The sharing economy has many people relying upon strangers to perform tasks on their behalf. We book vacation homes through apps like AirBnB, ask dog walkers to look after Fido through apps like Rover and have Postmate drivers run our errands. Of course, the most famous among these sharing economy apps are Lyft and Uber. Revolutionizing the way people get around town, ride-sharing apps can be a lifesaver for anyone who has ever been stranded without a cab in sight.

Unfortunately, though, there are drawbacks to these kinds of business models. When something goes awry, the corporation behind the app often chooses not to take any kind of responsibility. The laws surrounding the gig economy and the independent contractors who work for companies like Lyft are constantly changing. It’s no wonder so many people seek a Lyft accident settlement after being involved in a crash as a passenger. It helps to have an experienced personal injury lawyer that have handled these types of cases.

Ride-Sharing Safety Concerns

We may not give it a second thought, but we rely on Lyft and Uber drivers who are often no more trained or experienced than the average person on the street. Unlike commercial motorists like truck drivers or cabbies, these drivers are independent contractors. Requiring no special certification beyond a driver’s license, Lyft will allow just about anyone to sign up to drive. Many of us regularly place our safety in the hands of a stranger simply by hailing a rideshare car.

Of course, once on the road, Lyft drivers must contend with all the same road hazards faced by motorists each day. Bad weather, changing traffic patterns, reckless drivers and distractions can all lead to a bumpy ride. On top of driving, though, Lyft drivers must also maintain a degree of professionalism with their passengers. This only adds to their sense of distraction. There is also the time factor to consider – many are on a mission to make as much money during their shift as possible, and are willing to blow past speed limits to get passengers to their destinations quickly.

Uber Accident as a Passenger

Car accidents are always scary, but they can be even more unsettling when you’re in the back of a Lyft. Should you suffer serious injuries, your condition could require expensive surgeries and limit your ability to return to work. As with any other crash, you’re likely eager to receive a settlement to cover these expenses. Unfortunately, though, the path towards such a settlement isn’t always clear when ride-sharing drivers are involved. An Uber accident attorney will help you navigate this process.

Much depends on the cause of the accident and which driver is at fault. If the other motorist involved in the wreck rear-ended you, for example, you would file a claim with their insurance company. Should the driver be uninsured, Lyft offers uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage for passengers involved in a wreck.

If the crash was caused by your Lyft driver, though, things become more complicated. You have the right to take legal action against both Lyft and the driver themselves. A Lyft car accident attorney can help you build a case, investigating whether or not the driver had a history of DUIs or if their car met the standards required by Lyft.

After a Lyft Wreck

If you’re feeling unsure about your rights and want to ensure the best possible outcome after a Lyft accident, take a few moments to collect evidence of the crash. Get the full names, phone numbers and addresses of every driver involved. Snap a few photos of the damage done to the cars as well as of your injuries. Collect the insurance and driver’s license information from all drivers involved, and see if any witnesses are willing to go on the record about what they saw. This information can prove invaluable should you need to take legal action. This will make it much easier for a personal injury attorney to build your case.

A Lyft accident settlement is far from guaranteed, no matter how much evidence you collect. Anyone involved in such an incident should speak with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. After being examined by an EMT or doctor, it’s important to find an experienced car accident lawyer who has dealt with ride-sharing collision victims before. With an Uber accident attorney on board, you’ll feel secure knowing that a professional is looking out for your best interests.

A successful personal injury lawyer may be able to recover the costs associated with any injuries you sustain in a Lyft wreck. In addition to the medical bills you might accrue, an Uber accident lawyer can help you recoup costs associated with medications, physical therapy appointments, and even pain and suffering. If you missed work because of your injuries, your settlement could also include the wages you lost out on while recuperating.

How Compensation is Determined Following a Lyft / Uber Accident

Like other personal injury lawsuits, the types of compensation available to those affected as the result of an accident involving a Lyft / Uber falls into two categories: economic damages and non-economic damages. These will be discussed by your personal injury lawyer.

Compensation involving a Lyft / Uber accident damages serves to cover the specific monetary costs, including the following:

• Current Medical Expenses: This may include fees for emergency room visits, hospital care, surgery, assistive devices and appointments with approved medical professionals.
• Future Medical Expenses: Compensation for extended medical attention and care.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for the wages lost between the time of injury and the conclusion of the lawsuit.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: If the victim can demonstrate that their ability to earn a living has been negatively impacted, compensation may be available. The awarding party will look to establish the amount victim could have earned had the car accident not occurred.
• Non-economic: damages compensate the victim and/or family for non-financial, intangible losses, including:
• Pain and Suffering: This includes compensation for the physical pain suffered as a result of injuries sustained in the crash. The nature of the injury, the extent of the pain, and the length of time the victim is expected to suffer are all included in the calculation of the award.
• Mental Anguish: Compensation for emotional pain stemming from a truck accident, including fright, embarrassment, nervousness, worry, grief and other forms of emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Loss of Consortium: Compensation awarded to a spouse, parents, and minor children loss of services, assistance, aid, society, and companionship/care of a loved one, a child, or parents.
• In addition to economic and non-economic damages, punitive damages may be applicable if the defendant’s actions causing the injury were willful, malicious, fraudulent or reckless. Punitive damages serve to punish the offender and dissuade similar behavior in the future.