Rideshares have become very popular in recent years. Many people use an Uber or Lyft driver over taxi and limousine commission because it’s easier and more affordable. However, Lyft drivers are often left to ponder the question, what happens if you get in an accident while driving for Lyft?
In the event of a Lyft accident, every Lyft driver should know about the insurance policy coverage available to them. For over 38 years, The Law Offices of Rosenstock and Azran has excelled in handling personal injury and accident cases exclusively, and a significant part of that practice now involves rideshare drives. Our attorneys understand the legal complexities of an Uber or Lyft driver in an accident while transporting passengers. In this blog post, you’ll learn more about Lyft’s specific coverage after an accident occurs, steps to take after a motor vehicle accident, and your legal responsibilities in this type of situation.
Understanding Lyft’s Insurance Coverage in a Car Accident
The complexities of a Lyft accident can be more confusing than a typical car accident. Here is a look at when your personal insurance is used after an accident and when Lyft drivers are covered by their rideshare company:
The Personal Auto Policy of Your Personal Insurance
When you are driving your Lyft car and the Lyft app is off, your personal coverage or uninsured/underinsured motorist personal injury protection will cover you in the event of a crash injuring you. Of course, your insurance policy provisions will be controlling in the context of meeting your underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage requirements and applicable policy limit engagement. To be sure, and in an abundance of caution, you should review this contingency with your insurance agent. If the Lyft app is on at the time of the accident, any claim with your personal automobile insurance coverage will probably be excluded. See below for our discussion about that scenario.
Waiting for a Ride
When the Lyft app is on and you are waiting for a ride request (ie. you are not yet on the way to pick up passengers, nor do you have a fare in the car), Lyft provides third-party liability insurance. This would include $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 per accident for property damage.
Picking Up Passengers
If a Lyft driver has the app activated and is on the way to pick up passengers or already has passengers in their vehicle, Lyft provides coverage of at least $1,000,000 for third-party auto liability (if a claim is made against you), first-party coverages (if you are making a claim against your Lyft insurance coverage for injuries resulting from the negligence of an uninsured or underinsured motorist), and contingent comprehensive coverage and collision coverage equal to the actual cash value of the car when the driver has these on their auto policy.
Third-party auto liability insurance from Lyft acts as the primary coverage from the moment a ride request is accepted until the ride has been completed. While there is a minimum of $1,000,000 per accident, if you carry commercial insurance, Lyft’s coverage will exceed your own coverage.
Your Legal Responsibilities in a Car Accident While Driving for Lyft
If you are at fault for the accident, Lyft’s policy for contingent liability coverage steps in when you are in driver mode if your insurance policy doesn’t kick in. The primary liability insurance is activated from the moment a ride is accepted until it has ended.
However, if the other driver is at fault, then a third-party claim is made to that driver’s insurance company. It may be necessary to file a personal injury lawsuit if the other driver’s policy doesn’t provide enough coverage; or their insurance company denies the claim or refuses to pay what we have, with our decades of experience, determined to be the true and fair value of the claim.
Steps to Take After Getting into an Accident When Driving for Lyft
After an accident while driving for Lyft, it is important for you to follow the right steps. First, you should call 911 to treat bodily injury to yourself or any passengers. Calling the police will have officers respond to the scene and send emergency medical responders to treat injuries. The police will also issue an accident report, which can serve as an essential piece of evidence that protects your legal rights. At the Law Offices of Rosenstock and Azran, we have extensive experience on extracting vital data, information and statements from Traffic Collision
Reports, which may be overlooked by less experienced attorneys. If you are not seriously injured, you should still seek medical attention as many injuries in auto accidents are not immediately obvious.
Next, as in any accident, you will need to exchange information with the other driver. This includes information on insurance policies, names, and phone numbers. You should try to document the accident scene with photos and videos. If the other driver is willing to admit fault at the scene of the accident, you should try to record a video of them making that admission. Make sure you get photos of the license plate and get contact information from any witnesses who may have seen what happened.
If you have any information from the Lyft or UBER app which relates to insurance coverage, the fare you were on at the time of the incident, and communications regarding the accident, you should take a screenshot of those.
Rideshare companies like Lyft and Uber also require you to notify them in the event of an accident since their insurance may be required. Additionally, you need to notify your insurance company if you were not operating under Lyft at the time of the crash.
The Importance of an Attorney When Involved in Lyft Accidents
Beyond property damage, you or a passenger may have medical expenses resulting from the accident injuries. It can become complex to navigate the legal landscape, especially if you are unsure if you are legally responsible.
Lyft and Uber drivers are independent contractors, and it may make determining your next steps with the rideshare company and insurance even more confusing. For these reasons, it is best to consult an attorney who has experience representing rideshare drivers. If you are a passenger and wondering how to claim compensation for your injuries, you should schedule a free consultation with the attorneys at The Law Offices of Rosenstock and Azran.
We can help you seek compensation for your financial losses after an accident, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and out-of-pocket expenses. You’ll find the legal guidance you need to figure out the next steps to take with Lyft or Uber accidents that cause injuries and other damages and learn how the insurance policy applies to you.