There were 709 million rides booked through Lyft in 2023, underscoring the popularity of this ridesharing service [1]. While Lyft claims that only 0.0002% of rides result in a safety incident, Lyft accident injuries can be life-changing [2].
While Lyft’s insurance company may refuse to provide the compensation injured victims deserve, our Wisconsin Lyft accident lawyers are here to assist those who have been injured in accidents involving a Lyft driver, offering our negotiation skills and legal representation.
Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are devoted to securing the highest compensation for clients involved in Lyft accidents. Our experienced legal team has a strong record of achieving substantial settlements and verdicts in rideshare accident cases.Â
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
We conduct thorough investigations to ensure all medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering are fully covered. With our deep expertise in Lyft accident claims, we fight tirelessly to protect your rights and ensure your financial recovery.Â
Lyft Accident Laws in Wisconsin
Our Wisconsin Lyft accident attorneys will help you navigate the nuances of the claims process, including your legal rights and who may be considered liable.
Liability in Lyft Accidents
An experienced attorney can determine potentially liable parties for a Lyft auto accident, including the following:
- Lyft Driver – You can obtain compensation from the driver if they acted negligently, such as texting while driving.
- Other Driver – In many cases, it is the other driver’s fault; for example, they may have been speeding or driving under the influence.Â
- Parts Manufacturer – In an accident caused by a vehicle malfunction, our Lyft accident lawyers may seek compensation from the manufacturers.
- Pedestrians – Pedestrians who jaywalk and cause accidents can also be held liable.Â
- Lyft – It is not always possible to sue Lyft directly, but if our Wisconsin Lyft accident law firm can show they allowed a driver to work with them despite a track record of poor driving, it may be possible to pursue compensation from them.Â
Passenger Rights
Every passenger in a Lyft vehicle has the right to safety. Lyft has several policies in place to protect passengers and drivers, including a no-weapons policy and mandating drivers complete a Community Safety Education program before driving for the platform [3].
Those injured in an accident involving Lyft also have the right to seek legal representation and pursue damages in a court of law, just as they would for any other car accident.
Time Limits for Filing a Claim in Wisconsin
Under Wisconsin law, you have 3 years from the date of the injury to pursue damages in a personal injury lawsuit.
However, the statute of limitations is only 2 years for wrongful death if the person passed away due to a car accident.
Finding the Right Wisconsin Lyft Accident Lawyer
Working with a Wisconsin Lyft accident injury lawyer from our law firm provides you with the best possible chance of receiving compensation for your accident, as we have a proven track record of success. We’ve recovered millions in compensation for our clients, and we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we win your case.
Our extensive network of experts across the Midwest means we can gather expert testimony to support your case. We also have strong investigative skills and will utilize all evidence possible in support of your claim.
Because these cases are so complicated, and because there are multiple insurance policies potentially involved, having a skilled negotiator who can coordinate with all these parties is crucial to ensuring you receive the highest possible settlement.
What to Do After a Lyft Accident in Wisconsin
It is crucial to act fast after an accident involving a Lyft vehicle to ensure your safety and your eligibility for damages. Follow these steps as soon as possible.
Seek Medical Attention
Because car accidents can result in serious injuries, you should always receive medical care as soon as possible after the crash. This will also establish your injuries are the result of the Lyft crash and not anything unrelated, as insurance companies will try to claim.
Report the Accident to Lyft
After an accident, you should report the incident to Lyft, either through their app or online. On the app, navigate to the “Report a safety issue” section, then click through to “Accident, damage, or unsafe ride.” Select “accident,” and a representative will get in contact with you to guide you through the claim. You can also submit a report on the Lyft website.
Gather Evidence
Take photos of the accident, including any damage to the vehicles and your injuries. You should also get the contact information and insurance policies of all drivers involved. Request a copy of the police report and gather your medical reports, which will help show you were injured at the time of the accident.
Contact a Lyft Accident Lawyer
Contact a Wisconsin Lyft rideshare accident attorney from our firm for a free consultation. Â We will guide you through the next steps, including talking to the insurance company and filing a claim.
Building Your Lyft Accident Claim
A Wisconsin Lyft car accident attorney from our team will assist you throughout the process of building your claim, which includes the following steps.
Proving Negligence
To receive damages, your Lyft accident lawyer must be able to prove that one or more parties were negligent. This includes four factors.
- Duty of Care – The other party had a responsibility to act safely, such as not texting while driving or staying sober.
- Breach of Duty – The liable party failed to uphold this duty of care; for example, this could include speeding or tailgating.
- Causation – The accident would not have occurred, or would not have been as severe, if they had acted responsibly.
- Damages – You suffered some sort of loss as a result of the accident.Â
Calculating Damages
Your Lyft accident lawyer will work to calculate the damages you may be entitled to based on the financial losses suffered. This can include things such as extensive time off work, the severity of your injuries, and the impact on your life.
There are several types of damages: economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages.
Economic damages are the financial burdens caused by the accident, such as:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Out-of-pocket medical expenses
- Loss of earning potential
- Future medical needs
- Property damage
- Burial expenses
Non-economic damages involve the social and emotional impact of the accident, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship
- Inconvenience
- Disability
Punitive damages may also be awarded in court if it can be established the liable party intended to cause personal injury to the victim.
Negotiating with the Insurance Company
While any personal injury case will likely involve negotiation with an insurance company, Lyft car accidents are more difficult because of the different insurance policies involved. This makes it even more important to work with an accomplished Wisconsin Lyft rideshare accident lawyer from our firm in order to ensure you can recover compensation.
If a car accident occurs when the Lyft driver is offline, then their personal auto insurance is responsible for covering damages.
However, the ridesharing company has insurance coverage that pays when accidents happen while drivers are transporting passengers. This includes bodily injury coverage and contingent comprehensive coverage for property damage.
When someone is injured in a Lyft vehicle, every insurance company involved will attempt to diminish responsibility or encourage the victim to settle for less than what they deserve. With our legal assistance, you have the best possible chance of receiving fair compensation, as we are familiar with their negotiation tactics and will use evidence to show you are owed a certain amount.
Taking Your Lyft Accident Case to Court
In some cases, it may be necessary for your Wisconsin Lyft car accident lawyer to take a case to court. This occurs if we are not able to come to an agreement with the relevant insurance carrier.
We will guide you through the process, filing the paperwork and representing you in front of the court by providing the evidence we have gathered throughout our investigation. As the legal system can be incredibly complicated, having a car accident lawyer by your side eases the stress and ensures that you have the greatest chance at receiving fair compensation.
Contact a Wisconsin Lyft Accident Attorney Today!
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we meticulously investigate each detail to ensure all medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering are fully addressed. With our deep expertise in Lyft accident claims, we effectively navigate the complexities of these cases, fighting vigorously for your rights. We work on a contingency fee basis, so we’re only paid if we win a settlement for you.Â
Contact us at (888) 424-5757 or online to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help you get justice for a Lyft auto accident.Â
References: [1] Lyft, [2] Lyft, [3] Lyft, [4] Bad Intersections, [5] Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, [6] Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, [7] City of Madison Traffic Engineering DivisionÂ