Lyft Accidents

Like others in the growing ride-sharing industry, Lyft is a popular company that offers rides to South Florida residents via a phone app that organizes the pick up location as well as the final destination. Lyft is not considered a taxi service, and it also does not technically employ its drivers, but instead it hires independent contractors to carry out passenger trips. As groundbreaking as these companies are, with more individuals looking to make extra money and often being unfamiliar with the area or unqualified to be professional drivers, the potential for a collision grows. The Miami Lyft accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon represent victims in navigating toward receiving compensation from the responsible parties. These complex cases may involve an investigation into Lyft’s hiring practices, a driver’s history on the road, or other evidence that may be complicated to obtain without the assistance of a knowledgeable car accident attorney.

Lyft, unlike taxicab companies, is considered a Transportation Network Company, which does not need to adhere to traditional licensing requirements or governmental oversight. Lyft drivers own their own vehicles or drive rental cars that are used solely for the purpose of Lyft activities, and they are only required to carry insurance policies with minimums as set by Florida law. Lyft also has insurance policies with limits exceeding the state minimum requirements. However, the insurance companies that issue these policies are not always willing to cooperate with victims of car accidents, especially if a crash occurs in a situation in which it is arguable that the driver was not acting as a Lyft agent. For instance, if an accident happens when a driver does not have a passenger or is on the way to pick up a passenger, insurance companies may contend that Lyft is not responsible, and therefore, the policies do not apply.

As with any car accident claim, the basis for recovering damages is often proving that a Lyft driver was negligent. Our Lyft accident attorneys can help Miami residents with these claims. Negligence is established when a driver breaches their duty to act as a reasonable and prudent individual would act in the situation, and that breach causes the plaintiff’s injuries as well as resulting in damages. When a Lyft driver makes dangerous maneuvers on the road, speeds, or is distracted by a navigation system, leading to a collision, these actions may be seen as unreasonable under the law.

Although rideshare services like Lyft often attempt to dodge liability for the negligence of their drivers by claiming them as independent contractors instead of employees, this classification does not always avoid responsibility altogether. For instance, if it is found that Lyft retained a driver with a history of driving under the influence or other extensive infractions on their record, it also might be held accountable for improper hiring or negligent entrustment. Damages recoverable in these cases may include past and future medical expenses, lost earning capacity, property damage, and pain and suffering compensation. In the aftermath of an accident involving a driver of a ridesharing service, it is important to have a seasoned personal injury attorney on your side who can advocate for your best interests when faced with a company such as Lyft and its insurers.

If you have been injured by a Lyft driver as a passenger, driver, bicyclist, or pedestrian, the motor vehicle collisions at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon can help you assert your right to compensation for the harm caused by a negligent driver. Call 877.499.4878 or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more about our legal services. Our Miami Lyft accident attorneys offer experienced representation to people in Miami, West Palm Beach, and other cities in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties.