What Happens If Your Lyft Driver Gets in an Accident?
With the explosion in the popularity of driving apps such as Lyft and Uber in recent years, consumer preferences have radically shifted. Fewer people rely on traditional taxis, opting instead for the convenience offered by the contract-driving apps. This trend also brings questions. The practice of hiring contractors often leaves car accident victims unaware of who should and could be made responsible for their damages. What happens if your Lyft driver gets in an accident? Read on for some context.
Determining Liability for a Lyft Driver Accident
Many drivers take advantage of ride-sharing services to make some extra cash on the side. At the end of the day, the fact is that Lyft drivers are just like any other driver—and they have been known to make mistakes.
As the victim in a Lyft-related accident, you might not know who exactly should have to answer for your damages. The answer may depend on the details of your ride.
Lyft drivers are independent contractors rather than salaried employees, a fact that’s reflected in the way Lyft handles accident claims involving its drivers. Although Lyft does maintain a $1 million primary insurance policy that covers damages that occur when the driver’s app is turned on during an official ride, this insurance may not apply in other circumstances.
For example, if you were to sustain injuries at any point before or after the ride has terminated, you would most likely be limited to collecting damages from Lyft’s contingency insurance policy, which is far lesser than the primary. In other circumstances—if the app is turned off, for example—you may be limited to taking action directly with the driver’s private insurance policy.
Sometimes, driving a commercial vehicle like Lyft or Uber can also negate a driver’s personal insurance policy. If this is the case, your options may be even more limited.
Damages Available in Lyft Accident Cases
When you’ve been injured in a Lyft accident, the damages that may be available are often both economic and non-economic. Some examples include:
- Medical bills
- Ambulance fees
- Physical rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
The size of any settlement you may reach with Lyft’s insurance company will be, in part, determined by the sum of your actual damages. Insurance companies are notoriously difficult to work with, and Lyft’s are no exception. If you find yourself in a position to negotiate, holding off on accepting the first offer you receive in reply to your demands is a good way to increase the size of your possible settlement.
Contact a Lyft Accident Lawyer
When you’ve been injured in a Lyft accident, you need solid representation if you’re to stand a chance of recovering the damages you deserve. At The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, it costs nothing to get a consultation with one of our top-rated Lyft accident lawyers.
Call 561-659-6366 or fill out the form at the bottom of the page to contact a Lyft accident lawyer from our firm.
