The busy Kansas City metro area has hundreds of Lyft drivers shuttling passengers, but this also means there are dozens of car accidents involving rideshares every year.
It can be difficult to receive fair compensation for these personal injury cases due to the complexities of multiple insurance policies and the fact that rideshare drivers are independent contractors rather than employees. Therefore, it is crucial for you to get in touch with Kansas City Lyft accident lawyers as soon as possible.
Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are committed to obtaining the highest compensation for clients involved in Lyft accidents. Our experienced legal team has a proven history of achieving substantial settlements and verdicts in rideshare accident cases.
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
Our Lyft accident attorneys conduct comprehensive investigations to ensure all medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering are fully addressed. Our deep expertise in Lyft accident claims enables us to navigate the complexities effectively and fight vigorously for your rights.
Rideshare vehicles like Lyft represent a convenient alternative to public transportation, and research suggests that alcohol-related traffic accidents have dropped by 6% since ridesharing became popular [1]. However, they are not without their dangers, including rideshare accidents.
In 2019, there were 49 motor vehicle fatalities associated with Lyft, or approximately 0.79 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled [2]. However, this does not provide the full picture.
A study performed by researchers at Rice University and the University of Chicago found a 2 to 4% annual increase in motor vehicle fatalities after the introduction of rideshare services, which represents $10 billion in economic losses due to death [3].
Common Injuries Sustained by Lyft Accident Victims
- Bruises and lacerations
- Traumatic head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Facial injuries
- Sprains and strains
- Eye injuries
- Broken bones
- Amputations
- Burns from spilled fuel
- Paralysis
- Death
Common Causes of Lyft Accidents in Kansas City
- Speeding – A Lyft driver may speed to their next passenger, causing an accident.
- Drunk Driving – A Lyft accident may occur if the rideshare driver, or any other driver, is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Failing to Obey Traffic Laws – If a Lyft driver does not stop at a red light or turns without a green arrow, this can result in serious injuries to pedestrians or passengers.
- Distracted Driving – Texting, checking the Lyft app, or trying to pull up directions can all lead to crashes.
- Reckless Driving – Tailgating or cutting other drivers off may result in a Lyft accident.
- Road Hazards – Potholes or construction raise the risk of a rideshare accident.
- Drowsy Driving – If a rideshare driver is working as a second job, they may be too drowsy to respond in time.
- Weather Conditions – Heavy rain or snow all increase the risk of a Lyft accident.
- Vehicle Malfunctions – Lyft requires their vehicles in Kansas City to be no older than a 2008 [4]. However, the average car only lasts up to 200,000 miles, which would mean only 12,500 miles per year for a 2008 vehicle [5].
Damages Our Kansas City Lyft Accident Attorneys Can Help You Recover
A Kansas City Lyft car accident attorney can assist you in recovering a variety of damages, both economic and non-economic. These can include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Loss of earning potential
- Future medical bills
- Out-of-pocket expenses for medical attention
- Burial expenses for wrongful death
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship in wrongful death cases
Insurance Coverage for Lyft Drivers
Lyft’s insurance policy only covers Lyft vehicles actively engaged in transport of a passenger. This means a Kansas City Lyft rideshare accident lawyer from our law firm may need to negotiate with more than one insurance company to receive a fair settlement on your behalf.
There are several scenarios that will impact which policy is responsible for a Lyft accident, including the following.
The Lyft Driver’s App Is Off – In this instance, the Lyft vehicle is not considered a commercial vehicle, and a driver’s personal auto insurance policy is responsible for a car accident.
The Lyft App Is On – The driver is open to requests from a Lyft passenger, so they are working. Lyft provides limited insurance coverage at this time, including:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 per accident for property damage [6]
The Lyft Driver Is En Route to Pick Up a Passenger – Lyft accidents at this time are covered by the company’s policy, which includes:
- Up to $1,000,000 for third-party liability coverage
- First-party coverage for the driver’s medical bills, as well as uninsured motorist coverage
- Contingent comprehensive collision coverage up to the dollar value of the vehicle, with a $2,500 deductible [6]
The Lyft Driver Is Transporting a Passenger – If there is an accident, the same coverage as when the driver is en route applies. This includes up to $1 million for liability coverage and first-party coverage for a driver who needs to seek medical treatment.
In addition to this coverage, some drivers may have a personal rideshare insurance policy because many personal insurance policies don’t cover commercial activities.
The Legal Process of Filing a Lyft Accident Claim
Our Kansas City Lyft accident law firm will be there with you through all steps of the legal process, which includes the following.
- No Obligation Consultation – We’ll assess whether you have a case, what it may potentially be worth, and advise on next steps.
- Case Investigation – After your free initial consultation, we will verify the facts of the Lyft accident to determine who may be liable.
- Gathering Evidence – A Kansas City Lyft rideshare accident attorney from our law firm will search police reports, medical records, surveillance footage, phone data, and any other relevant information to create a comprehensive picture of how the accident happened and what may have caused it.
- Consulting Experts – We will utilize our extensive contacts to gather expert testimony. For example, we may consult with a medical professional to identify what future medical attention you may need so these can be incorporated into your settlement.
- Insurance Company Negotiation – The insurance carrier may try to avoid paying their fair share for injury claims, but a Lyft accident lawyer from our firm has the skills necessary to secure maximum compensation.
- Trial Preparation – While we are often able to recover compensation through a settlement, it is sometimes necessary to take a case to trial. We’ll prepare all the paperwork and represent you in court, ensuring your legal rights are protected.
The Statute of Limitations for a Lyft Rideshare Accident in Kansas City, Missouri
Under Missouri law, victims have five years from the date of the accident to recover compensation related to car accident claims.
While this may seem like a long time, it’s crucial to contact a personal injury lawyer immediately to establish an attorney-client relationship, as this helps establish your injuries were due to the Lyft accident.
The insurance company may deny claims arising from Lyft accidents if there isn’t clear proof the Lyft driver caused your injuries, and we can help gather this information on your behalf.
Legal Liability for a Lyft Accident Case
A Kansas City Lyft accident personal injury claim is complicated by the fact that Lyft drivers are independent contractors, not employees. This means Lyft is often protected from lawsuits, though their insurance carrier will be liable for claims that fall under the conditions of their policy.
However, our Kansas City car accident lawyers will seek compensation from any party who may be responsible for the accident. This can include the following:
- Lyft Driver – The driver of the vehicle is often held responsible in rideshare accidents, especially if there is any indication of reckless or distracted driving.
- Other Drivers – If another driver was negligent and caused the rideshare accident, we can pursue a settlement from their insurance company.
- Other Companies – Companies may be implicated if the Lyft vehicle was hit by an employee driving a company vehicle.
- Vehicle Manufacturers – In some cases, a vehicle or parts defect contributes to the rideshare accident, and we will seek damages from the manufacturer as well.
How a Kansas City Lyft Accident Lawyer From Our Team Can Help
A Kansas City Lyft accident injury lawyer from our firm will provide comprehensive service for all aspects of a personal injury suit.
We can identify all potentially liable parties and investigate all of your options for compensation, utilizing our experience to assess how much your injuries may be worth and what future medical expenses you may have. By performing our own investigation, we will uncover evidence establishing liability, giving you a better chance of success.
These cases are more complex than others, thanks to the complicated role of auto insurance, which means it’s important to have all the facts. We’ll support your claim by consulting with experts who can provide independent testimony about what happened.
After assessing your injuries and developing a strong case, we’ll negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, so you don’t have to. We have extensive experience in negotiation and are often able to secure a settlement without going to court. However, if necessary, we will represent you in the court system, filing the necessary paperwork and arguing your case.
What Makes Lyft Accident Cases Challenging
As mentioned before, there is a complicated interplay of different insurance policies in these cases. It’s important to know exactly what the rideshare driver was doing at the time of the accident, which requires investigation into their phone records, ensuring their app was active and they were in the process of transporting a passenger.
There may be several liable parties, and every insurance company involved will attempt to diminish their responsibility by miscategorizing the accident. This is why it’s crucial to work with an established Kansas City law firm that can handle all communications between the many different parties and their representatives.
You can contact us at any time for a free consultation so we can explore the factors involved, and a Lyft accident lawyer can get to work on negotiations with the relevant individuals and companies.
The Cost of Hiring a Kansas City Lyft Car Accident Lawyer
A Missouri personal injury lawyer from our firm will work with you on a contingency fee basis, meaning our legal fees will be deducted from your settlement rather than being paid out of pocket. There are no upfront costs, which helps minimize your stress during this difficult time.
Contact a Kansas City Lyft Accident Attorney Today!
If you’ve been in a car accident involving a Lyft vehicle, contact a Kansas City Lyft accident attorney right away to learn more about your legal options. With our proven track record of success, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has recovered millions for our clients. We will meticulously investigate every aspect of your case to ensure all medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering are fully covered. Our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t owe us anything unless we help you recover compensation.
Contact a Lyft accident lawyer in Kansas City today at (888) 424-5757 or online to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can assist you in gaining maximum compensation.
References: [1] National Bureau of Economic Research, [2] Lyft Community Safety Report, [3] Forbes, [4] Lyft, [5] Car and Driver, [6] Lyft