Southern California Criminal Lawyer Blog
Bad news always comes as a shock. Most recently, Lyft just admitted to receiving well over 4,000 cases of sexual assault.
And that’s just from 2017 to 2019 – and the more we dig, the more gruesome their history gets.
Riders have experienced many types of violence by Lyft drivers including:
- Rape
- Gunshot
- Assault
- Child molestation
- Hit and run
- Injuries due to accidents
- Theft
- Beating
The worst part is that not all complaints lead to a conviction. However, many victims have been able to receive compensation for their damages.
Ride sharing companies like Lyft and Uber use a very convenient loophole to evade liability – they are merely marketplaces that connect drivers to riders, not employers. We’ll admit that the law is a little murky when it comes to liabilities associated with ride-sharing accidents. For the most part, however, tech giants are able to evade several charges.
But this is the reality of the mass market – it’s hard to micromanage every little aspect of doing business. With millions of drivers and riders using their platform, it can be hard for Lyft to duck every controversy.
This is why Lyft and Uber offer extensive insurance coverage in case things go south. Lyft carries third party liability insurance coverage that can pay up to $1 million for property damage and personal injuries per accident.
If you’ve sustained an injury during a Lyft ride, you might be confused as to which insurance policy will apply. Was it the driver’s fault? Lyft’s? Your own? Unfortunately, the answer isn’t always straightforward and depends on multiple factors – as well as how you frame your response.
Whether you’re a driver, rider, or a third party, it is extremely important to talk to a skilled attorney if you’ve been a part of an accident. A San Francisco rideshare accident attorney will help you get compensated for your injuries due to the negligence of another driver.
It’s important to note that Lyft is a tech giant with a market cap in excess of $12 billion. Holding a billion-dollar tech company accountable for its actions can be easier said than done. This is why you need to seek out the best legal representation for ridesharing accidents in San Francisco.
What Should I Do If I Was Assaulted?
The first thing you should do is to call the police as soon as you can. You’ll need to provide the police with as many details as possible. The next step is to contact an attorney who specializes in Lyft driver assault.
Your attorney will play an important role in writing down a clear narrative of events as you remember them. It is worth noting that ridesharing companies will always try to shift their liability towards someone or something else. Their attorneys will dispute your facts and do everything they can to minimize the compensation they have to pay to you.
In many cases, your Lyft driver assault lawyer in San Francisco can negotiate a settlement for the compensation you deserve. This includes damages for medical care, pain and suffering, and more.
Recovering Damages from Lyft for Rideshare Accidents
Ridesharing accidents involving vehicles are like most accidents and the only difference is the involvement of a third-party. You can seek damages for a variety of damages including:
Lost wages: If you were forced to spend time away from work due to injuries sustained as a result of your rideshare accident, then you deserve compensation for past, present, and future losses of income.
Lost Earning Capacity: You can also receive compensation for injuries that affect your ability to work.
Pain and Suffering: You can receive compensation for non-monetary damages like pain and suffering. This applies if the individual suffers from a permanent disability or loss of enjoyment of life.
Medical Bills: Hospital bills can be expensive, even if you’re dealing with minor injuries. Health insurance may not always be able to pay for treatment. Compensation for injuries includes ongoing expenses due to injuries, rehabilitation, therapeutic treatment, and more.
Contact a San Francisco Ridesharing Attorney
You should talk to an experienced criminal defense lawyer for ridesharing injuries in San Francisco. Our experienced attorneys will guide you through the specific facts of your case, present your defense, before and during the trial and maximize your chances of getting compensated.
Click here for a free consultation.