Pensacola Lyft Accident Attorney
Lyft Accident Lawyers Serving Pensacola, FL
Lyft began as a proposed alternative to professional taxi services and other forms of public transportation. The ridesharing service allows drivers utilizing their own personal vehicles to serve as contractors, picking up Pensacola passengers and transporting them to their destinations, all with the help of a patented app. Lyft has also helped many an intoxicated person arrive home safely without endangering others. However, Lyft drivers are equally, or more, susceptible to causing accidents, and when they do, it can be difficult to determine liability. If you or a loved one experienced injuries in a Pensacola Lyft accident, contact a Pensacola Lyft Accident Attorney to discuss your potential compensation.
Why Choose Us?
- Our lawyer, Michael E. Fenimore, is a former insurance company defense lawyer with unique insight into exactly how insurance companies behave while assessing personal injury claims.
- Since 2011, our firm has successfully settled hundreds of Pensacola area personal injury and Lyft accident claims, resulting in millions of dollars recovered for our clients.
- Our firm’s excellent relationship with multiple area judges and attorneys speaks to the well-established, solid reputation we have built in Pensacola.
Why You Need an Attorney
Lyft accidents can result in serious injuries for passengers, exposing you to the potential for extended physical pain, financial burden, and emotional stress. During what is potentially the most difficult time in your life, a court case or lengthy insurance claim battle can prove to be taxing, particularly if you have little to no experience with such circumstances. An experienced Lyft attorney can help. Your attorney can file all necessary paperwork and obtain pertinent documents while you recover from your injuries. The attorney can investigate your case, assess potential liability, and act on your behalf to ensure the courts have all the necessary information. Finally, obtaining an attorney increases your chances of recovering the maximum settlement for your damages.
Common Causes of Lyft Accidents
Lyft drivers experience the same road conditions as the average Florida driver. However, rideshare drivers prove more susceptible to car accidents when accessing the essential Lyft app for making their next pickup. Lyft accidents can occur for many reasons:
- Distracted driving on the part of the Lyft driver
- Distracted driving on the part of another person
- Poor road conditions and missing signage
- Reckless driving
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Failure to yield
- Improper turning
Whether your accident resulted from the Lyft driver’s error or the negligence of a third-party driver, a Pensacola Lyft accident attorney can help you assess the cause of the accident. If another party’s negligent behavior caused the accident, you may have grounds for an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. A Pensacola car accident lawyer can also assist you with filing your claim and pursuing any potential compensation.
Is Someone Liable for Your Damages?
Florida is a no-fault car insurance state, meaning that drivers experiencing car accidents must file claims with their own personal injury protection, or PIP, insurance coverage to obtain compensation for medical bills and expenses. You may only seek compensation from someone else if you obtained severe injuries. Severe injuries include:
- Bone fractures
- Significant or permanent limitation of your use of an organ or limb
- Significant limitation of your use of a particular body system
- Significant disfiguring injuries
- Disability for at least 90 days
If your accident caused you severe injuries, you may pursue an insurance claim or lawsuit against the Lyft driver’s insurance policy, or the third-party driver who caused the accident. If the Lyft driver caused the accident but does not have sufficient insurance to cover your losses, Lyft’s own insurance should provide coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions for Lyft Accidents in Pensacola, Florida
What should I do immediately after a Lyft accident in Pensacola?
After a Lyft accident in Pensacola, prioritize your safety and health. Seek medical attention for any injuries, even if they seem minor. Report the accident to the police to ensure an official record is created. Gather evidence by taking photos of the scene, vehicles, and any injuries, and collect contact information from witnesses. Notify Lyft through their app or website about the incident. Documenting these details can help when pursuing a claim.
How does insurance work for Lyft accidents in Florida?
In Florida, Lyft provides insurance coverage for its drivers, which varies depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident (e.g., offline, en route to a passenger, or carrying a passenger). This coverage may include liability for bodily injury and property damage. Florida’s no-fault insurance laws require drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP), but Lyft’s commercial insurance may apply in certain cases. Understanding the specific circumstances of the accident is key to determining which insurance applies.
What types of compensation can I seek after a Lyft accident in Pensacola?
If you’re injured in a Lyft accident, you may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. The amount and type of compensation depend on the accident’s circumstances, such as the severity of injuries and who was at fault. Florida’s comparative negligence laws may affect your claim if you share responsibility for the accident.
How long do I have to file a claim for a Lyft accident in Florida?
In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim related to a Lyft accident is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, certain factors, such as the involvement of a commercial entity like Lyft, may complicate the process. Acting promptly ensures evidence is preserved and deadlines are met.
Who can be held liable in a Lyft accident in Pensacola?
Liability in a Lyft accident depends on the circumstances. Potentially liable parties include the Lyft driver, another driver involved in the accident, or even Lyft itself if negligence, such as inadequate driver screening, is a factor. Determining fault requires a thorough investigation of the accident details, police reports, and witness statements.
Contact Our Firm Today
Michael E. Fenimore, P.A. works hard to achieve the best possible results for every client that comes to us. Our experience with insurance companies and personal injury law improve your chances of obtaining a fair settlement for your damages. Whether you believe a Lyft driver or another driver caused your injuries, it is important to contact an attorney to discuss your next steps. Contact our Pensacola Lyft Accident Attorney today to request your zero-obligation consultation.
