Rideshare drivers owe passengers and their fellow motorists a substantial duty of care when they take to the road. Why? Because the passengers who use rideshare services like Lyft put a considerable amount of trust in their drivers. As such, Lyft drivers need to make sure to abide by Indiana’s roadway laws if they want to uphold their duty.Unfortunately, it’s all too easy for a Lyft driver to let their duty fall by the wayside. Distracted driving, intoxicated driving, and a deliberate refusal to obey roadway laws can see Lyft drivers cause serious accidents throughout Indiana. Fortunately, Indiana’s Lyft accident lawyers are here to help rideshare accident victims recover from their losses.If you’re struggling to get your life back on track after a Lyft accident, get in touch with Vaughan & Vaughan’s car accident lawyers in Indiana. We can help you file a lawsuit against the party responsible for your recent accident.
When to Call an Indiana Lyft Crash Lawyer
It's in your best interest to contact an Indiana personal injury lawyers as soon as you can after your initial accident. Why? Even if you decide you don't want to take legal action against a liable driver or lift as a company, attorneys can help you manage your recovery. We can make sure that you communicate effectively with insurance claims adjusters and express the severity of your losses to police officers.We can also mediate with a liable party on your behalf. You, in turn, can focus on working with emergency responders to treat any of your most pressing injuries without sacrificing your right to investigate the scene of your accident for signs of misconduct.
Insurance Claims and Lyft Accidents
On-duty Lyft drivers benefit from insurance provided by the company. Off-duty drivers have an obligation to maintain Indiana's minimum liability insurance or greater coverage. What does this mean for you? The driver who hit you, whether or not they are deemed legally liable for your losses, should have the insurance coverage needed to help you pay your most pressing bills.You, in turn, have the right to file an insurance claim with an applicable party’s provider.Passengers in a Lyft at the time of an accident can file insurance claims with Lyft’s provider. Other drivers hit by an on-duty Lyft driver can also file insurance claims with the company providing Lyft with coverage.If you’re hit by an off-duty Lyft driver or a driver not eligible for Lyft’s coverage, you may file a claim with that individual’s insurance company. Should the driver not have the state’s minimum liability coverage or otherwise adequate insurance, you may not have financial recourse available through you outside of the legal system.
How to Take Legal Action After a Lyft Accident
Unfortunately, insurance companies aren't always quick to offer you the financial support you need to get back on your feet after an accident with a rideshare. If you are struggling to get the financial support you need, you can work with an Indiana Lyft accident attorney to file a personal injury claim citing your damages with the state's civil judges.This process requires you to bring forward evidence proving that a liable party not only owed you would do to give care but also violated that duty through reckless behavior or otherwise avoidable negligence.So long as you bring your claim forward within the state statute of limitations, as outlined in Indiana Code section 34-11-2-4, you may make a demand for damages.
Negotiating for Support Versus Going to Trial
Filing a personal entry claim does not mean that you commit to going to trial. Even if you do go to trial, there's a good chance that you may go to a bench trial with only a judge instead of a traditional jury trial. However, filing a personal injury claim after a rideshare accident gives you the opportunity to control how your case progresses.This means that you can request that your attorney arrange out-of-court meetings with a liable party and their representation. You can use these meetings to discuss the nature of your losses and advocate for your rights to a fair settlement. If the liable party acknowledged their role in your losses, you may receive a settlement within weeks of your accident.Companies like Lyft often prefer to settle out of court to avoid the media attention that comes with a civil trial. However, independent drivers may want to defend themselves against the financial responsibility that comes with paying for your accident. As such, if you find yourself working with a belligerent liable party, you may have to go to trial.You can discuss what to expect from these processes when you meet with our attorneys for a free case evaluation.
Let an Experienced Attorney Advocate for You
You shouldn’t have to shoulder the cost of recovering from a Lyft accident alone. If you can trace your accident-related losses back to a Lyft driver’s negligence, you may have the right to file a personal injury claim with Indiana’s civil courts. The circumstances that led to your accident may allow you to hold the driver or Lyft itself responsible for your financial recovery.If you have questions about your right to a lawsuit or the damages you deserve for your losses, let Vaughan & Vaughan know. Our team can pursue an investigation into your accident on your behalf. All the while, we can prioritize efforts that maximize your right to rideshare accident compensation.Reach out to book a FREE rideshare accident case evaluation before your statute of limitations expires.
Exceptional Truck Accident Knowledge
Attorney Charles J. Vaughan is the only lawyer in the State of Indiana to hold a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). This distinction provides our clients with a clear advantage in trucking and other commercial vehicle accident cases.