Auto Accident
When you need a ride, Lyft is a popular way to get where you need to be.
It’s convenient and many people prefer using Lyft to taking taxis or using public transportation. But if you get into an accident involving a Lyft driver, the legalities can get very complex and confusing.
Lyft accidents & insurance
Since Lyft drivers are considered independent contractors, not employees, and the cars drivers use are not company-owned vehicles, insurance can be complicated when Lyft drivers are involved in car accidents. The insurance that covers a Lyft accident depends on how, exactly, the Lyft driver is using the app at the time of the accident.
Accidents that occur while not using driver mode
Because of the fact that people use their own personal vehicles to drive for Lyft, an accident that occurs while a driver is not logged into the app as a driver is covered by the driver’s personal auto insurance policy.
Accidents that occur while in driver mode, but without a passenger
Lyft drivers often drive around while they’re waiting for ride requests to come in. During this time, the driver would be using the app in driver mode. If a Lyft driver gets into an accident during this time, Lyft’s insurance may cover the accident, but only if the driver’s personal auto insurance denies the claim.This is known as contingent collision coverage.
Accidents that occur during Lyft rides
Lyft’s primary liability insurance policy covers rides from the time a ride request is accepted through the time the rider is dropped off. This policy provides coverage up to $1,000,000 per accident. If the accident is caused by an uninsured driver or underinsured driver, Lyft’s primary liability insurance will cover the accident.
Common injuries during Lyft rides
Lyft accident liability
When Lyft drivers are at fault for an accident, claims can be made against Lyft’s insurance policy. This is true whether the injured person is a Lyft rider, a driver or passenger in another car, a pedestrian, or a cyclist. In this type of situation, California law allows victims to make their claims against Uber’s insurance, not against the driver as well.
If the Lyft driver was not at fault for the accident, claims would need to be made against the at-fault driver’s insurance. However, if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, a claim could also be made against Lyft’s insurance to take care of what isn’t covered by the at-fault driver’s insurance policy.
Damages in a Lyft accident
Car crashes can impact your life in a multitude of ways. If you were injured in a Lyft accident, some types of damages you could collect by making a claim include:
- Medical expenses, including future medical expenses
- Lost income
- Rehabilitation
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
Contact a Los Angeles Lyft accident lawyer
Whether you were injured in an accident as a Lyft rider, a driver/occupant of another car, a pedestrian, or a cyclist, it’s extremely important to make sure you get in touch with a Lyft accident lawyer as soon as possible. These types of cases aren’t always like your typical car accident cases and you need someone on your side who knows the law and can make it work for you. At The Wallace Firm, you’ll be able to get the help of an experienced Lyft accident lawyer who can fight on your behalf to get all of the compensation you need.