Lyft Accidents and Other Ridesharing Accidents
While commonplace now, ridesharing services still exist in a legal gray area. Local laws and insurance policies are constantly changing to meet the unique needs of gig economy workers and consumers. This means that a specialized Lyft accident lawyer is uniquely suited to navigating the already nuanced legal procedures needed to successfully build a case for damages in the event of a Lyft car accident.
Lyft Driver Injured in Ridesharing Accident
Lyft provides insurance on behalf of their drivers, in addition to the driver’s primary insurance. Lyft’s insurance coverage depends on what stage of a ride the driver is in at the time of the accident.
Levels of Insurance Coverage by Lyft
- When driver mode is off, the driver is not covered under Lyft’s policy and the driver’s personal insurance policy applies only.
- When the driver is logged into the Lyft app but has yet to accept a ride, the company’s insurance has a limit of to $50,000 per person and a $100,000 limit per accident, depending on the city or state the driver lives in. Lyft’s policy kicks in, in this case, when a claim with the driver’s personal insurance has been denied.
- When the driver is en route to pick up a passenger, up until the time the rider leaves the vehicle, Lyft’s insurance policy will cover up to $1,000,000 for the accident.
If you are a Lyft driver, be sure to familiarize yourself with your personal insurance policy, as well as Lyft’s, in case you’re ever involved in an accident.
If you have been injured with another ridesharing service, such as Uber, you can find more information here.
Pedestrian Injured in a Lyft Car Accident
If a pedestrian is injured in a Lyft accident, it adds another layer of complexity to insurance payouts and potential legal proceedings. If driver mode is not on, the driver, and their personal auto insurance, can be held responsible. If the Lyft driver was logged into Lyft and was awaiting ride requests but had not yet accepted one, they aren’t covered under Lyft’s insurance for damage or injury, however they may be covered for liability. If the driver has accepted a ride request, or the passenger is already inside the vehicle, Lyft’s insurance is likely to apply in that instance. In these cases, a well-versed Lyft accident lawyer is often crucial, because they will have knowledge of Lyft’s policies and local law, and will have a deep understanding of the nuances around Lyft’s insurance payouts.
Contact The Law Center at 866-465-1419 or fill out the form below for a free case review, and to connect with a highly experienced Lyft accident attorney.
Other Vehicle Involved in Collision with a Lyft Vehicle
It’s standard practice in car accident cases to establish which party is at fault for the accident, and the process is similar with rideshare employees. One added layer is that, like in the previous mentioned cases, Lyft’s insurance payout depends on what stage the driver was in when the crash occurred.
Lyft Passenger Injured During Ride
Passengers injured in a Lyft car accident are covered under the $1,000,000 insurance policy. It’s important to note that, even if the other driver is at-fault, and even if they are uninsured or underinsured, an injured passenger can still file a claim against Lyft.
It’s also worth stating that just because the policy covers up to $1,000,000, that does not mean it’s a straight-forward process to collect the maximum amount for damages. A seasoned Lyft accident attorney’s advice and expertise can help build a case for damages can make all the difference in maximizing a potential settlement.
What Damages Can I Recover from a Lyft Accident?
- Lost wages
- Medical costs
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death damages (in cases where the accident victim’s injuries turn fatal)
- Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence or willful actions which caused the accident)
Who is Liable if I’m a Passenger in a Lyft Car Accident?
Liability usually falls on the driver of the vehicle that caused the accident, and rarely with passengers, unless the passenger was the cause of the accident. As was mentioned above, if a passenger is involved in a Lyft accident, it may be worthwhile to pursue a claim against Lyft regardless of who is deemed at fault. The advice of expert Lyft accident attorneys is helpful when making that judgement. Call 866-465-1419 or fill out the form below to be matched with a premier Lyft accident lawyer near you.
Ridesharing Service Liability
If a Lyft car accident occurs and the driver is deemed responsible, Lyft is liable for damages to the passenger, pedestrian, or any other party injured in the accident.
Other Vehicle(s) Involved in the Accident
The party at fault for the accident can be held liable for damages to all parties involved in the accident. Even if the Lyft driver is not at fault for the accident, Lyft’s insurance may still have to cover some damages, depending on the case. A Lyft accident lawyer will have the expertise needed to advocate on behalf of those involved in a potentially life-changing accident, and have the knowledge necessary to fight for compensation. Call 866-465-1419 or fill out the form below to get started on your path toward recovery and compensation today.
Why is Hiring a Lyft Accident Lawyer Important in No-Fault States?
If an accident occurs in a no-fault state, drivers are required to hold personal injury protection (PIP) coverage as a standard part of their policy. PIP coverage covers policyholders regardless of who is ultimately held liable for the accidents.
No fault states may require claimants to use their PIP coverage first before filing a claim against the rideshare provider, and the accident victim must also satisfy specific criteria to demonstrate they suffered an injury in the accident.
A Lyft accident lawyer can help advise those in no-fault states on whether they should pursue further legal action against the rideshare company.
Will I Be Kicked off of Lyft if I Make an Lyft Accident Injury Claim?
Making an accident claim is not against Lyft’s policy, regardless of who is at fault. Lyft will not ban claimants from their platform for using the accident claim feature as intended.
Hiring The Best Lyft Accident Lawyer for your Lyft Accident
Anyone on the road at any given moment is likely to have passed by a rideshare driver going about their business. As these apps become more widely adopted, the likelihood that one may find themselves in an accident with a Lyft driver is increased. A specialized Lyft accident lawyer will be able to answer any lingering questions after an accident, help mount a defense, and maximize a settlement for victims in this unique legal proceeding.
The Law Center
Lyft car accident victims, or someone involved in an accident with any ridesharing service, deserve the best legal representation to help them heal and get the financial compensation they deserve. The Law Center can connect victims with specialized Lyft accident attorneys. Simply call 866-465-1419 or fill out the form below for a free case evaluation today.
Sources
- https://help.lyft.com/hc/en-us/articles/115013080548-Insurance
- https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/sharingeconomy/legal-and-safety-issues-in-the-sharing-economy/1/
- https://www-fars.nhtsa.dot.gov/Main/index.aspx
- https://www.insurance.com/auto-insurance/lyft-insurance.html
- https://therideshareguy.com/what-happens-if-you-get-into-an-accident-with-lyft/
- https://research.chicagobooth.edu/-/media/research/stigler/pdfs/workingpapers/27thecostofconvenience.pdf?la=en&hash=A15B1513F98D7A17B9E37F78DD2EBDC4C6338BFA
- https://www.businessinsider.com/uber-lyft-ride-hailing-increases-fatal-car-accidents-new-research-shows-2018-10