These days, finding a ride is as easy as loading an app on your phone. Requesting a ride from your Lyft smartphone app takes less than a minute, and within just a few more minutes, a Lyft driver will pull up to take you to your desired destination. However, despite having this convenient mode of transportation at our fingertips, it has its downside.
White Lake has had its share of Lyft accidents. Victims include rideshare drivers, passengers, other motorists, and pedestrians. Those involved in a Lyft accident will likely experience issues ranging from severe injuries to financial woes. A White Lake Lyft accident lawyer can offer valuable legal support for you or someone you love struggling in the aftermath of a Lyft car accident.
The Law Offices of Christopher Trainor & Associates have handled numerous Lyft accident claims for those injured through no fault of their own. We have been representing the people of White Lake and surrounding communities in Michigan for decades. We will stop at nothing to get fair compensation for our clients. Call us at 248-886-8650 or email us right now for a free consultation. You will have the opportunity to tell us about your situation and get your options for moving forward.
Lyft expanded its services to include Michigan back in 2013. Since then, it has given thousands of residents flexible income-earning opportunities. Are you using your vehicle to offer ridesharing services via the Lyft platform? If so, you must have the required auto insurance coverage.
Michigan law mandates that Uber and Lyft drivers have a policy covering three steps of the ridesharing process. These include:
Here's a breakdown of how Michigan's no-fault insurance impacts Lyft and other ridesharing services. These companies must cover their riders with the following kinds of coverage:
More specific information about no-fault insurance benefits can be found at the Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS). Stay updated to ensure you comply with the law.
A Lyft vehicle driving around the White Lake area faces the same traffic hazards as other motor vehicles. However, ridesharing drivers may be more vulnerable to frequent distractions, which can be extremely dangerous. At any moment, they can get a pickup request requiring them to look at their smartphone. A simple glance away from the road can lead to disastrous results.
According to 2022 Michigan Traffic Crash Facts, distracted driving caused 15,441 motor vehicle accidents; 53 were fatal crashes, resulting in 57 deaths. Other risks increasing the likelihood of Lyft crashes include:
Surprisingly, Lyft Community Safety cited that 99.9% of its rides had no safety problems in two recent years. Plus, the National District Attorneys Association commissioned a study in 2022 that revealed Lyft contributed to decreased DUI charges and arrests in Los Angeles (40% decrease), Chicago (40% decrease), and Atlanta (52% decrease). Ultimately, there are pros and cons to rideshare services being part of any community.
It remains true that a collision could occur at any time. Road safety should come first for everyone, including Lyft drivers, ridesharing passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians. Every safety measure taken contributes to lowering these hazards.
In 2022, there were 70,281 traffic crash injuries based on data compiled by Michigan Traffic Crash Facts (MTCF). There's no doubt Lyft drivers were involved in some of these wrecks. The injuries range from minor to severe conditions. Among the most frequent rideshare injuries are whiplash and neck trauma. Drivers, passengers, and pedestrians also experience the following:
There is no way to stop Lyft accidents from happening, no matter how hard we try to keep ourselves safe. Fortunately, injured parties have the right to file claims with the insurance company to secure compensation. However, these cases present unique difficulties when seeking the justice you deserve.
Who's at fault for the damages White Lake Lyft accidents cause? That's not an easy question to answer, at least not without a detailed investigation and evidence collection. What makes Lyft accidents challenging is the possibility of multiple parties sharing fault, such as:
Additionally, Michigan has a law that can reduce compensation based on fault (Mich. Comp. Laws Section 600.2959). The state follows a rule called modified comparative fault. This legal notion states victims who bear more than 50% of the blame for the crash can't receive compensation.
What happens if a semi-truck speeds through a red light, smashing into a Lyft driver, but at the point of contact, the Lyft driver looked down at their smartphone and missed seeing the approaching trucker? The Lyft driver might be 10% at fault in this situation. Let’s say the injured person’s damages are determined to be $250,000. Under the modified comparative fault rule, the rideshare victim’s total payout would be reduced by their percentage of fault. In this case, they would be able to receive $225,000.
Plaintiffs in rideshare accidents are entitled to economic and non-economic damages (Mich. Comp. Laws Section 600.6304). Here are a few types of compensation you can pursue:
The typical route to recover compensation starts with submitting an insurance claim. However, filing a lawsuit could be the best option in certain situations. A White Lake Lyft accidents lawyer could help you determine the best way forward for your unique case.
You have a far better chance of receiving a fair settlement for your personal injury claim if you have an attorney. The Insurance Research Council noted that 85% of insurance providers paid claimants more compensation when they had a lawyer representing them. So, if you're dealing with physical injuries, soaring bills, and an insurance rep dragging their feet to pay you, a White Lake Lyft accident lawyer can help you. Here's how.
An experienced attorney can work within the legal system to your advantage. Hiring legal counsel is well worth it, especially for ridesharing accidents. Identification of the at-fault party, different coverage levels, and multiple insurance plans are among the factors that complicate Lyft crashes. This complexity can make these claims more intricate than regular auto accidents.
First, check your and others' safety. Try to relocate to a nearby spot out of harm's way. Report the incident to a 911 operator. Capture pictures or make a video of the incident. Obtain the Lyft driver's contact information, witness names, phone numbers, and addresses. See a doctor to have any injuries checked out. Using the Lyft mobile app, report the accident. Finally, to safeguard your legal rights, chat with a Lyft accident attorney.
If you suffered severe harm in a Lyft vehicle accident, you may file a lawsuit against the rideshare company. Lyft's commercial insurance may cover your damages. However, if you think suing is best, discuss it with a personal injury attorney during a free case consultation. The attorney can advise you on the best course of action.
The statute of limitations in Michigan for bringing a personal injury case involving a Lyft is three years. The countdown clock starts ticking on the accident date (Mich. Comp. Laws Section 600.5805).
You can have a group of accomplished attorneys at your disposal at no upfront cost to you. At the Law Offices of Christopher Trainor & Associates, we are fully committed to our clients, and we have the success rate to prove it. Our clients have received compensation exceeding $250 million. Our esteemed team of Michigan lawyers has dedicated years of service to White Lake residents, and we're prepared to serve you, too.
You deserve to have top-notch Michigan car accident lawyers working on your case. Call our law firm at 248-886-8650 for a free consultation.
