Why Choose Simmons & Fletcher, P.C.?

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Choosing the right legal team can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case, especially when it involves issues such as brain injuries, property damage, and lost wages as a result of a preventable Lyft accident. The Houston rideshare accident attorneys at Simmons & Fletcher, P.C. have over 40 years of legal experience and also have a proven track record of delivering favorable case results for our clients. Now, we’re ready to listen to your story.

Regardless of the rideshare company, our experienced Houston personal injury lawyers understand these accidents’ financial and emotional impact. From pedestrian accidents, motorcycle accidents, and other motor vehicle accidents, we know what it takes to hold at-fault parties responsible and we’re equipped to handle the legal challenges and pursue the compensation you deserve.

We’re ready to provide each and every one of our clients with:

Comprehensive management of medical expenses and property damage claims.
Aggressive representation against at-fault drivers who work for rideshare companies.
The ultimate aim is to obtain significant compensation for their injuries.

Simmons & Fletcher, P.C. is not just another law firm in the vast legal landscape; we are a team that treats every injured individual with the respect and attention they deserve. With your free consultation, our Houston-based personal injury attorneys near me are ready to discuss your case, inform you of your rights, and outline the compensation you may be entitled to.

Our Houston Lyft accident lawyers work diligently to ensure that justice is not just a concept but a reality for every client we represent. Contact us today for your free case evaluation.

(Not an actual client.)

Common Causes of Lyft Accidents

Lyft accidents, like any vehicular accidents, can occur due to a variety of reasons. Understanding these causes can help in identifying liability and the pursuit of legal recourse. Some of the most common causes include:

Distracted Driving: This includes any activity that diverts attention from driving, such as talking or texting on the phone, eating and drinking, talking to passengers, or using in-car entertainment systems.
Driver Fatigue: Similar to truck drivers, Lyft drivers often work long hours, which can lead to driver exhaustion. This reduces reaction time and impairs judgment, increasing the risk of accidents.
Speeding and Reckless Driving: Exceeding the speed limit or driving aggressively, such as improper lane changes and not adhering to traffic signals, can lead to accidents.
Drunk Driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol significantly impairs driving abilities and increases the risk of causing an accident.
Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven road surfaces, and lack of proper signage can contribute to accidents.
Adverse Weather Conditions: Heavy rain, fog, and other adverse weather conditions can impair visibility and road traction, leading to accidents.
Mechanical Failures: Vehicle malfunctions, such as brake failures or tire blowouts, can cause accidents despite the driver’s best efforts.

Injuries Commonly Sustained in Lyft Accidents

The severity and type of injuries in Lyft accidents can vary significantly, depending on the circumstances of the crash. Common injuries include:

Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Often a result of rear-end collisions, causing rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck.
Broken Bones: The impact of a collision can lead to fractures, especially in the limbs.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): These can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, often resulting from a head impact.
Spinal Cord Injuries: These can lead to partial or complete paralysis, depending on the area and severity of the injury.
Cuts and Lacerations: Broken glass and metal from the vehicle can cause these injuries.
Internal Injuries: The force of a collision can cause internal bleeding and damage to organs, which require immediate medical attention.

The Legal Status of Lyft Drivers

Understanding the legal status of Lyft drivers is pivotal at a time when rideshare accidents are on the rise. While driving for Lyft, they are held to the common carrier’s higher standard of care. Additionally, the classification of drivers as either independent contractors or employees has significant implications for liability and insurance coverage. The experienced attorneys at our law firm keep abreast of the evolving legal landscape to safeguard your rights effectively.

In the event of a car accident involving a Lyft, determining the coverage area can be as complex as navigating Houston’s diverse driving areas. At Simmons & Fletcher, P.C., we offer a free consultation to help clarify the coverage and liability aspects at this crucial time.

Whether you’re dealing with an accident that occurred while the Lyft app was active or during a period when the driver was awaiting a ride request, the nuances of liability can affect the outcome of your claim. Nonetheless, it’s vital to know that if there was a breach of duty of care on behalf of the Lyft driver, they might be held liable if you were hurt.

Navigating a Lyft Accident Claim

ride share app in use When passengers are involved in a rideshare accident, the road to recovery can be fraught with medical appointments and the suffering that comes with the healing process. At Simmons & Fletcher, P.C., we believe that every individual deserves to recover without the added stress of legal hurdles. Our Houston Lyft accident lawyers are dedicated to representing your case with the attention it requires to take on powerful insurance companies.

Navigating the aftermath of car accidents, especially in rideshare situations, requires a comprehensive understanding of the laws and regulations that govern these cases. It’s about making the legal process as smooth as possible so you can focus on what matters most—your recovery.

Economic Damages in Lyft Accident Cases

Economic damages refer to tangible, out-of-pocket losses that have a specific monetary value. They are easily quantifiable and include:

Medical Expenses: Costs for emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and any future medical care related to the accident.
Lost Wages: Income lost due to the inability to work following the accident, including potential loss of future earning capacity.
Property Damage: Costs for repairing or replacing your vehicle and other personal property damaged in the accident.
Other Financial Losses: Any additional out-of-pocket expenses incurred as a result of the accident.

Non-Economic Damages in Lyft Accident Cases

Non-economic damages are more subjective and compensate for non-financial losses. These include:

Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, discomfort, and distress experienced as a result of the accident.
Emotional Distress: Compensation for psychological impacts, such as anxiety, depression, and trauma.
Disfigurement: Disfigurement refers to any permanent alteration which may include scars, burns, loss of limbs, or other significant changes that impact an individual’s appearance. Beyond the physical implications, disfigurement often carries emotional and psychological consequences, such as reduced self-esteem or social anxiety.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the inability to enjoy hobbies and other life pleasures like before the accident.
Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the impact on the victim’s relationship with their spouse or partner due to the accident.

Understanding the types of damages you may be entitled to is crucial in a Lyft accident case. A qualified Houston Lyft Accident Lawyer can provide guidance on accurately assessing and pursuing these damages.

Determining Liability in Lyft Accidents

Investigating the accident to establish fault and the extent of your suffering.
Dealing with insurance companies to ensure they uphold their responsibility.
Assessing all possible avenues to recover damages for your suffering and medical expenses.

In the complex landscape of rideshare accident cases, determining liability is key. Whether you’re a passenger, a driver, or a pedestrian affected by a Lyft incident, our seasoned injury lawyers will meticulously take up your case to ensure that justice is served. We work tirelessly to make a compelling argument for the compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one has been affected by a rideshare accident, it’s crucial to act swiftly. Contact Simmons & Fletcher, P.C., today, and let our experienced Houston Lyft accident lawyers help you navigate these turbulent waters. We’re here to take up your case and fight for the best possible outcome, ensuring you get the support you need to make a full recovery.

The Role of a Houston Lyft Accident Lawyer

When an accident is caused by a rideshare vehicle, the victims may face not just physical injuries but also emotional trauma, and in the most tragic cases, families may confront the reality of wrongful death. Our legal team is here to cover all aspects of your case, fighting to provide justice and the compensation that victims deserve.

You should know that when you hire the services of an experienced Houston Lyft accident lawyer, they should have a profound understanding of the complexities involved in these cases, especially when it involves proving the liability of Lyft drivers. And they should work to ensure that all relevant evidence is meticulously filed and that every ride, every claim, is accounted for. You should expect:

A thorough investigation of the circumstances that caused the accident.
Legal knowledge in handling cases of serious injury and wrongful death.
Commitment to fight for the victims’ rights, including a pursuit for maximum coverage from insurance providers.
A free consultation to go over your legal options.

Whether the incident was a result of a negligent ride or a systemic issue within the rideshare company, a legal team like our Houston Christian trial attorneys includes seasoned veterans in wrongful death and personal injury law. We are also ready to fight relentlessly to ensure that our clients receive the full support and compensation they need to recover from their losses.

If you or someone you know has suffered as a victim of a rideshare accident, allow our team of Houston Lyft accident lawyers to provide the support you need. Contact Simmons & Fletcher, P.C. for your free case review.

Talk to a Lyft Accident Attorney for No Charge

At Simmons & Fletcher, P.C., our dedicated legal team of skilled Houston Lyft accident attorneys, is committed to advocating for accident victims. Houston rideshare accidents can lead to serious bodily injury, and our goal is to ensure that victims can focus on getting the necessary help they need to move forward with their lives. If you or a loved one has been involved in a Lyft accident, don’t hesitate to call us today. Our Lyft accident lawyers are ready to provide you with a free consultation and discuss how we can help you get the justice and financial support you need. Call (713) 932-0777 today.

FAQ's

Can I Sue Lyft When Their Driver is At Fault For a Car Accident?

Not Usually. In Texas as in many states, a Lyft driver is not considered an employee of Lyft. instead, they have independent contractor status under the law. Thus, you sue the driver vs suing Lyft directly.

Is there an Arbitration Requirement for a Lyft Car Accident Claim?

Many rideshare apps like Lyft mandate arbitration of a personal injury claim when you bring it directly against the company. You agree to the user agreement when you access the app and they make you click a box that says you agree to it. Most people do not read it because they are long and people do not want to take the time. These are typically binding and do contain a compelled arbitration clause. However, because the drivers are independent contractors, you can often avoid arbitration by bringing your claim against the driver only.