Rideshare companies like Lyft have fundamentally changed the nature of transportation in Sugar Hill and the greater Atlanta metro area. However, some Lyft drivers are inexperienced, and the stressful nature of the job can precipitate accidents due to negligent driving.
If you have injuries from a recent Lyft accident, you should speak with a Sugar Hill rideshare accident lawyer from John Foy & Associates. We can pursue financial compensation from the parties responsible for your injuries.
Learn why we are known as The Strong Arm™ throughout Georgia. Contact our offices today to speak to our Lyft accident lawyers in Sugar Hill.
Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer After a Lyft Accident in Sugar Hill
Whether you are a passenger who was injured on a Lyft trip or another motorist injured by a Lyft driver, you need a lawyer to provide legal representation. The law in Georgia entitles you to recover financial compensation for your injuries, but you must use the appropriate legal channels.
A personal injury lawyer in Sugar Hill can provide legal guidance and handle filing an insurance claim on your behalf. Rideshare companies like Lyft have complex insurance coverage requirements, but an attorney can investigate your case and negotiate with insurers on a final monetary settlement.
Causes of Lyft Accidents in Sugar Hill
Below are some of the most common causes of Lyft accidents in Sugar Hills:
- Unfamiliar roadways. Lyft drivers must frequently navigate unfamiliar, new roads while transporting passengers. They may cause accidents by slowing down or making sudden turns.
- Distracted driving. Lyft drivers have several distractions in their vehicles (e.g., passengers, GPS navigation, checking the Lyft app, radio, etc.), which can cause accidents if they take their attention off the road.
- Driver fatigue. Lyft pays drivers by trip, so drivers are incentivized to take as many trips as possible to maximize payment. Unfortunately, this means that some drivers fatigue themselves and may fall asleep at the wheel.
- Unsafe drop–off/pickup locations. Lyft drivers must pick up and drop people off quickly, so they may choose unsafe spots, like intersections or lanes with traffic.
Who Is Responsible for Lyft Accidents?
Georgia is an at-fault state, which means the person who caused the accident is the one who pays for the victim’s injuries. If you were a Lyft passenger, you likely won’t have to worry about proving you weren’t at fault. However, motorists will have to show their lack of culpability.
Three main parties can be liable for a Lyft accident:
Lyft Driver
If the accident was due to a Lyft driver, you can file a claim with their liability insurance. Lyft offers liability insurance for its drivers, but coverage is only active during certain periods.
Lyft defines three periods for its insurance coverage:
- Period 1 – Driver not logged into the app. If the driver is not logged into the app, their personal auto policy applies.
- Period 2 – Driver logged in, waiting to accept a ride. Lyft offers secondary liability coverage during period 2 equal to $50,000 per injury, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 in property liability coverage.
- Period 3 – Driver accepted a ride or has a passenger in the vehicle. When the driver is en route or has a passenger in the vehicle, Lyft provides up to $1 million for injuries and property damage.
Note that during period 2, Lyft coverage is secondary. This means you must first file a claim with the driver’s personal auto insurance before you can use Lyft insurance to pay for excess losses. During period three, though, Lyft coverage is primary.
Negligent Motorists
Lyft accidents may also be caused by other negligent motorists, including passenger vehicles and trucks. If a negligent motorist causes the accident, you can file a claim with their liability insurance.
Auto Part Defects
Defective auto parts, like tires or brakes, can also cause Lyft accidents. If a defective product caused the accident, you could file a product liability lawsuit against the vehicle manufacturer and other entities involved in the supply chain.
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Can I Sue Lyft Directly for Accidents in Sugar Hill?
Lyft drivers are independent contractors in Georgia, not employees, so Lyft isn’t vicariously liable for accidents due to driver negligence. However, you can still directly sue the company if its negligence contributed to your injuries.
For instance, if Lyft knew one of its drivers had a history of accidents and didn’t remove them from the platform, it could be liable for any injuries the driver causes. Negligence in hiring can be grounds for a personal injury lawsuit against the company.
Compensation You Can Recover in a Lyft Accident Lawsuit
Depending on your circumstances, a Lyft accident attorney in Sugar Hill can pursue compensation for the following injury-related losses:
- Emergency medical bills and future medical expenses
- Lost work income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish
- Cost of repairing or replacing damaged property
- Value of replacement services (e.g., childcare, transportation, etc.)
How Long Do I Have to File a Lyft Accident Lawsuit?
OCGA 9-3-33 gives you a maximum of two years from the injury date to file a Lyft accident lawsuit. If your injuries were hidden, the two-year timer instead starts counting from the date you discovered your condition.
In addition to filing the lawsuit, you must also serve the at-fault individual with the appropriate notice. If you miss the deadline for either of these requirements, your legal claim to damages will become null and void.
John Foy & Associates: Sugar Hill Lyft Accident Lawyers
Lyft accidents can raise complicated questions about liability and accident fault, but an experienced attorney can answer them for you. John Foy & Associates has recovered over $1 billion for deserving clients and can help you file a claim for your rideshare accident.
We are known as The Strong Arm™ in Georgia thanks to our unceasing advocacy for clients. Send us a message online or call today to speak to a Sugar Hill Lyft accident lawyer.
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