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How Long Does it Take to Settle a Lyft Accident Case in DC?

Settling an accident case Lyft and its insurance company can be a frustrating experience, often taking longer than expected. In many cases, your Lyft accident settlement can take six months or more to conclude. The complexity of the legal process with Lyft plays a major role in the timeline of your case. A straightforward car accident claim may be resolved in a few months, while contested accident claims can take more time to settle.

When you’re dealing with serious injuries and unexpected medical expenses, you don’t have time for a dragged-out Lyft accident settlement. An experienced Lyft accident attorney at Regan Zambri Long will fight for fair compensation and work tirelessly to recover a settlement check in a reasonable amount of time. Call our leading Washington, DC, law firm today for a free consultation so we can start the claims process.

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What Are the Stages of a Lyft Accident Case?

Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to how long your Lyft accident settlement will take. We will break down the settlement process so you can prepare for an estimated personal injury claim timeline.

The Lyft accident settlement process generally has three stages: immediately following the accident, filing an injury claim, and negotiating with Lyft’s insurance company.

What do I do immediately after a Lyft accident?

Your actions after a Lyft accident can significantly impact your case. Here’s what you should do immediately:

  • File a report with Lyft: Report the accident as soon as possible through the Lyft app. This creates a record of the incident with the rideshare company.
  • Call 911: This step is crucial. If the Lyft driver or the other driver tries to stop you from calling the police, do not listen. The responding officer will generate a police report and be able to facilitate the proper medical attention needed at the accident scene.
  • Gather Information: Take notes on the accident, including the date, time, location, weather conditions, eyewitness information, and other crash details.
  • Document Injuries Sustained: In the days after the accident, document physical pain, medical treatment, and property damage. Make sure to save your receipts.

Lyft’s Initial Response Determines Length of the Lyft Claim Process

While Lyft’s insurance company is legally obligated to respond to your report within 40 days, that response might not be the settlement you’re hoping for. They may deny your claim entirely, significantly extending the timeline for resolving your case.

If this happens, don’t be discouraged. The next step is to file a formal personal injury claim against both Lyft and the driver involved in the accident.

Filing a Personal Injury Claim Against Lyft

The next step is to file a personal injury claim against Lyft. Your Lyft accident lawyer will gather evidence to prove liability, such as the police report, witness statements, medical records, and any footage or photos available.

If multiple parties were involved in the car crash, your lawyer would file personal injury claims against each liable party. While the injured victim may want to hold all negligent parties accountable, it’s important to understand that involving multiple parties will add to the complex process and extend your settlement timeline.

Washington, DC’s Statute of Limitations for Lyft Accident Claims

There is a time limit for filing a personal injury claim against Lyft in Washington, DC. An injured Lyft passenger has three years from the accident date to pursue compensation, but that doesn’t mean you should wait. As you can see, Lyft accident settlements can take time, and missing this window could bar you from recovering any compensation.

To ensure you meet the statute of limitations, especially if Lyft denies your initial claim, contact a Regan Zambri Long Lyft accident lawyer as soon as possible. If Lyft denies your initial claim, your lawyer will file the personal injury lawsuit immediately, guaranteeing you file within the timeframe of DC’s statute of limitations.

Negotiating with Lyft’s insurance company

Once your Lyft accident claim is filed, Lyft’s insurance company will respond with an offer. If the settlement offer is unsatisfactory, your law firm and the insurance companies will negotiate back and forth.

Will my Lyft accident claim go to court?

If a fair settlement cannot be reached during negotiations, your Lyft accident lawyer will take your claim to court. Once again, going to court will lengthen the settlement process. However, if the judge rules in your favor, it can also lead to higher damages awarded.

What Damages Will I Recover in a Lyft Accident Settlement?

The damages for Lyft accidents depend on the severity of the passenger’s injuries. A Regan Zambri Long lawyer will fight for:

  • Current and future medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Reduced earning capacity
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering

How Much is the Average Settlement for Lyft Accidents?

While there is no single average settlement for an accident involving a Lyft vehicle, an injured passenger may have a settlement offer ranging from $15,000 to well over $50,000, depending on several factors. These factors include:

  • The Stage of the Ride: Lyft’s liability coverage varies depending on whether the app was on or off and if the driver was waiting for a ride, en route to pick you up, or with you in the car. Liability insurance can range from $50,000/$100,000 for basic bodily injury to $1 million in some cases.
  • Severity of Injuries: The extent of your injuries plays a major role. More severe injuries, significant medical treatment, and lost wages will typically lead to a larger settlement.
  • Liability: Determining who caused the accident is essential to your claim. The party at fault will be responsible for a larger share of the settlement.

Consulting with a Lyft accident lawyer at Regan Zambri Long can help you navigate these complexities and ensure you receive a settlement that reflects the total value of your claim.

Washington DC’s Contributory Negligence Laws

Another aspect of your case that may affect the length is Washington, D.C.’s contributory negligence law. This law states that if you are even a small percentage of fault in the crash, you can be barred from recovering any compensation at all.

If the fault is contested in your claim, your Lyft accident lawyer must build a strong argument minimizing your fault. This may involve additional evidence and extended negotiations with the insurance companies involved in the Lyft vehicles.

How Long Does it Take to Settle a Lyft Accident Case in DC?

Benefits of Working with a Lyft Accident Lawyer to Speed Up the Claims Process

While it may take time to settle a Lyft claim, the burden shouldn’t completely fall on your shoulders. The Lyft car accident lawyers at Regan Zambri Long can help expedite your case. Our attorneys deeply understand the complexities of Lyft’s insurance policies, DC’s local traffic laws, and the DC court system. Our knowledge allows us to efficiently navigate the claims process and avoid unnecessary delays.

Our law firm is filled with skilled negotiators who will communicate effectively with Lyft and the Lyft driver’s insurance companies. We will fight aggressively to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf. Don’t let the effects of a Lyft accident disrupt your life any longer. Call the Regan Zambri Long car accident lawyers today for a free consultation. We will work on your claim and secure a settlement offer quickly.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Have you or your loved one sustained injuries in Washington DC, Maryland or Virginia? Regan Zambri Long PLLC has the best lawyers in the country to analyze your case and answer the questions you may have.

Call 202-960-4596

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