Accidents Involving Lyft Drivers in Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Before an individual is hired to operate as a Lyft driver, they must meet certain criteria and requirements. For example, Lyft requires its drivers to possess a valid driver’s license and they must be 25 years of age or older to drive. In addition, drivers who operate under Lyft must also pass a driver screening which includes a reviewal of their driver history and criminal background.
Aside from meeting these minimum requirements, Lyft also requires its drivers in Florida to take breaks after working for a certain period of time. According to the company’s website, Lyft requires any driver who has been in driver mode for 12 hours to take an uninterrupted six-hour break. In fact, the company prevents drivers from entering into driver mode for six hours after they have worked for a 12-hour period. While these precautions certainly promote roadway safety, accidents involving Lyft drivers still manage to occur.
What should a driver do if they were involved in an accident with a Lyft driver?
An accident involving a Lyft driver should be handled in the same manner as an accident with the operator of a passenger vehicle. This means the police should be called to the scene to write up a report and both drivers should remain at the scene and exchange the following information:
- Their names
- Driver’s license information
- Insurance information
- Phone numbers
A driver should also take photos of the accident scene and any injuries they suffered as this may be needed when it comes time to file a claim.
Who is liable for covering a Lyft accident?
Because Lyft drivers are required to carry their own insurance coverage and are also covered by the company’s policy when they are in driver mode, there may be a few ways for the victim of a Lyft accident to recover compensation for their property damage, injuries, and other losses. The best way to determine who should be held liable for covering damages suffered in a Lyft accident is to have a Fort Walton Beach, FL accident attorney assess the case.
What if the other party’s insurer offers a settlement?
It is in the best interest of an accident victim to review the settlement offer with a qualified Fort Walton Beach, FL accident lawyer before accepting it. The reason being is that the settlement, especially if it was offered early on, may not be enough to cover all the damages the victim suffered. This is usually something an experienced accident attorney can determine which is why it is best to speak with one before accepting any money.
Get in Touch with a Fort Walton Beach, FL Accident Lawyer After a Lyft Accident
If a driver has suffered injuries in an accident with a Lyft driver, they should contact Browning Law Firm to become more familiar with what their legal rights are. Attorney Coy H. Browning is a former state trooper who has seen first-hand how devastating car accidents can be which is why he offers a legal hand to those whose lives have been impacted by a Lyft driver.
Browning Law Firm can be reached at:
418 Racetrack Rd. NE, Ste B
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
Phone: 850-344-1736
Website: www.browninglawfirm.com
