Florida Lyft Bicycle Accident Aftermath
Florida, as of this writing, has a no-fault accident law, which requires vehicle owners and drivers to purchase their own $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP), $10,000 of Bodily Injury Liability, and $10,000 in Property Damage Liability. When you’re riding a bike, however, there is a good chance that you don’t have motor vehicle insurance. Therefore, your only option could be to pursue a claim against the negligent Lyft driver. This driver will have his or her own personal policy limits.
Florida’s New Ridesharing Law
Under Florida’s new rideshare driver laws, each driver must have a minimum of $1 million in liability coverage (which extends to personal injury, death, and property damage). Even when the driver is off-duty, he or she must have at least $50,000 in personal injury or property damage liability coverage on the vehicle. The limits that apply to your case depend on whether a defendant driver was working (i.e. waiting for a new fare, going to pick up a new passenger, or transporting a passenger). It’s important to hire a qualified attorney with direct experience in handling claims against Lyft drivers before talking to any insurance company about your personal injury claim.
How Much Time Do You Have to File a Lyft Accident Claim?
Every state also has statutes of limitations, or time limits within which you must pursue a claim for accident-related injuries. In the Sunshine State, you have a maximum of 4 years after the accident within which you must file a lawsuit.
Choose Our Clearwater Bicycle Crash Lawyers
When you get hurt in a bicycle crash with a Lyft driver, it makes sense you want someone to pay your medical expenses. This depends on who was at fault. There are other costs that can be incurred as well, including lost wages, prescriptions, bicycle repairs or bicycle replacement, and pain and suffering. However, seeking monetary relief from a personal injury case takes time, and there are no guarantees you will obtain any compensation from the defendant driver. The first thing you should do is see a doctor at a walk-in clinic or an emergency room and report the injuries that you sustained while riding the bike. Be sure not to omit any pain or discomfort that you are feeling; this information could be related to the crash. Please contact the Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA for answers to your personal injury questions.
Each Bicycle Crash Case is Unique
Florida law offers relief to victims of automobile accidents. This is a claim that you believe that you have against another party because his or her negligence (or failure to act in a reasonable manner) directly or indirectly caused your injuries. To make your claim, you have the obligation to show how you’ve experienced at least one of the effects on your health and well-being:
- Permanent injury
- Significant and permanent scarring/disfigurement
- Significant and permanent loss of one or more bodily functions
Without sufficient medical evidence (including sworn testimony from your treating physicians), you will not be likely to get a serious offer from the insurance carrier. Most injuries suffered in an auto or bicycle accident will require substantial documentation to prove; less obvious injuries, such as pain and suffering or lost ability to work, maybe even more difficult to prove. An experienced attorney can ensure every avenue of recovery remains open to you, and maximize the strength of your claim.
Typical Damages in Scooter Crash Cases
You might have incurred many types of expenses due to crash-related injuries. We may be able to help accident victims in your situation to attempt to recover these types of damages:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Prescription costs
- Physical/occupational therapy
- Transportation to doctors
- Pain and suffering
- Attorney fees and costs
Determining Liability in Bicycle Crashes With Lyft Vehicles
Without reviewing the facts in your case, it’s difficult to assess who holds the liability for the accident. It is our practice to sit down with you and discuss the merits of your case; we may read the accident report, and often conduct a preliminary investigation. It is essential to understand why the Lyft driver was at fault in the accident. If there were multiple vehicles involved, this claim could be more complicated. We are glad to provide accident victims in St. Petersburg with a free consultation and to assess if you have a viable claim.
Types of Injuries
If you or a loved one was hurt on a bicycle, it’s important to document all of your injuries. Here are some typical injuries that bicycle accident victims may face:
- Paralysis
- Broken bones
- Neck/back pain
- Head or brain injury
- Soft tissue damage
- Surgery
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Damaged or broken teeth
- Permanent loss of hearing
- Death
How Will I Get the Defendants to Pay Their Fair Share?
Many factors could affect whether the at-fault insurance company will make a settlement offer. Often, companies have a vested interest in avoiding a jury trial. We can verify all insurance policies that may apply to this accident involving a Lyft driver, and explain to you the potential outcomes for the case. In the event a case does not settle, our firm is equipped to argue a jury trial if necessary. Unfortunately, defendant insurers will frequently try to devalue the effects of the injury you’ve suffered: plaintiffs may need substantial evidence and testimony to support their claim, even if the liability of the defendant is clear. A skilled personal injury attorney can maximize the strength of your case, and greatly enhance the odds of receiving reasonable compensation for your injuries.
How Do I Pay My Clearwater Accident Lawyer?
At the Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, we work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing up front to obtain legal representation, and we do not collect attorney’s fees unless we obtain a settlement or jury verdict on your behalf. We encourage you to contact us at (727) 451-6900 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced personal injury associates.
Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA
800 North Belcher Road
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 451-6900
