi and limousine companies. For example, TNCs are not required to carry commercial insurance policies with high coverage limits. This means that if you are injured in a Lyft accident, the driver’s insurance policy may not cover all of your damages.
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 their drivers will have the necessary insurance coverage or be properly trained.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lyft Accident Lawsuit?
In general, the statute of limitations is the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit after an injury has occurred. Once the statute of limitations expires, you will no longer be able to take legal action against the party responsible for your injuries. In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is one year from the date of the accident. This means that if you were injured in a Lyft accident, you have one year from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against Lyft.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you were not immediately aware that you were injured in the accident, then the one-year 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.
It’s important to note that these are just general guidelines and that you should always consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to determine the statute of limitations for your specific case.
Don’t Talk to Anyone on the Other Side Before Speaking with a Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a Lyft accident in Tennessee, the first thing you need to do is call a lawyer. I know it may be tempting to talk to the insurance company and try to get the ball rolling on a settlement but resist the urge. Here’s why:
The insurance company is not your friend. Their job is to pay out as little as possible on claims, and they will use any information you give them against you. They may seem friendly and helpful, but their goal is to save the company money, not get you the compensation you deserve.
You need a lawyer who will fight for you. When you’re dealing with an insurance company, you need someone in your corner who knows the law and will fight to get you the best possible settlement. A good lawyer will also be able to negotiate on your behalf and help you navigate the often-complex legal process.
You have time to talk to a lawyer first. In most cases, you have up to two years to file a personal injury claim in Tennessee. This gives you plenty of time to find a good lawyer and make sure they have all the information they need to build a strong case on your behalf.
How are We Different from Other Firms?
First and foremost, we care about our clients. We’re not just looking to settle your case as quickly as possible so that we can move on to the next one. We want to make sure that you get the justice and compensation that you deserve.
Secondly, we have experience with cases like yours. We know the ins and outs of Lyft accident cases, and we know how to build a strong case on your behalf.
Third, we’re not afraid to take on big cases. We’re not going to back down just because the other side has more resources than we do. We level the playing field by using our experience and knowledge to our advantage.
And finally, we’re here for you every step of the way. We’ll be with you from start to finish, answering your questions and keeping you updated on the status of your case.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Lyft Accident Case?
Let’s outline some of the factors that you should consider when deciding whether or not to hire a lawyer for your Lyft accident case. We hope that this information will help you make the best decision for you and your family.
1. The Severity of Your Injuries:
One of the first things to consider when deciding whether or not to hire a lawyer is the severity of your injuries. If your injuries are serious, then you will likely need medical attention and could miss time from work. In these cases, it is usually best to hire a lawyer so that they can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
2. The Liability of the Other Driver:
Another factor to consider is who is at fault for the accident. If the other driver is clearly at fault, then you may not need a lawyer because the insurance company will likely offer you a fair settlement. However, if there is disputed liability or if the other driver does not have insurance, then you will likely need a lawyer to help you recover compensation.
3. The Insurance Company’s Settlement Offer:
Even if the other driver is clearly at fault, the insurance company may still try to lowball you with their initial settlement offer. If this happens, it is usually best to hire a lawyer so that they can negotiate on your behalf and help you get the full amount of compensation that you deserve.
4. Your Ability to Handle the Case Yourself:
Finally, another factor to consider is whether or not you feel comfortable handling the case yourself. If you are unsure about any aspect of your case or if you simply do not have the time to deal with it, then it is probably best to hire a lawyer. A good lawyer will take care of everything for you so that you can focus on your recovery.
How Much Do We Charge?
The first thing you should know is that we don’t charge hourly like most lawyers. Instead, we work on a contingency basis, which means we don’t get paid unless you do. And when we do get paid, it’s a percentage of the settlement or verdict we recover for you. So, you can rest assured knowing that we’re only going to take on your case if we believe we can win.
As for the percentage, it 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 on the lower end. However, if your case is more complex or goes to trial, our fee will be on the higher end.
No matter how much our fee is, you can rest assured knowing that we only get paid if we win your case. And even then, our fee comes out of the settlement or verdict amount—not your pocket. So, you never have to worry about coming out of pocket for our services.
Where Do I Start This Process of Pursuing a Recovery for My Loss?
If you are injured in a Lyft accident in Tennessee, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important to have them evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible. This will not only ensure that you get the treatment you need, but it will also create a record of your injuries that can be used to support your compensation claim.
Once you’ve taken care of your immediate medical needs, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney with our firm. Personal injury law is complex, and insurance companies will have their team of lawyers working to minimize the amount they have to pay out on claims. You need an advocate on your side who will fight for your rights and help you get the full compensation you deserve.
At Tennessee Accident Law, we have over 25 years of experience handling personal injury claims, including those arising from Lyft accidents. We know what it takes to win these cases, and we’ll work tirelessly on your behalf to get you the best possible result. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Conclusion:
Being involved in a car accident is always stressful, but if you’re injured in a Lyft accident, there are some additional steps you need to take to protect your rights. If you or someone you love has been injured in a Lyft accident, the knowledgeable lawyers at Tennessee Accident Law are here to help – contact us today for a free consultation.