The taxi industry has transformed due to ridesharing apps like Lyft, which offer convenient and affordable transportation for people without cars or those who prefer not to drive. However, the popularity of these services has also led to an increase in Lyft accidents. If you are involved in a ride-sharing accident as a passenger or with a Lyft driver, you should understand key facts about rideshare accidents. In this article, our team details everything you need to know about Lyft rideshare accidents.

At Fault Parties in a Lyft Rideshare Accident

In California, rideshare accidents are similar to other auto accidents. The motorist who caused the accident through negligent driving is held liable. If a driver violates a California traffic law and causes an accident, they may be deemed negligent. For example, they might have been turning illegally or speeding when the accident occurred. When two vehicles are involved in an ordinary car accident, the typical conclusion is that either one motorist is entirely responsible or both motorists share part of the blame.

The driver responsible for the crash will be held accountable for any resulting damages. If you are injured while riding in a Lyft and decide to file a lawsuit, the defendant will be the at-fault motorist. This could be either the other party or your rideshare driver. Identifying potential defendants in a lawsuit is advisable, as insurers may take several weeks or months to determine which driver caused the accident.

Understanding Liability Limits and Ridesharing Periods

If your Lyft rideshare driver is involved in an accident, they have several liability limits depending on their status at the time of the crash. The coverage varies based on the ridesharing period.

The ridesharing periods are as follows:

Period 0

When a rideshare driver turns off the app, their personal car insurance remains active. In this case, the minimum coverage liability limits are $5,000 for property damage per accident, $30,000 for bodily injury coverage per accident, and $15,000 for bodily injury coverage per individual injured in a crash.

Period 1

When logged into the app without accepting requests, a Lyft driver should have minimum liability coverage of $25,000 for property damage per accident, $50,000 for bodily injury per person, and $100,000 for bodily injury per accident.

Period 2

A rideshare operator has the app on, has accepted a ride request, and is going to pick up the rider and transport them to their desired destination. In this case, the rideshare driver must have a minimum of one million dollars in commercial liability and $1 million in underinsured or uninsured motorist insurance.

Period 3

The rideshare operator is traveling to their set destination with a client in their vehicle. In this case, the driver must have a minimum of $1 million in commercial liability and $1 million in underinsured or uninsured motorist insurance (UIM/UM).

California law mandates that ridesharing companies maintain a one-million-dollar liability coverage policy for Periods 2 and 3. The motorist’s liability limits are higher if you are riding in a Lyft rideshare involved in a crash. However, things become more complicated if you are in an accident with a rideshare driver, as your insurance will pay according to the ridesharing period the motorist is in.

The ridesharing periods are significant because they affect the amount of compensation an alleged victim can receive.

Lyft Insurance Coverage Policy

Lyft covers accidents that occur while the app is open and drivers are en route to pick up clients or during rides. They provide at least $1,000,000 in third-party car liability coverage, as well as first-party insurance coverages such as:

  • Underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage
  • MedPay
  • Occupational accident insurance
  • PIP

If a driver has collision and comprehensive coverage on their personal car insurance policy, Lyft will also cover up to the car’s actual value, with a $2,500 deductible.

Lyft offers higher liability limits to its rideshare drivers while they are en route to pick up passengers or during rides. The company provides significant coverage through its third-party car liability insurance from when a driver accepts a ride request until the ride is completed in the Lyft app.

Major Causes of Lyft Rideshare Accident

Like any other motorist, a Lyft rideshare driver risks being involved in an accident if their focus is diverted from the road or if their judgment is impaired. This could occur in numerous ways. For example, a Lyft driver might run a red light because they are distracted by their cell phone.

The following are major causes of Lyft rideshare accidents:

  • Drunk driving
  • Ignore traffic laws or driving recklessly
  • Drowsy driving.
  • Road rage.
  • Driving while distracted

Unlike most motorists, Lyft drivers may face additional stress while driving. They understand that their livelihoods rely on tips and reviews of their performance. This pressure to entertain their passengers could lead to distractions while driving.

Additionally, drivers might take risks to reach destinations quickly, aiming for five-star ratings. Rideshare motorists also deal with potentially rowdy or dangerous clients. These situations can force Lyft drivers to engage in risky behaviors, such as speeding, which can result in car crashes.

Common Injuries Sustained in Lyft Rideshare Accidents

Not everyone is as fortunate as many rideshare accident victims who only sustained minor wounds. You should seek legal advice quickly if you have common injuries after a car accident. Minor injuries can become serious if they are not treated or detected immediately.

Brain Injuries

Car crashes frequently result in severe brain injuries, ranging from minor concussions to irreversible cognitive impairment. Long-term medical care may be necessary to treat these injuries.

Spinal Cord Injury

Nerve damage from back injuries can affect your ability to control your body. These injuries sometimes result in irreversible paralysis.

Internal Injuries

A Lyft passenger may sustain internal organ damage from the physical impact of an accident. Internal injuries can be fatal because they compromise vital organ function and endanger a person’s life. Depending on the nature of the accident, internal injuries could permanently damage nearly any organ.

Psychological and Mental Injuries

Many people injured in Lyft incidents experience mental trauma, which can lead to psychological disorders. Victims of extreme violence in a Lyft accident may develop mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although these injuries might not be as visible as physical wounds, they can be equally painful and require financial support.

Whiplash

Whiplash frequently occurs in rear-end collisions. Although whiplash injuries typically cause swelling, they can also lead to vocal cord paralysis and chronic neck pain.

Fractured Bones

Accidents frequently cause fractures and broken bones. Recovering from them can take a long time and interfere with your ability to return to work. Some fractured bones even require surgery.

Passenger’s Experience During a Lyft Accident

Being a Lyft passenger during a car accident can be a terrifying experience, whether you are alone or with friends. In Lyft rideshare accidents, passengers often suffer injuries and seek advice on obtaining settlements for their injuries and other losses.

Always Wear Your Seatbelt

Passengers often choose not to wear seatbelts while riding in a Lyft. However, using a seatbelt consistently is crucial. Wearing a seatbelt is vital for your safety during a car crash and could affect your insurance claim.

In a vehicle collision while riding in a Lyft without wearing a seatbelt, the insurance company representing the responsible driver may argue that your injuries resulted from your failure to wear a seatbelt. Ultimately, this can significantly impair your ability to obtain compensation.

Who Can Be Held Responsible If I Am Injured in a Lyft Rideshare Accident?

If a passenger sustains injuries while using Lyft due to another person’s negligence, they can take legal action against the responsible party. Suppose the Lyft rideshare driver is at fault. In this case, the passenger can seek compensation through Lyft’s insurance plan. They can also pursue compensation for injuries from both parties if the rideshare driver and a third-party motorist are jointly responsible for the crash.

Finally, if the other party is solely accountable, the passenger can initiate legal proceedings against them. If the third-party driver lacks auto coverage, the passenger can submit a claim through Lyft’s insurance coverage for uninsured or underinsured drivers.

If you are a passenger in a Lyft vehicle involved in a car accident, you may be eligible for compensation for various types of damages, including:

  • Lost earnings
  • Medical expenses
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of earning potential

What Should You Do If You Are Involved in an Accident While Riding in a Lyft?

In the event of a collision during a Lyft ride, follow the same procedures as you would for an accident involving your personal vehicle. This includes promptly reporting the incident to Lyft.

Check for Injuries

Ensure everybody at the accident scene is safe. If anyone is hurt, call the police right away. Do not try to move anyone or help them unless you have been trained to do so. If you feel pain or any kind of discomfort, seek medical attention right away.

Notify the Authorities

If you have called 911, a law enforcement officer will be dispatched to the accident site. If you have not already, you or the other motorist should contact the police to officially document the accident. An officer will interview everyone involved and create a comprehensive police report detailing their findings. Ask for the responding officer’s name and an incident report number so you can request a copy of the report later.

Collect Any Evidence

Share contact details and names with everyone involved in the accident. Obtain names and contact details of any witnesses, if available. Collect supporting evidence for your personal injury claim. These include photographs showing:

  • The accident scene
  • Vehicle damage extent
  • Any sustained injuries.

Notify Lyft of the Accident

Rideshare companies encourage passengers and drivers to report accidents promptly. Lyft’s website offers accident reporting forms. A rideshare company representative may contact you for a statement about the accident. If you have questions or have suffered serious injuries, consult a legal professional before discussing the incident with anyone.

Record All the Events

Provide a detailed account of all the information you can recall about the accident. Complete this task as soon as possible. Your notes will be valuable if you need to explain the incident to an insurance adjuster or testify in court about the crash.

Accidents Involving Lyft Drivers

Due to the increasing number of rideshare vehicles in Jacksonville, the accident rates have become more frequent. If you are driving your vehicle and are involved in a collision with a Lyft car, treat the incident like any other car accident.

If you are injured, call the paramedics immediately. Exchange information with the other driver, take several photos of the accident scene, and contact the police for an official report. You can also gather details from any witnesses. Avoid discussing liability or claiming you are not injured. Consult an experienced attorney to help you with powerful insurance companies backed by Lyft.

The insurance provider of the rideshare service will often try to contact you with a deliberately low offer, aiming to persuade you to settle quickly. This could result in accepting an offer well below your rightful or deserved compensation.

How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help

Having a competent attorney can be invaluable if you are a passenger in a Lyft vehicle during an accident or involved in a collision with a rideshare driver. Engaging a lawyer allows you to focus on recovering from the crash while they handle all other matters.

Your experienced attorney can do the following:

  • Simplify the process of obtaining appropriate medical treatment
  • Deal with insurance companies
  • Gather necessary evidence
  • Represent you in court
  • Secure full compensation for your injuries

Find a Professional Lyft Rideshare Accident Law Firm Near Me

If you sustain injuries in a Lyft accident due to a driver’s negligence, you have several options to seek compensation. Hiring a lawyer can help you evaluate the value of your case and receive professional advice on securing the highest compensation. Before accepting any settlement offers, consulting with an experienced attorney is essential. Jacksonville Personal Injury Attorney has extensive experience handling these cases and offers free consultations. Call us now at 904-800-7557 to schedule a consultation.