Fort Worth Lyft Accident Lawyer

Fort Worth Lyft Accident Lawyer

Have you been involved in a Lyft accident in Fort Worth? You might be entitled to compensation from the Lyft driver, a negligent third party, or an insurance company. A Fort Worth Lyft accident attorney at Stephens Law Firm, PLLC can help you fight to get you every dollar you deserve.

Give the Stephens Law Fort Worth office a call today at (817) 420-7000, or contact our law firm online to schedule a free initial case assessment.

Why Should I Call Stephens Law Firm, PLLC After a Lyft Accident in Fort Worth?

lyft accident

Requesting a ride from your nearest Lyft driver can make life a lot easier.

You might not have to worry about having another drink at the bar or fighting Fort Worth traffic. However, keep in mind that Lyft drivers are just everyday people with ordinary driver’s licenses.

They’re not professionals. So, there’s no guarantee that they are safe (or even good) drivers. Needless to say, a rising number of motor vehicle accidents in Fort Worth involve Lyft drivers.

When you get hurt in an accident that’s not your fault (or barely your fault), you might have a legitimate claim for damages. However, cases involving Lyft or Uber accidents tend to be particularly complicated. There are a lot of moving parts and several potential sources of compensation. In order to increase the likelihood of getting the money you deserve, it’s smart to bring in an experienced Fort Worth personal injury lawyer for help.

At Stephens Law Firm, PLLC, Jason Stephens has more than 25 years of experience handling traffic accident cases. His hard work, determination, and tenacity has helped him recover substantial sums for the injury victims in Fort Worth he represents. After your Lyft accident, Jason will put that experience and his record of success to work for you.

How? When you call for help with your Lyft accident case Jason Stephens will:

  • Investigate the Lyft accident to determine why it happened and, in turn, who’s at fault
  • Seek compensation from all liable parties
  • Negotiate with insurance companies and demand that they extend a fair settlement offer
  • Bring in experts to help craft your case and understand what it’s likely worth
  • Limit the effectiveness of claims that you are responsible for your injuries, and
  • Have a renowned trial attorney argue your case before a jury.

Jason Stephens appreciates that things are tough right now. You deserve time to focus on getting better. Since there’s a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit, that can be tough to do. So, let him handle the ins-and-outs of your injury case. Jason will fight to get you the money you deserve so that you can concentrate on your recovery. Just call today to learn more.

Distractions Contribute to Many Lyft Accidents in Fort Worth

Lyft works by connecting a rideshare driver with a passenger who needs a lift. In order for that process to work, the driver has to use their phone and navigate the Lyft app. This involves:

  • Activating the app
  • Changing the driver’s status
  • Accepting ride requests
  • Communicating with a passenger, and
  • Following instructions.

Now, there are limits on how and when a driver can legally use their phone. Lyft specifically states that drivers must obey relevant safety laws at all times. In Texas, it’s illegal to use a handheld device like a cell phone to text while driving. Using a phone, at all, is illegal in specific areas – like school zones. Generally speaking, however, using the phone for other purposes – like talking, getting directions – isn’t against the law. For the time being, at least. 

Even if a cell phone is nestled in a mount on the dashboard – as recommended by the company – it can still be a significant distraction. When the app is engaged, it can connect a potential ride and even provide GPS instructions. As a result, Lyft drivers are probably much more likely to be distracted while driving than others on the road.

That’s a serious issue in a congested city like Fort Worth. According to the CDC, distractions are one of the biggest causes of car accidents.

Distractions aren’t the only reason for Lyft accidents in Fort Worth. Other commonly reported causes include:

  • Drivers stopping and looking for passengers at intersections or on busy roads
  • Executing unsafe or illegal turns
  • Driving while fatigued or under the influence
  • Following too closely
  • Passing illegally
  • Hazardous road conditions, and
  • Road construction.

Identifying all possible causes of your Lyft accident will be critical to your personal injury case. That’s why a Fort Worth Lyft accident lawyer will work hard to uncover any factors that might have contributed to your crash. Once Jason Stephens determines causation he can turn to the question of fault.

Recovering Compensation After a Lyft Accident in Fort Worth

Under Texas state law, you can potentially seek damages from anyone who causes your Lyft accident. 

The Lyft Driver: Lyft drivers might be personally responsible for your injuries after an accident. This is true if they were negligent and/or failed to carry the minimally required amount of car insurance as required by state law. 

The Lyft Driver’s Insurance Company: Lyft drivers are legally required to make sure that their car is insured. This policy will be the primary source of compensation after your Lyft accident. 

Lyft’s Insurance Company: Lyft carries liability insurance coverage for its drivers, passengers, and third parties who get hurt in an accident. However, this coverage is only effective when the driver is waiting for a ride request or has accepted a ride request. If you get into an accident with a driver who is actively waiting for a ride request, Lyft’s policy will cover up to $50,000/$100,000 in bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage. If your accident occurs after the Lyft driver has accepted a ride request and/or has a passenger on board, Lyft’s policy will cover up to $1,000,000 in damages.

Note that Lyft’s insurance is a secondary source of compensation. You’ll have to exhaust all available benefits through the driver’s personal policy before Lyft will pay a dime. 

Negligent Third Parties & Their Insurers: Sometimes Lyft drivers aren’t partly or even entirely responsible for accidents involving their rideshare vehicles. When someone else is to blame, you can potentially recover compensation from them or, if they’re insured, their insurance provider. 

Product Manufacturers: Did a defective car part or faulty piece of safety equipment contribute to your Lyft accident? The company that designed or sold it might be on the hook for your injuries. 

Were you injured in an accident involving a Lyft in Fort Worth? Call Stephens Law Firm, PLLC for help with your injury case.

Can I Sue Lyft After an Accident?

Probably not. Lyft drivers are independent contractors, not employees. Lyft and other rideshare companies, like Uber, have worked hard on that. Since drivers aren’t employees, that limits Lyft’s liability for an accident. You might have a legitimate claim if you are assaulted by your driver or if you can prove that Lyft was negligent in hiring the driver. However, your best best for compensation will involve a claim against the driver, a negligent third party, or an insurance company.

Damages Available to Lyft Accident Victims in Fort Worth

Whether you were in the back of the Lyft, walking down the street, riding a bike, or inside of another car, the consequences of a Lyft accident can be quite traumatic. Physical and emotional injuries can cause an overwhelming amount of pain. The financial repercussions can make life really challenging – especially if your injury keeps you out of work. The costs of a severe car accident can easily exceed tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of dollars. 

That’s why a Fort Worth Lyft accident lawyer will go above and beyond to secure a monetary award on your behalf. Jason Stephens will fight to recover all available damages, which could include money for:

Jason Stephens will bring in experts from all across the tri-state area to help him determine what your injury claim is worth. These professionals can break down the more complicated aspects of your case and explain your probable present and future costs. He’ll rely on their input and use it as leverage when negotiating with insurers on your behalf. 

Time Limits For Filing a Lyft Accident Lawsuit in Fort Worth, TX

Following a Lyft accident in Fort Worth, you will have a limited amount of time to assert your rights and ask for compensation. The statute of limitations for these and other auto accident cases is typically two years. The clock will begin to run the moment you get hurt. You will lose the right to recover a financial award if you don’t file your claim on time.

Note that you’ll have even less time to assert your rights when filing an insurance claim for benefits. For that reason, it’s critical to speak with a skilled personal injury lawyer in Fort Worth as soon as you can after your accident.

An Experienced Fort Worth Lyft Accident Lawyer Is Ready to Help You Today

You trusted that your Lyft driver would get you home safely. That didn’t happen, and now you’re struggling with a serious injury. Call Stephens Law Firm, PLLC and let a Fort Worth personal injury lawyer help you fight to recover the compensation you need and deserve.

Jason Stephens represents clients from in and around Fort Worth. Stephens Law offers a free consultation, so don’t hesitate to schedule yours today.

Our personal injury law firm in Fort Worth, TX also provides: