Auto Accident Lawyer

The convenience of ride-sharing services makes them extremely popular in the cities where they are available. The two most common of these services are Uber and Lyft, which are available in select cities nationwide. Lyft is known more for a laid-back, friendly atmosphere between drivers and passengers, compared to the more professional demeanor of Uber drivers, who cater more toward those seeking high-class transportation.

However, it is entirely possible that you may be involved in an accident with a Lyft driver, whether as another driver, a passenger, or a pedestrian. If that occurs, the interactions may become more strained and less friendly.

The claims process when filing after a Lyft accident can be complex. Here are some of the most important things you need to know.

Multiple Insurance Policies

If the Lyft driver was not on duty at the time of the accident, his or her personal car insurance applies, and the process for filing a claim is virtually identical to what it would be in an accident with someone who doesn’t drive for Lyft. However, if the driver was on duty, a different insurance policy applies.

Lyft ensures all its drivers for up to $1,000,000 in damages per accident if there was a passenger in the car at the time of the collision. This same insurance policy also applies if the Lyft driver was working but had yet to pick up a passenger, but the coverage limits are significantly less.

This is relatively good news for you if you were a Lyft passenger in the car at the time of the accident. However, you could be at a significant disadvantage if you were a pedestrian in the accident or operating another involved vehicle and the Lyft driver did not have a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the crash.

Independent Contractors

Lyft drivers are classified as independent contractors rather than employees. This means that even if a Lyft driver is responsible for an accident, the company itself is not liable. What this means for you as an accident victim is that you typically cannot file a lawsuit against Lyft itself if you are injured in an accident involving one of its drivers.

There have been recent efforts to change the classification of drivers who work for ride-sharing services such as Lyft. Should these efforts prove successful, they could affect the company’s liability for accident injuries as well. However, only time will tell if lawmakers will prove persuadable.

Speeding and fatigue on the part of ride-sharing drivers may result in accidents. A car accident lawyer should be able to help you with the sometimes tricky process of recovering compensation from one of these accidents. Contact a law office for more information.