For many in Colorado, rideshare companies like Lyft have simplified getting around without needing to rent or own a car. Unfortunately, there are downsides to the easy access to transportation Lyft offers. These vehicles are not immune to collisions, and the repercussions these accidents could have are tremendous.
Injuries can stem from a rideshare crash in a variety of ways. The driver of the Lyft and their passengers are at risk for injury, as are any other motorists involved in the crash.
If you are involved in a Lyft accident in Colorado, you have the right to seek monetary compensation for your injuries. Pursuing these claims is rarely simple, but success can lead to the compensation you are entitled to. To learn more about your legal options, contact accidentdenver.com today.
Common Neck and Back Injuries in Lyft Accidents
Knowledge of the type and severity of beck or back injuries can be useful if you are pursuing a Lyft accident. Below, we review the neck and back injuries that are commonly associated with these collisions.
Soft Tissue Damage
Typically, the least-severe injuries a person could suffer to their neck or back in a Lyft accident involve soft tissue injuries. That does not mean these wounds cannot be significant. A soft tissue injury involves strain or tearing in the tendons or muscles in the back or neck. These injuries can be frustrating to treat as they offer limited or no outward signs of injury.
Whiplash
One of the most common neck injuries resulting from a Lyft accident is known as whiplash. This injury occurs when a sudden impact causes a person's head and neck to snap backward and then whip forward in short succession. This whipping motion is where name of the injury was derived. Whiplash involves soft tissue damage to the connective tissue, ligament, and muscles in the neck.
Herniated Discs
Due to the immense force common in Lyft accidents, it is possible for these collisions to compress the discs in a person's back. This compression can pinch and damage nerves in the process. This type of injury is known as a herniated disk. These compressed nerves can be painful and also lead to numbness. In some cases, surgery is necessary to correct these injuries.
Spinal Fractures
In serious cases, the spine could fracture. These fractures can occur in more than one way. Compression fractures occur when the force of an accident compresses vertebrae, causing them to crack. Alternatively, fractures also occur in the lumbarand thoracic vertebrae near the base of the spine. These fractures can occur when the body is twisted or rotated suddenly.
Spondylolisthesis
Spinal fractures can also lead to another type of back injury known as Spondylolisthesis. This condition occurs when a fracture causes vertebrae to shift out of alignment. These broken pieces of vertebrae press into the nerves of the spine, causing numbness, pain, or weakness. In some cases, this injury can make it difficult to walk.
Spinal Cord Damage
Arguably the most severe neck or back injury involves damage to the spinal cord. This spinal cord is the bundle of nerves connecting from the hips to the base of the brain. Damage to the spinal cord could result in temporary or permanent paralysis. In a worst-case scenario, these injuries can be fatal.
Challenges in Pursuing a Lyft Accident Lawsuit
The nature of a Lyft Accident can shape the amount of compensation you are entitled to recover. This amount will depend on the facts surrounding the collision. In accidents that involve catastrophic injuries like spinal cord damage or paralysis, your financial needs could be substantial moving forward.
At their core, these claims are similar to other vehicle accident claims. You will need to establish that the Lyft driver or the company itself was negligent with the help of a rideshare accident lawyer. You must also show the link between your injuries and these negligent acts.
There are some unique complications in prevailing on a Lyft accident claim. In many cases, there could be multiple overlapping insurance policies. Lyft provides liability insurance for their drivers in many cases, but the level of available coverage can change depending on the circumstances. For example, a driver could have more insurance coverage if they are transporting a customer as opposed to looking for an active ride.
In other cases, the insurance company could claim Lyft's policies were not applicable at all. In accidents involving serious injuries, this could make obtaining the compensation you need difficult. While the driver is required to have their own individual policy, the policy limits are typically far lower than what is offered by Lyft's insurance.
Determining Compensation
Determining the amount of compensation available in a Lyft accident claim will depend on the severity of your injuries. While your medical bills that result immediately after a crash will play an important part in your case, it is important to note other factors are also important. Your attorney should also consider the severe emotional and financial impacts a Lyft crash can have.
To recover monetary compensation, you will have to do more than demonstrate the Lyft driver was responsible for the crash. You will also have to establish your losses stemming from the collision and prove how much these damages are worth. Ultimately, the value of the damages in your case would be determined at trial. Some of the types of compensation that could be available in a Lyft accident claim include:
- Past and future medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Personal property loss
- Diminished earning capacity
- Disfigurement
How a Colorado Lyft Accident Attorney Could Help
Despite the unique complications that come with pursuing compensation after Lyft accident, the good news is that these claims are often successful. It is only fair that Lyft or their driver face responsibility for an accident you played no part in causing.
If you have suffered neck or back injuries in a Denver Lyft accident, do not hesitate to contact accidentdenver.com today at 303-642-8888 for a free consultation. We look forward to hearing from you.