How Long Does It Take to Settle a Lyft Accident Case?
After you have been involved in an accident that was caused by a Lyft driver, you likely will file a claim for compensation against Lyft’s insurance coverage. But when you file your claim, you might wonder how long it may take to settle your case and get the compensation you need. In many cases, insurers will try to draw out accident claims to make injured victims more willing to accept a lower settlement just to get some money. This makes it important to work with an experienced Lyft accident attorney who can keep your insurance claim moving forward.
Why Pursue a Claim Against Lyft?
If you have been seriously injured in an accident that was caused by a Lyft driver, you may not be fully compensated for your expenses and losses from the Lyft driver’s own liability insurance. State law requires rideshare companies like Lyft to have insurance coverage for when their drivers are working for the service. This liability coverage can be as high as $1.5 million for bodily injury and property damage.
The Claims Process with Lyft
Submitting a claim against Lyft typically begins with reporting the accident and your injuries to the company, which may be done through its mobile application or by contacting their customer support. Lyft may direct you to file a claim with their insurance provider that provides coverage in your area. If you are represented by an attorney, your lawyer will prepare a demand letter that provides evidence and other proof of the Lyft driver’s liability for the accident and the extent of the expenses and losses you are demanding compensation for.
In many cases, it can take as long as six months or more to settle an accident case with Lyft and its insurer. Once you file your initial claim with Lyft and its insurer, the insurance company is required to respond to your claim within 40 days. However, settlement negotiations often take much longer than that. It is usually necessary to go through several rounds of proposals and counter-proposals until both sides reach a settlement number they can both accept.
If liability is not being contested and an accident victim’s injuries and losses can be readily determined, it can take as little as a few months to reach a settlement. However, if Lyft and its insurer contest liability or the amount of damages sustained by an accident victim, it can take months or even years to reach a settlement.
How an Attorney Can Help in a Lyft Accident Case
Ideally, you should seek out the assistance of an attorney when pursuing a Lyft accident claim. If you need to undergo medical treatment and rehabilitation, you might not have the time and energy to also pursue a legal claim. In addition, an attorney will be much more familiar with the tricks and tactics that insurance companies use to delay and deny claims or to pay less than fair compensation. An attorney can push settlement negotiations towards a dollar figure that provides you with a fair financial recovery.
Contact a Perth Amboy Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Lyft Case in New Jersey
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a Lyft accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at CourtLaw represent clients injured because of Lyft accidents in Hoboken, New Brunswick, Perth Amboy, East Orange, and throughout New Jersey. Call (732) 442-5900 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 163 Market St., Perth Amboy, NJ 08861, as well as offices in New Brunswick, Roselle, East Orange, Jersey City, Elizabeth, Linden, Newark, Paterson, South Amboy, Trenton.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
