What To Do After A Lyft Accident In Santa Monica?
Lyft accidents are more common than you think.
The influx of Lyft drivers working to earn an extra buck has led to a dramatic rise in the number of traffic accidents and deaths. The rather low compensation rates lead to ridesharing drivers to be more aggressive in efforts to land more fares.
If you’re involved in an accident caused by a Lyft driver, the best course of action is similar to what you would do if you’re in an accident with another typical driver: move your car to a safe location (if possible), call the police to report the accident, and check the medical condition of everyone involved – especially yourself. Once the dust is settled, you should definitely call a Santa Monica personal injury lawyer.
What should I do to protect myself after a Lyft accident in Santa Monica?
If an ambulance arrives on the scene, take that ride…even if you do not feel any symptoms of injuries. Such symptoms for specific injuries common in car accidents can take a while to reveal themselves. A licensed doctor or physician will know exactly what to look for.
Also, you making the effort launches a paper trail of sorts that can be invaluable if you decide to pursue legal action against the Lyft driver.
Other steps that are vital to protecting your legal claim include:
- Obtaining copies of the police incident report
- Securing insurance information and contact details from all involved drivers
- Getting contact information and, if possible, statements from witness who saw the accident
- Photographs of the accident scene, including images of damage to all involved vehicles, road conditions, traffic signs and signals
- Recordings or writings of your thoughts in the immediate aftermath of the accident while the memories are fresh on your mind.
Do I need to talk with a Santa Monica personal injury lawyer after an accident with a Lyft driver?
Absolutely! In fact, Lyft has earned a bad reputation for making the claims process incredibly hard when one of their drivers causes an accident.
One of their favorite tactics is to persuade you to make a recorded statement so they can “expedite” your claim. Do not fall for this! The only purpose of the recording is to use whatever words you say against them.
For example, if you casually say you’re “feeling OK today,” they’ll use that statement as proof you do not need any future medical treatment.
The goals of Lyft and the at-fault driver’s insurance company are the same: to convince you to settle for as little as possible as quickly as possible. They’re merciless and professional negotiators with no interest whatsoever in doing right by you.
A skilled Santa Monica personal injury lawyer, though, will be just as aggressive in securing what’s rightfully yours, including:
- Compensation for medical bills you’ve already incurred from the accident, as well as future treatments you’re expected to receive
- Money to cover lost wages or a decrease in your ability to earn a living
- Compensation for pain and suffering.
If a family member or partner was killed in an accident involving a Lyft driver, you may be able to seek justice and compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit.
If You’ve Been in an Accident with a Lyft Driver, Call the Santa Monica Personal Injury Lawyers at Sina Rez Law.
While ridesharing companies like Lyft do provide a service that’s convenient for many people, they are undoubtedly causing more traffic accidents.
Being injured by another driver is bad enough. Not protecting yourself legally, though, can make matters far worse.
We’re not the least bit intimidated by large companies like Lyft and insurance carriers. In fact, . we enjoy taking them on and forcing them to do the right things.
If a Lyft driver has injured you, we invite you to take part in our free case evaluation. To do so, simply get in touch with Sina Rez Law by calling 818-784-010, sending an email or completing our online form.