Lyft is a rideshare company that allows users to quickly summon a driver to take them to their destination. For many, Lyft is a convenient and affordable alternative to driving, taking public transportation, or hailing a taxi. However, like all motorists, rideshare drivers make mistakes. And rideshare car accidents present many challenges for accident victims. If you’ve been seriously hurt in a Lyft accident, reach out to a personal injury attorney to discuss your case. At Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, our Miami Lyft accident lawyers have more than 45 years of experience representing clients in all types of car accident claims.
What to Do After a Lyft AccidentThe moments after a serious Miami car accident can only be described as a blur. While filing a lawsuit may be the furthest thing from your mind during this stressful time, it is important that you take steps to protect your rights. If you suffered injuries in a South Florida Lyft accident, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Report the AccidentThe first thing to do after a Lyft accident is to call 911 or the local police department to report the collision, regardless of whether the accident involved another vehicle. Reporting the accident does two very important things. First, the dispatcher will send out a team of emergency responders to determine if you or anyone else needs life-saving medical treatment. Second, it creates a record of the accident, which serves as proof that the accident occurred.
Collect EvidenceTo the extent you can, gather any evidence while you are still at the scene of the accident. For example, take out your phone and snap a few pictures of the scene, focusing on the location of the vehicles and any road signs or markings. You can also ask any bystanders who witnessed the accident for their contact information.
Obtain Prompt Medical TreatmentPerhaps the most important thing you can do after an accident is to get checked out by a doctor. Many car accident injuries do not immediately cause noticeable symptoms. However, as days and weeks pass, you may experience lingering stiffness, soreness, persistent headaches, or radiating pain. These are all signs that you suffered serious injuries. Obtaining medical treatment will also help document your injuries, making it easier to prove that they resulted from the accident.
Contact a Lyft Accident LawyerWhen you are ready, the next step is to reach out to an experienced attorney who can help you prepare a claim. Rideshare companies maintain generous insurance policies that cover the costs of passengers’ injuries. However, these insurance companies have teams of skilled lawyers whose sole job is to minimize the value of any claim. Thus, to increase your chances of a full and fair recovery, you should work with experienced Lyft accident lawyers who can stand up to the insurance company.
Damages in a South Florida Lyft AccidentCar accidents can change your life. In the immediate aftermath of a Lyft accident, your focus is understandably on your physical recovery. You may spend days or weeks in the hospital, require follow-up surgeries, and may need to go through a lengthy course of physical or occupational therapy. However, even after you’ve physically recovered, you are left with the financial impact of the accident.
Filing a Miami personal injury case allows you to seek compensation for the full extent of your damages. Typically, this includes economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are the out-of-pocket expenses you incurred as a result of the accident, such as medical bills, lost wages, decrease in earning capacity and property damage. Non-economic damages compensate you for the emotional and psychological impact that the accident had on your life. Common types of non-economic damages include:
Establishing economic damages is often relatively straightforward, as they can be proven by presenting medical bills, receipts, and paychecks. However, proving non-economic damages requires you to tell the story of how the car accident impacted your life. Working with a skilled Lyft accident lawyer can help you maximize your recovery amount by identifying the full extent of both your economic and non-economic damages.
Have You Been Injured in a Miami Rideshare Accident?Recovering after an accident is challenging, but it is not a journey you need to take alone. If you or someone you love was recently hurt in a rideshare accident, contact Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada. Our respected South Florida Lyft accident attorneys command an impressive knowledge of the laws and insurance regulations governing these complex claims. From the moment you bring us aboard, we will take care of everything so you can focus on your recovery. With our help, you can rest assured that your case, your health, and your family are in good hands. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation, give Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada a call at 305-448-8585. We serve clients in Miami and throughout Florida, including but not limited to Naples, Homestead, Orlando and Fort Lauderdale.