Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are becoming more popular every day. As of the most recent statistics from 2023, 36% of Americans have used them. This may not sound like much, but it’s more than twice as many people than used them in 2015!
Unfortunately, using rideshare apps comes with the risk of collisions. If you’ve recently been injured in a Lyft accident and are seeking compensation, you may contend with legal challenges that don’t come with other car accidents. Read on to get some legal advice for Lyft accident victims who are seeking damages post-crash.
Fault in Lyft Accidents
Coverage for Lyft accident claims will depend on which driver is at fault in the collision.
Note that Nevada is a comparative negligence state. This means that neither party is likely to be 100% at fault after a car accident takes place. This is no different for accidents that take place when passengers are using a rideshare service.
The at-fault party will be the driver who bears more fault than the other one. If the rideshare driver is 60% at fault for the accident, they are the at-fault party. If they only bear 40%, the other driver is considered at fault.
Understanding fault and talking with an attorney about proving it will help you understand what to do after a Lyft crash. It’s the first step toward getting compensation.
When the Lyft Driver Is At Fault
The passenger is usually not liable after an injury because Lyft’s insurance policy includes liability insurance.
However, the collision policies will depend on whether the app is on at the time of the accident. If the app is off, the car is considered to be the driver’s personal vehicle. This means that only the insurance policy held by the driver applies to the collision.
This will usually not be the case for Lyft accidents that include passengers. You called Lyft via the app, and the driver responded to the request within the application interface. Therefore, Lyft’s insurance policies also apply.
If the driver is carrying a passenger to their destination, Lyft has a commercial insurance policy. This policy provides comprehensive coverage of $50,000 to drivers who have been in an accident. There is a $2500 deductible.
As a passenger, you’re likely more worried about who is going to cover your medical injuries. Lyft will do so as long as the damages do not exceed $1 million.
Luckily, this is true regardless of whether the driver is insured or not. It’s a failsafe that Lyft uses to protect passengers and provide them with the care they need post-collision.
Filing Lyft Accident Claims
To get this $1 million worth of compensation, the first thing you’ll need to do is submit a claim to Lyft. This easy online process only requires you to fill out an accident report. It takes about 15 minutes.
Once you do this, Lyft will be aware of your accident. Professionals there will review your claim and reach out about the next steps to take.
What If You Need More Compensation?
In some cases, passengers’ medical bills will exceed the $1 million coverage limit that Lyft offers. This is frequently true in cases where there are multiple passengers inside the vehicle. However, it is also possible in extremely damaging collisions involving no one besides the driver and one passenger.
This can be a challenging and taxing process, but Las Vegas legal professionals are available to help. They will look into the circumstances of the accident, learn more about the driver, and gather evidence to prove that they were at fault. Then, they will help you determine what damages you can get.
Commonly, you will be able to collect compensation for medical bills that result from accident-related injuries. You also will frequently get funds to cover lost wages if you have to take time off work. Pain and suffering damages are also frequently available, as is compensation for lost earning potential.
The process of suing the Lyft driver is almost identical to that of a normal lawsuit, so top-notch legal professionals will be well-versed in getting you the funds you need and deserve.
When the Other Driver Is At Fault
If the rideshare driver isn’t the at-fault party, the collision works exactly as a normal auto accident would. Lyft is not liable for driver or passenger injuries, nor is the driver’s insurance policy.
Instead, the other driver is responsible for paying damages to both the Lyft driver and passenger(s) inside the vehicle.
They will need to go through the steps of making a claim to their insurance company. Once the claim is approved, those in the Lyft will be able to collect compensation for the injuries they sustained in the accident.
What If Coverage Is Inadequate?
Assuming that the at-fault driver is insured appropriately, their insurance company will pay you compensation based on their policy. You won’t need to do anything to get a payout, assuming that they go through the process of filing a claim.
However, in many instances, the other driver will be underinsured. This means that you’ll still need to recover the remaining damages.
To get these funds, you’ll need to take appropriate rideshare accident steps and file a lawsuit. A car accident lawyer will negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurance company and lawyers to ensure that you get the funds you need to cover financial losses.
Talk With a Personal Injury Lawyer
While getting into a Lyft accident can be traumatic and stressful, legal assistance and support are available. Kaplan Law Group is committed to listening to your case and providing you with the assistance you need to recover damages in Las Vegas.
Our experienced attorneys are well-seasoned in gathering evidence, building a case, and negotiating with insurance companies. Contact us to get individual advice and schedule a consultation to discuss your specific situation.
