For some time, there has been concern and curiosity about the possibility of Lyft and similar organizations being sued for negligence. This week, a fatal accident in Roseville could be the defining case that answers the question of just how much liability these companies will bear in a crash.
What Is Lyft?
Lyft is a service that allows smartphone users to summon a ride for pay by using “community drivers” located through an app. Car owners can offer their type to offer a “lift” to others for an agreed-upon price. Lyft, as well as Uber, Sidecar and other programs have come under scrutiny based on their insurance coverage, which generally relies on the private owners to cover themselves.
This weekend, a 24-year-old Yolo County resident, Shane Holland, was returning home from a Halloween party. After summoning a Lyft ride, Holland was killed on Interstate 80 when the driver crashed in heavy rain. The driver as well as another passenger suffered moderate injuries in the accident.
Is Lyft Liable?
The 2 ½-year-old San Francisco business known as Lyft has long been the subject of scrutiny and speculation. What would happen if a Lyft driver crashed or caused injury in some other way to a paying passenger? Cab companies assume liability for their drivers’ actions, but so far Lyft has not taken that stance, causing controversy within the transportation industry. Cab drivers and companies have been complaining about some time that user-based ride services were dangerous and could cause serious problems. Further, cab companies have lobbied for stricter regulations for these drivers, claiming that their own cab drivers had to be licensed and pass stringent requirements that were not imposed on Lyft drivers.
What Should I Do If I Am Involved In A Car Crash With A Lyft Driver?
If you are injured while riding in someone else’s car, it is important that you make a claim for damages in the proper way. Insurance companies may deny your claim, so you may want the help of an experienced personal injury attorney in collecting damages.
Ashley Injury Lawyers in Roseville is here to help. With experienced personal injury attorneys who have the knowledge and skills to handle your case, we may be able to help you recover payments for medical bills, pain and suffering and other expenses. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you recover money for your car accident injuries.
