How to Negotiate a Settlement with Lyft After an Accident in Alabama

If you live in Alabama and are involved in a Lyft accident, you are certainly not alone. With the rise of rideshare services like Lyft in recent years, accidents involving these platforms have also seen an uptick. Navigating the aftermath of such an accident, especially a settlement negotiation, can be difficult and complex, which is why many victims turn to experienced Alabama personal injury attorneys, like Stephen Thompson.

As a legal professional, Stephen is well versed in Alabama's personal injury laws and rideshare company policies, thereby making him an ideal partner in your endeavor to secure a fair and just settlement post-Lyft accident.

Understanding the Lyft Insurance Policy

Lyft follows a $1 million liability policy that covers riders, drivers, and even third parties involved in the accident. However, their policy is dependent on the driver’s status on the app at the time of the accident - whether they were offline, available and waiting for a ride request, or in the process of providing a ride. 

When an accident occurs while the Lyft driver is offline or using the app for personal reasons, the company's policy does not cover any resulting damages. The driver’s personal auto insurance becomes the primary cover in such a case. For accidents happening while the driver is waiting for a ride request, Lyft provides contingent liability coverage. However, when the driver is on an active ride, the company's $1 million liability policy is in effect.

The Negotiation Process

1. Accident Report: After the accident, it's crucial to report the incident to both the local police department and Lyft. Providing thorough details to both entities helps when filing insurance claims or in the event of a dispute.
2. Medical Attention: Seek medical attention and keep a detailed account of treatment, prescriptions, hospital visits, etc. This information becomes relevant when demonstrating the financial impact of the accident.
3. Engage an Attorney: A lawyer will be instrumental in assessing the value of your claim and navigating the negotiation process. As a seasoned Alabama personal injury attorney, Stephen Thompson is adept at handling Lyft accident claims.
4. Investigate and Document: A proper investigation of the accident scene, testimonies from eyewitnesses, and documental evidence (like accident reports, photographs, medical reports, and bills) are useful in establishing the liability of parties involved.
5. Demand Letter: After assessing damages (both material and personal), your attorney can issue a demand letter to Lyft's insurer, outlining the severity of injuries, fault, and total cost.
6. Negotiations: The insurance company is likely to counter with a lower amount. Your attorney will negotiate based on the facts provided, arguing for a fair settlement. 
7. Agreement and Settlement: Upon reaching an agreement, Lyft's insurer will present a settlement which includes waiving future legal claims related to the accident. Review this with your attorney before accepting.

Conclusion

Negotiating a settlement following a Lyft accident in Alabama can be complex and challenging without appropriate legal assistance. Stephen Thompson, an experienced personal injury attorney, can guide you through the legal maze, leveraging his expertise to strive for a fair settlement. His comprehensive understanding of Alabama's laws and Lyft's policies is invaluable in pursuing your claim to offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable resolution.

Please remember that each Lyft accident case is unique and outcomes can vary based on various factors. Continued counsel and legal advice from a specialized personal injury attorney like Stephen Thompson is recommended for the best possible outcome.

Free Initial Strategy Session

All Initial Strategy Sessions are Free. If you would like to discuss your options, you are invited to fill out one of the Contact Forms. I will attempt to contact you if I think I can help you.

During your Initial Strategy Session, I will asist you in creating a strategy on how to best pursue your claim, whether it be the result of a Car Accident Claim, 18 Wheeler Injury, or, Alabama Workers' Compensation Claim. At your Initial Strategy Session, you will receive the following:

• First - I will listen to your story. You will have a chance to tell everything to someone who wants to hear what happened to you.
• Based on the information that you provide, I will give you my best advice on both what claims you have, and the next steps you should consider to proceed with your claim(s).
• If your claim is something that I think I can help you with, I will explain the services that I can provide for you, and what the next steps are that we should take. We will start working immediately.
• If your matter is something that I do not think I can help you with, then I will attempt to put you in contact with another lawyer that might be able to help you.
• Either way, what should happen is we will put to rest some of the unkowns that you may be experiencing. We will start to shed some light on what you can expect, and how to best pursue the benefits you deserve.

Don't delay getting the recovery you deserve! Contact us today for your free Strategy Session!