Currently, Massachusetts is a no-fault state. This means that if you have been involved in a bicycle accident with a Lyft driver and they are held liable, they will have to contact their insurer to pay for any damages incurred. The insurance company and the police will gather and analyze all evidence present to conclude who was responsible for the accident. If you would like to maximize your chances of getting compensation, it is best to contact a Worcester bicycle accident lawyer. They would be in a better position to give you legal advice as to the next steps you should take after your accident.
Rhode Island’s Ride-Sharing Law
According to a bill passed is 2013 to regulate ride-sharing company drivers are required to carry a minimum Personal Insurance liability of $25, 000 for personal injury per person, $25, 000 for property damage, and $50,000 for personal injury per accident.
Lyft and Uber drivers (as well as drivers from other rideshare companies) are expected to have additional insurance on top of their policy. The limits that apply to your case will depend on whether the driver was working or not.
For instance, if the driver was working, their liability insurance coverage can have a limit of up to $1.5million covering wrongful death, property damage, and bodily injury. If they were logged into the app but were not planning for a ride, their liability insurance amounts to $50,000 per person.
You must get in touch with a bicycle accident lawyer in Worcester who has handled claims against Lyft or Uber drivers before.
How Soon Should You File a Lyft Accident Claim in Worcester?
The state of Rhode Island requires that you file a car accident claim within three years of the date the accident happened. If you pursue a claim after this time has passed, you might be barred from bringing a lawsuit in court.
How to Choose a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Worcester
Below are some key points to consider before choosing a bicycle accident lawyer near you:
Experience
An experienced lawyer will know which state or federal laws apply to your case. They will also be able to identify factors that might have contributed to your accident such as improper signage placement.
Case Results
It’s important to find out how many cases each lawyer you interview has taken to trial, the settlement amounts they’ve won for clients with similar cases, and how many cases have been settled out of court. You want a lawyer who is willing to go to court if the insurance company doesn’t offer you what you rightly deserve.
Financial Resources
Your lawyer has to have the financial muscle to take your case to trial if need be. Taking a personal injury case to court is not cheap. You may need expert witnesses such as a medical expert who can testify that your injuries are as serious as you claim. They may charge up to $1500 a day and if your attorney does not have the financial ability to cater to these costs, you may need to look for another lawyer.
Getting Along
The last thing you want is to deal with a bicycle accident lawyer who doesn’t respond to you in good time, doesn’t simplify the legal process for you, or has rude staff.
What Kinds of Damages Are You Entitled to in a Bicycle Accident?
Our team of bicycle accident lawyers in Worcester will attempt to recover the following types of damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
- Transport to and from doctor’s appointments
- Occupational/physical therapy
- Prescription costs
- Attorney costs and fees
How Will You Pay Your Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Worcester?
At Kevin P Landry Law Offices, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you only pay when we obtain a jury verdict or a settlement on your behalf. There is no upfront fee or a retainer. You can schedule a free consultation with us at any time by calling us at 401-751-0101 today.
