Lyft Accident Attorney Rideshare

How Much Insurance Coverage Applies to a Lyft Accident?

The insurance coverage available after a Lyft accident depends on what the driver was doing in the Lyft app when the crash occurred. Depending on the driver’s status, coverage may come from the driver’s personal auto insurance policy or Lyft’s commercial insurance policy.

Driver Status	Coverage
App Off	Driver’s personal auto insurance only. Lyft provides no coverage.
App On, Waiting for a Ride	Contingent liability coverage if the driver’s personal insurance does not apply. Generally $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
En Route to Pick Up a Passenger or During an Active Ride	Lyft’s commercial policy provides up to $1 million in liability coverage, along with uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage in most markets.

One of the first questions we investigate after a Lyft accident is what the driver was doing in the app when the collision happened. That single fact can determine which insurance policy applies and how much coverage may be available for your injuries.

Unfortunately, that information is not always included in the police report. In many cases, your attorney must obtain Lyft’s trip records and other electronic data to establish the driver’s app status at the time of the crash. Identifying the correct insurance coverage early in the case can have a significant impact on your ability to recover full compensation.

Why Should I Hire a Lyft Rideshare Accident Attorney to Handle My Accident Claim?

Rideshare services like Lyft often try to dodge responsibility for rideshare accidents. While Lyft may hold $1 million in liability coverage for car crash situations, it is still common for rideshare enterprises to claim they are not liable for your injuries. 

Lyft drivers should know that company coverage includes liability, but it does not necessarily pay for damage to your vehicle or your medical expenses if you are deemed at fault for the accident.

If you are a passenger in a Lyft, you may experience difficulty contacting the company to report a loss. Negligent drivers and their insurance companies often try to shirk responsibility for automobile accidents.

They may shift blame to other drivers or even to you. This is our experience of representing hundreds of victims following rideshare crashes.  

Hiring a Lyft rideshare accident lawyer can help you hold the at-fault parties responsible for your financial losses, including medical bills, loss of wages, and other monetary damages.  Our goal is to maximize your financial compensation.  

Millions of people are injured in car accidents each year. Consulting with an experienced Lyft rideshare accident attorney is vital to holding negligent parties liable for paying their fair share.

The laws regarding rideshares are continually shifting with new regulations and technology. Hence, why do you need an experienced rideshare accident attorney to assist with your injury claims and maximize your recovery from Lyft’s bodily injury liability coverage?

A skilled personal injury attorney can ensure you aren’t proceeding without fully understanding and protecting your legal rights.

Why Choose Dolman Law Group to Handle Your Lyft Accident Lawsuit?

All law firms are not the same. The Lyft accident attorney or law firm you choose must maintain an active litigation practice. It is crucial to hire a Lyft accident lawyer with specific experience handling Lyft and Uber cases, as these claims present unique legal challenges and involve unique legal and insurance issues, including Lyft’s tiered insurance coverage, so lawyers who only handle standard auto collisions may not be the right fit; experienced personal injury attorneys are better equipped for rideshare claims.

If the lawyer or firm is not consistently filing lawsuits to keep insurance carriers accountable, you may be represented by counsel who will not maximize the financial recovery in your Lyft accident case, especially because rideshare insurance policies differ significantly from standard auto accident insurance.

Learn more: What Can You Do If You Suffered a Sexual Assault in a Lyft

At Dolman Law Group, our experienced personal injury lawyers represent a variety of clients who have experienced severe injuries from car collisions and other types of motor vehicle accidents.

While past examples are not a guarantee of results, the Lyft rideshare accident lawyers at Dolman Law Group have successfully handled numerous complex cases involving severe injuries and complicated questions of liability. The attorneys at Dolman Law Group have obtained over $700 million in compensation for our clients via verdicts and settlements.

You can depend on the rideshare accident attorneys at Dolman Law Group to assist you in seeking medical treatment, managing communication with the insurance company—which often includes navigating claims with multiple insurance companies in Lyft accident cases and helps level the playing field against corporate legal teams—reviewing evidence related to the car crash, and working to ensure your related medical bills are included in any claim resolution.

It’s unfair for clients to be left holding the bag on medical bills after the case is resolved. Rideshare accident lawyers typically work on a contingency-fee basis, so you only pay if you recover compensation.

Dolman Law Group Has a Reputation for Success

We built Dolman Law Group through word-of-mouth referrals from very satisfied former clients.  Our team accomplishes this by providing personal attention to our clients and ensuring we get to know their stories.

Our goal is to maximize your recovery. We know insurance carriers are unfair by design. The only way to truly hold them accountable is to advocate aggressively on your behalf.

To pursue compensation, working closely with your insurance provider is an essential step to help ensure fair treatment and the full compensation you deserve after a Lyft accident.

We consider everything from the permanent restrictions of your injuries to how the injuries have changed your quality of life when calculating the value of your damages. In most cases, a few hospital bills do not demonstrate the full extent of your losses.

Please note: In Pennsylvania, Lyft accident victims have two years to file a claim under the statute of limitations, so it is important to act promptly. California’s statute of limitations for Lyft accidents is also two years.

Dolman Law Group Delivers Impressive Results

At Dolman Law Group, we have the financial resources and experience to battle any insurance carrier.  Our proven track record speaks for itself.

Having successfully litigated against corporate giants such as Walmart, Target, Hyatt, Uber, Lyft, Outback, Winn-Dixie, Publix, Costco, and insurance goliaths like State Farm, Allstate, Geico, Progressive, and a host of others, we are more than capable of advocating against any defendant.

Our Lyft accident lawyers recently recovered a 1 million settlement in a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of a father who was killed in a rideshare accident.

We have also successfully recovered maximum compensation for rideshare accidents involving serious injuries. In 2015, our team negotiated a settlement of $939,000 for an injured rideshare accident victim.

In 2017, Dolman Law Group obtained at least $1,000,000.00 in individual rideshare injury claims on four separate occasions. In every year since, we have resolved at least two rideshare car accident injury claims for at least $1 million.

What are the Common Causes of Lyft Rideshare Car Accidents?

Because Lyft drivers use an app to complete their work while in a car, there is a greater chance of distracted driving by Lyft drivers. For example, a Lyft rideshare driver may become distracted by a notification of a new rider and accidentally run a red light.

Lyft drivers also face distractions and pressures that many other motorists do not. They rely on the Lyft app for navigation, ride requests, passenger communication, and earnings. Because many drivers work long hours or drive as a second job, fatigue can become a factor as well. Frequent pickups and drop-offs in heavy traffic, unfamiliar roads, and the pressure to complete more rides can all increase the risk of an accident.

• Drowsy driving
• Drunk driving
• Distracted driving
• Road rage
• Disregard for traffic laws or carelessness

Ridesharing accidents often result in personal injury claims and can involve multiple parties, requiring negotiations with both Lyft’s high-value insurance policies and personal auto insurance policies.

The difference between most drivers and Lyft rideshare drivers is that rideshare drivers may be under additional stress while navigating the road.

Lyft drivers know their livelihoods are contingent on tips and evaluations of their driving performance. This can create pressure to entertain passengers, which can be distracting.

They may also take risks to reach their destination as soon as possible in pursuit of a five-star rating. Lyft drivers also have to contend with passengers who may be unruly or even dangerous.

These conditions may cause Lyft drivers to engage in dangerous behaviors, like speeding, that cause motor vehicle collisions.

Common Types of Lyft Rideshare Accidents:

• rear-end collision
• sideswipe accident
• T-bone accident
• head-on collision
• multi-car crash
• single car accident

Common Injuries in Lyft Accidents

While many victims of rideshare accidents walk away with only minor injuries, Lyft accident injuries can also be severe. If you have suffered injuries or are experiencing physical pain after a Lyft accident, it is crucial to seek medical advice and seek medical attention immediately—even if you feel fine—as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.

Additionally, some injuries seem minor at first but can quickly result in severe complications if undiscovered or untreated, and in more serious cases, they can bring high medical costs and long-term rehabilitation needs. If car accident victims experience any of these common car accident injuries, they should speak to an accident attorney as soon as possible. Keep a diary of your physical pain, injuries, and mental health symptoms after the crash.

Rear-seat passengers can suffer different injuries than drivers. Because many rideshare passengers sit in the back seat, they may experience different injury patterns than the people behind the wheel. Depending on the collision and whether a seatbelt was worn, rear-seat passengers commonly suffer rib injuries, chest injuries, facial injuries, abdominal injuries, cuts and lacerations, in addition to more serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries.

• Spinal cord injuries – Back injuries may lead to nerve damage, which can impact the control you have over your body. In some cases, these injuries lead to permanent paralysis.
• Traumatic brain injuries – Traumatic brain injuries are common in car accidents and can range from mild concussions to permanent cognitive impairment. You may require long-term medical care to treat these injuries.
• Internal Injuries – The physical impact inflicted by a car accident can damage the internal organs of a Lyft occupant. Internal injuries can be particularly serious since the damage can affect essential organ function and put a person’s life in danger. Depending on the type of accident, internal injuries can affect almost any organ and lead to permanent damage.
• Mental/psychological Injuries – Many of those who have been harmed in Lyft accidents suffer from mental trauma that can lead to psychological disorders. The violence of a severe Lyft accident can lead to someone developing disorders like depression, anxiety, or Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  These injuries may not have the same tangibility as physical wounds, but emotional distress and loss of life enjoyment may also be compensable in personal injury cases.
• Whiplash – Whiplash is common in rear-end accidents. The injury commonly results in swelling, but serious whiplash can lead to vocal cord paralysis and long-lasting neck pain.
• Broken bones – Broken bones and fractures commonly occur in accidents, and healing can be a lengthy process that hinders your ability to work. Some broken bones even require surgery.

How Lyft Accident Lawyers Determine Fault in Rideshare Accidents

Ridesharing apps like Lyft are still very new industries. In many cases, extensive legal precedent does not yet exist. To battle this complexity, your Lyft accident attorney must work diligently to ensure negligent actors are held accountable.

Whether ridesharing services are held accountable for accidents will depend on the case. Drivers who work for these companies are considered independent contractors, not employees. For this reason, Lyft may deny responsibility for any accidents involving their drivers.

In most cases, drivers of ride-share services are unlikely to have the personal financial assets to compensate a serious accident victim.

Additionally, many insurers may refuse to honor a claim depending on the terms of the driver’s policy. Large enterprises like Lyft also retain highly experienced legal teams to shield the organization from liability.

This is why it is important to retain an experienced Lyft accident attorney to maximize the strength of your case.

Who Is Liable for a Lyft Accident?

Liability depends on who caused the crash, not simply the fact that a Lyft vehicle was involved. Depending on the circumstances, one or more parties may be responsible for your injuries.

Potentially liable parties may include:

• The Lyft driver, if they were speeding, distracted, impaired, fatigued, or otherwise negligent.
• Another driver, if someone other than the Lyft driver caused the collision.
• Lyft, in limited situations involving issues such as negligent hiring, negligent retention, or other claims directly involving the company.
• A vehicle or parts manufacturer, if a defective vehicle component contributed to the crash.
• A government entity, if dangerous road conditions, missing traffic signs, or poor roadway design played a role in the accident.

Lyft’s insurance coverage for a Lyft vehicle varies depending on the driver’s status in the app—whether the driver is waiting for a ride request, en route to pick up a passenger, or transporting a passenger—and if the app is off, the driver’s personal insurance generally applies.

If the driver of another motor vehicle caused the accident, your personal injury case might be comparable to other car accident cases. Documenting the status of the ride request at the time of the accident is important, as it affects insurance coverage and liability. An experienced attorney can secure telematics and GPS data to confirm app status.

Both drivers and passengers alike are protected under the law and may be entitled to compensation for injuries, property damage, and other damage caused by another driver’s negligence.

You may recover a variety of damages from Lyft rideshare accidents, including claims that arise after a Lyft crash. Even if your injuries are not permanent, you can seek compensation for your expenses in court, including property damage to personal property, which can cover repair costs for damaged items.

A skilled auto accident lawyer can help with that. If you are considering filing a Lyft accident insurance claim, you should know the damages you may be eligible to recover.

Uber vs. Lyft Accident Claims: What’s the Difference?

Short Answer: From an injury victim’s perspective, Uber and Lyft accident claims are very similar. Both companies use tiered insurance coverage that depends on the driver’s status in the app, and both classify their drivers as independent contractors rather than employees.

The biggest differences are usually procedural rather than legal. Each company has its own claims process, maintains its own trip data, and responds differently during the investigation of an accident. Regardless of which rideshare company was involved, identifying the driver’s app status and preserving the available evidence are often two of the most important steps in building a successful claim.

If your accident involved an Uber vehicle instead of Lyft, visit our Uber Accident Lawyer page to learn more about your legal rights.

Common Lyft rideshare accident damages include:

• Lost income: Your injuries from a rideshare accident may result in time away from work for medical appointments and recovery. Some injuries may even prevent you from returning to work at all. When lost wages add up, you may be in dire financial straits; in many cases, past and future income losses may be awarded.
• Lost Earning Capacity: Car accidents can cause injuries severe enough to inflict permanent damage, affecting a person’s ability to work. As a result, many people involved in Lyft accidents will have to deal with career and job-related issues. They may have to work in another position, be let go from their work, or be unable to work in their prior career.
• Pain and suffering: You may be eligible to receive compensation for non-economic damages, including pain and suffering. If you are contending with a permanent disability, disfigurement, or loss of enjoyment of life, you may receive compensation.
• Medical bills: With the rising costs of medical care, paying for even minor injuries can quickly become overwhelming. Individuals with health insurance still pay for emergency room care, hospitalization, medications, surgeries, and other treatment. Compensation may cover medical treatments, including surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and future medical costs, as well as other ongoing expenses resulting from disability.
• Punitive damages: In cases involving severe negligence, additional damages may be available beyond other forms of compensation.

What You Should Do After Being Injured in a Lyft Accident

The steps you take after a Lyft accident can affect both your health and your ability to recover compensation. If possible, take the following steps as soon as you can.

Keep every receipt and record. Save medical bills, prescriptions, repair estimates, and any documentation showing lost wages or other expenses.

Get medical attention immediately. Some injuries are not immediately obvious, and prompt treatment creates important medical documentation.

Screenshot your Lyft trip. Save the driver’s information, trip details, route, and the time of the ride before the information becomes harder to access.

Report the accident through the Lyft app. This creates an official record with Lyft.

Take photos and videos. Document the vehicles, the accident scene, road conditions, visible injuries, and anything else that may become evidence later.

Get the police report information. Obtain the report number and the responding officer’s name if possible.

Collect witness contact information. Independent witnesses can become important if liability is disputed.

Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies. Speak with an attorney before discussing the details of the accident with an insurer.

Prioritize Getting Medical Treatment After a Lyft Car Crash

The first is that your health should come before anything else. After a Lyft accident, it is crucial to seek medical attention and seek medical advice immediately, even if you do not feel injured, as some injuries may not be immediately noticeable. The sooner you see a healthcare professional, the sooner they can detect any injuries and administer treatment before they worsen.

The second reason injured rideshare accident victims should seek prompt treatment is that it helps protect a future legal claim. This prevents insurance companies from arguing that you exaggerated your injuries or allowed them to worsen to collect a larger settlement. Be sure to document any physical pain or injuries you experience, as this will support your legal claim and provide a comprehensive record of the incident’s impact.

Document Everything Related to Your Lyft Rideshare Accident

This includes pictures from the accident scene, witness contact information, app screenshots or ride-history records for a potential lyft car accident lawsuit, and medical records. Ask for copies of your medical records and police reports, and keep receipts for any expenses you incur that are related to your injuries.

Evidence is key in demonstrating liability. This is especially true in Lyft rideshare accident lawsuits, as the insurance coverage you are able to draw on is dependent on the circumstances of the crash.

Seek Out a Reputable Lyft Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Do not speak to other insurance companies about your accident without consulting counsel after an uber or lyft accident. A lyft car accident lawyer can help you with personal injury claims and, if insurance claims are denied or insufficient, can file a personal injury lawsuit to pursue fair compensation.

Without a dedicated auto accident lawyer’s help, insurance companies may twist your statements to offer a lower settlement. This is because they believe they can convince you to agree to a settlement that is less than your damages are worth because you won’t know any better.

An experienced Lyft rideshare accident lawyer will be able to handle communications with the insurance provider to protect your interests and manage rideshare accident claims.

Navigating the Complexities of Car Accidents While in a Lyft

Lyft drivers are just as susceptible to becoming dangerously drowsy, distracted, drunk, or reckless as any other driver, but they are not the only ones who can be held accountable for negligence resulting in a serious Lyft rideshare accident. If the driver was logged on to the app and actively driving to pick up a ride or was transporting a passenger, an injured accident victim would likely be eligible for Lyft’s own insurance coverage. This coverage can vary, so you will need an experienced Lyft accident attorney to explain your options.

Unsurprisingly, many people are injured each year in pedestrian accidents involving Lyft rideshare cars. Similar to any other pedestrian accident, you should seek immediate medical attention. This advice is especially important for pedestrians, as their injuries are often more extensive.

It is also critical to establish the facts of the claim, as Lyft’s lawyers may attempt to dispute the extent of your injuries. An Uber Lyft accident lawyer can subpoena and interpret Lyft app data to prove the driver’s status and behavior, which is crucial for your case. You should also seek capable, qualified legal representation as soon as possible.

Victims of Lyft accidents are advised to hire a lawyer promptly to avoid missing important deadlines for filing Lyft accident claims or compensation claims, as the legal process can be time-sensitive and complex in Uber Lyft cases. Major rideshare companies like Lyft are highly motivated to avoid setting a precedent for being sued for their driver’s negligence. You’ll need a rideshare accident attorney who is familiar with their tactics and rideshare laws to have a better chance of recovering your losses.

Rideshare companies are required to conduct background checks on the drivers who work for them, even though they are still technically classified as independent contractors. These background checks include running drivers through the National Sex Offender Registry and ensuring that they do not have a history of crimes like drunk driving that could potentially jeopardize passenger safety.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lyft Accidents

Our Lyft Rideshare Accident Lawyers Can Help With Your Rideshare Accident

Lyft drivers are just as susceptible to becoming dangerously drowsy, distracted, drunk, or reckless as any other driver, but they are not the only ones who can be held accountable for negligence resulting in a serious Lyft rideshare accident. If the driver was logged on to the app and actively driving to pick up a ride or was transporting a passenger, an injured accident victim would likely be eligible for Lyft’s own insurance coverage. This coverage can vary, so you will need an experienced Lyft accident attorney to explain your options and help you file a Lyft accident claim or compensation claim.

Unsurprisingly, many people are injured each year in pedestrian accidents involving Lyft rideshare cars. Similar to any other pedestrian accident, you should seek immediate medical attention. This advice is especially important for pedestrians, as their injuries are often more extensive.

It is also critical to establish the facts of the claim, as Lyft’s lawyers may attempt to dispute the extent of your injuries. Specialized rideshare lawyers can subpoena and interpret Lyft app data to prove the driver’s status and behavior, which is crucial for your case. You should also seek capable, qualified legal representation as soon as possible.

Victims of Lyft accidents are advised to hire a lawyer promptly to avoid missing important deadlines for filing Lyft accident claims or compensation claims, as the legal process can be time-sensitive and complex. Major rideshare companies like Lyft are highly motivated to avoid setting a precedent for being sued for their driver’s negligence. You’ll need a rideshare accident attorney who is familiar with their tactics and rideshare laws to have a better chance of recovering your losses.

Rideshare companies are required to conduct background checks on the drivers who work for them, even though they are still technically classified as independent contractors. These background checks include running drivers through the National Sex Offender Registry and ensuring that they do not have a history of crimes like drunk driving that could potentially jeopardize passenger safety.

As the victim of a rideshare accident, you might be wondering if you can afford to hire an auto accident attorney to handle your case. Victims of negligence should never forego justice due to the inability to pay. This is why accident cases are accepted on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing up front to hire an attorney. Your medical health should be the first priority following an accident. The next step is securing legal counsel as soon as possible.

The law firm you select can greatly impact the settlement value of your claim. At many mass advertising personal injury law firms, the volume of cases takes priority over quality. With Dolman Law Group at your side, you can rest assured that we will relentlessly pursue a fair settlement. Our rideshare accident lawyers provide effective legal representation to help you navigate the complexities of rideshare insurance and liability laws, and we’ll manage all communications with the insurance provider. We won’t settle for an inadequate offer. Instead, we’ll take your accident lawsuit to court if necessary to recover the full value of your damages.

By hiring a Lyft accident lawyer, you are protecting your future. If you have been injured in a Lyft rideshare accident, contact our law firm online to learn how we can assist you with your case, or call 833-55-Crash to schedule a free consultation. Don’t wait—schedule a free consultation today to discuss your accident claims and compensation claim with an experienced attorney.

By hiring a Lyft accident lawyer at Dolman Law Group, you are protecting your future. If you have been injured in a Lyft rideshare accident, contact our law firm online to learn how we can assist you with your case, or call 833-55-CRASH (833-552-7274) to schedule a free consultation with a Lyft accident attorney today.

Dolman Law Group is a national law firm representing passengers injured in a Lyft car accident.