Lyft is one of the many ridesharing services that help ease our commutes here in Frisco. Unfortunately, that does not mean all their drivers behave responsibly on the road. You might find yourself involved in an accident caused by a negligent one.
Like any car crash, Lyft accidents can cost you thousands of dollars. However, you can work with a Frisco Lyft accident lawyer from Underwood Law Office and file for damages against the Lyft driver or Lyft itself. Let us look at your compensation options and how the attorney can help in your Collin or Denton County injury case.
Frisco Lyft Drivers Must Carry Liability Coverage
Lyft accident victims can typically proceed first with a liability claim with Lyft or the driver’s insurance provider. As with all rideshare services operating in Texas, Lyft must follow the state’s auto insurance laws while operating here in Frisco. This means they must provide auto liability coverage if their drivers cause an accident while logged on to Lyft’s app.
The coverage limits differ depending on whether the driver is engaged in a ride or not:
- If the driver has no passengers but is waiting for ride requests or going to pick up a passenger, Lyft must provide 50/100/25 liability coverage as mandated in Texas Insurance Code Section 1954.052.
- If the driver has passengers, the liability coverage increases to $1,000,000 as per Texas Insurance Code Section 1954.053.
What if the Driver Is Offline?
Both Lyft and Texas insurance laws consider the drivers off-duty if they have not logged on to the Lyft app yet. That means the Lyft driver’s own auto insurance provider will cover the damages in a liability claim. Frisco drivers must have at least maintained a 30/60/25 coverage policy.
The Frisco Lyft accident lawyer can help compile evidence of the driver’s fault and the damages you suffered. These can include dashcam footage, photographs, and medical records. They can also help present the claim to the insurance provider.
For a free legal consultation with a lyft accidents lawyer serving Frisco, call (972) 535-6377
Can You Take the Lyft Accident Case to Court Instead?
An accident lawsuit is usually the next option if the insurance claim does not work out. For example, the Lyft driver’s policy limits might not be enough to cover all your damages. Your Lyft accident may be tricky if another driver caused your collision while you were a passenger in a Lyft vehicle.
However, note that reaching a verdict takes time and likely several court proceedings if the Lyft accident lawsuit is complex. In any case, the Lyft accident lawyer can represent and guide you for the whole duration.
Settling Through Arbitration
It is also possible that your case never reaches the courtroom if you and the other party agree to try and settle the Lyft accident dispute through arbitration. However, your lawyer can still advise and speak on your behalf when presenting your side of the matter during private settlements.
Frisco Lyft Accident Lawyer Near Me (972) 535-6377
Recoverable Damages in Frisco Lyft Accidents
If the Frisco Lyft accident case settles successfully, you can recover damages for your expenses and suffering. We respectively refer to them as economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
As economic damages compensate for financial losses, you will want to compile records of your accident-related costs. This will help your Lyft accident lawyer estimate your total case value later.
Some common economic damages include:
- Hospitalizations, treatments, and prescription medications
- Auto repairs
- Lost past and future income
- Replacement services, such as chauffeur or cleaning services
- Funeral and burial expenses
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages usually depend on how severe your medical condition is. Non-economic damages can have severe repercussions, and your life might not ever be the same. Although these damages don’t have a specific value, we can still seek compensation for these losses.
Your Lyft accident lawyer can review your case to asses your damages and determine what you can pursue in a claim or settlement. This way, they can also estimate your non-economic damages. Some types of these damages are:
- Psychological trauma
- Chronic physical pain
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of guidance and companionship
Partial Liability Can Reduce Recovery
Being partly liable for the Frisco Lyft accident can reduce your recoverable damages due to the state’s comparative fault laws. The deducted amount depends on how much fault percentage you share for the car crash.
For instance, if the Lyft driver is 65 percent liable while you are 35 percent at fault, Lyft or the driver should only pay 65 percent of your total damages. However, you cannot recover damages if you share more than 50 percent liability for the Lyft accident.
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Time Limits for Filing Frisco Lyft Accident Cases
Your Frisco Lyft accident action follows the same statute of limitations as all other accident cases. According to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003, you have two years to file for damages. Unfortunately, you cannot recover damages once your time limit is up, so working sooner than later would be the wiser choice.
However, your Lyft accident lawyer can check for tolling exceptions which could move your deadline. For example, if you file a case for your child, the statute clock will not start until they reach 18. Meanwhile, if the Lyft driver flees from Texas, the clock will pause until they return to the state.
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One of Our Lawyers Is Here to Assist You
The legal team at Underwood Law Office stands ready to help you take legal action and recover from your losses if you recently had an accident with a Frisco Lyft driver.
Having worked on injury and accident cases throughout Texas since 1997, we can use our decades of experience to better study your situation and guide you accordingly. We have a Frisco Lyft accident lawyer ready to take your case. For a free case evaluation with a team member, call now.
Call or text (972) 535-6377 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
