Do I Have to Sign a Confidentiality Clause with My Lyft Settlement?

In the 11 years since Uber’s, and 8 years since Lyft’s, arrival on the scene, there have been consistent increases in user numbers, driver numbers, and revenues for these rideshare services. In tandem with the growth these companies have experienced, there has also come an increase in accidents and accident-related complications for these commercial vehicle rideshare providers.

When large commercial vehicle ventures like Lyft and Uber encounter frequent, expensive problems like payouts to victims of accidents through the fault of their drivers, they create ways of mitigating their losses and controlling the situation. They also have the benefit of large amounts of money to pay for talented legal representation and extensive insurance. One of the strategies they have developed and applied to their settlement agreements is confidentiality clauses.

Unfortunately, the fact is that if a confidentiality clause is a component of the settlement contract, you need to agree to those terms if you wish to finalize that contract and receive your payment. You are not obligated to sign any contract with which you are dissatisfied, but without an agreed settlement contract, you can’t get paid.

CALL 844-301-8180

Common Components of a Confidentiality Agreement

Within the context of a rideshare (e.g. Lyft, Uber, Alto) confidentiality agreement, there are typically a handful of clauses in the agreement that work in tandem to keep signatories from sharing information about the settlement, or defaming the company or the agreement publicly after the fact. Here are some of those common clauses that one might expect to encounter in negotiations and draft Lyft settlement agreements.

Confidentiality: In the most basic sense, a confidentiality clause is an acknowledgement that the parties will not to disclose the terms, conditions, payment amounts, or other specifically listed aspects of the settlement agreement

Non-Disparagement Clause: This is an agreement not to defame, disparage or impugn the party or parties specified in the agreement. This can mean leaving a negative Google or other online review of Lyft, posting negative comments or confidential details on your own social media or on other public forums. In some cases, acts deemed to violate the non-disparagement clause may void the settlement, in some cases you may be required to pay liquidated damages.

Liquidated Damages: A liquidated damages clause may specify a certain amount of money that parties must pay in the event that they breach the confidentiality and/or non-disparagement clauses in the agreement.

CALL 844-301-8180

Are Confidentiality Clauses Legal?

Faced with a confidentiality clause, you may the thinking, what about free speech? The first amendment to the United States Constitution does guarantee freedom of expression by prohibiting Congress from restricting the press or the rights of individuals to speak freely. However, it does not guarantee a right to speech without consequences.

As frustrating as they may be, confidentiality clauses are a legal contractual feature when agreed upon by the signatories of the document. It can certainly be frustrating to go through a lengthy negotiation process with a rideshare company and their insurer, only to be informed that you are not allowed to “vent” about the ordeal. The best remedy for this frustration is reaching a Lyft settlement agreement with terms and a substantial payout that you are happy with. For the best chances of this ideal outcome, contact a personal injury firm that is experienced in commercial vehicle accident cases, like Thompson Law.

CALL 844-301-8180

Hurt in an Uber or Lyft Accident?

If you have been involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle such as a Lyft or Uber, or perhaps a delivery truck, or even an 18-wheeler, it is in your best interest to speak to an attorney. You should consider the legal assistance you really need when you are going to battle with the insurance companies and legal representatives of large commercial vehicle companies. If you have questions about your situation and your options, Thompson Law is here to help. Reach out anytime 24/7 for a no-risk FREE CONSULTATION with one of Thompson Law’s legal experts by calling (214) 444-4444 or toll free at 1-800-LION-LAW (1-800-546-6529).  Call 4 and get the roar.

 

If you enjoyed this article, you may also like:

Dealing with Rideshare (Uber & Lift) Car Accidents and Progressive Insurance in Dallas-Fort Worth

Do I Need an Accident Lawyer?

Dallas Moves to Top of the List as Most Dangerous Driving City in Texas

 

The State of Texas has a statute of limitations of two (2) years for personal injury cases, so if you have suffered after being hurt in a Lyft or other commercial vehicle accident, consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. The sooner you know your options, the sooner you are on the path to recovery and your deserved compensation. However, delayed onset injuries are no less deserving of justice. If you’ve been hesitating to reach out, don’t delay any further. Call Thompson Law right away for assistance with your injury and claim.

Recent Post

Photo of car accident on road. How to Determine Who is at Fault in a Texas Car Accident

What to Do After a Car Accident

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were over 6.7 million vehicle accidents in the United States in a recent year. Of those crashes, nearly two million

Read More

Mallet

Personal Injury Claims Process

Suppose you or a loved one have been injured by some else’s negligence in an accident like a motor vehicle crash, workplace accident, or slip and fall. You might decide

Read More

Car Wreck Lawyer

When To Get A Car Wreck Lawyer

Following a car accident, you may be asking yourself, “When do I need a car wreck lawyer?” The answer: It is always worth contacting a car accident attorney. Start by

Read More

Personal Injury Claims

How Long Do Personal Injury Claims Take?

The first question that many new clients ask when they are beginning the process of hiring a Personal Injury Claims lawyer is, “how long is my personal injury case going

Read More

Car number license plate. Retro USA cars registration number signs, Texas, Wisconsin and Kansas license plates vector illustration set. Collection of vintage design elements with names of US states. Front license plate in Texas.

Which States Require a Front License Plate?

The requirement for a front license plate varies by state in the United States. Currently, there are 29 states in the United States that require front and rear license plates

Read More

Texas license plate - front license plate

Do You Need a Front License Plate in Texas?

Is a Front License Plate Required in Texas? Texas law requires most vehicles to have front and rear license plates, or the driver faces a fine of up to $200.

Read More

Car stopped for pedestrians in a crosswalk

Do Pedestrians Always Have the Right of Way in Texas?

While it is a common assumption that pedestrians always have the right of way, Texas traffic laws introduce some nuance to this rule. In Texas, pedestrians do have the right

Read More

Thompson Law Guarantee

Thompson Law receives an attorney fee and you pay no legal fees as our client unless we pay you. Thompson Law has 350 years of combined experience in legal representation and has won over $1.8 billion dollars in cash settlements for our clients. We master the art of managing client cases with empathy, compassion, respect and, of course, prodigious skill. Contact us today for a free, risk-free consultation to discuss your accident and your options.

State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an auto accident. If you have been injured in an accident, call now to get the help you need.