Whether you’re dealing with a personal injury claim, an automobile accident, or both, the process is always stressful. However, if you were hurt in a Lyft accident in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, there are some additional measures you must take to safeguard your rights. Here’s what you need to know if you suffer injuries as a result of a Lyft accident in Tennessee.
Common Causes of Lyft Accidents
If you or someone close to you was in a car accident with a Lyft vehicle, you’re probably wondering what could have caused it. Here are the five most frequent causes of Lyft accidents in Tennessee.
1. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the most prevalent causes of automobile accidents, period. And, unfortunately, it’s also a major cause of Lyft vehicle accidents. Whether a driver is distracted by their phone, other passengers, or something else, if they aren’t paying attention to the road, they’re putting themselves and others in danger.
2. Reckless Driving
Another major reason for vehicle accidents is reckless driving, which is also one of the most frequent causes of Lyft mishaps. Speeding, tailgating, and weaving in and out of traffic are all examples of reckless driving that can easily result in a collision.
3. Lyft Driver Error
Sometimes, an accident is caused by a Lyft driver’s mistake. For example, the driver might have taken 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 someone gets injured or there is damage, the driver (and sometimes their employer) may be held responsible and have to pay money.
4. Poorly Maintained Vehicles
Although Lyft drivers are required to keep their cars in excellent operating order, this is not always the case. A driver who utilizes an unroadworthy vehicle is likely to have an accident as a result of technical problems like brake failure or tire blowouts. An accident may also be caused by something as simple as bad windscreen wipers, which make it difficult for the driver to see while driving during inclement weather.
5. Road Hazards
Of course, sometimes events are triggered by factors outside of a driver’s control, such as potholes or debris on the road. In these instances, it may be difficult to determine who is to blame for an accident; however, you might still be able to seek compensation from your insurance company or the municipality responsible for maintaining the roadway if you’ve been injured in a collision caused by a road hazard.
Common Lyft Accident Injuries
If you or a loved one has been hurt or killed in a Lyft accident, you might be wondering what the most common injuries are and how they can be treated. Here is a list of the most typical injuries that happen in these incidents, as well as some guidance on where to go from here.
1. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most serious injuries that can occur as a result of any kind of vehicle accident. TBIs may lead to a variety of symptoms, ranging from headaches and dizziness to memory problems and mood swings. If you or someone you know has been in a Lyft collision and is displaying signs of a TBI, it’s critical to get medical aid immediately.
2. Neck Injuries
Amongst other neck injuries, car accidents often cause whiplash. Whiplash specifically is when the force from an impact causes the neck to snap forward and then quickly back again, damaging the soft tissue in the process. It can result in extreme pain and a need for constant care.
3. Back Injuries
Back injuries are also prevalent in automobile wrecks. These might include sprains and strains, herniated discs, and even paralysis, depending on the severity. If you or someone you care about has been in a Lyft accident and is experiencing back discomfort, you must see a doctor right away.
4. Broken Bones
Another typical injury that can happen in a vehicle accident is broken bones. Bone fractures may cause a lot of discomforts and necessitate surgery to mend properly, whether it’s a basic fracture or a more serious break. If you or someone you know has experienced a broken bone as the result of a Lyft accident, you should seek medical care right away.
5. Internal Injuries
Internal injuries are among the most dangerous forms of injuries that can occur in any sort of automobile accident. These sorts of problems might include organ damage, internal bleeding, and even death. If you or someone close to you has been in a Lyft accident and is experiencing stomach discomfort, shortness of breath, or chest hurt, you should seek healthcare assistance right away.
About Lyft Accident Claims
If you or a family member has been injured—or worse, killed—in a Lyft accident in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, you may be concerned about what to do next. In this blog article, we’ll provide 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 might be eligible for.
Do I Have a Case?
The first thing you must do if you want to file a personal injury claim is figuring out whether or not you have one. To do that, ask yourself these three questions: Was the accident caused by somebody else? Did the accident cause any injuries? Are those injuries bad enough that filing a claim makes sense? If your answer to all three of those questions is “yes,” then it’s likely you have a case.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Expect?
If you’re one of the unfortunate souls who’s been injured in a Lyft accident, don’t despair–you may be eligible to receive compensation for several types of damages. These include, but are not limited to medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering (emotional and/or physical), etc. The amount you can expect to get will depend on how serious your injuries were as well as other relevant details about your case.
How Do I File a Claim?
The process of filing an accident claim against Lyft can be quite complicated. To start, you’ll need to collect as much evidence in your favor as possible. This may involve medical records, pictures or videos from the accident site, and witness accounts. Once you have all this documentation ready, it’s time to contact a personal injury lawyer with experience handling these cases. He or she will help guide you through the legal system and make sure your rights are defended throughout the process.
Who is Responsible for My Lyft Accident Injuries?
The fact that Lyft drivers are classified as independent contractors means the company is not liable if one of its staff members causes an accident. Furthermore, if you’re injured by a Lyft driver, several insurers will refuse to accept your claim or offer tiny settlements. As a result, you’ll need the services of an attorney who practices in cases involving Lyft drivers.
Although all Lyft drivers are covered by vehicle insurance, they are not compelled to have commercial coverage. If you’re hurt in an accident and it’s determined that the Lyft driver was careless, the firm’s $1 million liability insurance plan may help you get compensated.
If you are hurt as a result of an Uber vehicle being driven by someone else, and your driver’s or owner’s insurance does not cover ridesharing, you may be able to get compensated for expenses from the operator of the car.
Depending on who was at fault for the accident, you may be able to file an insurance claim against the other driver or Lyft. Because Lyft’s drivers are not regular employees, it might be difficult to hold the company liable for its drivers’ conduct.
What Does Tennessee Law Say About Lyft Accidents?
Unfortunately, the law in Murfreesboro, Tennessee is not friendly to people who have been harmed by rideshare services. We’ll explain why and offer you some choices for getting your life back on track.
Ridesharing has become increasingly common, with companies like Lyft and Uber expanding in popularity. While these incidents may be traumatic, the law in Tennessee does not provide sufferers with many options for receiving compensation.
If you are ever unfortunate enough to be in a Lyft accident in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, you may not be fully covered as you would expect. This is because Rideshare companies (or TNCs- Transportation Network Companies) aren’t regulated with the same high standards as traditional Taxi and Limousine companies. For example, they’re not required to carry commercial insurance policies with coverage limits as high$. So if you’re harmed, the driver’s policy might not cover all of your losses from the accident
Another concern is that TNC drivers are often inadequately trained or skilled in operating their vehicles safely. This lack of training might result in significant accidents. There is no assurance that TNC drivers will have the proper insurance or be adequately trained, as they are not regulated by the state.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lyft Accident Lawsuit?
The statute of limitations is the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit following an accident. You will be unable to take legal action against the party who caused your injuries after the statutory limit has passed. In Murfreesboro, Tennessee, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is one year from the date of the incident. This implies that if you were hurt in a Lyft incident, you have one year from the date of occurrence to bring a claim against Lyft.
However, there are exceptions to this general rule. For example, if you were not immediately aware that you had been involved in an accident, the one-year statute of limitations may not start until you discover or should have discovered your injuries. You may also have more time to file a lawsuit under the Governmental Tort Liability Act if the individual who caused your injuries is a government employee.
Keep in mind that these are simply general best practices, and you should always speak with a highly qualified personal injury lawyer to figure out the statute of limitations for your unique case.
Don’t Talk to Anyone on the Other Side Before Speaking with a Lawyer
If you or somebody close to you has been hurt or killed in a Lyft accident, do not hesitate to call an experienced lawyer. It may be appealing to speak with the insurance company and take early steps toward negotiating a settlement; however, by doing so you might unintentionally hamper your case. Here’s why:
You don’t want to be dealing with an insurance company. Their objective is to pay out as little as possible on claims, and they will utilize any information you provide them against you. They may appear nice and helpful, but their objective is to save the firm money, not help you get the compensation you deserve.
You’ll need a qualified personal injury lawyer to help you. When it comes to insurance companies, you’ll want someone on your side that is well-versed in the law and will fight to get you the finest possible settlement. A good attorney will also be able to negotiate on your behalf and assist you with the often-complex legal system.
You don’t need to make a decision immediately. In Tennessee, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim–plenty of time to find an excellent lawyer and assemble all the information needed for them to build a solid case.
How are We Different from Other Firms?
At the top of our priorities, we put our clients first. We’re not only seeking to finish your case as quickly as possible so that we may move on to the next one. We want to make sure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
Secondly, we’ve dealt with countless cases similar to yours and fully understand the appropriate procedures for a Lyft accident case. We know how to investigate every detail and build a strong argument in your defense.
We’re not afraid of big cases, and we won’t back down just because the other side has more resources. We’ll use our experience and knowledge to even the playing field.
Finally, we’ll be here for you every step of the way. We’ll be there for you from start to finish, answering your questions and keeping you updated on the case’s progress.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Lyft Accident Case?
Let’s go over some of the things to think about while deciding whether or not to hire a lawyer for your Lyft accident claim. We hope that this information will assist you in making the best decision for yourself and your family.
1. The Severity of Your Injuries:
The severity of your injuries is one of the first things to think about when determining whether or not to hire a lawyer. If your injuries are severe, you will most likely require medical treatment, and you may lose time from work. In these situations, it is usually preferable to hire a lawyer so that they can assist you in receiving the compensation you deserve.
2. The Liability of the Other Driver:
Another point to consider is who is responsible for the collision. If the other driver was clearly at fault, you may not need a lawyer since your insurance company will most likely give you a reasonable payment. However, if there is a content liability or if the other driver does not have insurance, you will almost certainly require legal assistance to obtain compensation.
3. The Insurance Company’s Settlement Offer:
If another driver is at fault but their insurance company offers you a lowball settlement, it’s best to hire a lawyer. Lawyers are experienced in negotiating on your behalf and will help ensure you get the full amount of compensation you’re due.
4. Your Ability to Handle the Case Yourself:
If you’re questioning any part of your case or feel like you don’t have the time to manage it, then hiring a lawyer would be the best solution. They will take care of everything for you so that your only focus is on getting better.
How Much Do We Charge?
Here at our law firm, we don’t waste your time or money by billing you hourly. Instead, we work on a contingency basis. In other words, we only get paid if (and when) you do. Plus, our agreement stipulates that payment comes from a portion of the settlement or verdict recovered on your behalf. So you can breathe easy knowing that 1) taking your case to court is in our best interest and 2) we have the experience needed to put up a fight and win big.
The percentage is determined by the type of case and how much work it will take. If your issue is simple and doesn’t need a lot of research or discussion, our fee will be lower. If your circumstance is more complicated or goes to trial, however, our price will be higher.
You don’t have to pay us a dime unless we win your case, and even then, our fee comes from the settlement or verdict amount—not out of your pocket. So rest assured that you will never have to worry about affording our services.
Where Do I Start This Process of Pursuing a Recovery for My Loss?
The most crucial thing to do if you’re hurt in a Lyft crash in Tennessee is go to the doctor right away, regardless of how slight your injuries might appear. Besides getting the treatment you require, this also builds up a document of your Injuries that can back up your demand for payment.
Once you’ve addressed your immediate medical issues, get in touch with an experienced personal injury lawyer at our firm. Personal injury law is complicated, and insurance companies will have their teams of attorneys working to lower the amount they have to pay out on claims. You need someone on your side who will fight for your rights and help you obtain the full compensation you are entitled to.
We have over 25 years of experience handling personal injury claims, including those caused by Lyft accidents, at Tennessee Accident Law. We know what it takes to win these cases and will work tirelessly on your behalf to obtain the finest possible outcome. For a free consultation, contact us now.
Conclusion:
Being injured in a car accident is always stressful, but if you’re hurt in a Lyft collision, there are some extra steps you need to take to guard your rights. If you or someone close to you has been involved in a Lyft accident, the expert lawyers at Tennessee Accident Law can help – reach out to us today for a free consultation.