Hartford may not be the biggest town in Wisconsin, but its proximity to Milwaukee means plenty of residents, travelers, and commuters pass through the area. Many of those people will use a rideshare service like Lyft to get around. Although some may think this is a safer option, accidents are still possible with Lyft vehicles.
Navigating an accident claim involving a Lyft driver is more complex than a typical motor vehicle collision. Liability is a little more confusing because the drivers are independent contractors, and multiple insurance policies may be involved.
Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to securing the maximum compensation for clients involved in Lyft accidents. Our experienced legal team specializes in rideshare accident cases and has a proven track record of obtaining substantial settlements and verdicts.
Fatal rideshare passenger accident
Rideshare passenger shot by driver
Pedestrian hit by a rideshare vehicle
Rideshare driver sexual assault case
Motorcyclist hit by a rideshare vehicle
Hip and foot injury exiting a vehicle
We meticulously investigate each detail of your case to ensure all medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering are fully addressed. Our deep expertise in handling Lyft accident claims allows us to effectively navigate the complexities of these cases and fight vigorously for your rights.
Lyft’s Liability for Accidents in Hartford, WI
Liability is being responsible for a car accident under Wisconsin law, such as breaking traffic laws or driving while drunk. Whoever is found liable for the accident will have to cover compensation for the victim’s damages through their insurance policy or their own assets in some cases. For an accident with a Lyft driver, liability will primarily fall on the driver or other parties involved in the collision.
It is very rare for Lyft to be held liable for an accident caused by one of their drivers. This is because their drivers are not employees but independent contractors. However, Lyft does provide supplemental insurance to cover their drivers in the event of an accident. Its applicability depends on the status of the driver in the rideshare app at the time of the collision.
For example, if the driver was not working for Lyft at the time, then the driver’s personal insurance is the only policy that will be involved. However, if the driver was awaiting ride requests, on the way to a passenger, or transporting a passenger at the time of the collision, Lyft has third-party liability coverage to help cover the victim’s damages. The amounts differ depending on the driver’s status..
Proving Negligence
Proving negligence will require evidence, which is why hiring accident lawyers from our firm is so important. They understand what evidence is needed and how to get it. Proving negligence requires four steps under Wisconsin law:
- Duty of care – The defendant has a legal responsibility to not cause harm to the claimant
- Breach of duty – The defendant violated the duty of care by acting or failing to act properly
- Causation – There is evidence the breach of duty caused the injuries to the claimant
- Damages – The collision caused legal damages, either to the claimant or their surviving family members
Steps to Take After Accidents Involving Lyft Drivers
How you act at the accident scene and in the days following can set up your claim for success. However, if you make any missteps, they could undermine your case and reduce the amount of compensation you can receive, if not a full dismissal.
Here is what you need to do after your accident with a Lyft driver:
- Stay at the scene – Never leave the scene of an accident if property damage or injuries are involved, as this is considered a felony
- Call 911 – Your first priority is to get local authorities on the scene so they can protect the area, alert medical personnel for treatment of injuries, and conduct an investigation of the accident
- Seek medical attention – Medical treatment is important in prioritizing your health and serves as evidence for your claim, so keep records of all medical attention you receive
- Gather information – You should exchange insurance and driver’s license information with the other driver involved, but you should also take pictures of the scene, speak to witnesses, and get a copy of the accident report
- Contact insurance – Depending on your insurance carrier, you may only have 24 hours to notify them about your accident, so it is best to do it before you even leave the scene so you can answer their questions easily
- Consult with a lawyer – The sooner you contact personal injury lawyers from our Hartford Lyft accident law firm, the easier it will be to build your case and recover compensation
How Our Hartford Lyft Accident Attorneys Can Help
Having experienced attorneys from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers on your side is crucial because of how we can assist with your claim.
First, we offer a free consultation so you can ask any questions you have about your case at no charge. Next, we will conduct a thorough investigation to understand the nature of your claim and explore all legal options. Your Hartford Lyft car accident attorney will then collect evidence to support your claim and negotiate with the insurance company for fair compensation.
Though it is rarely necessary, your case could go to court. If that happens, our team will prepare you for the trial and represent your interests throughout the proceeding.
Common Injuries Following Lyft Accidents
The severity of your injuries will affect your medical expenses for treatment, your ability to work, and the total compensation you can recover. A Hartford Lyft rideshare accident attorney from our team will help you assess the impact of your injuries in order to pursue compensation.
Common injuries sustained in these accidents include:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Whiplash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Knee injuries
- Crushed limbs
- Lacerations
- Sprains
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Death
Compensation Our Hartford Lyft Accident Lawyers Can Help You Recover
An insurance settlement can help cover damages resulting from your accident. This is extremely helpful when you are dealing with a difficult financial situation as well as a physical recovery. There are three types of damages our Wisconsin car accident attorneys can help you claim; economic, non-economic, and punitive.
Economic damages include lost wages, medical bills, property damage, lost earning potential, and funeral costs or loss of financial support for surviving family members in wrongful death cases. Non-economic damages are emotional distress, physical pain, disfigurement, disability, loss of enjoyment of life, or loss of companionship in wrongful death claims.
Punitive damages are only awarded if a defendant behaved with malicious intent.
Statute of Limitations for Lyft Accidents
The sooner you hire a Hartford Lyft rideshare accident lawyer from our firm, the better. First, it is much easier to build a strong case right after the collision occurred. Just as importantly, you don’t want to have your case dismissed due to the statute of limitations in Wisconsin.
For most instances of personal injury, you have three years to file from the date of the incident or discovery of the injury. This is also the case for product liability if an accident is caused by a vehicle defect. For wrongful death, the three-year time limit begins on the day the individual dies.
Contact a Hartford Lyft Car Accident Lawyer Who Cares!
Collisions involving rideshare services can be confusing when it comes to filing claims for compensation. That is why you need a Hartford Lyft injury lawyer from our law firm on your side from the very beginning. We will help you build a strong case, collect evidence, and negotiate for the maximum settlement to cover your damages. Our team also works on a contingency fee basis, which means we only receive payment when we win your case.
Whether your accident was caused by a violation of traffic laws, a vehicle defect, or a distracted driver, contact us today at 888-424-5757 or fill out our online form to get your free consultation with Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers.