According to the most recent Community Safety Report prepared by Lyft, there were 49 reported fatal accidents involving Lyft drivers over the course of a single year. Lyft drivers may also become involved in an accident that injures their passengers or others on the road.
If you or someone you love was involved in an accident with a Lyft operator, you need to understand your legal rights. The Lawyers of Brown and Roberto are here to help. As members of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association with a 98% success rate in helping our clients recover compensation for losses, we are prepared and ready to fight for you as you navigate a complex claim.
Give us a call at (865) 691-2777 today to schedule your free consultation with a Knoxville Lyft accident lawyer and find out what we can do for you.
Is Lyft Responsible for Accidents Caused By Their Drivers?
Accidents with Lyft drivers are complicated by the fact that Lyft operators may be using the rideshare app and providing services through it at the time of the incident.
Ordinarily, employers are vicariously liable for actions their workers do while on-the-job. However, as Hamrick v. Spring City Motor Co., 708 S.W.2d 383, 386 “it is necessary to show that the operator of a vehicle was acting as a servant or employee of the owner and in the course and scope of the employment at the time of the accident.”
Lyft drivers aren’t employees. They are independent contractors, so Lyft does not become liable for their actions even while they are picking up passengers through its service.
What Lyft does do is provide third party insurance, which applies when the driver is actively waiting on the app for a ride request or when the driver is transporting passengers. This coverage can be as high as $1 million when the driver is en route to pick someone up or has a passenger in the car.
This insurance coverage may pay for your losses if the Lyft driver was to blame for an accident that harmed you and their own coverage was insufficient.
How To Take Legal Action After A Lyft Accident
A Knoxville car accident lawyer can help you determine if the Lyft driver or another motorist was responsible for causing your accident. Your attorney will also work with you to determine what insurance coverage is available and can negotiate with the insurer on your behalf to try to reach a settlement.
If no settlement agreement is reached, the Knoxville injury attorneys at The Lawyers of Brown and Roberto are prepared to go to court on your behalf as we have extensive litigation experience.
You have just a year to file your injury claim under the statute of limitations established by Tennessee Code Section 28-3-104 so don’t hesitate to reach out so we can begin building your claim.
Get Started Today With The Help of the Lawyers of Brown and Roberto
Our firm will work hard to establish your trust in us after your Lyft accident so we can be effective advocates for you. Contact The Lawyers of Brown and Roberto at (865) 691-2777 today to schedule your free consultation with a Lyft accident attorney and learn more.