Many people rely on Lyft drivers to transport them from one place to another. They’re a great way to get home after partying or get a ride to and from the airport.
Lyft drivers are thoroughly vetted. They must undergo multiple background checks and cannot be convicted of certain crimes. They must be at least 21 years old and have their own vehicle, which is required to pass an inspection.
While rideshare drivers are generally very safe, car accidents can happen at any time. Lyft drivers may engage in unsafe practices such as speeding. They may even be involved in crashes that aren’t their fault.
In any case, you need to know what to do if you are involved in a rideshare accident. A Lyft accident lawyer from El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers can help determine liability so you obtain compensation for medical expenses, vehicle damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Our firm has settled cases against Lyft and other rideshare companies for tens of millions of dollars.
Insurance Requirements for Rideshare Companies
Whether or not Lyft will cover a rideshare accident depends on the “period” in which the driver is in. They are outlined as follows:
- Period 0. This is when the rideshare app is off, meaning the driver is not currently working. Therefore, if a crash occurs, the driver’s personal auto insurance will apply at this stage.
- Period 1. This is when the rideshare app is on and the driver is waiting for a ride request. At this stage, Lyft will provide $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, as well as $25,000 per accident for property damage.
- Period 2. This is when the app is on and the driver is on their way to pick up passengers or already has passengers in the vehicle. Lyft provides $1 million in auto liability, as well as uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage and contingent comprehensive and collision coverage (a $2,500 deductible applies).
- There also may be other policies of insurance that are not disclosed initially.
- Even if there is no additional Insurance, our firm has had success arguing that Lyft drivers are agents of the parent corporation. Because the parent corporation, Lyft, is publicly traded and well capitalized, in essence there is an unlimited amount of coverage
What Does This Mean in Terms of Liability?
If a Lyft driver was on duty and caused an accident that resulted in your injuries, you can file a claim against Lyft and the driver. This is true whether you were a Lyft passenger, a pedestrian, or an occupant of another vehicle.
However, Lyft’s insurance policy does not apply when a driver is not on duty. If you were hit by a Lyft driver while their app was off, the driver’s personal insurance policy would apply.
Contact a Lyft Accident Lawyer
Rideshare companies such as Lyft are growing in popularity as people look for alternatives to owning a vehicle. However, riders need to be aware of the possibility of an accident and how they should proceed if one occurs.
Accidents happen. Protect yourself with help from the personal injury lawyers at El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers. Let us assess your case and help you obtain compensation for your injuries. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Call (213) 985-1120 or fill out the online form.