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Lyft Passenger Injuries

Motor vehicle accidents are one of the most common causes of serious injuries in Colorado. From cars to trucks to motorcycles, these accidents can occur anywhere. With the explosion in popularity of ridesharing apps like Lyft, a growing number of these collisions involve rideshare operators.

You could have a viable injury claim if you are injured by a negligent Lyft driver. This is true if you were a customer taking a Lyft ride or if you were struck by a rideshare operator while driving your own car.

These injuries have the potential to have life-altering consequences. If you are suffering from serious injuries after a Lyft accident, it is important you take steps to protect your claim. Even the strongest personal injury claim can be unsuccessful if you do not protect your legal rights. Contact accidentdenver.com right away to learn more about pursuing your claim.

Lyft Accidents and the Parties They Impact

Every accident involving a Lyft driver is different. The circumstances regarding how these accidents occur can vary, but the potential for monetary compensation exists in each of them.

One of the most common situations that can result in a personal injury claim involves a Lyft passenger suffering injuries in an accident. These cases differ from many motor vehicle accidents given that liability is not an issue. The chances that a rideshare passenger played in any part in causing a vehicle accident are low, which primarily makes these claims center around damages. That does not mean recovering the compensation you deserve is guaranteed. The defense will work tirelessly to challenge the amount of compensation you are claiming. This is true even though Lyft's liability insurance policies carry a maximum of $1 million in coverage. In addition, Lyft drivers are required to carry their own insurance policies independent of the coverage Lyft provides.

Passengers are not the only parties that could be injured by a Lyft driver's negligence. These accidents could also affect anyone that Lyft drivers share the road with. Motorists, cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians could all sustain serious injuries in a collision with a Lyft driver. Unlike with passenger injuries, these claims frequently lead to a fight over liability. It is not uncommon for both drivers in these claims to place the blame on each other. If you can establish that the Lyft driver was responsible for the accident that caused your injuries, you could be entitled to substantial monetary damages.

Pursuing a Lyft Accident Injury Claim

There are a number of elements you have to prove in order to succeed in a Lyft accident negligence claim. Not only must you prove the Lyft driver caused your accident, you must also demonstrate the amount of damages you are entitled to.

There are two ways to succeed with your injury claim. The first is to reach a negotiated settlement with the Lyft driver or their insurance company. Failing that, your other option is to obtain a judgment at trial.

Potential Damages

Before you can pursue a claim for compensation, you must first understand the type of damages you intend to seek. Not all injury cases are alike, which means the compensation available to you depends on the specific facts of your case.

A Colorado Lyft accident lawyer can assist you with evaluating your claim to determine the compensation you are entitled to. While this typically starts with your medical bills, it can also the subjective losses that come with an injury like your pain and suffering. Some examples of damages available in a successful Lyft accident claim include:

  • Medical bills
  • Pain and suffering
  • Lost wages
  • Disability
  • Disfigurement
  • Diminished future earning capacity
  • Mental anguish

Determining the value of your injury claim generally begins with seeking medical treatment. Not only can prompt medical care protect your health, it can also provide the documentation you will need to prove your damages in court.

The Possibility of Settlement

Once you and your attorney have determined what your claim is worth, your next step is often to attempt a negotiated settlement. This often occurs early on in the process. In some cases, injury claims are resolved through a settlement in short order. In other cases, a case will nearly go to trial before the two sides can hammer out a deal.

The first opportunity to resolve the case usually comes with the plaintiff's demand letter. A demand letter is written correspondence from the plaintiff to the defendant or their insurance company. This letter outlines the injuries the plaintiff has suffered and offers to resolve the claim without a lawsuit if their financial demands are met.

Resolving a case typically requires more than just sending a letter. To show the insurance company that you are entitled to compensation, your best bet is to investigate your claim as if you were certain it would go to trial. With a strong case behind you, the chances of a fair settlement increase dramatically.

Moving Forward with Litigation

While most injury claims settle, some are destined to result in a lawsuit. This can occur for many reasons. When Lyft's insurance carriers are involved, it often means they are disputing that their driver was at fault. In some cases, a settlement will be impossible because the Lyft driver was not covered under the company policy and lacks the assets to pay a settlement out of pocket.

Statute of Limitations

While you have some flexibility when it comes to bringing an injury lawsuit against a Lyft driver, you must be aware of the statute of limitations. This legal deadline can prevent you from bringing your claim if you wait too long following the date of the accident. For an injury case based on a negligence claim in Colorado, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit.

Work with a Colorado Lyft Accident Injury Lawyer

Maximizing your financial compensation after an accident with a Lyft driver is possible with the help of the right attorney. Get started on your claim by contacting accidentdenver.com online or calling 303-642-8888 to schedule a consultation.

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