Alberta And Edmonton
lyft Accident Lawyers

MNH Injury Lawyers understands the devastating impact that car accidents can have on both the victim and their families.  An Alberta and Edmonton Lyft accident lawyer from MNH Injury Lawyers can help you prove your case and recover fair monetary compensation.

Edmonton Car Accident Lawyer

Retaining our services can help you in several ways. We will fight hard to ensure that the liable party is held responsible for your injuries and that you receive a fair settlement that you deserve. Most importantly, we can give you the chance to recuperate in peace without having to worry about complex legal matters.

How Our Lawyers Represent
Lyft Accident Victims in Alberta and Edmonton

Rideshare companies such as Lyft and Uber have experienced exponential growth in popularity over the past years. The ease of booking, convenience for passengers, and relatively low cost contribute to the popularity of rideshare services.

While there are many advantages to using rideshare services, Lyft vehicles often end up in car accidents. But what are the passenger’s options for compensation after a Lyft accident? What if a Lyft driver hits you while you’re driving your vehicle? What if you are the Lyft driver who was involved in an accident? Many car accident scenarios may involve rideshare vehicles.

If you suffered injuries in an accident involving a rideshare driver, contact an Alberta and Edmonton Lyft accident lawyer at MNH Injury Lawyers to determine if you are entitled to compensation in your specific case. Schedule a case review with our lawyers today, so we can begin protecting your rights against Lyft.

How Common Are Lyft Accidents in Edmonton and Alberta?

Both tourists and residents of Edmonton and other parts of Alberta use Lyft to get around the city and province by requesting a ride through the app on their phones. Some people who use Lyft do not own cars. Those who do own cars sometimes ride with Lyft when they know they will be drinking, are too intoxicated to drive themselves, or need a ride to the airport.

While there is no data currently available on the number of Lyft accidents in Edmonton, a report by the City of Edmonton Operations Department documented more than 24,000 motor vehicle accidents in Edmonton in a recent year. Lyft and other rideshare accidents account for a notable percentage of Edmonton collisions.

Common Causes of Lyft Accidents:

However, some of the most common causes of accidents involving Lyft vehicles include:

  1. Distracted driving. Usually, rideshare drivers have more distractions than other drivers because they need to use GPS navigation and check the Lyft app for information about the pick-up or drop-off point. Since Lyft drivers transport dozens of passengers per day, many of them may feel the need to engage in a conversation, which can divert the driver’s attention from the task of driving. Any distractions increase the risk of a collision. In Alberta, drivers may not use hand-held communication devices while driving.
  2. Driving on unfamiliar roads. A rideshare driver must navigate unfamiliar roads, especially when the driver does not know the city well enough. The unfamiliarity increases the risk of a car accident, especially when the driver is not paying attention to road signs or traffic lights.
  3. Lack of experience. Many people who drive for Lyft are people with insufficient driving experience. Rideshare companies do not provide drivers with any training before allowing them to work through the app. For this reason, many Lyft accidents in Edmonton and other parts of Alberta involve inexperienced drivers who may not know all traffic laws or how to respond to various situations on the road.
  4. Fatigue. Lyft drivers’ income depends on how many rides they complete. Unfortunately, many rideshare drivers sacrifice sleep to earn more money. However, the lack of sleep and fatigue caused by driving all day increases the risk of collisions. Driving while fatigued can negatively affect the driver’s ability to operate the vehicle safely.
  5. Running red lights. Some rideshare drivers hurry to complete rides to transport more passengers and earn as much money as possible. That often means that Lyft drivers are willing to disobey traffic laws in an attempt to get to the pick-up or drop-off point faster. Running red lights and stop signs is one of the most common violations of traffic law.
  6. Unsafe or illegal parking. Many Lyft accidents occur because the rideshare vehicle is parked illegally. Often, Lyft drivers who cannot find a parking spot may stop in the middle of the road, obstructing traffic and creating road hazards for other vehicles. This can result in preventable collisions.
  7. Speeding. Some motor vehicle accidents involving Lyft drivers occur because of speeding. A Lyft driver may be unaware of the speed limit or may intentionally drive faster than they should to complete as many rides as possible. However, speeding contributes to many devastating accidents on the roads of Edmonton.
  8. Inadequate vehicle maintenance. While rideshare companies have maintenance requirements that vehicles must meet when accepting drivers as their drivers, they do not inspect vehicles for possible mechanical issues once the driver starts working through the app. If the driver does not perform periodic inspections and maintenance, they may not be aware of potential mechanical problems, including faulty brakes or steering issues.
  9. Inclement weather. According to the same report by the City of Edmonton Operations Department, nearly 60 percent of all motor vehicle accidents in Edmonton occurred in the fall and winter months. Edmonton and the rest of Alberta are known for extreme winter weather. Temperatures can drop as low as -40°C, and the city is no stranger to snow, ice. Icy and snowy roads can contribute to accidents.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Edmonton and Alberta Lyft Accidents

What are the most dangerous intersections in Edmonton?

The City of Edmonton Operations Department also reports that car accidents at intersections accounted for over 56 percent of all accidents in Edmonton in one recent year. Accidents at intersections in Edmonton accounted for nearly 70 percent of all accidents resulting in injuries.

The report listed 11 most dangerous intersections in the city of Edmonton in this particular order (from the most dangerous to the least):

  1. 107 Avenue and 142 Street
  2. Yellowhead Trail and 149 Street
  3. Yellowhead Trail and 97 Street
  4. Yellowhead Trail and 127 Street
  5. 34 Avenue and 91 Street
  6. 34 Avenue and Gateway Boulevard
  7. 34 Avenue and Calgary Trail
  8. 23 Avenue and 91 Street
  9. 137 Avenue and 97 Street
  10. 23 Avenue and 111 Street
  11. 167 Avenue and 97 Street

What are the most common injuries in rideshare accidents?

Like any other type of collision, a rideshare accident can cause injuries that range in severity depending on the force of impact, type of crash, and other factors.

Victims in Lyft accidents may suffer:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Whiplash
  • Soft tissue injuries 
  • Concussion
  • Broken bones or fractures
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Paralysis
  • Lacerations
  • Bruises
  • Hip and ankle injuries
  • Loss of a limb
  • Permanent scarring
  • Back and neck injuries

Does Lyft offer insurance coverage?

Currently, Uber remains the only insured rideshare company in Alberta. Many provinces in Canada do not have rideshare insurance providers, and when Lyft accidents occur, rideshare passengers who suffer injuries fall under commercial insurance coverage. However, the available insurance coverage depends on the details of the accident and the fault for the collision. That is why you might want to discuss your unique case with an Edmonton and Alberta Lyft accident lawyer to determine fault and explore your compensation options.

Can you sue Lyft for your car accident?

Depending on the circumstances of the Lyft accident, the injured party may sue the rideshare company to recover damages. Under certain circumstances, an injured passenger of the Lyft vehicle, pedestrians, or occupants of other vehicles may file a lawsuit against both the Lyft driver and the rideshare company.

How long do you have to file a lawsuit against a Lyft accident?

Under the Limitations Act of the Province of Alberta, there are specific time limits for filing lawsuits against defendants. In Lyft accident cases, the time limit is two years from the date of the accident. If the injured party fails to file a lawsuit before the deadline expires, they will be barred from suing the negligent party.

What evidence do you need to gather after a Lyft accident?

The more evidence you can gather following the accident, the more likely you are to obtain fair compensation. For this reason, an accident victim may need an experienced lawyer to help them conduct an investigation and collect all available pieces of evidence.

Some of the relevant pieces of evidence include:

  • The names and contact information of the Lyft driver
  • The Lyft driver’s insurance information
  • The insurance information of the driver’s rideshare company
  • The driver’s vehicle information
  • Witness statements and their contact information
  • Photos from the scene of the accident
  • Video surveillance footage

An experienced accident lawyer can review your particular case and determine what evidence you can gather to build a strong case.

What compensation is available to Lyft accident victims?

A Lyft accident can leave a victim with severe and catastrophic injuries.

Depending on the severity of injuries, the availability of insurance coverage, and the determination of fault, a victim may obtain compensation for the following types of damages and losses:

  • Loss of income
  • Diminished earning capacity
  • Cost of future care
  • Past and future loss of housekeeping
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Mental anguish
  • Pain and suffering

With a skilled injury lawyer on their side, a victim of a Lyft accident can secure fair compensation for their damages and losses.

Can a victim of a Lyft accident seek pain and suffering damages?

Victims of motor vehicle accidents may seek pain and suffering damages in Alberta. However, there are damage caps for pain and suffering damages, which have limits unless the victim suffered “serious impairment.”

However, the damages caps do not affect the total compensation a victim can seek in their case. The cap applies only to pain and suffering damages. Always discuss a possible claim with an accident lawyer, even though a damage cap might apply.

How long does it take to settle a case after a Lyft accident?

The time it takes to settle a Lyft case in Edmonton or elsewhere in Alberta depends on the complexity of the case and the nature of the victim’s injuries. However, a skilled injury lawyer may only estimate how long it will take to obtain compensation after reviewing your case.

How can you prove your Lyft case in Edmonton and Alberta?

To obtain compensation in a Lyft case in Edmonton or elsewhere in Alberta, an injured victim must prove that their accident was due to someone else’s negligence. Depending on the circumstances of the rideshare accident, you may hold either the Lyft driver or another motorist at fault for the collision. Proving negligence in a car accident usually requires a comprehensive investigation performed by a skilled Lyft accident lawyer.

Do you need a lawyer after a Lyft accident in Edmonton and Alberta?

Rideshare companies and their insurance providers are willing to go to great lengths to protect their bottom line and avoid liability for other people’s injuries. An experienced motor vehicle accident lawyer can handle all aspects of your case, including negotiating with insurance companies and fighting for the compensation you deserve.

Support You Throughout The Process of Your Injury Case

Even with a lawyer from MNH Injury Lawyers to manage all of your legal details, a lawsuit can be challenging.

Our team strives to make the process as stress-free as possible by:

If you suffered an injury serious
enough to disrupt your career and
your daily life,

How can an Edmonton and Alberta Lyft accident lawyer help?

When you suffer injuries in a Lyft accident, you might not understand what your legal remedies are or how to prove the other party’s fault. An experienced lawyer can help you with your claim and fight for the compensation you deserve. Your lawyer will evaluate your situation and identify all available compensation options in your case.

When you hire an accident lawyer to work on your case, you can focus on your medical treatment while your lawyer:

  • Investigates the accident
  • Communicates with insurance companies
  • Gathers necessary evidence and documentation to prove your case
  • Negotiates an appropriate settlement offer
  • Represents your interests in and out of court, if necessary

At MNH Injury Lawyers, our knowledgeable and results-driven lawyers are committed to helping rideshare accident victims in Edmonton and throughout Alberta. You can review your case with our Edmonton and Alberta Lyft accident lawyers today. Contact us to get the legal help you need today.

Call MNH Injury Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation

Why Choose Us? Consider Our Proven Track Record

* Note that past performance/results are not necessarily reflective of future performance/results